Tourist map of Rhodes with attractions. Sights of Rhodes that are worth seeing

In the last article, I already told you in general, but in this article we will talk about the most interesting sights of Rhodes.

I will show you cool places on the island, its incredibly beautiful bays, beaches, observation decks, preserved medieval towns, monuments of ancient civilization, and even places of power.

So, if you are going to spend your holidays in Greece, then this article about the sights of Rhodes with all the marks on the map is just for you :)

So, let's go!

The city of Rhodes, which bears the same name as the island, is also the capital, and was built by the Knights Hospitaller. The streets here are lined with cobblestones, old houses, palaces and churches, a fortress and gates have been preserved.

The Old Town itself is included in the World Cultural Heritage List. By the way, the Rhodes Fortress is the longest in Europe - 4 km, and to get to the city center you need to go through 11 fortress gates. On the lawns along the wall you can see cannonballs; they reached the fortress, made potholes, but did not pierce it through.

We really enjoyed walking around the Old Town, it is somehow completely atypical for old Europe, more reminiscent of an eastern town, with winding labyrinths of streets. We have not been to Turkey, but they say it is very similar to a Turkish town with arrows of minarets and Turkish houses with traditional balconies.

The Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent is one of the few buildings from the Turkish period that has survived to this day.

And the most photographed objects in the town are the Street of Knights

and the Palace of the Grand Masters.

Just outside the gates of the Old Town is also the pleasant port of Mandraki,

with the Italian Church of the Annunciation, with very beautiful interiors, atypical for Greek churches.

We lived only 5 km from the town, one day, during a morning jog along the sea, I just reached the port) Here, at the entrance to the harbor, there is an ancient lighthouse and 2 symbols of the city - the Rhodian deer and the doe, they stand on columns opposite each other friend, and a little further - medieval mills.

It’s worth coming to the town of Rhodes even just to watch the sunset or dine in one of the many restaurants,

and then, of course, stroll along its streets and watch the local residents.

Local residents have a tradition - every evening they place chairs next to the house and just sit, look at passers-by or gossip about something with their neighbors.

Ancient Kamiros

From the ancient town of Kamiros (9th century BC) only ruins of tiny houses, temples and a semblance of streets and squares remain; the palaces are only half restored.

If you have a wild imagination, then you can safely go to Ancient Kamiros to wander among the ruins, vividly imagining how the ancient Greeks once lived here.

Well, we found a couple of good marine species here, and for general acquaintance we also took a short walk among the ruins :)

Mount Tsambika in Rhodes is sacred; at its top there is a monastery of the same name, to which a staircase of 307 steps leads. This is a pilgrimage path that especially believers overcome on their knees.

The church has its own legend - once upon a time, here on the top of a hill the Greeks discovered a miraculous icon of the Holy Mother of God, which belonged to the Church of Cyprus, and no matter how much they tried to return the icon to its place, it always returned here. As a result, a small church was built for the icon.

And the miracle of the icon is due to the fact that even childless couples trying in vain to have a child, visiting this place, were sure to receive a long-awaited gift. Now this miraculous icon is kept in the monastery at the foot, but the ritual of climbing the hill and lighting a candle has still been preserved.

Well, from the top of the hill there is a stunning view of the bay and the long sandy beach of Tsambika.

Petaloudes Valley or Butterfly Valley

The Valley of the Butterflies is a pleasant park in a narrow gorge, with numerous paths, bridges, and moss-covered steps, which are especially good to walk on in the sultry heat, hiding under the shade of storax trees.

In the summer there is a unique opportunity to see in one place tens of thousands of bear butterflies, which flock here every year to the smell of fragrant resin and hang in clusters on the stones

and trees.

I can’t say that butterflies are beauties, you won’t even notice them right away, they are masters of camouflage 🙂 and what is rather striking is their number, the very fact of such a huge accumulation in one place. There are several waterfalls and streams in the park, the breath is fresh, in general, you can safely spend half an hour, or even an hour, for a walk along the gorge!

Mount Filerimos

The path along the cypress alley with numerous bas-reliefs, along which you can climb to the highest point of the mountain, crowned with a huge 17-meter cross (which was also once climbable), was nicknamed “The Way of Calvary”, because the distance is equal to that of Jesus , carrying his cross.

The place reminded us of a mountain with a cross :)

Don’t repeat our mistake - if there is haze in the sky, then you should postpone your visit until the evening, especially since there should be a stunning view of the sunset from this mountain.

Well, on a clear day with good visibility, you can clearly see 2 Greek cities at once - the resort of Ixia and the ancient Ialyssos. We were there during the day, so, alas, we did not experience the delight of seeing the subtle outlines of the cities.

But as a bonus, we had a blast chasing peacocks, there are tons of them here, and yes, we were in the mating season, when they fluff their tails :)

And of course, lovers of ruins will appreciate the preserved ancient ruins of the ancient town of Ialisa, with the ruins of the temple of Zeus and Athena, as well as knightly castles with frescoes and the Church of the Virgin Mary.

Lindos

The stunning whitewashed ancient town of Lindos is considered quintessentially Greek,

and definitely a must visit!

It is difficult to see as many tourists as here in any other place in Rhodes; this is a very popular place among both travelers and locals.

This ancient town at the foot of the hill dates back to the 6th century BC. e.,

and has survived to this day,

It’s nice to stroll here as well as through the narrow colorful streets of the city,

and climb to the ancient Acropolis and the walls of the knight's castle, from where a stunning view of the heart-shaped lagoon with azure water opens - St. Paul's Bay.

This is perhaps the most beautiful bay on the island; according to legend, the Apostle Paul stopped here on his way to Jerusalem, which is why the bay is named after him. The small church in this bay is extremely popular for wedding ceremonies.

And you can climb the hill with the Acropolis either on foot or on donkeys; we preferred the first option, at the same time we looked closely at the handicrafts of local craftswomen.

I don’t really like ruins, but if they are located somewhere on a mountain, then we definitely go up there.

Because the views from the hill are so breathtaking!

If there is no haze, then you can see not only the city at the foot and the neighboring sandy beach with a bay, where you just want to cool off, but also endless expanses, including St. Peter’s Bay and the neighboring islands.

After a walk along the Acropolis (by the way, it is the second most important after Athens),

we went downstairs and had lunch in the old town in one of the view taverns, I don’t even remember what I liked more – the view and atmosphere of the restaurant or the fresh seafood in it :)

In this place there really are 7 springs, small streams that flow from underground and form a lake. Of interest to tourists, as well as to us, is another object in the neighborhood - a dark narrow tunnel, which actually leads to this very lake.

Every second tourist wants to tickle their nerves and walk through the tunnel. The fact is that the tunnel is completely dark, and you need to walk through it barefoot, finding yourself ankle-deep in cold water; using phones and flashlights is not recommended, so as not to disturb the atmosphere and the mysteries of the legend.

There are 2 beliefs associated with the tunnel, by walking through which you can choose to either become 10 years younger or get rid of 7 sins. We got through it too - I don’t know, maybe we were rejuvenated :)

Well, behind the tunnel, if you walk a little to the side along the nature trail, you can see a beautiful artificial waterfall.

Kallithea Springs (Kallithea Baths)

Once upon a time in ancient times there were healing springs here,

now it is just a pleasant natural complex with the former name Kallithea Springs,

where you can swim in crystal clear water, sunbathe on sun loungers and have a snack in a cafe.

In general, the nature in the area is simply amazing, especially the sea cliffs.

The ancient marble pavilions have been restored, so that in their shade and coolness you can hide from the hot sun.

Anthony Quinn Cove

This bay is named after a real person - the famous actor of the last century, writer and artist Anthony Quinn. The film “The Guns of the Island of Navarone” with his participation was filmed in the bay, but the Greeks themselves fell in love with Anthony Quinn for the film masterpiece “Zorba the Greek,” in which the actor performed a Greek dance, and the melody from which became a hit. By the way, the film “Zorba the Greek” won an Oscar.

At the end of filming, the actor rented a house in a picturesque bay, and then bought it to stay here for a long time. The government was very pleased with the presence of the star, or rather, the effect that his presence had - the bay began to attract tourists/fans of the actor like a magnet, so it was decided to give the bay the name of the actor.

I am sure that even if Anthony Quinn did not live in this bay, and it would have been called something else, tourists would still have chosen this place! Firstly, the bay itself, framed by fancy rocks, is like a natural place - very picturesque, the water changes its color from turquoise to sapphire during the day, and secondly, it’s not difficult to get here - public transport runs to the nearest resort towns, from which you can already walk to the bay.

Now Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the most beautiful and pleasant beaches on the island for relaxation - the clearest water, the bay is protected from waves and wind, there are sun loungers, umbrellas, showers and a cafe.

Ostrich farm

There is a place in Rhodes that is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are vacationing on the island with children - this is an ostrich farm

and a mini zoo next to it.

At the entrance you can buy bags of corn grains and feed the ostriches - this is the main entertainment. At the same time, only 2-3 of the calmest males are allocated for feeding, who eat from their hands carefully, while females are not allowed near tourists at all, because they often behave inappropriately)

On the farm, ostriches are housed in families - one male and 2-3 females live in a pen. Males are quite aggressive and if you place two adult males with a female, they will fight for their status to the last, until one of them dies. But in general, ostriches, it turns out, live quite a long time, about 60-70 years.

Ostriches are raised for meat and to hatch eggs. They lay eggs at the age of 2 to 35 years, and hatch each for about 40 days, and use young individuals for meat, up to 1 year.

One ostrich egg weighs about 2 kg, enough for about 10 omelettes. There is also a restaurant at the farm where you can try omelettes, steaks and ostrich meat cutlets. There is also a souvenir shop where you can buy all sorts of crafts made from shells, and also, on the farm you can see the world’s largest rosary, also made from eggs, of course, they are under glass)

Vineyards

Most of the vineyards of Rhodes are located around Mount Attaviros, at altitudes reaching 800 m. The white Athyri variety is grown in the mountains, and the red Mandidarya variety (Amoriano) is cultivated in the flat areas.

Both vineyards can be visited to taste/buy various wines as a gift, or simply to have lunch overlooking the endless grape fields.

In summer, the grapes are still unripe, so we weren’t able to eat fresh fruits from the bush :)

If you see some kind of local production, be it a soap factory, a honey farm or a ceramic workshop, don’t be shy, you can stop by, look and ask the craftsmen everywhere.

The Greeks are friendly enough, they will bite you))


As a rule, all workshops and farms have their own shop where you can buy products from their craft.

Prasonissi

There is another attraction of Rhodes on the island, which we, alas, did not get to, is called “the kiss of two seas.” Yes, that’s right, because when you come here, you can swim in two seas at once - the Aegean and Mediterranean.

This place is located on the southernmost cape of Rhodes, and a huge sand spit separates the seas. The place was chosen by kiters and surfers. I really love places like this!

So, for us, this is at least one significant reason to return to the island of Rhodes someday.

Finally

Excellent beaches, developed infrastructure, an extensive excursion program, the most picturesque places on the island - all this makes Rhodes one of the most popular tourist destinations in Greece.

You can travel around Rhodes either by public transport or by rented car or motorbike, the choice is yours.

The latest options will undoubtedly make your vacation more varied and mobile. We saw all the places described in the article while traveling by car; the roads and traffic on the island are normal. Along the way, we discovered and visited several interesting places that we had not originally planned to visit :)

Rent a car in Rhodes

We looked for a rental car in several places: firstly, we asked on the spot (since we didn’t need a car on the first day of arrival, we didn’t book in advance, although we usually do just that), but either there was nothing available, or the prices were higher, or insurance conditions were worse.

We have also made a selection of good hotels in different price categories near excellent beaches.

A selection of hotels in Rhodes

• Sentido Port Royal
• Kolymbia Sun

View all hotel options in Rhodes

You can rent accommodation in Rhodes from locals using the Airbnb website .

A lot of useful information about Greece - where to go, what to do, what to see, etc. can be found on the website Greek National Tourism Organization.

Cheap flights to Rhodes

Have you been to Greece or specifically Rhodes? Did you like the island? If you managed to visit Rhodes where we haven’t been, write in the comments, thanks to you, the list of Rhodes attractions will be even more complete!

Here the most unusual sights of Rhodes, attracting numerous travelers, are reviewed and shown on the map. In addition to them, the island has villages and ports where the atmosphere of authentic old Greece has been preserved, the Suleiman Mosque, which is an echo of the Ottoman Empire, ancient fortresses and holy springs, full of heart-warming legends.

No wonder Rhodes is called the pearl of the Mediterranean! At every point of this precious stone there are unique shimmers of mother-of-pearl shine, each of them has its own, unusual shades!

Sights of Rhodes on the map.

Rhodes Map

Attractions shown on the map of Rhodes.

Rhodes fortress,
Lindos,
Mount Filerimos,
Faliraki,
Palace of the Grand Masters,
Mount Tsampika,
The ancient city of Kamiros,
Valley of the Butterflies,
Bay of the Apostle Paul,
Church of St. Panteleimon,
Villa de Vecchi,
Church of Panagia (Virgin Mary).

A unique place where the serene Mediterranean and the turbulent Aegean seas merge is Prasonisi Beach. In this place, on one side the sea surprises with its calmness, and on the opposite side the waves reach 1.5 meters in height. The beach has only one drawback: a very strong wind raises the sand and in a matter of minutes things and clothes can be covered with a layer of sand, so you should not take expensive equipment without covers and food without packaging.

Another magnificent place is called the Butterfly Valley.

In fact, this valley is a very large and well-kept park, in the depths of the island, with stairs between rocks and stones, bridges and small waterfalls equipped for tourists. Thousands of butterflies live here. They are all the same, but their numbers and beauty make it worth visiting this wonderful valley.

The Greek island of Rhodes on the map is very small in size - its length is only 77 km. However, one trip is not enough to see all its attractions. There are many beautiful things hidden in Rhodes: bays, mountains and hills bear the names of saints and great people. In addition to ancient acropolises, old cities, palaces and beaches, there are also very unusual monuments.

Kiss of two seas

Perhaps the most unusual place on the island of Rhodes is what nature itself created. Since it is located between two sea areas - the warm Mediterranean and the cold Aegean, on the southernmost cape of the island there is a phenomenon called the Kiss of the Seas. Prasonisi - the local name for the cape from which the Rhodes landmark is visible - can be seen from afar and can even be felt on land due to very strong air gusts. At high tide, the difference in the two seas is more difficult to visually discern.

Dark turquoise and blue waters of two elements of the same nature collide either in a struggle or in a single bright dance. This place is a real paradise for surf lovers! The waves here are always high and the tailwind allows you to do the impossible, conquering two different seas at the same moment. Some locals believe that this merger is taking place on another beach. However, to see the Kiss of the Seas, tourists come to Prasonisi.

Windmills

In one of the ports of Rhodes there are the enemies of Don Quixote - three stone windmills. Yes, in the Middle Ages people did not know about electricity and various engines, which is why they processed grain in this way - the most accessible and efficient at that time. Since there is more than enough wind on the coast, this did not complicate the production process, and the flour turned out excellent.

These unusual sights of Rhodes have survived to us in their unchanged form: large towers with a conical roof and a rotor - the true architecture of medieval Greece! They really impress many travelers with their ancient monolithic appearance. Today these buildings are not empty: they house a travel agency, a hydrographic service and a museum. Consequently, mills are of interest not only for their appearance, but also for their internal components.

Valley of the Butterflies

Another natural phenomenon, located on the map of attractions in the gorge near the villages of Epano Kalamonas and Theologos, which is popularly called the valley, has become for many years a haven for the most beautiful insects on the planet - butterflies. During the hottest time of the year in Rhodes - from June to September - they take refuge in the cool shade of the valley, where there are many shady places and water sources. They are also attracted by the vanilla aroma emitted by the trees of those places - plane trees, whose resin is used to prepare aromatic substances and incense.

In the Valley of Butterflies, all noise, driving in cars, loud conversations, clapping of hands, that is, everything that can interfere with the life of carefree insects and even lead to their death is prohibited. Park employees are trying to maintain an atmosphere of privacy and tranquility, but fewer and fewer butterflies arrive every year. Therefore, you should definitely see this natural park, because it is unknown how many years such beauty will exist!

Having visited the Greek island of Rhodes, I almost immediately noticed a number of features that set it apart from other resorts in Greece. We are talking here about the unique geographical position, and about the sights, and, of course, about the seas, of which there are two in Rhodes. But let's take things in order.

The island boasts sunny weather more than 300 days a year, and this attracts many tourists who are crazy about a comfortable holiday. That is, be prepared for crowded beaches, hotels, restaurants and shops. However, there are still a couple of areas on the island that are not affected by mass tourism. Go in search of the secluded coves and beaches frequented by Greeks, or travel to the areas around Lindos. And I warn you that there are a lot of rocky beaches in Rhodes, nothing can be done about it!

Rhodes belongs to the Dodecanese archipelago, but tourists are accustomed to perceive Rhodes as a separate island. It is the only one among the other islands of the archipelago that combines both a beach holiday and a cultural one - there are many historical attractions here, and there is also a large medieval city.

The entire island is buried in cistus flowers, and tourists are convinced that this is why Rhodes was nicknamed the “island of roses.” In fact, scientists doubt the Greek origin of the island's name.

The northern coast of Rhodes is famous for its busy tourist spots, while the southern coast has a calmer pace of life and recreation, and the beaches are not so crowded.

Rhodes has other advantages: housing is relatively inexpensive, many locals speak at least English and German, and sometimes other languages, such as Swedish, French, Turkish, Italian and even Finnish.

In addition, the island will certainly surprise and delight curious tourists with an abundance of interesting places, including both natural and man-made. Rhodes, whose attractions date back to a wide variety of cultures and eras, is a unique opportunity to travel back in time several thousand years in one or two weeks on the island.

Story

The island of Rhodes has one of the longest, richest and most amazing histories in the world. Inhabited after the Neolithic period, the island has preserved all important Bronze Age settlements. At the dawn of the historical era, Rhodes was already known for its three powerful cities (they were mentioned by Homer): Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros. In 408 BC, all three cities united to form the capital of the island - the city of Rhodes. Both the city and the island played an important role in ancient Greek and Roman history. Perhaps the most memorable episode is the long siege of the city by Demetrios Poliokertes in 305 BC.

Thanks to the development of trade, Rhodes was the most influential cultural center during the Hellenistic period. Later, when Rhodes became one of the provinces of the Roman Empire, its influence declined, although it remained a regional capital and one of the earliest centers of Christian culture.

Rhodes later became part of the Byzantine Empire, and from the 7th century it entered the era of the early Middle Ages. In the Middle Ages, the island's importance increased again under the influence of the first Venetians, then the Genoese, and finally the Knights of St. John - the Crusader Order, who captured parts of Palestine, but were later driven out by the Saracens and Templars and took refuge on the island of Rhodes. They took power and control of the island from the Genoese by force in 1306 and ruled the island for two centuries. Under their rule, Rhodes became a major maritime power. After the capture of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1523, Rhodes became part of the Ottoman Empire.

The Turks controlled the island until 1912, when it was recaptured by the Italians. During the period of their rule in Rhodes, many monuments damaged during Turkish rule were restored, or even completely restored. These include the Palace of the Grand Master, located in the old town of Rhodes.

The island returned to Greece after World War II in 1948.

In Rhodes, I have repeatedly seen monuments of all the above cultures and eras, many of which still make a very strong impression.

Language

In order to communicate with local residents, my knowledge of English at the Pre-Intermediate level was enough.

In general, the native language of the inhabitants of Rhodes is Greek. Thanks to the development of tourism, locals speak English or German quite well. The local dialect has strong Turkish and Italian overtones. Some words used by the island's inhabitants may not be immediately understood by most Greeks.

There is no point in trying to speak Russian, with the exception of guides and tour guides, with local residents. However, many restaurants have Russian-language menus, and some have Russian waiters. There are no inscriptions in Russian in the museums either, but at the tourist information kiosk in the capital of the island you can get detailed maps and booklets in Russian with descriptions of attractions, shops and restaurants on the island of Rhodes completely free of charge. I have already written about how to find the information center.

By plane

The island is served by the international airport of Rhodes, called Diagoros (Διαγόρας). Diagoras is an ancient athlete originally from the island of Rhodes, who repeatedly won the Olympic Games. The airport is located on the west coast, 14 kilometers from the city of Rhodes.

Regular flights operate from Athens, Thessaloniki and Crete. In July and August, Astra Airlines operates flights from the city. Aegean aircraft depart daily from Olympic Air Athens Airport. From Crete () you can travel by Sky Express.

Today, tours to Rhodes are popular in many countries, so in addition to the largest Greek cities, Rhodes has established air connections with many cities around the world:

• Flights to Rhodes are regularly operated by Aegean, Azur Air, Siberian Airlines and others.
• The already mentioned Aegean, Siberian Airlines, and Air Baseltic are responsible for direct flights from St. Petersburg.

The cost of a round-trip flight per adult starts from 345 €. You can see how much a flight to Rhodes will cost on your dates.

There is a taxi rank near the airport; I will tell you more about this type of transport in Rhodes in the corresponding section below.

By ferry

The island of Rhodes can be reached by ferry from Symi and Tilos in Greece; , Datca, Bodrum and Marmaris in Turkey.

Cruise ships dock at the commercial port in the east of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Clue:

Rhodes - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 0

Kazan 0

Samara 1

Ekaterinburg 2

Novosibirsk 4

Vladivostok 7

When is the season? When is the best time to go

Despite the fact that the sun shines on the island on average 300 days a year, this does not mean that you can swim and sunbathe in Rhodes all year round. But in each season this island is good in its own way.

If your goal is a beach holiday, then the swimming season on the island lasts from May to October. However, if you want to get the most out of your beach holiday, the best time to go on vacation is from July to September. Then the water temperature in the sea can reach +28 °C, and the likelihood of rain is negligible. And it is during these months that there is a particularly strong influx of tourists.

By the way, I personally think that the beginning of September is simply the ideal time for a beach holiday on the island, since the summer holidays for schoolchildren are already ending, and this means that the beaches are becoming calmer.

You can find prices for tours on the dates you need in the Travelask section.

Rhodes in spring

Spring roughly lasts from February to April. At this time, it makes sense to come to the island to admire the blossoming island. In fact, compared to Crete, Kos and other island resorts, Rhodes is rich in greenery, and if you don’t notice this in the summer heat, then in the spring the island’s vegetation makes itself felt fully.

Rhodes in winter

At this time of year, the weather on the island is quite mild and sunny, and the temperature corresponds to late Moscow spring or early autumn. In winter, most hotels close and only a few of them accept tourists arriving in Rhodes.

Vacations, the prices of which in winter are significantly lower than in the summer season, come down to walking and exploring the island’s many attractions, which are not surrounded by flocks of curious tourists with cameras. If you come to Rhodes in winter, the sea water will most likely be downright cold for you.

Rhodes - weather by month

Clue:

Rhodes - weather by month

Conditional areas. Descriptions and features

• Afantou is one of the largest villages on the island. This is where the Rhodes golf course and long beach are located.
• Archangelos is the second largest city in Rhodes.
• Asklepio is a village on the island. There are old castles and churches here.
• Faliraki is an active holiday destination in Rhodes. Come here for the parties; other entertainment is best found elsewhere. The quietest hotels are located in the northern part of Faliraki. Hotels near the water park are designed for families and are not intended for partygoers. Faliraki is famous for its wonderful beaches, and it is not very windy here.
• Gennadi is a town located approximately 64 kilometers from the Old Town of Rhodes, near Prasonisi. This is where avid surfers flock from all over the world. The last beaches in Rhodes that have not been touched by the destructive influence of civilization are also preserved here.
• Haraki is a small old fishing village near Lindos. The private beach is surrounded by a chain of restaurants.
• Lalyssos (Ialyssos) - famous for its azure waters and good beaches. Here you will find both large hotel complexes and cozy small hotels, as well as many different shops and nightclubs. With ideal weather conditions all year round, Lalyssos often hosts important international windsurfing competitions.
• Ixia is a west coast resort, located near Paradisi, Telos (Theologos) and Rhodes airport.
• Kallithea is a great place for snorkeling. There are good hotels here for a comfortable stay.
• Laerma - this village is an architectural monument. It is located next to Lindos and Lardos. Dense settlement of the village began in the Hellenistic period. Now there are several restaurants here. 4 kilometers southwest of Laerma is the largest monastery in all of Rhodes - the Monastery of the Archangel Michael.
• Lardos - located near Lindos. The main shopping area offers many restaurants and shops.
• - a picturesque village, it is here that the oldest landmark is located - the acropolis.
• Pefkos is a small tourist resort near Lindos. Initially, local farmers lived here, but after a while Pefkos turned into a full-fledged city.
• Rhodes is the largest city on the island and the administrative center (the government is located here).
• Tholos (Theologos) is a traditional village.

Where to stay

If you came to the island for sights, it is preferable to stay in the capital of the island. In this case, you will have the Old Town of Rhodes, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, within walking distance, and there are direct buses from the city center to other important cultural sites. Many hotels in Rhodes are concentrated in the capital.

If you like surfing and otherse extreme water activities, it is best to settle in the area of ​​​​the beaches of Ialyssos and Ixia. They overlook the Aegean Sea, which almost always has waves, and the center of water extremes is located on the shore.

If you are traveling to the island for nightlife, then pay attention to the Faliraki area, famous for its nightclubs.

For those who just want relax at sea with your family and does not feel the desire to fight the elements, the sandy beaches of the Mediterranean coast of the island are suitable. These are the areas of Tsambika, Haraki, Pefki,. Read more about beach holidays in Rhodes. In Lindos you can also visit the local acropolis, the second largest in Greece after Athens.

There are also very cheap apartments located far from the sea. Offers for renting apartments from private owners can be found at.

Clue:

Cost of food, accommodation, transportation and other things

Currency: Euro, € US Dollar, $ Russian Ruble, Rub

Main attractions. What to see

The abundance of natural and cultural monuments is one of the hallmarks of the island of Rhodes. famous for its ancient temples and Byzantine churches, but in Rhodes you will find many things that are not on other Greek islands.

The capital of the island, the city of Rhodes

Despite the fact that the island is rich in all kinds of attractions, their highest concentration is in the capital. This is where I recommend starting your acquaintance with the monuments of Rhodes.

First of all, it is medieval, within the walls of which antique buildings, and the remains of Byzantine fortifications, and buildings of the knightly period, and monuments from the times of Ottoman rule have been preserved. Old Rhodes, photos of which appear on the first pages of guidebooks to the island, can rightfully be considered its calling card. Read more about the Old City.

Near the Old Town there is an ancient one, which also preserves traces of various cultures and eras. According to legend, this is where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood. Whether this is true or not, you can read.

Rhodes also has its own acropolis. It is not as large as Lindos, but it also has objects worthy of attention. It is located on Mount Monte Smith. Read more.

In addition, the city has many interesting museums that you can read about. The same link provides information about the famous Rhodes Aquarium.

Asklepio and Kiotami

In the small church they show fascinating performances - stories of miraculous healings, from ancient times to the present.

According to Greek myths, Asclepius was the son of the god Apollo, who created the art of healing.

Prasonisi

The southernmost point of Rhodes. There is a peninsula connected to the main island by a sandbank.

Even if your car is four-wheel drive, think twice before driving into the sandbank as you risk getting stuck in the sand.

Acropolis of Lindos

The second largest Greek acropolis after Athens.

This place contains monuments of both ancient and Byzantine culture, and the walls of the knightly period encircle the Lindos acropolis. Read more about the Acropolis of Lindos.

Monolithos Castle

If you decide to stay on the east coast, then be sure to go to Gennadi. Traveling by moped can be quite windy, but the beautiful scenery is worth it!

There is nothing special in Apollakia, but you can have a quite pleasant rest at one of the local eateries. There is a gas station in the south of the village, useful for those traveling on a moped. Head towards Monolithos.

Just outside the village is the Monolithos Castle, which can be seen from a 240 meter high mountain. Be sure to take a closer look at this cultural monument, which may not be very outstanding in itself, but it offers magnificent views of the west coast. On the northwestern side you can see Kalki Castle.

Seven springs

And that's all that can be seen there, with the exception of a short forest path.

During the hot summer months, cool shade provides a welcome respite from the sun.

Mount Filerimos

Medieval ruins, monastery and chapel. The north of the island offers excellent scenery.

Read more about Mount Filerimos.

Kamiros

The ruins of an ancient Greek polis, destroyed by an earthquake more than 2 thousand years ago.

You can wander around the surrounding area, look into the villages of Soroni and Fanes.

Top of Tsambika

At its top there is a chapel with a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Read more about Tsambika.

Valley of the Butterflies

To reproduce offspring, butterflies need rest. Since this place became a tourist place, the insect population here has sharply declined.

Even though there is no point in going here for butterflies now, the valley is still a very beautiful place.

What to see in 1 day? Personally, I recommend taking a walk through the Old Town of Rhodes. You can even do without visiting museums, since this place is so unique that you are unlikely to get bored walking along its streets, where cultures and eras are intertwined.

In addition, there are various day tours around the island, which include several places at once. The cost of one excursion is from 25 € per person. I can personally recommend “The City of Rhodes and Filerimos Hill”, as well as an overview of the island. The latter includes ancient Kamiros, wine tasting, a visit to Monolithos Castle and Cape Prasonisi.

You can order a tour in several ways:

• If you come to Rhodes as part of a package tour, your tour operator will most likely offer it to you. In Rhodes, the host company is Beleon Tours, and I personally liked how the excursions were organized by this company. The time is designed in such a way that tourists find it both interesting and comfortable. Where necessary, a break for lunch and rest is provided.
• If you are staying in a tourist area, there are probably excursion bureaus there, which are easy to recognize by their signs in Russian.
• Most hotels have stands where, in addition to the telephone numbers of tour desks, you can get discount coupons for some museums, shops and restaurants completely free of charge.
• Before your trip, contact a private island guide and arrange a private tour for yourself. The guide can be found through any popular social network.

Top 5

Beaches. Which ones are better

The island of Rhodes has a wide variety of beaches. On the eastern side there are long sandy beaches with calm waters. The beaches in the west are more rocky. The wind predominantly blows from the west, and the sea tends to be a little rougher in the west, so this side of the island is better suited for surfing or kiteboarding.

Lindos

Stunningly beautiful beach on the bay.

This is a trendy crowd, so wear a bikini to fit in with the local crowd.

Kallithea

Located north of Faliraki, Kallithea was originally an Italian resort. This is a very nice place, but crowded.

Currently, work continues on the construction of modern spa centers and entertainment facilities. There are private beaches to the south of the resort.

Faliraki

Long sandy beach with many taverns to suit all tastes. Here you can easily rent jet skis or enjoy other water sports.

There is a quieter rocky beach in the southern part, but the sea there is too shallow for real swimmers. It is also home to the only legal nudist beach on the island, which has full facilities including sun loungers for hire, toilets and concessions.

Ladiko Beach (Anthony Quinn Beach)

A very picturesque place.

One side of the bay is a relatively small beach. The other side is rocky, but there is a platform on which it is convenient to sunbathe.

Tsambika Beach

On the far right bank near the rocks there is sunbathing for nudists.

Gennadi Beach

This area and nearby Prasonisi attract surfers. Peaceful and calm resort village. Its peculiarity is pristine sands, hotels, beach bars.

Gennadi began to gain popularity relatively recently. Unexplored beaches stretch along the sandy coast from Gennadi to Prasonini. This area is one of the last untouched stretches of coastline remaining on the island.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Most of the museums are located in the island's capital, Rhodes. If you are interested in history and antiquities, first of all you should visit the exhibitions of the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Archaeological Museum, located in the building of the order's hospital.

If you prefer the secrets of the underwater world, go to the Rhodes Aquarium. It is, of course, significantly inferior to the largest oceanariums in Europe, but the underwater world of the seas washing the island is quite widely represented there.

Finally, if you prefer contemporary art, there is such a museum in the capital of the island.

Read more about Rhodes museums.

Parks

Despite the fact that Rhodes is quite a green island compared to the rest of Greece, there are only two large parks on it.

Valley of the Butterflies

This is the place where butterflies of the bear family flock during the mating season. They are the main attraction of the park.

But his road along the wooden bridges is quite picturesque in itself. Nearby is the small monastery of Panagia Kalopetra.

Rodini Park

It is located on the outskirts of the island's capital and is in sharp contrast to the Valley of the Butterflies, as there are almost no people there during the daytime hours. However, the park itself is very picturesque.

There you can find live peacocks and turtles, and in the depths of the park there are caves that were used for burials in ancient times. Unfortunately, there are no cafes or restaurants in the park area, so after the walk you will have to return to.

How to get to Rodini Park

Bus No. 12 runs from the city center to the park approximately once an hour, the fare for which is 1.1 € one way.

Food. What to try

Food

Rhodes restaurants offer visitors a wide selection of national cuisine and seafood. Of the national dishes, it is especially worth noting stifado, kleftiko, souvlaki and dolma. Among the fish, sea crucian dorado is especially popular, swimming in abundance in the local waters.

Read more about Rhodes restaurants and national cuisine.

Beverages

Once in Rhodes, be sure to try the signature “resin” wine, Retsina. The tradition of adding resin to wine dates back to ancient times, when it acted as a natural preservative, preventing the drink from spoiling. Retsina has a mild taste and rich resinous aroma. It is worth noting that according to the main classification this is a dry white wine.

Also, if you come to a restaurant, you should try just homemade wine from grapes grown on the island of Rhodes. Prices for such wine are quite affordable: from 4.5 € for a half-liter decanter.

Local alcoholic drinks also include Greek Mythos beer and ouzo - aniseed brandy.

For non-alcoholic drinks, you can take frappe. This is chilled strong coffee, whipped to foam with added sugar.

Tap water on the island is safe to drink. Restaurants will serve you a glass of ice water if you wish.

Safety. What to watch out for

Rhodes is a fairly safe place, but sometimes you still need to be on your guard.

It is better to walk with small children until 10 p.m., since night partygoers become more active at this time. In the early 2000s, there was a case when young people from the UK, who came to “go clubbing” in Rhodes, committed a number of crimes against local residents and tourists. And this is not the only incident. Of course, the police are especially vigilant after these incidents, but it still doesn’t hurt to be on the safe side.

Taxi drivers sometimes turn off taximeters without permission and may charge you a considerable amount of money upon arrival at your destination. Make sure that the taximeter is turned on, and it is best to ask the driver in advance about the approximate cost of the trip.

Things to do

If we talk about entertainment, then in Rhodes they are presented in full:

For shopping, you should go to the capital of the island, and not to the Old Town, but to the new part, located in the northern part of Rhodes. There are several streets where famous world brands are presented: from budget ones like Marks & Spencer to the more famous Lacoste or Hugo Boss. However, shopping in Rhodes can hardly become the main purpose of a trip, but rather a pleasant addition.

In summer, discounts begin in most stores; you can save up to 30–50% of the purchase price.

There are many retail outlets with mink coats on the island especially for Russian tourists. In my opinion, the thing is very much for everyone.

Souvenirs. What to bring as a gift

Watching tourists, I came to the conclusion that most often they take away from Rhodes:

It is important to remember that many items from well-known brands can be fake (T-shirts, towels, bags, etc.).

Also, in addition to T-shirts with the banal “I love Greece” or something similar, there are interesting ones with prints on a knightly theme.

By the way, if we are not talking about chain stores, but specifically about tourist souvenir shops, bargaining is more than appropriate. Of course, I cannot guarantee a discount, but the probability of saving from 5 to 20% of the original cost is quite high. A good argument in your favor is that you intend to buy more than one thing, but even if the purchase is modest, you can always ask for a discount for good people. The Greeks are positive people and may well agree.

How to get around the island

As in most Greek regions, the soil in Rhodes does not allow for railway tracks, so there are no railways on the island. But their absence is perfectly compensated by the developed bus network. All public transport lines originate from the city of Rhodes and reach almost anywhere throughout the island.

Taxi. What features exist

Taxis in Rhodes are dark blue with white roofs. At the tourist information center you can find out the maximum prices for taxi services.

For example, a trip from Rhodes to Faliraki should not cost more than 13 €, a trip from the airport to Rhodes will cost you a maximum of 16 €. The minimum price for a taxi ride is 4 €, the taximeter starts at 0.85 €. Never allow the driver to turn off the taximeter!

You will have to pay about 0.50–0.60 € for each suitcase. Each hour of waiting costs 7.90 €.

You can call a taxi by calling +30 2241 069800. There is an additional charge of 1.50 € per call.

From midnight to 5 am you will have to pay double the price. You can book a car in advance to avoid delays during rush hour (such as on weekends).

Within the city of Rhodes there is a fixed tariff. If you take a taxi from the stand, the fee will be 5 €. At the main taxi depot, which is located near New Market (Mandraki), there is a special service where they make sure that the car does not leave half empty, especially if you go long distances. If you are traveling with fellow travelers, the additional fee will be 4 €.

Public transport

The bus is the best way to get around the island. All buses are equipped with air conditioning, and they run between the largest settlements on average once an hour.

The main bus station in Rhodes is called Neá Agorá (New Market). Information about buses, tickets, prices and schedules.

Tickets can be purchased either at special kiosks at the bus stop or from the driver, since kiosks are not available everywhere. The price will also be the same, but you can immediately buy a return ticket at the kiosk.

The fare ranges from 1 €, if we are talking about internal routes around the capital, to 9 € - for this money you can get from the final stop of the city of Rhodes to Cape Prasonisi, that is, drive the island from north to south. Keep your tickets until the end of your trip.

Stops on the roads are marked with signs, but it is better to signal to the driver that you want to board the bus. Only a few stops have timetable boards, and buses are often late.

The routes through some resorts and villages are different. For example, in Faliraki there are three routes: the first with a stop on the main street, the second with a stop in the center and the third near the embankment, so think about the route in advance, otherwise you will not get off where you planned.

Transport rental

Automobile

It is theoretically possible to bring your own car to the island, but I do not recommend doing this, because you can rent a car at the airport (Diagoras), at any hotel or from local dealers. Paved highways allow you to get anywhere on the island, but often the internal roads (especially in the south) are just dirt paths.

The average cost of renting a car is 50 € per day. This option is suitable if you are traveling with a large group or decide to take a ride to less popular attractions like Monolithos Castle. You can find out about car rental prices in advance.

Motorcycle or moped

Motorcycles and mopeds are a good alternative to cars. Mopeds are especially popular among local youth and can be used to get to places inaccessible by car, such as the narrow, winding streets of Rhodes Town. Their additional advantage is that rent is cheap, about 10–15 € per day.

Before renting a bike, check the tires and brakes, and if this is the last option left, don't take it: the vehicle may be in urgent need of repairs.

Although helmets are not mandatory for moped drivers, you can still be stopped on a main road and given a €50 fine, so it makes sense to ask whoever is renting you a helmet for a helmet (especially if you intend to ride on roads with a lot of traffic).

If you decide to ride a moped, first make sure the tank is full, as it is often quite difficult to find a gas station. An extra stop at a gas station will save you a lot of stress.

Rhodes - holidays with children

If you're traveling with small children, it's best to stay on the east coast, where the seas are calmer.

There are no modern amusement parks on the island, but the medieval castles of the Knights Hospitaller will certainly be of interest to children, especially boys.

In the very center of Rhodes, you and your child can visit the interactive 5D show Throne Of Helios. This is a journey in space and time from the moment when the city became the patrimony of the sun god Helios and until the beginning of Turkish rule in Rhodes. You really feel like flying above the very surface of the sea!

The show lasts 20 minutes, and sessions take place 2-3 times an hour. Each time the session is conducted in one language, including Russian. In Russian, the show takes place approximately once every two hours. Ticket price is 10 €.

In addition, there is a small museum in the lobby of the building. There are no ancient artifacts there, but there are copies of them, among which the head of the god Helios with rays emanating from it stands out. On numerous stands you can read interesting stories related to the dominance of the Knights Hospitaller on the island, in particular, the legend of the Rhodian dragon, which was eventually defeated by a young and resourceful knight.

To get to the show, you first need to get to the capital of the island, and from the stop the venue is within walking distance: about 10-15 minutes and you are there.

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the island of the same name and one of the most interesting cities in Greece. Knights Hospitaller, Turks, Byzantines, ancient (and not so ancient) Greeks - different civilizations lived here for centuries. That's why the center of Rhodes is literally crammed with interesting things. So, are you ready? We go on a walk to the Old Town of Rhodes and explore its history and amazing sights along the way!

Old Town of Rhodes: attractions with reviews, descriptions and photos + map in Russian

To begin with, the history of the city of Rhodes in just a few sentences. The ancient city of Rhodes was founded in 408 BC in the north of the island of the same name and immediately became its capital. It was here that the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, was built. True, it stood for only half a century and was destroyed by an earthquake in 225 BC. From ancient times until the beginning of the 14th century, Rhodes was part of Byzantium, and in 1309 the Knights of the Order of St. John, also known as the Hospitallers, came there. The knights built their capital here and It was under the Hospitallers that the old city of Rhodes was created and surrounded by a fortress wall, where medieval buildings have been well preserved to this day. At the beginning of the 16th century, the city of Rhodes was captured by the Turks, who ruled the city for almost 400 years. In 1912 they were briefly replaced by the Italians, and since 1948 the island and the city of Rhodes have been part of Greece.

Well, that's enough history, and now - the most interesting thing: the sights of the city of Rhodes, for which it is already worth coming to Greece!

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: contents of the article

Rhodes fortress

Actually, the Rhodes Fortress is the Old Town of Rhodes, which is surrounded by powerful fortress walls and gates. Inside these walls are the main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes: the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of Knights, etc. The Rhodes Fortress was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the XIV-XV centuries. It was considered the most impregnable in the Christian world, withstood several sieges, but the persistent Ottomans still took it in 1522 after a six-month siege by the army of Suleiman the Magnificent (yes, the same one from the series). The Turks allowed the knights to leave the island and they moved to Malta, making it their new capital.

The fortress is surrounded by strong stone walls. The main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes are hidden behind them.

Inside, the Old Town of Rhodes is a wonderful mixture of Greek and Turkish styles.

The magic of the Old City. Once you turn a corner, you are transported to another universe, where there are no noisy tourists and kebab sellers.

Palace of the Grand Masters

This palace is perhaps main attraction of Rhodes city. This beautiful building has stood in its place (see the map of the sights of the old town of Rhodes at the end of the article) for more than 700 years. For more than two centuries that the knights owned Rhodes, 19 masters (and all, as if by choice, great ones) sat in the Palace in turn. When the Turks took the island, they set up a prison in this place. And already under the Greeks, to whom the old city of Rhodes passed in the middle of the last century, a museum was opened in the castle. No, not even two museums!

Entrance to the Palace of the Grand Masters - the main attraction of the Old Town of Rhodes.

The courtyard is decorated with sculptures and tourists, but in the low season most of the tourists are under restoration.

Museums of the Palace of the Grand Masters

The inside of the Palace of the Grand Masters is no less impressive than the outside. And, as has already been said, it is not even one, but two museums! The first is a museum dedicated to the knightly period of the history of Rhodes, consisting of two hundred huge halls and rooms. Furniture made of precious wood, huge chandeliers and fireplaces, antiques - the Greeks perfectly managed to recreate the luxury and splendor that surrounded the religious leaders of the Middle Ages.

And on the lower floors of the Palace of the Grand Masters there is a museum of antiquity. It displays many interesting archaeological finds made in the territory of both the city of Rhodes and the entire island. Many statues, coins, amphorae and other specimens are perfectly preserved. It's a pity, filming inside is prohibited. Ticket price – 6 euros.

I admit, we are not big fans of museums and did not go to them even in Amsterdam. But we made an exception for the museums of the Palace of the Grand Masters and did not even expect that we would like it so much! We highly recommend this place to you.

The interiors of the Palace of the Grand Masters of Rhodes are designed in the loft style that was fashionable at that time.

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: You can freely photograph the upper floors of the Palace of the Grand Masters, but taking pictures in the Museum of Antiquity is prohibited.

What a good idea for a renovation!

Street of Knights

The main street of Old Rhodes starts right from the entrance (or exit?) to the Palace of the Grand Masters. During the time of the Hospitallers, the houses of each of the seven “languages”, that is, the residences of the nations that were part of the order, were located on it. There were seven such nations: England, France, Italy, Germany, Castile, Provence, Aragon, Auvergne (a region within modern France), and the buildings of the Street of Knights were divided between them. Since the street is the main one, it is on it that the most beautiful buildings of the Old City are located to this day, it is on it that Beautiful (and not so beautiful) Ladies in cornflower blue dresses still play the flute, and it is on it that Noble Knights utter something in Latin, stumbling about the cobblestone.

Eh, the Street of Knights has become different! Previously, knights played serenades for ladies, but now it’s the other way around.

Dashing horses await riders in the stables on the outskirts of the Street of Knights.

Suleiman Mosque

The Turks ruled Rhodes for four centuries and, of course, It is impossible to imagine the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes without Muslim buildings. Having taken Rhodes in the 16th century, the Turks settled in the city center and drove the indigenous population outside the fortress walls. It is not surprising that in some places Old Rhodes has become very similar to the famous one. The most beautiful example of Ottoman architecture is considered to be the mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, built in honor of you know who at the very beginning of Turkish rule on the island. It is located on the main shopping street of Rhodes, Sokratos, where it is mainly not the Greeks who sell souvenirs and kebabs, but the descendants of the Janissaries.

The Suleiman Mosque is located on the busiest street in Rhodes - st. Socrates. You won't pass by!

Clock tower

The clock tower was built in knightly times and is located next to the Suleiman Mosque. This is the highest point in the center of the capital. There is an observation deck on the Clock Tower, which offers a beautiful view of the sights of the old town of Rhodes, the sea and Mandraki harbor. The price of a ticket to the observation deck is 5 euros, it comes with a drink of your choice: coffee, tea, juice or wine.

From the Clock Tower you can clearly see the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes.

Mandraki Harbor

After walking along the ancient streets and admiring the main attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes, we will go out to breathe the sea air in the ancient port of Mandraki. The port here was built before our era and it was here that the statue of the Colossus of Rhodes stood. The current appearance of the port, as can be seen from its architecture, was given by the Knights Hospitaller in the 14th-15th centuries.

Once upon a time, Mandraki Harbor in the city of Rhodes was the main sea gate of the island. Now this is one of the favorite vacation spots for citizens and tourists.

Statues of Deer and Reindeer

It is unlikely that this sweet couple can be included in the main attractions of the city of Rhodes, but since we are already in the port, it is very worth paying attention to these monuments. Firstly, bronze statues are installed on both sides of the entrance to the port, that is, where the legs of the legendary Colossus used to be located. Secondly, at one time deer saved Rhodes from snakes. Poisonous snakes did not allow the islanders to live, and deer were brought from the “mainland” to fight them. These animals cannot stand snakes and, at the slightest opportunity, strive to trample them into dust. In just a few months, good decisively defeated evil, and the grateful islanders erected a monument to their saviors in the most iconic place.

The Deer and the Reindeer saved Rhodes from the snakes and took the place of the Colossus of Rhodes.

Fort St. Nicholas

Saint Nicholas is considered the patron saint of sailors. It is not surprising that the Byzantine church built on the southernmost pier of the port of Mandraki was dedicated to him. In the middle of the 15th century, the pier was strengthened in case of a sea invasion and in its place a fort with a lighthouse was built, today considered one of the main attractions of the city of Rhodes.

What to see in the city of Rhodes: the fort was built on the site of the Byzantine Church of St. Nicholas.

Windmills

Previously, there were three dozen windmills in the Old Town, but only three of them have survived to this day. Windswept, they stand in Mandraki harbor next to Fort St. Nicholas. Of course, they don’t make flour in them anymore: today the mill buildings house museums, souvenir shops and travel agencies.

Sights of the Old Town of Rhodes: today the windmills have turned into shops and offices of travel companies.

Rhodes Cathedral

Well, the last of the attractions located in the port of the Old City is the Cathedral of Rhodes, also known as the Church of the Annunciation. A very beautiful neo-Gothic style church built by the Italians in 1925 and fits perfectly into the medieval architectural ensemble of the city of Rhodes. During our travels around Greece, we got used to the ascetic interior of local churches and therefore were surprised by the rich decoration of the cathedral. The church is very popular among both tourists and local residents; weddings are often held here, one of which we were lucky to see in person.

“Do you agree to be with her for richer and poorer, in health and in sickness, until death do you part?”
- Yes, no, yes, no, no.

Map of the Old Town of Rhodes with attractions in Russian

As you can see, friends, the sights of the Old Town of Rhodes are very worthy of your attention. Therefore, even if you come to the island with the goal of lying on the beach, do not miss the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of its ancient capital! Moreover, you can see all the most interesting things in the city of Rhodes on your own and in just one day. Well, two at most.

We are waiting for your feedback from your trip to this beautiful city! And in the next article we will tell you about. Stay with us, it will be interesting!

Rhodes is an island that is rightfully considered the pearl of the Mediterranean, warmed by the sun's rays. In honor of the god Helios, a statue of the Colossus of Rhodes was erected on the island, the height of which is more than 30 meters. The sights of Rhodes are of great value to the world because they represent a rich cultural heritage - priceless archaeological finds and artifacts are located here.

What could be more interesting than plunging into the history of Greece and soaking up the luxurious beaches? When going on a trip, be sure to download a map of Rhodes with attractions in Russian or use ours, which is located at the end of the article. This will help you navigate the island and plan your travel route.

Rhodes in Greece has always been a tasty morsel, so the Persians, Turks, Phoenicians, and knights of the Johannite Order sought to take possession of it. That is why a special mixture of spiritual and cultural values ​​was formed on the island, because each ruler and people left something of their own. Tourists are attracted not only by the sights of the island of Rhodes. There are also resorts here, where it is noisy and fun, with many nightclubs.

We have made a selection of what to see in Rhodes on your own and selected for you the most interesting and colorful attractions of the island in Greece.

The settlement of the same name as the island is also its capital. On its ancient streets, palaces, temples, a fortress, ancient houses and gates have been preserved. There are a huge number of photos and descriptions of Rhodes attractions on the Internet.

Good to know! The old part of Rhodes is included in the list of World Cultural Heritage.

Tourists note that Rhodes is not at all typical of Europe, but is more like an eastern city with a labyrinth of narrow streets, minarets and houses decorated in Turkish style.

Find out PRICES or book any accommodation using this form

Tsambiki Monastery

The list of attractions in Rhodes that are worth seeing undoubtedly includes the Temple of Panagia Tsambika. An icon of the Virgin Mary is kept here. Thanks to this relic, the monastery is known throughout Greece. The shrine is the patroness of all married couples; first of all, childless families turn to it for help.

Interesting fact! The name of the attraction translated means “shine.”

The monastery consists of two parts - lower and upper, they are located several kilometers from each other. The icon is kept in the first building; it is here that pilgrims from all over the world come to touch the wonderful relic.

The monastery has an Orthodox museum, a cozy cafe, and in the souvenir shop you can buy religious souvenirs, candles, and holy water.

The second temple is smaller; to see the attraction, you need to overcome approximately 2 km and 300 steps.

Good to know! On the Day of the Mother of God - September 8 - on this day most pilgrims and those wishing to turn to the Mother of God for help gather here.

Practical information:

• you can get to the temple from the city of Rhodes by bus, stop “Tsambika Church”, bus interval is 1 hour;
• the nearest settlement to the temple is Archangelos - a distance of 6 km, you can walk or take a taxi;
• work schedule – every day from 8-00 to 20-00;
• the entrance is free;
• You need to choose clothes appropriate for a visit to church.

Monolithos Castle

In the past, it was a powerful, impregnable fortress that reliably protected the inhabitants of the island from enemy invasion and pirate raids. In the photo, the landmark of Rhodes looks more like a fairy-tale picture - an amphitheater-shaped structure was built on the top of a hill, at an altitude of 100 meters. Tourists are attracted not only by the castle, but also by the views from its walls. Be sure to take your camera with you to capture views of the Aegean Sea, islands and picturesque nature.

The fortress is decorated in Venetian style and dates back to the end of the 15th century. It was built by the Knights Hospitallers. Unfortunately, today only ruins remain of the castle, but this is enough to feel the color and atmosphere of an amazing place.

Be sure to visit the preserved snow-white chapel of St. Panteleimon, this is a working church. Nearby you can see ancient cisterns, which in the past were used as containers for storing water.

The steps that lead to the castle are carved directly into the rock - this is a traditional element of Greek architecture. At the foot of the mountain there is a small, cozy beach and cafe.

Good to know! If you have any energy left, you can visit the town of Monolithos, stroll through the ancient streets, admire the snow-white walls of the houses and bright geraniums on the balconies.

A bus runs between the capital of the island and the town of Monolithos. For those who want to spend the night and see the attraction in more detail, there is a hotel in Rhodes, Greece. The main road leads to the castle; just follow the signs. Entrance to its territory is free, you can come at any time.

An excursion to a farm where ostriches and other animals live is popular among tourists, especially families with children. This trip may not be of much interest to adults, but children will undoubtedly be absolutely delighted.

In addition to ostriches, the farm has a mini-zoo where camels, kangaroos, ponies, monkeys, rabbits, pigs, ducks, geese and swans live. The enclosures recreate an atmosphere as close as possible to natural living conditions. In addition, a special diet has been developed for each pet.

You can walk around the farm on your own or as part of a tour group. Children are offered to ride a camel and feed the ducks. The animals are tame and easily take treats from the hands of guests. After exploring the zoo and interacting with the animals, you can have a snack in a small tavern. Here they serve treats made from ostrich meat and ostrich eggs. At the entrance to the farm there is a souvenir shop with products made from ostrich feathers, leather, and cosmetics based on ostrich fat.

Interesting fact! One ostrich egg can make 10 scrambled eggs.

Many tourists combine a visit to the farm with a visit to the Butterfly Valley. These attractions are located next to each other.

Practical information:

• works daily;
• work schedule – from 9-00 to 19-00;
• The cost of an adult ticket is 7 euros, a child ticket (from 3 to 12 years old) is 4 euros, for children under 3 years old admission is free.

You can get to the farm along the eastern and western coastal routes. You need to follow the signs “PETALOUDES”. The turn-off to the farm is 2 km from Butterfly Valley.

What to see in Rhodes on your own by car? Of course, the oldest settlement in Greece is Kamiros. Today, the ruins of the city are considered an archaeological reserve and attract millions of tourists not only for their rich history and natural beauty. Here every stone, every corner is shrouded in mystery. Excavations on the territory of Kamiros are still ongoing, but scientists have not been able to figure out why the residents left the city. There are two versions - an attack by sea robbers and an earthquake.

Interesting fact! The first temple was built in Kamiros in the 8th century BC. The city was actively developing and already in the 5th century BC. gained power, becoming the basis of the state.

What to see in Kamiros:

• Undoubtedly, the greatest interest is caused by the ruins of the city, which are visually divided into three parts - the market square, the residential level and the citadel, which served as an internal fortification;
• remains of the Temple of Athena Kamiros;
• reservoir dating back to the 5th century BC – a unique system of clay pipes that connected all the houses, fountains and baths;
• temple complexes and altars.

Good to know! The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes houses the funerary stele of Krito and Timarista, built in the 5th century BC.

Practical information:

• Buses depart from Rhodes daily (bus station address: Averof, 2);
• adult tickets cost 6 euros, children admission is free;
• There is free parking nearby;
• Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 15:00.

Rhodes Fortress or Knights' Fortress

What to see on the island of Rhodes in Greece? Be sure to pay attention to the attraction that is considered the main one - the Rhodes Fortress. It is located in the very center of the historical part of the capital. The fortification was built during the heyday of the Byzantine Empire.

Good to know! The structure is so large that it is better to devote the whole day to inspecting it. Here you can see several museums and a shopping area.

What to see inside the fortress:

• direct defensive structures - the fortress is considered the most impregnable in Europe;
• the Amboise Gate is the most powerful gate of the fortress, two towers are built on the sides, and the entrance is protected by a narrow bridge;
• the gate of St. Athanasius - considered the main gate, through which the Turkish army entered the city under the leadership of Suleiman;
• Palace of the Grand Master - 19 Grand Masters lived in the castle, who were knights of the Order of the Hospitallers; not all palace premises are open to tourists;
• Archaeological Museum - a collection of exhibits dedicated to the era of the knights.

Be sure to take a walk along the Street of Knights, the main street that stretches from west to east. Her appearance has not changed since the knightly era. It is also worth seeing Socrates Street - a popular tourist place; the largest number of shops are concentrated here; you can buy jewelry and fur products.

Practical information:

• entrance to the fortress is free;
• museum ticket price – 6 euros;
• The attraction welcomes guests 24 hours a day.

Located on Mount Felirimos, where the city of Ialys was previously located. Today, tourists climb to the top of the mountain to see the monastery and church of the Filerim Virgin Mary and the 17-meter-high cross. The attraction was built by knights in the 15th century.

The construction of the monastery was started by a monk who appeared on the mountain in the 13th century. The knights of the Middle Ages completed what they started.

The monastery is no longer active and can only be seen from the outside. The church still holds services in the Orthodox part of the building. The Catholic part of the church is closed. Baptism and wedding ceremonies are held here.

Good to know! Mount Filerimos can be visited with children, as peacocks live in the area surrounding the monastery and church.

The cross is visible from afar; an alley called the “Road to Calvary” leads to it; its length is the same as the path that Jesus Christ overcame while carrying his cross to Calvary. A huge cross is located on the observation deck, offering a magnificent view of the surrounding area. Another observation deck is located higher - directly on the cross.

In addition, the mountain contains the remains of the temples of Zeus and Athena, dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BC, the “Dorian fountain” is considered the best-preserved building of the period of antiquity. You can see the cell of St. George, decorated with frescoes from the 15th-16th centuries.

Interesting fact! Only on Mount Filerimos you can buy a unique herbal liqueur, the recipe of which is kept secret.

Practical information:

The attraction is located in Pastida; you can visit the museum on your own or as part of an excursion group. Guests are told the history of beekeeping in Greece, introduced to working with hives and methods of collecting honey. The museum collection has interesting exhibits - old agricultural and beekeeping tools.

Interesting fact! The most interesting exhibit is a transparent beehive; guests can see how bees live in their own home.

Tourists are invited to stroll around the surrounding area and visit the apiary owned by the museum. Finally, you can visit the souvenir shop, where a huge selection of honey products is presented - cosmetics, sweets. All types of honey can be tasted and purchased. There are also beekeeping products - pollen, bee jelly.

Practical information:

• next to the museum there is a children's playground and a cafe;
• the Tsairi-Aerodromiou national highway leads to the museum;
• there is a large parking lot in Pastida;
• Museum opening hours: on weekdays - from 8-30 to 17-00, on Saturday - from 8-30 to 15-30, on Sunday - from 10-00 to 15-00;
• Ticket price: 3 euros.

Prices on the page are for May 2018.

There are a huge number of Rhodes attractions on the Internet with photos, names and descriptions. However, not a single photograph can convey the atmosphere and flavor of the island in Greece. You definitely need to come here to be transported back to a distant historical era.

The sights of Rhodes represent a unique fusion of different eras and cultures.

Related posts: