Rhodes Tourism Information Rhodes (Rhodos), Dodecanese Islands.
Rhodes is the largest and easternmost island of the Dodecanese in the Aegean Sea. It is situated 11 miles west off the Turkish coast between mainland Greece and Cyprus. It is the capital of Dodecanese and the Province of Rhodes which includes the islands of Symi, Halki, Tilos and Castelorizo. The island has a population of 130,000 and of them 55,000-60,000 live in the city of Rhodes which is situated at the far north of the island. Rhodes covers an area of 540 square miles and a coastline of 220 kilometres. The interior of the island is mountainous with highest point the Mount Attavyros (1,215m) and the climate is typical Mediterranean.
The island of Rhodes used to be called by the locals ‘the Rose of the Aegean’ as it is one of the most beautiful islands in Greece. Rhodes is amongst the most famous destinations around the world. Many Hollywood movies have been filmed on the island advertising the monuments and the beauty of Rhodes. The city of Rhodes is divided to the new city and the old city with the medieval wall. The old city includes medieval houses, castle and stone paved streets. At the entrance of Mandraki port the two famous columns with the dears stand proudly on top where once used to be the Colossus of Rhodes one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the huge bronze statue of god Helios 30m high destroyed by an earthquake and disappearing without a trace. Here is also the famous Pedaloudes Valley (Valley of the Butterflies) where tiger moths gather during summer time and the Valley of the Seven Springs. Most of the income of the island comes from tourism so the infrastructure is excellent with hotels of every category. Except the beautiful city of Rhodes there are many villages and resorts such as Faliraki, Lindos, Archagelos, Afandou, Pefkos, Koskinou, Embona and Trianta. The city of Rhodes has its own magnificent beach, Elli beach, next to the Aquarium and the Casino with all the facilities and watersports.
Rhodes is a magnificent island not only because of the splendid medieval capital and the numerous historical sites but also the authentic villages unspoiled by mass tourism and the rich landscapes.
Rhodes Map
History of Rhodes
Rhodes was inhabited at the Neolithic Era but little remains from this period. The island started to become prosperous the 11th century when Dorians came in and built the three cities of Lindos, Kameiros and Ialyssos which together with Kos, Halicarnassus and Cnidus formed the Dorian Hexapolis. During the Peloponnesean War (431-404BC) Rhodes although a member of the Athenian League remained neutral. In 340BC Persians invaded but then Alexander the Great defeated them in 332BC and Rhodes became a part of his Empire. After Alexander’s death Rhodes maintained in close trade with Ptolemy’s kingdom in Egypt and they formed the Rhode-Egyptian alliance. The city became the 3rd century a commercial and cultural centre with famous schools of philosophy and science and its coins travelled all around the Mediterranean. In 164BC Rhodes signed a treaty with Rome and at first enjoyed privileges but later there were lost. In the 1st century AD St. Paul came to Rhodes and brought Cristianity and in 395 it was the beginning of the Byzantine Empire to be followed by the order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (1307-1522). They rebuilt the medieval city and they strengthen it with the walls which exist today and the Palace of the Grand Master. In 1522 the island was conquered by the Ottoman Empire for four centuries and the last knights were sent to Sicily. In 1948 Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese islands were united with Greece.
Rhodes weather online
Sights of Rhodes Island
The old city of Rhodes: The city of Rhodes is situated on the northern part of the island that has the shape of a spear. The old town of Rhodes, the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe today was an extension of the Byzantine city created by the knights of the order of St. John during the 14-15th centuries. It was in circled by strong magnificent medieval walls to protect the city from any danger. The city was accessed by eleven gates and was divided into two parts; the Collachium where the knights lived and the Burgo the main town. It is one of the best reserved medieval cities today and listed as a world cultural heritage by UNESCO. The Knight’s Street connects the Palace of the Grand Master and the Catholic Cathedral and along its length (500m long, 6m wide and completely straight) are some of the most important buildings like the Langues where the knights used to reside and other private buildings. The palace of the Grand Masters was restored in the period 1937-1940 by the Italian architect Mesturinno and it contains 158 rooms with 24 open to the public. The rooms contain impressive antique furniture, polychrome marbles, statues carpets and most important are the waiting room, the reception hall, the room of the icons, the Medusa room, the music room, the ballroom and others. The clock tower built in 1851, used as a lookout post, offers breathtaking view. The Suleiman Mosque was built on the top of an older one in the 19th century and is worth seeing. Across the Mosque is the Municipal Art Gallery of Rhodes with an impressive collection antiques and engravings. The Archaeological Museum can be found in the medieval building of the hospital of the knights. Great Hamam is located to Arionos square, one of the most important bathhouses of the Ottoman Empire. The 14th century gothic church bombed during WWII. Socratous is the main street and one of the few with a name which end up in Ippocratous square with the fountain that is full of life with many restaurants, bars and cafes. Walking in the old town surrounded by all those buildings erected by Knights time stops and a journey back to time begins.
Acropolis of Rhodes: At the western and highest hill of Monte Smith is the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. Unlike other Acropolis it wasn’t fortified and dates back to the Hellenistic period 3rd-2nd BC. The excavations started in 1912 and are still on to excavate the ancient city of Rhodes. Some of the important monuments that have been excavated are: The Stadium where the Alioi Games took place to honor god Helios, the Gymnasium, Nymphaia, Odeion, Stoa building, Artemision, Library, Temple of Pythian Apollo, Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polius. From the Acropolis the view of the city and the sea is panoramic and the sunsets are breathtaking. Acropolis of Lindos: Lindos is located 50km from Rhodes and its Acropolis is one of the most impressive archaeological sites on the island. It’s situated on a rock surrounded by sea with the castle on top of the rock and a large square on the lowest level. The archaeological site extends outside the Acropolis and some of the monuments that can be seen are the Theatre, Boukopion, the Tomb of Kleoboulos, the Archocrateion, the Church of the Panagia and many others. The modern village of Lindos is one of the most beautiful in Rhodes dominated by the imposing Acropolis. It’s on the slope of the hill built amphitheatrically and overlooking the bay. The architecture of the village is unique as the houses are white and boxy with flat roofs and white paved courtyards. The climb to the Acropolis is through narrow alleys either on foot or on donkeys. All tourist facilities can be found in the enchanting village of Lindos. Two beaches share the same bay with shallow turquoise waters ideal for children. Ancient Kamiros: Kamiros is 30km southwest of Rhodes and together with Lindos and Ialyssos were the three large Dorian cities to create the powerful state of Rhodes in the 5th century. Kamiros was the first city to cut its own coins but the decline came when their inhabitants decided to move to Rhodes. It was discovered in 1929 and many of the important findings have been taken to the British Museum and the Louvre. Ancient Ialyssos: Ialyssos is located on top of Philerimos hill 8km from the city of Rhodes. It was inhabited since prehistoric period and there are findings of Minoan civilization. Some of the most important buildings are the temple of Athena Polias, Doric fountain house, Byzantine fortifications, Medieval monastery and few others. Ancient Ialyssos was completely ruined by Turks but during the 20th century the Italians rebuilt the monastery into a church and constructed a huge cross from where the view is spectacular. Modern Ialyssos is one of the most tourist oriented areas and the second largest town of the island. It has a large number of hotels and resorts as a continuation of Ixia that lies between Rhodes and Ialyssos and because of the winds of the area it is known as an ideal wind surfing location. Valley of the Butterflies: the Valley is located near Kalamonas village 20km from the airport. It is a green valley in a picturesque Gorge with a small river running through it. The butterflies gather in the valley from June to September and the visitors who have the pleasure of seeing and admiring their colours can also enjoy the beauty of this natural park by walking through the wooden bridges, little stone steps and taking the path to end up to the Monastery of Virgin of Kalopetra. The Seven Springs: the Seven Springs is a valley with clear springs and enormous trees, situated between Colymbia and Archipolis and is one of the most romantic places on the island. Except of the seven springs, well hidden into the woods from those who want to drink their refreshing waters, there are a few rivers which never run out of water and they all end up into a lake. In the valley the visitor can experience the tranquillity, walk along beautiful trails and have romantic picnics. Rodini Park: the Park is located 3km from the centre of Rhodes, a landscaped park with cypress and pine trees and a stream running between banks of trees. In the park there is a children’s playground and a mini zoo. The visitor can walk through the paths and get to the main walkway next to the stream and for those who care there is an ancient tomb dug into the rock that believed to be the tomb of Ptolemies.
Villages and Beaches on Rhodes island
Many beautiful sites are hidden inland in the villages away from the noise of the cosmopolitan resorts. Some of them where you can try the excellent Greek food and taste the traditional Rhodian wine are: Embonas: is a picturesque village located 51km from Rhodes at the foot of Attavyros mountain. Situated in the middle of vineyards is well known for its selected wine, grapes and vegetables. The village is a good suggestion for an inland trip as the atmosphere is lively and traditional and the food is excellent. Monolithos: is asmall amphitheatrically built village 72km from Rhodes. Just 3km from the village on an isolated rock is a 15th century medieval castle built by the Knights and from there the views are breathtaking. Inside the castle is a church dedicated to Saint Panteleimon. Below Monolithos is the wonderful pebble beach of Fourni ideal for those who love nature and tranquillity. Siana: is a small village built amphitheatrically on a hill, northeast of Monolithos with panoramic views of the coastline. It is famous for its honey and suma a very tasteful traditional wine. Archangelos: is the largest village on the island located 26km from Rhodes on the eastern coast. It is a lovely and unusual place with narrow streets, picturesque houses painted in bright colours and the dominating church of Archangel Michael. The inhabitants are very friendly faithful to their local customs and traditions and the idiom is still spoken. On top of the hill just a 15 minute walk is the castle of Saint John built by the Knights and 3km from the village is the Koumelos cave famous for its stalactites. Asklipios: is a small but lively village 64km from Rhodes with the beautiful white houses built amphitheatrically on the slopes of a hill. The sights of the village are the Byzantine Church of the Dormition built in 1060 with an extraordinary interior of Byzantine paintings and the castle with the medieval fortifications placed on the top of the hill from where the views to the coast from Kiotari to Gennadi are breathtaking. Kalithies: is a traditional village 11km from Rhodes and 2km from Faliraki. There are many monuments to visit like the Monastery of Eleousa, the Church of the Metamorfosis of the Saviour, the stalactite cave of St George and the church of Timios Stavros from where there is a wonderful view of the village. During September the festival of Timios Stavros is carried out, one of the most spectacular festivals on the island. Lachania: is regarded as the most beautiful village on the island located 73km from Rhodes. The traditional houses, many of them have been bought by Europeans, are white and low with blue doors and windows and the surrounding area is of total harmony and charm. Some scenes of the movie ‘High season of forty’ with Jacqueline Bisset were filmed on the village’s square. The beach is few kilometres away and is very long with crystal clear waters. Maritsa: is a vivid village 16km from Rhodes where people come to have delicious mezedes of fine meat and great time in a lively and friendly atmosphere.
The island of Rhodes has some wonderful beaches and sandy coves. Some of them are cosmopolitan others less developed some others hidden and exotic but all of them are unique in every way. Kalithea: is a wonderful beach with pine and palm trees just 7km from Rhodes. The beach of Kalithea is famous for the magnificent Baths built by the Italians, currently under renovation, that adds to the glamour of the scenery along with the emerald waters. The beach has all the facilities and is ideal for snorkelling and scuba diving. It is a paradise for local people because of the small distance from Rhodes but there is another small beach below the Baths that gets very crowded with visitors who arrive with boats from Rhodes. Faliraki: used to be a quiet fishing village once but today is a major tourist resort located 12km south from Rhodes. It is a buzzing place all day long where visitors can find anything they ask for; a beautiful beach in the morning with water sports, restaurants, cafes, bungee-jumping and in the night the most cosmopolitan atmosphere with the loud noises and neon lights. Faliraki Water Park is the biggest in Europe at the moment with the most impressive water slides. Near the village is Faliraki Nudist beach with all the facilities. Ladiko: is a small beach in a very small bay with fine sand and rocks 15km from Rhodes. The beach is surrounded by hills and the waters are crystal clear. All the facilities are available. Anthony Quinn: is a smallbeach surrounded by hills with lots of green reaching out to the sea, sharp rocks in and out of the water and clear aqua emerald waters 15km from Rhodes. It was named after the famous actor who bought the land when he was filming ‘The Guns of Navarone’ there. Afandou: is one of the largest and oldest Rhodian villages located 23km from Rhodes and 5km from Faliraki. Its name means invisible (afandos) because it was out of sight by the sea and the pirates could not spot it. The village is famous for its carpets and its enormous pebble and sandy beach of 4 kilometres awarded by the Blue Flag for its crystalline waters. In Afandou there is any kind of accommodation, a selection of restaurants, bars and cafes and Afandou Golf Course is near the village. Traganou: is a long beach with only a small part being organised and the rest left natural 16km from Rhodes and 1km from the Golf of Afandou. The beach consists of small pebbles and clear coloured waters and at the end of the beach there are marvellous rock caves. Kolymbia: is a lovely beach at the end of Eucalyptus Road, 26km from Rhodes. It is a quiet hotel resort with fine sand beach ideal for peace and relaxation. Tsampika: is a long wonderful beach with fine sand and impressive turquoise waters 26km from Rhodes. There is a beach sport centre with all the water sports and Jet Ski and a mini market next to the bus stop. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes and for those who dare to climb the stairs all the way up to the Monastery of the Virgin Tsampika, sitting on the imposing rock, the view will remain unforgettable. The beach is named after the Virgin that is said to perform miracles to women who have difficulty to get pregnant and ask for her help. If they conceive they name the child after the Virgin. Stegna: is a beautifulbeach with a small harbour placed between mountains 30km from Rhodes. It is an unspoiled place by tourism and ideal for relaxation but with a choice of taverns and local bars. It is a family oriented beach made of sand and pebbles. Water sports are available. Agathi: is a small sandy beach in a picturesque setting near the medieval castle of Feraklos 38km from Rhodes. Except the gold sand and the emerald crystal clear waters there are few canteens renting umbrellas and sunbeds. It is the perfect place for families and people who don’t like the crowds. Haraki: is a wonderful fishing village in a little bay 36km from Rhodes. On the right the beach has pebbles, on the left sand and Feraklos castle is visible. The place is visited by tourists who come over and over again in order to share with the friendly locals the family atmosphere and the good food in this quiet and peaceful seaside village. Vlicha: is a superb little beach that is never too crowded 46km from Rhodes just before Lindos. It is preferred by the residents of Lindos who want to escape the crowds. The sea deepens gradually and the beach gets quieter on the right hand side with few eating places. On the slopes around lie the biggest hotels. Pefki: is a lovely little resort under the scent and shade of pine trees 55km from Rhodes. The beach is narrow with fine sand and pebbles with a number of rocky coves at the end of it. There are water sports and pedaloes on the beach and a number of excellent restaurants, bars and cafes. Regular buses leave from Rhodes to Pefki. Lardos: is a nice friendly village on the southeast coast 60km from Rhodes with all the tourist facilities. The bay of Lardos has become a holiday resort recently. It is the place for organised excursions to many places like Lindos, Rhodes and ancient Kamiros. There are also sailing trips to the island of Symi and Marmaris in Turkey. Kiotari: is a new resort with large, luxury hotels built and designed with taste 60km from Rhodes. The resort hasn’t been spoiled by the recent development and the people who visit it for their holidays are mainly couples and families looking for some peace and quiet. All the facilities are available and the beach is beautiful with wet sand and lots of greenery around. Gennadi: is the continuation of Kiotari, 62km from Rhodes, with a wonderful beach of sand and pebbles. Parts of the beach are not organised for those who want their space and other parts are organised with beach bar and DJ’s as quests creating wild beach parties for the younger population. The village has many good restaurants, hotels and stylish houses and villas of wealthy locals. Prasonisi: is a large sandy beach in an idyllic landscape with crystalline waters, 90km from Rhodes and 40km from Lindos, at the southernmost end of the island. The beach is extraordinary with two coves ending in an island that can be reached by foot or swimming depending on the level of the water. It is the paradise on earth for windsurfers especially during July and August when meltemi winds are blowing. Equipment for the surfers is available for rent but most of them come with their own. Glyfada: is one of the few beaches in the northwest coast, 72km from Rhodes. There are many pine trees in the surrounding area that give their colour to the sea. The beach consists of large pebbles and there are many rocks into the water. It is wild scenery for those who like to explore. The beach has two taverns.
Accessibility
Rhodes has an International airport called ‘Diagoras’ situated near Paradissi village 16 kilometres away from Rhodes city. There are domestic flights served by Olympic Airways, Aegean Airlines, Sky Express from Rhodes to other Greek cities and islands such as Athens (1 hour flight to Rhodes), Thessaloniki, Astypalaia, Chios, Crete, Mykonos, Kasos, Kastelorizo, Kos, Leros, Limnos, Karpathos, Santorini, Mytilini, Samos and other destinations in Greece via Athens. There are direct flights from all around Europe served by major airlines such as British airways, KLM, SwissAir, Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates and charter flights from Europe and the Middle East served by many airlines as Rhodes is a top destination such as: Air Berlin flies from Germany, Switzerland and Austria, Centralwings from Poland, Condor and Hapag Fly from Germany, XL Airways from Glasgow, Belfast and England, British airways from London Gatwick, FLyMe from Sweden, Norwegian from Oslo, Transavia from Amsterdam, Wizz Air from Hungary, MyAir from Italy, Cyprus Airways from Larnaka, and others. From the UK there are charter flights from Newcastle, Stansted, Southampton, East Midlands, Newcastle, Leeds, Edinburgh, Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Luton, Nottingham and Cardiff.
Rhodes has three ports in Rhodes city serving domestic and International traffic as well as large yachts and cruise ships, one port southwest of the city and one port southeast of the city used when the main port is unreachable due to weather conditions. As Rhodes is the main port of the Dodecanese is linked with all the other islands and Piraeus served by Blue star ferries, GA ferries, ANES lines, Lane Sea Lines. Dodecanese’s Express High Speed catamaran departing from Rhodes to Symi, Kos, Kalymnos, Kastelorizo, Lipsi, Patmos, Leros.
Rhodes is also linked with Cyprus (15 hours and), Haifa in Israel (25 hours) and Marmaris in Turkey (1 hour).
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