One of Greece’s larger islands, Rhodes is well known for being the former home of the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While the Colossus no longer exists, modern day Rhodes combines a typical Greek island fun-in-the-sun getaway with stunning Crusader architecture.
With its name roughly deriving from “Island of Roses,” Rhodes’ stunning natural beauty has long made it one of Greece’s top tourism destinations. Located just over 15 km from the Turkish coast, Rhodes is easily accessible from Athens’ Piraeus port, nearby Greek islands, and Turkey. The island receives over 300 days of sunshine per year, and its northern coast is full of popular beaches.
flickr/James Whitesmith
The largest city on the island, referred to as Rhodes Town, boasts the stunning Citadel of Rhodes, a recognized UNESCO World Heritage site. Due to its strategic location, Rhodes has been a highly contested site since antiquity, coming under Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Venetian hegemony. However, it was the Crusader order called the Knights Hospitaller that made the defensive fortifications of the citadel what they are today. The knights expanded the Byzantine defensive walls around the medieval old town, and held the city for two centuries before conquest by the Ottoman Empire.
Today, the old town makes for superb wandering among the old stone thoroughfares, including the magnificent Avenue of the Knights, and 11 well preserved city gates. Other famous sites include the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, and the Santa Maria della Vittoria church. Visits to the Rhodes Aquarium and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes will nicely round out any stay in Rhodes Town.
Wikimedia/Bernard Gagnon
Avenue of the Knights
Wikimedia Commons/Norbert Nagel
Gate of Saint Athanasiou
Fifty kilometers south of Rhodes Town lies the quaint village of Lindos. Though possessing only a few hundred inhabitants, during the high season Lindos is filled with tourists, who come for the charming network of cobblestone streets. The rustic environment is enhanced by the fact that the only modes of transportation in the village are mopeds and donkeys. The main attractions of Lindos are theAcropolis and the superb “Captains houses”, constructed from the 15th century onward and exemplifying the best of traditional Greek whitewashed dwellings.
Where to Stay in Rhodes
The Esperia Hotel offers affordable luxury right in the heart of Rhodes Town. For just 40 euros per night, guests enjoy private furnished balconies and complimentary breakfast, all within walking distance of Rhodes’ most famous attractions.
A little outside Rhodes Town is the Belair Beach Hotel, which provides a relaxing beachfront experience, while still allowing easy access to the attractions of the city nearby. Rooms start at 75 euros per night.
For those looking for a more removed, all-inclusive location, the Mitsis Rodos Maris Resort and Spacould be just the place. Situated on a private beach on the southern part of the island, this resort offers four restaurants, six bars/lounges, and a full-service spa. Rooms start at 132 euros per night.
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