10 must-see places in Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece and thousands of visitors from all over the world visit it to admire its deep history, its medieval architecture, its crystal beaches, and to experience its intense rhythm. If you visit it, it is certain that it will captivate you in the age of knights and will give you magical moments in unique places that are worth visiting.
Medieval town or old town
The medieval city of Rhodes has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and developed around the fortress-citadel of Rhodes probably after the earthquake of 515. It is one of the most beautiful and historic spots on the island and takes you back to another era. It is considered one of the oldest active medieval cities and a meeting point for many cultures.
Palace of the Grand Master
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights or Kastelo is located on the northwest side of the medieval city of Rhodes at the highest point of the castle and is perhaps the most important monument of the period of the knights. Built on the site of the lower Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes, in the original location of the temple of the Sun God, the palace was created in the 14th century by the knights of Saint John, in order to be the personal residence of the Grand Master. It is one of the largest and most well-preserved castles in Europe.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the medieval building of the Hospital of the Knights, which stands out for its Gothic style with Renaissance elements. It is a building begun to be built on the ruins of a Roman building in 1440 by Grand Master De and completed fifty years later by Grand Master Pierre d’Aubison. The museum’s collections house finds from excavations from the Italian occupation and more recent excavations in Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese from the Mycenaean, Classical and Hellenistic periods.
Medieval walls
There are 11 gates in the Old Town of Rhodes. 3 of them are 20th-century constructions. One of them, that of Agios Georgios, was turned into a bastion in 1480. The most important of these are: the D’Amboise Gate the great gate just below the Grand Master’s Palace, the Thalassini Gate the main entrance to the city from the port, the Agios Ioannis Gate also known as “Koskinou” or “Porta Kokkini” and the Gate of Agios Athanasios also known as the gate of Agios Francis from the church of the same name that the Italians built next to the Gate.
Mandraki
Mandraki is the port located in front of the medieval city of Rhodes and was probably the central port of the island in ancient times. The name Mandraki comes from the Greek name mandra which means closed walled port. The Order of the Knights of Agios Ioannis used it to moor in its fleet, while today it is a beautiful spot to enjoy on the island. There you will see the characteristic three mills and cylindrical columns, landmarks of Rhodes, Elafos and Elafina, where one of the 7 wonders of the world, the famous Colossus of Rhodes, once ruled.
Lindos
Lindos is a traditional settlement on the island of Rhodes. It has a rich history, as it was one of the three ancient cities of the island and the one with the richest maritime tradition. It is the birthplace of Cleobolus, one of the seven sages of antiquity, and Charis, the sculptor of the famous Colossus. This coastal settlement is washed by the southern Aegean and is about 55 km from the city of Rhodes. The picturesque narrow streets, the beautiful beaches, the excellent view of the sea, but above all the citadel of Lindos, which dominates the settlement, have made Lindos a popular tourist destination.
Monte Smith Hill
Monte Smith Hill towers over Rhodes Town at a distance of 3 km. The Hill used to be called the Hill of Agios Stefanos and the Upper Acropolis of ancient Rhodes was located on the spot. The name of the hill is due to the English Admiral Cindy Smith, who had set up his observatory here in 1802 in order to monitor the movements of Napoleon’s fleet at sea during his war with the Turks. If you are a hiking and nature lover, this hill is an amazing experience among the ruins of the ancient acropolis of Rhodes.
Valley of butterflies
The Butterfly Valley is one of the most famous places to visit in Rhodes. It is located near the village of Theologos, about 10 kilometers from the airport, and is a popular natural attraction of Greece. This is a rare habitat that hosts the Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly, a very rare species that can be found in very few places around the world. This particular species of the butterfly makes its appearance in this unique natural park during the period from mid-June to the end of September. A beautiful place is full of trees, paths, ponds, and waterfalls that will enchant you from the first moment.
Springs of Kallithea
The Springs of Kallithea belong to the Municipality of Rhodes and are located 9 km from the city center. Here you will see a unique combination of architecture, natural beauty and history. The beneficial properties of the springs have been known since ancient times, and to this day the water gushing from the rocks continues to attract hundreds of visitors who want to relax in this unique place. The building stands out for its magnificence, its mosaics and the Rotunda Hall with its 14-meter-high dome and elaborate decoration.
Italian village of Rhodes
The Italian “ghost” village that is located in Rhodes and now has no life goes by the name of Campocario or more often you will hear it called Eleusa. It was created by Governor Mario Lago in 1935 modeled after the forest villages in the Italian Alps. Over the years the village was abandoned and the buildings were left to their fate. However, this does not make the amazing Italian buildings lose some of their magic. The largest of the buildings is the one in the central square with its arches and curved small balconies, which once functioned as a market.
Lindos
Lindos is a traditional settlement on the island of Rhodes. It has a rich history, as it was one of the three ancient cities of the island and the one with the richest maritime tradition. It is the birthplace of Cleobolus, one of the seven sages of antiquity, and Charis, the sculptor of the famous Colossus. This coastal settlement is washed by the southern Aegean and is about 55 km from the city of Rhodes. The picturesque narrow streets, the beautiful beaches, the excellent view of the sea, but above all the citadel of Lindos, which dominates the settlement, have made Lindos a popular tourist destination.
Monte Smith Hill
Monte Smith Hill towers over Rhodes Town at a distance of 3 km. The Hill used to be called the Hill of Agios Stefanos and the Upper Acropolis of ancient Rhodes was located on the spot. The name of the hill is due to the English Admiral Cindy Smith, who had set up his observatory here in 1802 in order to monitor the movements of Napoleon’s fleet at sea during his war with the Turks. If you are a hiking and nature lover, this hill is an amazing experience among the ruins of the ancient acropolis of Rhodes.
Valley of butterflies
The Butterfly Valley is one of the most famous places to visit in Rhodes. It is located near the village of Theologos, about 10 kilometers from the airport, and is a popular natural attraction of Greece. This is a rare habitat that hosts the Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly, a very rare species that can be found in very few places around the world. This particular species of butterfly makes its appearance in this unique natural park during the period from mid-June to the end of September. A beautiful place full of trees, paths, ponds and waterfalls that will enchant you from the first moment.
Springs of Kallithea
The Springs of Kallithea belong to the Municipality of Rhodes and are located 9 km from the city center. Here you will see a unique combination of architecture, natural beauty and history. The beneficial properties of the springs have been known since ancient times, and to this day the water gushing from the rocks continues to attract hundreds of visitors who want to relax in this unique place. The building stands out for its magnificence, its mosaics and the Rotunda Hall with its 14-meter-high dome and elaborate decoration.
Italian village of Rhodes
The Italian “ghost” village that is located in Rhodes and now has no life goes by the name of Campocario or more often you will hear it called Eleusa. It was created by Governor Mario Lago in 1935 modeled after the forest villages in the Italian Alps. Over the years the village was abandoned and the buildings were left to their fate. However, this does not make the amazing Italian buildings lose some of their magic. The largest of the buildings is the one in the central square with its arches and curved small balconies, which once functioned as a market.