Top 30 attractions in Rhodes, Greece

The Greek island of Rhodes has been a popular beach resort since the early 20th century. A sufficient number of first-class hotels, equipped beaches and comfortable infrastructure have always attracted large flows of tourists. Today, Rhodes with dignity holds the mark of one of the most visited Mediterranean islands.

However, Rhodes can offer not only a beach holiday. Its history goes back thousands of years. Monuments of Antiquity and the Middle Ages of the period of the Ottoman Empire and Italian rule are perfectly preserved here. Among the picturesque valleys of the island, charming Greek towns are scattered, as if frozen in time under the gentle Mediterranean sun. In colorful taverns, you can fully enjoy the local cuisine, which uses the best and only fresh products.

What to see on the island of Rhodes?

The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.

Rhodes fortress

The fortress of Rhodes was built in the 13th century by the knights of the monastic order of St. John, better known as the Order of the Hospitallers. The walls of the building grew on the site of the ancient acropolis. In the 15th century, the castle was considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in the Christian world. The ring of stone walls was over 4 km long. Inside is the Palace of the Grand Masters, built on the site of the Temple of Helios. Only the walls of this castle have survived to this day.

Medieval city of Rhodes

Inside the walls of the Rhodes fortress lie the medieval quarters of Rhodes, erected during the reign of the Order of St. John on the foundations of the buildings of the Antique era. There are 10 gates leading to the territory of the old city, located along the perimeter of the fortress wall. The streets of the medieval city are lined with cobblestones, knights once lived in the powerful walls of the preserved buildings, a hospital and administrative offices were located.

Street of the Knights

The street of the knights is located on the territory of the Medieval city of Rhodes. It starts at the gates of the Palace of the Grand Masters. Mainly, on this street there are houses of "languages" - national groups of knights who arrived in Rhodes from different countries. For example, there was once the House of the French Knights and the House of Spain. In the Middle Ages, the Order's stables were also located on the Street of the Knights.

City of Lindos

Lindos is one of the most ancient cities of the island; it was founded in the 10th century BC. The local ancient Acropolis is second in importance only to the Athenian. The local temple of Athena Lindia was once visited by Alexander of Macendon, and in the 1st century AD. e. Apostle Paul visited here. All city buildings are painted white. Ancient houses are many hundreds of years old, but according to the law, new buildings cannot be erected in the city in order to preserve its historical appearance.

Port of Mandraki

The ancient harbor, which was the main port of Rhodes for 2.5 thousand years. At the entrance to the port there are two stone columns, on which in the III century AD. e. a giant 36-meter statue of the Colossus of Rhodes was based (now there are figures of deer). On the stone breakwater there are three medieval mills, preserved from knightly times, and the fortress of St. Nicholas.

Fort Saint Nicholas

In the past, the fort was part of the defensive system of Rhodes. It is located on the edge of a stone pier - a breakwater built in the era of Antiquity. First, in the 15th century, the central tower of the fortress was erected, called the "Mill Tower". A few years after the Turkish siege in 1480, the structure was surrounded by a moat and walled. Today, a lighthouse is located on the territory of Fort St. Nicholas.

Acropolis of Lindos

The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most important architectural monuments in Greece. It is located on a rock overlooking the sea. The first pagan temples appeared here as early as the 5th-4th centuries. BC. The main sanctuary of the Acropolis is a temple in honor of Athena Linda, who was considered the patroness of the island. Many buildings are quite well preserved to this day, so tourists can see not only the ruins.

Acropolis of Rhodes

The acropolis is located on the hill of St. Stephen, where Monte Smith Park is located today. It consists of a stadium, an amphitheater and the remains of the temple of the Pythian Apollo. According to excavations, the first buildings appeared here in the III-II centuries. BC e. In the era of Antiquity, sanctuaries of the gods, public institutions, and theaters were located on the territory of the Rhodes Acropolis. The main artifacts were discovered as a result of excavations in 1912-1945.

Rhodes Stadium

The stadium is located on the territory of the Acropolis of Rhodes. It was erected in the II century BC. Sports competitions were held here dedicated to the sun god Helios, who, along with Athena, was considered the patron saint of the island. It should be noted that the Rhodes athletes were among the strongest in ancient Greece. They constantly won prizes in competitions and earned numerous awards.

Ancient Kamiros

An ancient city in the north-west of the island, one of the most powerful cities of Rhodes, which flourished in the 5th century BC. Kamiros maintained economic ties with Asia Minor and mainland Greek city-states, actively developed agriculture and minted his own coin. In the III century AD. a devastating earthquake occurred in Rhodes, as a result of which the inhabitants left Kamiros, and the city fell into decay.

Mount Filerimos

The hill on which one of the best viewing platforms of Rhodes is located. From here you can see the ancient city of Ialyssos and the resort of Ixia. Also on the top and slopes of Filerimos there are the ruins of the ancient Greek temples of Athena and Zeus and the picturesque Christian cathedrals of the XV-XVIII centuries. In the 16th century, a monastery of the Virgin Mary was built on the mountain, where they placed a miraculous icon created by the Apostle Luke. At the entrance to the mountain rises an 18-meter concrete cross.

Monastery Tsambika

The exact date of construction of the monastery is unknown. Since the 15th century, the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary has been kept here. It is believed that she helps childless couples conceive a child, so the flow of pilgrims to this place never dries up. Tsambika Monastery is divided into lower and upper. On the territory of the lower monastery there is a temple with an icon, an Orthodox museum, a cafe and a souvenir shop. The upper part of the monastery is located on top of a hill, offering a magnificent view of the beaches of Tsambika.

Church of Our Lady of Lindos

The temple was built in the XIII century, it is located in the center of the ancient city of Lindos. Over the following centuries, the church was reconstructed more than once, one of the large-scale restorations was carried out under Pierre de Aubusson, Grand Master of the Order of St. John. The interior of the temple was renovated in the 20th century during the rule of the Italians in Rhodes. The church has a very picturesque snow-white facade, which contrasts sharply with the bright red tiled roof.

Synagogue Kahal Shalom

The Jews settled in Rhodes more than 2.3 thousand years ago, but the first synagogues began to appear already in the Middle Ages. Kahal Shalom is considered the oldest synagogue in Greece; it was built at the end of the 16th century and worked until the 30s. XX century, before the advent of the fascist dictatorship. The Jews were expelled from the island, and the synagogue was abandoned. Today, the synagogue has opened its doors again, but only during the high tourist season, when a sufficient number of tourists come to the island.

Church of St. Nektarios in Faliraki

Saint Nectarios is a fairly revered figure in the Greek Orthodox Church, despite the fact that he was canonized relatively recently. It is believed that it helps the sick to heal from ailments. A small temple in his honor was built at the expense of pilgrims. The church was built in the classical Byzantine style. The facade of the building is distinguished by an unusual terracotta shade and is decorated with graceful columns.

Saint Panteleimon Church in Xi'an

The temple is located in the center of the small village of Sian, which is 65 km away. from Rhodes, on the slope of Mount Akramitis. The temple was built in the XIV century from natural stone. Along the edges of the main facade are two symmetrical clock towers, the roof of the building is covered with red tiles. Church interiors are luxurious, the ceiling is decorated with magnificent frescoes and trimmed with gilding.

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

The museum funds exhibit an extensive collection of artifacts found during excavations on the island. Many exhibits are over several thousand years old. One of the most valuable items in the collection is the statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes, dated to the 1st century BC. The sculpture is made of Parian marble. Also in the museum there are statues of gods created in the VI-V centuries. BC.

Monolithos Castle

Castle of the XV century, built by the knights of the Order of St. John. Like most similar structures of that time, Monolithos was built for defensive purposes. The construction justified its purpose - in the entire history of its existence, the castle has never been taken by storm. Now the building is in a very neglected state, as over time it has undergone serious destruction.

Kritinia Castle

A 16th-century defensive structure built during the reign of the Hospitallers. The castle was built in the Venetian style. Due to its convenient location, a panoramic and very convenient view opens from the walls, which made it possible to observe enemy maneuvers. After the siege of 1480, the castle was badly damaged. The knights of the order decided to start restoring it later, but as a result of the defeat in the struggle for Rhodes, these plans were not destined to be realized.

Rodini Park

The park is located a few kilometers from the center of Rhodes. It is considered the oldest landscape park in the world and one of the main attractions of the island. It is not known exactly when Rodini was founded, but in Roman times the park was already a popular place for walking and relaxing. Parts of Roman aqueducts have been preserved on its territory, centuries-old cypresses and pines grow here, and there are also small lakes.

Kalithea Springs Baths

Thermal springs located in Kallithea - a resort village, which is located near the city of Rhodes. The complex of baths was erected in 1928 as part of the development of the tourist infrastructure on the island. The building of the baths was built according to the project of P. Lombardi, in our time it is considered a valuable architectural monument. The baths worked until 1967, after which they were closed for 40 years. The reopening took place in 2007.

Seven Sources

A natural attraction near the village of Kolymbia, located on the way from Rhodes to Lindos. Seven Sources is a network of small streams and springs that gush directly from the rock and form a lake with the purest drinking water. The area itself is quite picturesque, as it is located among a relic forest overgrown with pines, cypresses and plane trees. To get to the lake, you need to go through a small tunnel.

Butterfly Valley

The protected area, located about 27 km. from the city of Rhodes. Lush green vegetation grows in this area, waterfalls beat, numerous streams merge into small lakes. Even in the hottest weather here you can find the long-awaited coolness. In summer, thousands of colorful butterflies fly into the valley, due to which the entire landscape is covered with a bright colorful carpet. The place is considered unique not only in Greece, but throughout Europe.

Ostrich farm in Rhodes

More than 120 ostriches live on the farm, as well as deer, camels, birds, donkeys and goats. For the entertainment of visitors, rides on huge birds are organized. As in all such places, the farm has a shop where customers are offered products from various parts of the ostrich. The local restaurant serves meat of this bird and scrambled eggs from huge eggs for lunch. The farm is located near the village of Petaloudes.

Agati beach

A picturesque piece of coastline with golden sand and clear blue sea. The beach is located near the village of Haraki. Agati is popular with tourists with children due to its rather gentle descent into the sea. The beach has a developed tourist infrastructure with taverns, sun lounger rentals and other services. "Agia agati" in translation means "holy purity."

Tsambika beach

A beach located at the foot of Mount Tsambika, the surroundings of which are considered the most beautiful places in Rhodes. The beach has a fairly long sandy strip, it is distinguished by increased purity and transparency of the sea. Numerous cafes, sports centers and entertainment are at the service of tourists. Quite a popular pastime is quad biking around the beach.

Cape Prasonisi

The cape is located in the southernmost part of the island, it is connected to Rhodes by a narrow sandy isthmus. In winter, the waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas flood this passage, and in the summer they recede, forming a magnificent sandy spit, which is used as a beach. Cape Prasonisi is a popular spot for kitesurfers and windsurfers.

Bay of Agios Pavlos

The bay of Agios Pavlos is located near the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. It is believed that in the 1st century AD. Here the apostle Paul landed. There is a beautiful sand and pebble beach, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. Natural ledges of the surrounding rocks serve as springboards for jumping into the water. In honor of St. Paul, a small snow-white church was erected on the territory of the bay.

Anthony Queen Bay

The bay is included in the list of the most picturesque places in Rhodes. It is named after the actor E. Queen, who was popular in the first half of the 20th century. In the 60s. the actor acquired a plot of land and settled on the territory of the bay. According to another version, it is believed that the authorities of Rhodes were so pleased with the presence of the star that they granted him land for perpetual use in exchange for the creation of a cinema center on the island. But Quinn did nothing and was forced to leave.

Water park in Faliraki

A popular amusement park located on the territory of the resort town of the same name. The water park has areas for children of all ages, so even the smallest visitors are safe. Near the complex there is a beach, many shops, restaurants, souvenir shops. In the high season, there is always a large influx of tourists in the water park, which is why queues form at the slides.