Rodes

Late spring (May and June) and early autumn (September and October) are the best times. The sea is warm, the days are sunny and the sights are less crowded. July and August are hot, dry and busy, and the strong meltemi wind blows often. Winter is mild but rainy, and many resort businesses close.

Easter is the main festival time. The Greek Orthodox Easter falls in April or May and brings processions and midnight church services in towns and villages.

• The Old Town of Rhodes is the medieval walled city and the main reason to visit. The walls date from the time of the Knights of St John. Walk the lanes, squares and gates, and leave time to get lost.
• The Street of the Knights is the best-known street inside the walls. It is lined with old stone inns where the Knights lived. It leads up to the castle-like palace.
• Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes was the seat of the Knights' leader and is one of the largest buildings in the Old Town. The rooms hold mosaics and furniture, and the courtyards are easy to explore.
• Archaeological Museum is in a 15th-century hospital of the Knights. It holds finds from ancient Rhodes and the nearby islands.
• Windmills of Mandraki stand on the harbour mole at Mandraki. Two deer statues mark the harbour entrance.
• The Acropolis of Rhodes (Monte Smith) is a hilltop park above Rhodes Town with the remains of an ancient stadium and a temple. It has wide views and is a good place for sunset.
• Lindos Acropolis sits on a cliff above the sea and the village of Lindos. Climb up through the village to see an ancient temple and the Knights' castle. The bay below is also very scenic.
• Ancient Kamiros is the ruin of an ancient Doric city on the west coast. You can see streets, houses and a water system on a hillside above the sea.
• Filerimos is a monastery and ancient hill site above the west coast near Rhodes Town. It has gardens and views over the island.
• Castle of Monolithos is a ruined castle on a high rock above the sea on the west coast. It is best at sunset.
• Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies) is a shaded valley known for its moths, which gather in summer. Stay on the paths and be quiet, because noise and disturbance reduce the number of moths.

• Windsurf or kitesurf at Prasonisi: At the southern tip, the sea meets the strong wind on both sides of a narrow sandbar. Conditions suit surfers. The sandbar can disappear in some conditions, so take care. The Prasonisi Lighthouse marks the end of the island.
• Swim in a sheltered bay: St. Paul's Beach near Lindos is a small calm cove. Tsampika on the east coast is a long sandy beach below a hilltop monastery.
• Walk to the springs: A short forest walk leads to Epta Piges (7 Springs), a shaded spot with spring water and pine trees.
• Visit the old spa at Kallithea: Kallithea Springs is an old spa site by the sea with a swimming area.
• Walk Lindos village: The cobbled lanes of Lindos are closed to cars and lead up to the acropolis. Tour buses fill the village in the morning, so go early or later in the day.

Rhodes is a good base for short boat trips to nearby islands. Boats run mainly in the tourist season, so check the schedule before you plan.

• Symi: A small island about 24 km north of Rhodes, known for its harbour lined with colorful neoclassical houses. It is a popular day trip by boat from Rhodes Town.
• Chalki: A quiet small island off the west coast of Rhodes. It suits travelers who want a calm day at the beach and a village harbour.
• Kos: A larger island to the north with beaches, ruins and a castle. It is better for an overnight stay than a day trip.

Rhodes is part of the South Aegean region and is easy to combine with other Greek islands.

• For the wider region, see South Aegean.
• Heading north in the Dodecanese: Kos.
• Other major island groups and islands: Cyclades and Crete.

• By air: Diagoras Airport (RHO) is about 14 km southwest of Rhodes Town. Flights from Athens take about one hour. In summer there are many seasonal and charter flights from other European cities. Buses and taxis connect the airport to Rhodes Town and the resort areas.
• By sea: Ferries connect Rhodes with Piraeus, the port of Athens, on an overnight crossing. Other ferries and boats link Rhodes with Kos, Symi and other Dodecanese islands. Most boats leave from the harbours of Rhodes Town.
• By train: There are no trains on the island.

• Buses: A city bus network and long-distance buses connect Rhodes Town with Lindos, the airport and many villages. Services are less frequent in the evening and in winter, so check times locally.
• Rental car or scooter: This is the easiest way to reach beaches, castles and villages outside the resort areas, especially on the west and south coasts.
• Taxis: Taxis are useful for the airport and for short trips. Agree the price first for long distances.
• On foot: The Old Town and Mandraki harbour are walkable. Distances between towns on the island are too long for walking or practical cycling.

• Is a car worth it?: Yes, if you want to see beaches, villages and castles outside Rhodes Town. For a stay in Rhodes Town only, you do not need one.
• Parking: Cars are mostly kept out of the Old Town. Park outside the walls and walk in. Parking is harder in summer at Lindos and popular beaches.
• Roads: Mountain and village roads are narrow and winding. Allow more time than the distance suggests.

Look for local dishes such as pitaroudia, chickpea fritters, and fresh fish at harbour tavernas. Rhodes also makes its own wine, mostly from the white Athiri grape, and a strong local spirit called souma.

For where to eat, try the lanes and squares inside the Old Town walls, or the harbour area around Mandraki. For more local food, go to village tavernas inland, such as in the wine village of Embonas. Menus in the main resort areas are often aimed at tourists, so a short walk away usually gives better value.

Rhodes is a safe destination. Petty theft can happen in crowded places and at busy beaches, so watch your bag.

• Sun and heat: Summer is very hot. Use sun protection and drink plenty of water. Many visitors prefer bottled water for drinking.
• Wind and sea: The meltemi wind can make west-coast beaches rough in summer. Check flags and conditions before you swim.
• Wildfires: Fires can start in dry summer weather. In July 2023 a large fire forced thousands of people to leave the south-east of the island. Follow local advice and the 112 alert system if a fire starts near you.
• Old Town streets: The stones are uneven and slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.

In ancient times Rhodes had three city-states: Lindos, Ialysos and Kamiros. Today you can visit the ruins of Ancient Kamiros and the old temple site of Lindos Acropolis. The city of Rhodes was founded later and became rich from sea trade. The giant bronze statue called the Colossus was built here and fell in an earthquake. Its exact site is not known.

In 1309 the Knights of St John took the island and built the walls, the hospital and Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. They held Rhodes until 1522, when the Ottomans took it. The Ottomans ruled until 1912. Italy then ruled the island until 1947, when it joined Greece. You can still see all of these layers in the Old Town, including the mosque and the Jewish quarter.

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