Destinations in Greece

Rhodes is one of the largest islands of the Dodecanese group of islands- fourth largest island in the Aegean Sea and in whole Greece.

Description of Rhodes

Resorts

Faliraki

Faliraki is considered to be one of the island’s most famous areas among tourists. It stays about 12 km away from Rhodes Town. Its well-organized beaches with developed infrastructure and feasts of bars, restaurants and cafés make this place very popular with young people.

Lindos

Lindos village sits 47 km away from Rhodos city, on the Western coast of the island. Many think this place is one of the most beautiful and scenic of the island. The maze of cobbled streets, whitewashed traditional houses gradually lead you up to the local Acropolis with the breathtaking view.

Lindos beach sits not far from the village of the same name, on the Eastern coast about 50 km from the Rhodes city. Soft golden sand, shimmering violet and emerald sea sheltered by hills dotted with attractive whitewashed houses - all together add to the majestic air of the place especially at sunset. Lindos beach offers everything necessary for comfortable and carefree pastime and its shallow waters make it perfect for children. There is also the bay of St Paul not far from this place. The saint was supposed to have landed here once, hence the name and the small chapel dedicated to him.

Pefkos (Pefki)

The small village Pefki, all in pine groves, is located about 5 km from Lindos village and 50 km from the island’s capital. Sandy beach, deep blue sea and serene atmosphere attracts those who would like to escape from hustle and bustle of a big resort.

Ialyssos

Today’s Ialyssos sits 8 km off the Rhodes city on the site of the ancient city, that once was one of three most important great city-states of the Rhodes island. The hill of Filerimos still keeps the fragments of the ancient temple dedicated to Athena. A small village with traditional houses and old monuments, with small Byzantine church will most certainly attract attention not only of a history fan but also anyone who wants to feel the local air.

The pebble beach of Ialyssos with scenic landscapes is within a 10 min walk from the eponymous village. This beach with well-developed infrastructure is particularly loved by the windsurfers.

Ixia

Another place that also attracts surf enthusiasts is the beach of Ixia. Besides, it is set not far from the Rhodes city. Today this modern pebble beach with the developed tourist infrastructure can offer many different water sports facilities.

Kremasti

The small resort of Kremasti is set within 12 km from Rhodes Town. This lovely place is famous not only for its beach (though it is a pebble beach) but also for its close proximity to the Valley of Butterflies.

Kalithea

Kalithea is one of the most beloved resorts of Rhodes that is greatly favoured by photographers. Kalithea is popular not only among visitors but is also much appreciated by the locals due to baths built by the Italians in the 1930s. And a nearby cove is the target of many scuba divers.

Tsambika

Tsambika beach has taken its name after the nearby monastery. It is reputed to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and is quite popular with families. Though a little bit remote, the place is always full of guests who are attracted by its golden sand and warm turquoise sea. By the way, several days a year Tsambika becomes overcrowded not only by locals but also by women from different corners of the world. It is believed that a barren woman has only to climb barefoot 300 steps to the tiny Byzantine church of Panagia Tsambika to ensure pregnancy. As a result many of the island’s children are named Tsambikos or Tsambika, depending on their sex.

Prasonisi

Prasonisi, the southernmost end of Rhodes, is located 90 km from the capital. This name means “green island”. On July and August the place becomes paradise for windsurfers thanks to so called “meltemia”, trade-winds. Kiotari

Sand-and-pebble beach of Kiotari is especially loved by children. What makes this place so attractive is the handful of watersports on the beach. Gennadi

The pebble beach Gennadi sits about 70 km from the island’s capital, Rhodes Town. It is quite a distance from the beach. Monolithos

A small picturesque Monolithos village stays 73 km from Rhodes Town. This traditional village built in the shape of amphitheater takes its name from the giant rock with a venetian castle on its very top. It was built in the 15th century. You can also visit the chapel of St. Panteleimon inside the boundaries of the walls. Fourni beach sits 3 km from the village. Theologos (Tholos)

The picturesque village Theologos or, as its often called Tholos, is located 20 km from the capital of the island. Its well-developed tourism infrastructure and sandy beaches attract windsurfing fans as well.

Geography

Rhodes is one of the largest islands of the Dodecanese group of islands- fourth largest island in the Aegean Sea and in whole Greece. Its general area is 1 400 sq. km (77 km long and 37 km wide) with the coast line of 220 km. It stays 460 km away from the Greek capital Athens and is close to the islands of Kastelorizo, Halki, Tilos, Simi and Karpathos.

Rhodes Town is the capital of the island and Dodecanese prefecture.

The island’s landscape can be characterized as semi-mountainous with the highest points of Attavyros (1210 m), Akramitis (825 m) and Profitis Ilias (800 m). It is also rich in springs and drinking water.

Transport

Each year more than million of guests visit the island. Daily it welcomes thousands of tourists. Rhodes island can boast a well-organized transport network. One can travel by a rented car, bicycle, public bus or a taxi. It is connected to the mainland and other islands by sea as well as by air.

You may get there by the ferries from major ports of Piraeus, Thessaloniki, Alexandroupoli and many other islands of the Aegean Sea, Crete and Cyprus islands. It takes 12 and more hours to get to Rhodes from Piraeus depending on the number of stops the ship makes.

The local international airport “Diagoras” is 16 km away from the island’s capital, in Psalidi village. It takes the fourth place in terms of the number of accepted guests. In season time, there are regular daily flights from Athens to Rhodes lasting about 50 min. There are also flights to such islands as Crete, Kos, Karpathos, Kasos and Santorini. There are charter flights from almost all over the Europe during summer time.

Rhodes island also has a wide network of well-organized marinas and petrol stations.

Climate

The climate of Rhodes island is the same as of other islands of Dodecanese group enjoying mild winters and hot summers. The climate is rather humid. Rhodian summer lasts from May till October with refreshing meltemi-winds, especially appreciated by the windsurfers, blowing in August and September.

Temperature in the period of January-March varies from 13 to 16 Celsius and 28-34 Celsius in June-August.

Population and traditions

According to the latest population census held in 2011 the island’s population is 115 290 residents. The majority of the local population belongs to the Orthodox Church. But there are also numerous religious minorities on the island such as Catholics, Moslems, Jews.

Among main local traditions one of the the most showy ones is the Rhodian wedding. Not long ago this event could last from several days till two weeks with feasts and different games. Usually day before the event unmarried bridesmaids prepare the couple’s bed. They place on the bed bays and kids thus wishing the newlyweds to have many children. They sing traditional songs and offer guests to taste a special wedding dissert melekouni.

One more tradition of the island is called kalafounies. This day all families prepare floral garlands dedicated to spring and hang them over their doorways.

It is necessary to remember that the majority of holidays and cultural events in Greece have religious meaning behind. So it is not a surprise that Easter is one of the best favoured holidays on the island. It is worth notify that annually Rhodes hosts many international forums and festivals.

Capital

The Rhodos City began its life in 408 BC. It nestles on the Northern tip of the island. Up to date life here is full of colours. Perhaps, to a great extent, the city owes this charm to different cultures and people who added to it rather than took it away. Only try to imagine that this city has managed to survive over more than 2,000 years blending Ancient, Byzantine and Medieval cultures with modern times. The capital has almost the half of the island’s population, the rest prefer to live in villages and other settlements.

It is actually two cities in one: the New (Modern) City and the Old (Medieval) City.

The Old City is the medieval walled city that stayed almost untouched by time. This national treasure was given World Heritage Status by UNESCO in 1988. The Knights of St. John contributed much to the city’s structure and “appearance”. Many of buildings built by them are still in full use. Besides, this place is a souvenir “heaven” for those who are hungry for shopping. Thus the Socrates street resembles a big marketplace. Imposing medieval buildings, Byzantine and Gothic temples, Muslim mosques, modern shops, restaurants and café spotted all over the place all together create the unique atmosphere of the capital.

The modern half of the capital differs not only in architectural style but also in its character. It is quite a maze of souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, café, clubs and casinos. The area around Mandraki harbor is much like an administrative center of the New City. The harbor is guarded by a pair of bronze deer that became the symbol of Rhodes island. Legends have it that long ago these animals saved the place from the oodles of poisonous snakes. Though it is not yet proved, but some still believe that the ancient Colossus, statue of the God of the Sun Helios with a burning torch in his hand, straddled the harbor entrance. The long breakwater with three windmills stretches into the sea and ends up with the fortress of Agios Nikolaos of the fifteenth century.

What to see

As it has been said, the medieval part of the capital has a special place among other sites of attraction of Rhodes. Originally an interior wall divided the Old City into Collacium and Burgo. Collacium served as an administrative center where the houses of knights were located as well. Burgo was the home for Greeks, Latins and Jews. Besides, it also was the commercial center. The heart of the medieval military hospital order the Palace of the Grand Masters was built in the fourteenth century. This formidable building impresses by its medieval grandeur. The main artery of the city, the Street of the Knights, with official residences on both sides, lead from the Palace to the Hospital.

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the medieval building of the Hospital of the Knights of the fifteenth century. It hosts collections and findings from Ancient, Hellenistic and Roman periods. Platia Ippokratou (Hippocrates square) is dominated by the knightly building of commercial court of Kastellania. Open air theater, Museum of Ethnography, municipal gallery (Pinakothiki), libraries, fragments of ancient and Byzantine temples, churches, mosques, Turkish baths, synagogue – one can make this list of attractions as long as they wish.

Other must-see places in Rhodes Town:

Rejep Pasha mosque

Fragments of the temple dedicated to Aphrodite of the 3rd century B.C.

Murat Reis mosque, built on the site of the church of St. Anthony, is located not far from the knights’ cemetery. Here you will find the Muslim cemetery as well.

Mandraki harbor with two deer statues that have become picture-postcard views of Rhodes island. It is believed that here in ancient times the Colossus of Rhodes stood. Three windmills survived from the knights’ times adorn Agios Nicholaos (St. Nicholas) breakwater today.

Valley of butterflies (Petaloudes)

This unique natural spot of Rhodes with its river and small wooden bridges is awash in sea of green. If you take a close look you can notice that trees here are muffled up in the carpet of butterflies. These butterflies are actually Jersey Tiger (moth) alias Euplagia. They start to overwhelm the valley during summer days with the peak in August. Today their population is constantly in decline due to several factors, one of which is disturbance by visitors. So it becomes very important to cause as less noise as possible. Not far from the Valley on the hillside the monastery of Panagias Kalopetras (Blessed Virgin Mary of Kalopetra) is situated.

Natural History Museum on the territory of the Valley is worth a visit as well. It is housed in a restored building established in 30s by Italians. The most fascinating part of the museum is the hatchery room where butterflies are reproduced in ideal habitats.

Ethnographic Museum in Apollonas hosts archeological relics (sarcophagi, capitals, column fragments), millstones, agricultural tools and many other things. And at some point you begin to understand how little some things have changed since those times.

Museum in Asklipio with archeological and church relics.

Traditional Olive Oil Factory in Dimilia which has been transformed into a museum.

Ethnographic museum in Koskinou actually is a mill transferred into a museum.

Folk Art Museum in Kritinia.

Ethnographic museums in Lindos, Salakos, Soroni.

Mythology and history

Tradition has it that once when Olympian gods were dividing the world only the god of sun Helios was not there. Soon becoming aware of it Zeus promised to give him any piece of land he chooses. So this is how the island was brought to the sunlit and warm surface from the depth of the sea. And Helios became the island god protector.

Rhodes got its name from the Rhode, wife of Helios and daughter of Poseidon and Amphitritae. Other sources suggest that the name of the island comes from the same name flower. Maybe that is why Rhodes is often referred to as the “island of roses”. In different times it was also called Pfiousa, Asteria, Telhinis, Pondia, etc. depending on vegetation, climate and some other characteristics.

Telchines, Greek mythical sea creatures, are believed to be the first inhabitants of Rhodes. They were regarded as very skilled metal workers. According to archeological findings Carians, Phoenicians and Minoans were among first inhabitants of the place. Later on Achaeans followed.

Furthermore, Rhodes was home to the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the world’s Seven Ancient Wonders. This immense statue was built around 293 BC and stood at the harbor entrance till 227 BC when the earthquake threw it down. Then in 491 BC most of Rhodes was captured by the Persians. During Classical period Rhodes joined the Delian league under the leadership of Athens. After some time it became part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. During Crusades the island fell into the hands of the Knightly Order of St John. But on 1522 it was occupied by the Turks and remained part of the Ottoman Empire almost four hundred years. Turks left the island as soon as the Italians came in 1922. And with the end of the World War II Rhodes joined Greece.

Cuisine

Generally speaking local cuisine is another sample of the well-known Mediterranean cuisine. But, as it usually is, there are dishes characteristic only for this very place. Take, for example, “pitaroudia” («πιταρούδια») that look like meat-balls with the only difference that “”pitaroudia are made from chickpea. It you wish you can also try “kapamas” («καπαμάς»), goat cooked in the oven with beans or chickpeas. “Salamogia” («σαλαμόγια»), in fact, is traditional myzithra cheese in brine with peppercorns. For desert you may order local sweets with syrup and honey, such as “melekouni” («μελεκούνι»). “Melekouni” are made from honey, sesame, almond and are flavoured with spices. The recipe is kept unchanged for generations. These traditional sweets accompany all important events.

Do not leave the island without trying local wines. Actually there are three main categories of white wine prepared from white grapes “Athiri”, red wine – from red grapes “Mandilaria” (or “Amorgiano”) and dessert wine made from two varieties of “Muscat” grapes. If you have enough time you can visit CAIR, one of the biggest local wineries. It sits not far from the island capital. “Emery” winery is located in the small village of Embona. If you happen to be somewhere close to Filerimos, try the local liquor made from 7 plants. The recipe of this beverage was inherited from the crusaders and is kept in secret.

Entertainment

The cosmopolitan and international atmosphere of the island provides numerous possibilities to spend an enjoyable time on the island. Bars, restaurants, clubs, discos and other entertainment centers are open for you days and nights suggesting not only modern parties but also traditional music and dances.

Besides, there is a big choice of different sport activities, such as tennis, golf, diving, etc.

If you wish you can also visit local cinemas or casinos.

What to buy

In Archangelos village you may find amazing samples of hand weaving, hand-made carpets and ceramics.

Lindos is also well-known for its old tradition in ceramics.

Do not leave the island without testing local wines made from the grapes grown on the island.

And a small village of Sianna is famous for “souma”- a traditional drink made from grapes or figs.

Coriantolino is another famous liquor of the island of Rhodes.

Photos of Rhodes