Welcome to Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands of Greece and is their historical capital; it is the ninth largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It is an island which is ideal not only for those who want to relax but also for those looking for an action-packed holiday. With its bright green hills, beautiful valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches, Rhodes is truly a blessed place. Add in the excellent facilities for tourism, the island’s special blend of cosmopolitan and traditional, and numerous cultural and archaeological sites and you’ve got the perfect holiday destination. Thanks to its strategic position, Rhodes has been important since ancient times. The ancient city of Rhodes, the construction of which began in 407 BC, was designed according to the city planning system, devised by the greatest city planner of antiquity, Hippodamus of Miletus. Rhodes, soon developed into one of the most important seafaring and trading centers in the Eastern Mediterranean. When it became a province of the Roman, and later the Byzantine Empire, it initially lost its ancient glory. But in 1309 the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem conquered Rhodes. They built strong fortifications to protect the island, turning it into an important administrative center and a thriving multinational medieval city. In 1523 Rhodes was conquered by the Ottoman Turks, and the Greeks had to settle outside the city walls. During the Ottoman occupation, new buildings were erected within the Old Town, mainly mosques and baths. In 1912 Rhodes and the rest of the Dodecanese, were seized by the Italians. The new rulers embellished the city with magnificent buildings, wide roads and squares. The Palace of the Grand Master was rebuilt and the Street of the Knights was reconstructed in order to regain its medieval purity. It was not until 1948 that Rhodes officially became part of Greece. In 1988 the Medieval City of Rhodes was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
At the same time cosmopolitan and traditional, timeless and modern, simple and spectacular – Rhodes is an island in Greece that has so many faces and you’ll discover them all. The medieval Old Town, port of Mandraki, Acropolis of Lindos, ancient cities of Kamiros and Ialysos, Valley of the Butterflies… Rhodes has so many highlights, that one visit is never enough. The landscape of this Dodecanese island has so much eye-catching beauty that it’s no wonder Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece. This is where vast sandy beaches, clear waters, castles and ancient civilisations effortlessly mix with gourmet restaurants and traditional tavernas serving local delicacies. Rhodes is a beautiful mosaic of experiences: the island of knights and the mythical Colossus of Rhodes, where Byzantines, Greeks, Venetians and Turks all left something to remember them by. Alongside luxury resorts are villages where women still bake bread in an outdoor wood-fired oven.
The Old Town of Rhodes is considered one of the most beautiful in all of Greece, smelling of leather, spices and coffee – of the Orient. Even the architecture reminds places of the bazaars of the Far East. The domes of the mosques and the slender minarets, bear witness to Turkish rule. The magnificent buildings of the knights, such as the mighty Grand Master’s Palace, are even more impressive. An unbelievable variety of shops, tavernas and cafes have established themselves there, with holidaymakers from all over the world, bringing life to the old streets. The most beautiful view over the city and the Mandraki harbor is offered by a walk on the old city wall. There is a picturesque labyrinth of alleys, lined with beautiful inner courtyards, mosques next to chapels from the Byzantine era, as well as Turkish fountains and ruins of Gothic churches. One of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world, the Old Town of Rhodes has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Protected inside its imposing walls – a boundary between past and present – is the island’s coat of arms. Every stone tells a story. Ancient statues, marble crests, fountains, mosques and hammams, the Clock Tower with its breathtaking view of the Aegean… a rich heritage left behind by past civilisations.
The Archeological Museum of Rhodes
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is housed in the medieval building which served as the Hospital of the Knights of St. John. The structure’s construction, begun in 1440, by Grand Master de Lastic, with money which were bequeathed by his predecessor, Fluvian, and was completed in 1489 by Grand Master d’Aubusson. The museum is a two-storey building, with a central courtyard, all four sides of which are lined with porticoes. Interesting finds, dating from all periods of the island’s history, discovered during archaeological excavations, are exhibited in the Garden and in the twenty rooms of the upper floor. In the garden the visitor can see sculptures and funerary steles, as well as the mosaic floors of the Hellenistic period and under the atrium, one can see the mosaic floor of the early Christian period from Karpathos. Various statues and fragments of funerary monuments are also on exhibit in the Museum atrium. The Museum houses the following collections:
Funerary slabs from the period of the Knights with relief representations of the deceased or of their coats of arms
Tomb groups from ancient Ialysos of the Geometric and Classical periods: vases, figurines, jewellery, metal objects
Tomb groups from ancient Kamiros of the Geometric and Classical periods: vases, small objects, figurines
A collection of Classical, Hellenistic and Roman sculptures
Ialyssos Archeological Site
The district of Ialysos, encompassing the northern part of the island, was inhabited in the prehistoric period. Remains of a Minoan settlement have been found in Trianda and Mycenaean cemeteries have been located on the surrounding hills of Makria Vounara and Moschou Vounara (1700-1400 BC). The ancient city of Ialysos extended around the hill of Philerimos, which was the ancient acropolis where remains of buildings from the Archaic, Byzantine and Knights’ periods, still stand. The temple of Athena Polias, which dates to the 3rd-2nd c. BC, was built over the site of an earlier Classical temple, judging from the evidence of a 5th c. BC floor and terra-cotta antefixes found there. The depository on the west side produced pottery and votive offerings dating from the 9th to the 5th c. BC. In addition to the cult of Athena Polias, there are also references to a cult of Zeus Polias. In the Early Christian period (5th-6th c. AD) a three-aisled basilica with an atrium was built over the remains of the ancient temple, in the north aisle of which, a single-aisle church with a cupola was constructed in the 10th c. At the time of the Franks, this site was occupied by a medieval monastery and church. The more important buildings of the archaeological site include:
The Temple of Athena Polias, thus is a Doric amphiprostyle, tetrastyle or hexastyle temple (that is, with a portico of four or six columns at either end) with a pronaos, cella and opisthodomos. In the cella stands the base of the cult statue. Small column drums and walls inside the cella may have belonged to an interior colonnade (3rd-2nd c. BC). Cuttings on the west side of the rock would have been used as depositories for votive offerings or cult purposes.
Doric fountain-house, two tunnels brought water from the top of the hill to a cistern cut into the rock and closed by a poros isodomic wall in the form of a Greek pi (Π). Lion-head spouts discharged the water from the closed cistern into an open tank, which was enclosed by six pillars with stone panels between them, and from there to a portico of six Doric columns which formed the facade of the fountain-house (4th c. BC). A sacred law with proscriptions for the protection of the fountain-house was carved on one of the pillars.
Church of the Knights, period from the 14th c. with a vaulted roof and two hexagonal chapels.
Baptistery of a three-aisled Early Christian basilica, built over the ruins of the temple of Athena.
Byzantine fortifications, these are on the east side of the hill and constructed with material taken from the ancient temple of Athena. Visible are parts of the repairs, made by the Knights.
Lindos Archeological Site
The archaeological site includes: Theatre: Located on the southwest side of the hill, below the Temple of Athena, the circular orchestra and the auditorium for the spectators were hollowed out of the side of the hill. The proedries, officials’ honorary seats around the orchestra, still stand proud. The auditorium has19 rows of seats below the diazoma and 7 above it. The first three rows were also intended for officials and the low walls at on their sides, separated them from the auditorium staircases. Only five of the nine cunei have survived. The theatre held 1.800 spectators.
Four-portico building: There are remains of a four-sided building in the extension of the skene of the Theatre. On the inside columns, on all four sides, supported a pitched roof and surrounded an open-air courtyard. The entrance on the northwest side had a porch (row of columns), which carried an architrave. The building held 1.500-1.700 spectators and was intended for religious ceremonies. At a later period the place was occupied successively by three Christian churches.
Boukopion: At Vigli, northeast of the Acropolis, was the Boukopion, a sacrificial place, as the name implies. 38 inscriptions on the rocks around, identify the site. A naiskos built of small field stones with a temple, pronaos and kind of vestibule, contained the votive offerings (clay and bronze figurines chiefly of oxen) to a deity, at present unidentified (10th-9thc. BC).
The ancient Lindos cemeteries where spread over the surrounding district, with the most two important, funerary monuments being:
“The Tomb of Kleoboulos”: This has no connection with the tyrant of Lindos, but was the tomb of a wealthy family. It is a circular structure with carefully built masonry and a vaulted roof. The doorway has a cornice, decorated with palmettes. On the inside, a bed, hewn out of the rock, was a kind of sarcophagus and had a cover, which has not survived (2nd-1stc. BC). Traces of wall-painting and the name “Ayios Aimilianos” testify to its conversion into a Christian church, at a later period.
The Archokrateion: In the locality of Kampana at Krana, on the west hill of the Acropolis, there is a rock-cut tomb. The exterior facade has two stories; half-columns on the ground floor, supporting an architrave with metopes and triglyphs, and on the upper floor pillars alternate with blind openings. On the first floor façade, funerary altars were erected with the names of the dead inscribed on their bases. On the inside, a passage led to a place for burial rituals. A total of 19 graves are cut into this chamber walls. On the sides of the hall, pillars alternate with plaster panels. Its modern name of “Frangokklesia” suggests that it was used as a church during the Knights’ period.
The Valley of the Butterflies
(Museum of Natural History – Holy Monastery Kalopetra)
Taking the western road (provincial road Rhodes – Kamiros) and shortly beyond the village Paradisi, turning left towards Psinthos and before arriving the village, there lays the Butterfly Valley. The route begins at the northern entrance of the Valley, where the Museum of Natural History is located, at an altitude of 150 meters. The path length is 1300 meters and ends at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kalopetra at an altitude of 470 meters. The trail is organized by bridges and wooden rails and has an entry fee which includes a visit at the Museum. It is a comfortable and pleasant walk along the verdant valley, with the small waterfalls and ponds. The Valley of the Butterflies, another of the island’s landmarks, is the only natural forest in Europe for a species called Ygramvari (Zitia).
The “Zitia” tree, hosts millions of butterflies, which peacefully assemble on the shadowy wet paths it creates with the brook, occasionally transforming to lakes and small waterfalls.
During August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia (species Quadripunctaria Poda) swarm into the butterfly valley in order to reproduce. During the rainy period, the butterflies, still in the caterpillar stage, remain in the Mediterranean thicket (arbutus, myrtle and rush) feeding on the foliage. As the end of the wet season approaches, towards the end of May, the final stage is concluded and the butterfly in all her perfection, makes her appearance in the recognizable to us all, form. They move constantly towards areas with high humidity, always following the “water ways”, and as the dry period progresses, they finally arrive at the valley.
Panagia Tsambika Holy Monastery
Following the eastern road (national Rhodes – Lindos road), before reaching Archangelos village, and the point where a sign indicating to the left, towards “Panagia Tsambika”, begins a paved road with many turns, of about 1200 meters, which ends in a square.
There, from the tip of the steep slope, starts a winding path, consisting of 297 steps. Passing through a magnificent forest of cypress mixed with a few pine trees, germinating on the rocky ground, you reach the top where the church of “Panagia Tsambika” or “Psili” is standing, at an altitude of 320 meters.
The panoramic view of the surrounding area, along with the monastery’s atmosphere, will compensate the visitor, the short in length but quite steep climb. The descent is along the same route.
It is not known when the old monastery was founded, however we know that it was reconstructed in 1770 by a monk. Some sources mention that the altar to the goddess Artemis, would stand on the same site, during the ancient times, at which, sacrifices of animals used to take place. This monastery was built according to the Dodecanesian architecture, with hollow roof tiles. The temple’s floor, as well as and the yard, are covered with pebbles and shells. Some icons date back to the 19th century, while the iconostasis is even older.
The name of the monastery comes from the word tsamba, which means spark in the local dialect. In fact, tradition says that a local shepherd found an icon of Virgin Mary on top of the cliff, where the old monastery was later built, following a vigil light.
Legend has it that women facing difficulties in conceiving, should climb the hill barefooted to pray to the Virgin for fertility and at most of the times, faith is compensated and wishes are fulfilled.
The icon of Panagia Tsambika is considered miraculous, particularly for the childless women, which is why many women offer child dolls to the icon of the Panagia.
This monastery is considered as the protector of the island and in fact, many locals are named Tsambikos for men and Tsambika for women.
Archaeological Site of the Medieval Moat and Walls
Ιn the late 7th century AD, the ancient city of Rhodes shrank, due to the Arab Raids. The medieval town was gradually fortified, taking its present form with the moat, in the 16th century AD.
The total length of the medieval moat is 2300 meters and at several points the width reaches 70 meters. It is a pleasant walk under bridges, medieval towers and bastions, at the center of the town and away from the city hustle. It is a living monument literally, full of monuments and history. Admission is free to the public daily, 24 hours a day, all year round.
The entry-exit points are: From the Kanonia Gate after Ag. Antoniou Gate, from the port of Mandraki (behind the main taxi rank) and the Gate Akantias
The route of the medieval city walls, is 1100 meters long. Starts at the Kanonia Gate and ends at St. John’s Gate or Gate Koskinou, offering panoramic view of the medieval city of Rhodes.
It offers a view of the world heritage city, sacred and inspiring due to thousands of young people falling in the Rhode’s town sieges, painting the walls with their blood.
The entry fee and the timetable are set out by the Archaeological Service, depending on the needs of each period.
Aquarium
The building of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodos was built during the period 1934-36. In 1937, under the Italian rule, operated as the “Reale Istituto di Ricerce Biologiche di Rodi”, up until 1945, when, following the union of the Dodecanese with Greece, it was renamed “Hellenic Hydrobiological Institute” and operated under the supervision of the Academy of Athens. Today, the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes operates as a Museum and an Aquarium, as well as a research center, belonging to the National Center of Marine Research. The aim of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, is the preservation and display of embalmed and living creatures of the Mediterranean Sea. In the aquarium the visitors (200.000 per year) can admire specimens of anthozoa, molluscs (gasteropods & cephalopods), and species of the crab family, echinoderms, as well as fish of the following families: Dasyatidae, Mullidae, Sparidea, Centrachantidae, Labridae, Scaridae, Siganidae, Mugilidae, Scopaenidae, Triglidae, Balistidae, Monacanthidae and of course, sea turtles. At the Museum, are also displayed exhibits such as a variety of sharks and other fish, sea turtles, toothed whales, (Odontoceti) and Mediterranean monk seals. Thanks to the research facilities of the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes and the National Centre of Marine Research, the Station runs research programs, covering every aspect of oceanography in the area of the Dodecanese. It thus, functions as a model research unit in the Mediterranean.
Beaches
The biggest of the Dodecanese islands, Rhodes has been tempting visitors to its cultural highlights and golden shores for decades. And it isn’t hard to see why. Ask yourself what sort of beach style you would be tempted by? Cosmopolitan and worldly or laidback and wild? Either way, the beaches of Rhodes have you covered. Many are fully organised with sunbeds, water sports and every comfort, and others are more remote, letting you relax in total peace. And more than 20 have been awarded a Blue Flag for environmental cleanliness. So whether you’ve already booked your holidays to Rhodes and want to know the best beaches nearby, or you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for where to base yourself, let’s get you in a Greek summer mood and explore some of the best beaches in Rhodes.
-Lindos beach, A visit to Lindos beach invariably has to compete with time spent at the 4th-century BC Acropolis of Lindos standing sentinel above it and walking amongst the avalanche of whitewashed houses cascading magically down the hillside. But once you’re done with the formalities, don’t hesitate to head down and indulge yourself. The big bay below the Lindos Acropolis (with two beaches side by side, the larger one called Megali Paralia) has fluffy yellow sand and the clearest waters, ideal for families due to the shallow depth. You can rent a SUP or water bike and go Jacques Cousteau as the surrounding area lends itself to exploring missions. Otherwise, the facilities on and around the beach should be more than enough to keep you entertained till sunset cocktail time.
-St Paul’s Bay, Owing its name to the chapel above the beach, semi-enclosed Saint Paul’s Bay and its golden sand are picture-perfect. This well-protected cove sits below Lindos, with all of the accompanying facilities close to hand. So if you get restless, there’s a bunch of stuff to see (Lindos Acropolis, Saint Paul’s Chapel and Lindos itself). But you’ll be hard-pressed to leave this slice of heaven. The waters are shallow, calm and clear, making this prime snorkelling territory. Just note that it’s one of the most popular beaches in Rhodes, so arrive early if you want to find shade.
-Vlycha beach, Situated in a long, flat plain that descends smoothly into the sea, Vlycha beach is one of the best choices for families with young kids. It’s surrounded by a wide, arid cove and scattered trees, with hotels and shops lining the shore. Clean, blue waters give way to white, pebbly sand and its size allows you to easily find isolation to one side of the beach. Just next to it, you’ll find the equally scenic Kalathos beach and its 4km expanse of fun that includes water sports. Holidays in Rhodes don’t get any better.
-Anthony Quinn Bay, The beloved actor may be long gone, but his name lives on (on account of the 1960s movie The Guns of Navarone that was shot there) and this lagoon-like setting and stretch of pebbly sand is as mythical as its resumé. Anthony Quinn Bay is legendary in Rhodes for its magical waters that shine bright in the sunlight. It’s great for snorkelling and scuba diving and the beach itself is composed of fine sand and pebbles. This is arguably the best-known beach in Rhodes, especially as it’s just a short car ride away from lively Faliraki. Nearby Ladiko beach is also worth checking out.
-Agia Agathi beach, Nice and easy does it in Agia Agathi. This laid back stretch of sand is just right and a look at those shallow crystalline waters (ideal for families as it’s knee-deep for several meters) will be enough to make you want to stay all day. Situated inside a cove with yellow sand and easy vibes, it could well belong to a Cyclades island. This beach offers a couple of curiosities worth checking out. You can start with the 14th-century Agia Agathi chapel to the left and continue with a cave which, legend has it, is an old troglodyte house (really!). Meanwhile, standing guard above the beach is a medieval fortress.
-Tsampika beach, Long and blonde, Tsampika beach makes everyone go ‘A-ah’. Fluffy, fat yellow sand, clean emerald waters and enough space and amenities to keep you busy are what this beach is about. There are water sports and even a water park, and if you need to peel yourself away, the gorgeous chapel of Agia Tsampika sits atop the hilly cove. In addition, nearby Stegna beach and its extensive facilities are at hand. This is an all-dayer of a beach, with eateries and shops, ideal for everyone.
-Kallithea Springs, Found at the northwest of the island, Kallithea is one of the best-known parts of Rhodes, not least because of the iconic, domed building boasting fine mosaics, known as Kallithea Thermal Springs. The unique building complex, recently restored and renovated, was originally constructed in the late 1920s and includes the Rotonta Hall as well as a terrace and impressive patio. You can enjoy a drink or bite at the restaurants and cafes here and rejuvenate by bathing in the crystal-clear waters of Kallithea beach. The sunbeds on the rocky beachfront give the setting a unique atmosphere. Alternatively, you can explore the coastline just to the south (also known as Kallithea) and discover other golden-sanded beaches with names like Oasis, Red and Tasos. Memorable is an understatement.
-Elli beach, Elli is a superb option for those who make the obligatory visit to Rhodes Old Town, due to its close proximity (walking distance). It’s also next to the Saint Nicholas Fortress and the cute watermills of Mandraki, should you want to have a wander before heading to the beach. Elli is a fairly big beach, with stretches of sand and pebbles and some really clear water. (There’s even a diving board a 100m or so into the water.) With water sports and heaps of amenities, it’s a beach with a great all-around feel.
Getting to Rhodes
By Sea
Rhodes has 3 operational, all of them in Rhodes City, one in the west coast near Kamiros and one in the east coast near Lardos.
Central Port: located in the city of Rhodes, which serves exclusively international traffic, consisting of scheduled services to/from Turkey, cruise ships and yachts. Since the summer of 2012, the port is also a homeport for Costa Cruises during the summer period
Mandraki Port: the oldest port of the island, in the center of Rhodes city. Many cruise boats begin their daily trips to the island of Symi or to the southern east coast until Lindos
Akandia Port: the new port of the island, south and next to the central port, being built since the 1960s, for domestic, cargo and general purpose traffic. Since 2017 summer a passenger terminal is finally in use hosting a cafe and waiting lounges
By Air
Rhodes has three airports, but only one is public. Diagoras Airport, one of the biggest in Greece, is the main entrance/exit point for both locals and tourists. The island is well connected with other major Greek cities and islands as well as with major European capitals and cities via charter flights.
Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras”: public airport, 14 km (9 mi) southwest of the City, third in international passenger volume and fourth in total passenger volume in Greece.
Sources: https://rhodeswelcome.gr/ https://www.discovergreece.com/
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