Rhodes, like many other Mediterranean islands, has a long and interesting history. People have lived here since ancient times, and in the 5th century BC, the first ancient cities appeared here - Ialyssos, Lindos and Kamiros. The best preserved ancient heritage is in Lindos, where the second largest acropolis in all of Greece is located (it is second only to the Athenian acropolis), but in other places also remains of the ancient period were found (mainly, these are the foundations of temples with several surviving columns), which are open to tourists. On the site of one of the ancient cities, the city of Rhodes arose, which today is the administrative center and the main city, a kind of capital of the island.
The city of Rhodes is, without exaggeration, a unique place where many cultures, historical eras have intertwined, adjacent to each other and creating a special flavor. Judge for yourself, because Rhodes has repeatedly passed from hand to hand since antiquity because of its favorable geostrategic position: first it became part of the Roman Empire, then became part of the Byzantine Empire, after which at the beginning of the 15th century it passed into the hands of the Knights of the Johannites or Hospitallers. who, after being driven out by the Turks, moved to Malta and became known as the Knights of Malta. Ottoman rule in Rhodes lasted until the beginning of the twentieth century, until the time when the Italians conquered the island. And only at the end of the 40s of the last century, Rhodes was returned to Greece.
All these eras have left an indelible mark on the culture and architecture of the island. Ruins of snow-white ancient temples remain here from the ancient era, Orthodox churches from the Byzantine era, fortresses and massive walls from the knightly Middle Ages, various mosques and oriental motifs in architecture from the Ottoman period.
One of the main attractions of the island - the Old City or the Rhodes Fortress, was erected by the knights - the Ioannites in the northernmost part of the island on the shore of a convenient bay. According to one of the versions, the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the world, stood at the place where the knights-johannites (hospitallers) built a fortress, which still makes an indelible impression.
The Old Town is a historical part of the city, a large fortress surrounded by powerful walls. These walls protect the fortress both from the sea side (one row) and from the city side (three rows). It is best to start your walk along the walls along the seashore, admire the yachts, ships, small boats from which the souvenir trade is conducted, but most importantly, admire the powerful and well-preserved fortress walls. By the way, this is the best preserved medieval fortress in all of Europe.
You can enter the old city through the gates, there are nine of them in total (some say 11), but the most famous are the Damboise Gate and the Sea Gate. Each gate was a well-guarded and fortified entrance to the fortress, more than once they had to withstand the siege of enemies. As a rule, those who start exploring the Old Town from the port side enter through the Sea Gate, immediately finding themselves on the noisy and crowded shopping street Socrates, where there are many shops, stalls, taverns, etc. But if your goal is acquaintance with the historical part, it is better to enter through the other gate, taking a little stroll along the walls. The entrance to the fortress is free.
We arrived in Rhodes by taxi, the fare from Faliraki is 20 euros, by bus it was possible to get there for 2 euros per person. The taxi rank is right at the Sea Gate, and the bus terminus is nearby. You can get to Rhodes by bus from any locality, there is public transport every 30 minutes (sometimes it is delayed). We did not immediately go through the gate inside the fortress, but decided to walk a little along the walls of the northern part of the fortress.
We entered the fortress through a side gate leading into a kind of "bag" - a trap into which the besiegers fell, since there is no entrance to the fortress through it. This "bag" has two entrances, the besiegers were admitted into it, the gates were closed, and they fell into a trap, where they were shot by archers. Today, the remains of a rampart, a fortress moat are perfectly visible here, and from the loopholes, gorgeous views of the sea and the famous Mandraki port open up. We could not resist, deciding to go to the Mandraki port first, so as not to return later and then spend the rest of the time in the Old City.
We returned to the fortress through the gate of Eleftherias. Here, along the walls, there is a fortress moat, which is now decorated with numerous flowers and palm trees.
Almost immediately, a view of the ancient acropolis opens up - the ruins of the ancient temple of Athena. Behind it is the beautiful Argirokastru square with a fountain, and further - the former building of the knight's hospital, which now houses the archaeological museum.
Then we went for a walk through the labyrinths of narrow cobbled streets. Here and there there were various souvenir shops, cafes, and the sounds of radio and TV, conversations, sounds of dishes and smells of food were heard from the windows of the fortress. As it turned out, the fortress in Rhodes is a residential area, people live here, which makes the fortress unique in its kind.
Oddly enough, there are not so many people in the old part of the city, so you can take a leisurely stroll, looking at all the details of the medieval fortress. On the way, we came across small groups of Russian tourists several times, so we got the impression that only our tourists interested in history wander in this part of the Old City.
Our main goal was the famous Knights' Street, which crosses the entire fortress and leads to the Castle of the Grand Masters.
Street of the Knights is the heart of the Old City, once it was its main street, on which there were "embassies" of the order from different countries: England, France, Germany, Spain, etc. she to the palace, where the residence of the Grand Masters, who headed the knightly order, was located. The street is located slightly at an angle, along it there are entrances to courtyards, which are also residential. Many entrances are decorated with coats of arms and statues. Today this street is called Ippoton, it has retained its appearance in an almost unchanged form, so it seems to many that now they will hear the clatter of hooves or the clang of knightly armor.
This street ends with an imposing pointed arch that leads to a large square adjacent to the Palace of the Grand Masters. This imposing building itself is a well-fortified fortress, so even if the enemy broke through the walls, this palace could withstand a long siege. It was erected at the beginning of the 14th century, when the knights were expelled from the Holy Land and they moved here, making Rhodes their residence. True, the current building is an exact copy, reconstruction, since the real castle was destroyed by the Ottomans. It was restored by the Italians at the direction of Mussolini, who planned to turn it into his residence.
Currently, the Palace of the Grand Masters houses a museum that includes exhibitions dating back to several eras: ancient, Byzantine and knightly. The entrance to the museum costs 6 euros.
After a tour of the Palace of the Grand Masters, we went to the more lively part of the city, where shopping streets, cafes, taverns and restaurants, numerous souvenir shops are located. Most of them are located on Socrates Street, which is parallel to Ippoton, and Panatiou Street connects them, on which stands such a remarkable knight in armor.
On the way from the Palace of the Grand Masters to Socrates Street, one cannot but pay attention to several structures. The first is some kind of antique building under reconstruction, the second is the famous Suleiman the Magnificent Mosque, which is considered one of the main attractions dating back to the Ottoman period. It was built during the Turkish rule on the site of the destroyed Byzantine Church of the Apostles.
The beautiful red building of the mosque, located in the center of the Old City, is gradually falling into disrepair. Its appearance leaves much to be desired: the paint has faded, in some places crumbled, like the red plaster. It is obvious that this architectural monument requires renovation. Previously, tourists were allowed into the mosque, a museum exposition was located here, today the entrance to the mosque is closed, all for the same reason - repairs are required, but there is no money for it. But even in this form, the mosque attracts the eye, recalling its former splendor and grandeur.
Next to the mosque there is a clock tower built at the same time. This tower rises above the old town and has an observation deck. Entrance costs 5 euros, the price also includes a visit to the small museum located in the tower, as well as a drink at the cafe below. But for some reason, on the day we walked around the city, the entrance to the observation tower was closed (it was Sunday), so we were left without photographs with a panoramic view of the city.
In this extremely lively area of the old city there are several interesting sights, for example, an old fountain is located on Hippocrates Square, and behind it is a very interesting building, which turned out to be the building of the commercial court of the Knights of John. From Hippocrates Square you can go to the Jewish quarter, the central part of which is the Jewish Martyrs Square, dedicated to all the Jews of Rhodes, destroyed by the Nazis in Auschwitz.
Today, little reminds of this tragedy, this quarter, like the neighboring streets, is filled with people who want to buy something or eat something. We also decided to have lunch in one of the restaurants in the Old Town, not far from Hippocrates Square. We tried Greek moussaka and were very satisfied.
I will not say that the prices here are much higher than in other places. Souvenirs on Socrates Street are even an order of magnitude cheaper than in other tourist places, for example, in Lindos, and besides, you can bargain. Food prices also depend on the level of the establishment. There are, of course, expensive restaurants, there are also outlets selling fast food, but on average, in an ordinary restaurant or tavern, lunch will cost 30-40 euros for two.
Summing up, I will say that the Old Town is one of the most interesting places I have visited. The feeling of being in touch with antiquity, with different eras and cultures is unforgettable, so I advise you to definitely see this unique place with your own eyes.
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 proudly maintains its reputation as one of the most visited Mediterranean islands.
However, Rhodes has more to offer than just 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 are scattered charming Greek towns, as if frozen in time under the gentle Mediterranean sun. In the colorful taverns, you can fully enjoy the local cuisine, for which the best and only fresh products are used.
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What to see on the island of Rhodes?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
1. Rhodes fortress
The Rhodes fortress 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 have grown 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 more than 4 km long. Inside is the Palace of the Grand Masters, erected on the site of the Temple of Helios. Only the walls of this castle have survived to the days.
2. 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. 10 gates lead 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.
3. Street of the Knights
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 are the houses of "languages" - national groups of knights who arrived in Rhodes from different countries. For example, there was once the House of French Knights and the House of Spain. In the Middle Ages, Knights Street also housed the stables of the order.
4. City of Lindos
Lindos is one of the oldest cities on the island, founded in the 10th century BC. The local antique Acropolis is second only to the Athenian in importance. The local temple of Athena Lindia was once visited by Alexander the Great, and in the 1st century A.D. NS. the apostle Paul visited here. All city buildings are painted white. The 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.
5. Port of Mandraki
The ancient harbor, which has been 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 3rd century AD. NS. leaned a giant 36-meter statue of the Colossus of Rhodes (now there are figures of deer). On the stone breakwater there are three medieval mills, preserved from the times of knights, and the fortress of St. Nicholas.
6. Fort of St. Nicholas
In the past, the fort was part of the defensive system of Rhodes. It is located on the edge of a stone breakwater - a breakwater built in the Antiquity. First, in the 15th century, the central tower of the fortress was erected, which was named the "Tower of Mills". A few years after the Turkish siege in 1480, the structure was surrounded by a moat and walled. Today, there is a lighthouse on the territory of Fort St. Nicholas.
7. Acropolis of Lindos
The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most significant architectural monuments in Greece. It is located on a cliff overhanging the sea. The first pagan temples appeared here in the 5th-4th centuries. BC. The main sanctuary of the Acropolis is a temple dedicated to Athena Linda, who was considered the patroness of the island. Many buildings have survived quite well to this day, so tourists can contemplate not only ruins.
8. Rhodes Acropolis
The Acropolis is located on the hill of St. Stephen, where today is the Monte Smith Park. It consists of a stadium, an amphitheater and the remains of the temple of Apollo the Pythian. According to the excavations, the first buildings appeared here in the III-II centuries. BC NS. In the era of Antiquity, sanctuaries of the gods, public institutions, theaters were located on the territory of the Rhodes Acropolis. The main artifacts were discovered as a result of excavations from 1912-1945.
9. Rhodes stadium
The stadium is located on the territory of the Rhodes Acropolis. It was built in the 2nd century BC. It hosted sports competitions 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.
10. Ancient Kamiros
An ancient city in the north-west of the island, one of the most powerful cities in Rhodes, which flourished in the 5th century BC. Kamiros maintained economic ties with Asia Minor and the mainland Greek city-states, actively developed agriculture and minted his own coins. In the 3rd century A.D. Rhodes was hit by a devastating earthquake, as a result of which the inhabitants left Kamiros, and the city fell into decay.
11. Mount Filerimos
A hill on which one of the best viewpoints in 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 are the ruins of the ancient Greek temples of Athena and Zeus and picturesque Christian cathedrals of the 15th-18th centuries. In the 16th century, a monastery of the Mother of God was built on the mountain, where the miraculous icon created by the Apostle Luke was placed. At the entrance to the mountain, there is an 18-meter concrete cross.
12. Tsambika monastery
The exact date of the construction of the monastery is unknown. The miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary has been kept here since the 15th century. It is believed that she helps childless couples to conceive a child, so the flow of pilgrims to this place never dries up. Tsambika Monastery is divided into lower and upper ones. 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 the top of a hill, offering a magnificent view of the Tsambik beaches.
13. Church of Our Lady of Lindos
The temple was built in the 13th century and is located in the center of the ancient city of Lindos. Over the next 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 domination of the Italians in Rhodes. The church has a very picturesque snow-white facade, which contrasts sharply with the bright red tiled roof.
14. 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 arrival 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.
15. Church of St. Nektarios in Faliraki
Saint Nektarios is a fairly revered figure in the Greek Orthodox Church, despite the fact that he was canonized relatively recently. It is believed to help 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 classic Byzantine style. The facade of the building has an unusual terracotta shade and is decorated with graceful columns.
16. Church of St. Panteleimon in Xi'an
The temple is located in the center of the small village of Xian, 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 façade are two symmetrical clock towers, and the building's roof is covered with red tiles. The church interiors are luxurious, the ceiling is decorated with magnificent frescoes and gilded.
17. Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The museum funds exhibit an extensive collection of artifacts found during excavations on the island's territory. Many of the exhibits are over several thousand years old. One of the most valuable items in the collection is a statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes, dating from the 1st century BC. The sculpture is made of Parian marble. Also in the museum there are statues of gods created in the 6th-5th centuries. BC.
18. Castle Monolithos
A 15th century castle built by the Knights of the Order of St. John. Like most similar structures of that time, Monolithos was built for defensive purposes. The building 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 damage.
19. Castle of Kritinia
Defensive structure of the 16th century, erected during the reign of the Hospitallers. The castle was built in the Venetian style. Due to the convenient location, a panoramic and very convenient view opens from the walls, which made it possible to observe the enemy's maneuvers. After the siege in 1480, the castle was badly damaged. The knights of the order decided to take up its restoration later, but as a result of the defeat in the struggle for Rhodes, these plans were not destined to be realized.
20. Rodini Park
The park is located a few kilometers from the center of Rhodes. It is considered the world's oldest landscape park and one of the main attractions of the island. It is not known exactly when Rodini was founded, but during the Roman Empire, the park was already a popular place for walking and relaxing. On its territory, parts of the Roman aqueducts have been preserved, century-old cypresses and pines grow here, there are also small lakes.
21. Kallithea Springs Baths
Thermal springs located in Kallithea - a resort village located near the city of Rhodes. The bathing complex was built 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, nowadays it is considered a valuable architectural monument. The baths operated until 1967, after which they were closed for 40 years. It was reopened in 2007.
22. Seven Sources
Natural landmark near the village of Kolimbia, located on the way from Rhodes to Lindos. Seven Springs is a network of small streams and springs, flowing directly from the rock and forming a lake with the purest drinking water. The area itself is quite picturesque, as it is located among the relict forest, overgrown with pines, cypresses and plane trees. To get to the lake, you need to go through a small tunnel.
23. Valley of the Butterflies
Conservation 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, you can find the long-awaited coolness here. In summer, thousands of motley butterflies arrive in the valley, causing the entire landscape to be covered with a bright colorful carpet. The place is considered unique not only in Greece, but throughout Europe.
24. Rhodes Ostrich Farm
The farm is home to over 120 ostriches, as well as deer, camels, birds, donkeys and goats. For the entertainment of visitors, riding on huge birds is organized. As in all similar places, the farm has a shop where customers are offered products from various parts of the ostrich. A local restaurant serves this poultry for lunch and an omelet made from huge eggs. The farm is located near the village of Petaloudes.
25. Agati Beach
A picturesque piece of coastline with golden sand and the purest azure sea. The beach is located near the village of Haraki. Agati is popular with tourists with children due to its fairly gentle descent into the sea. The beach has a developed tourist infrastructure with taverns, sun lounger rental and other services. "Agia agati" in translation means "holy purity."
26. 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 rather long sandy strip; it is distinguished by the increased purity and transparency of the sea. To services of tourists - numerous cafes, sports centers and entertainment. Quite a popular pastime is quad biking in the vicinity of the beach.
27. Cape Prasonisi
The cape is located in the southernmost part of the island and is connected to Rhodes by a narrow sandy isthmus. In the winter, the waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean seas flood this passage, and in the summer they retreat to form a magnificent spit of sand that is used as a beach. Cape Prasonisi is a popular destination for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
28. 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 A.D. here the apostle Paul landed. There is a beautiful sandy and pebble beach, equipped with all the necessary infrastructure. The natural ledges of the surrounding rocks serve as springboards for diving. In honor of St. Paul, a small snow-white church was erected on the territory of the bay.
29. Anthony Queen's Bay
The bay is one 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 piece 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 had to leave.
30. Aquapark 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.
Rhodes is one of the most interesting islands in the Mediterranean. Being an important center of civilization even in ancient times, unlike the rest of Greece, it did not lose its significance in the Middle Ages. Thanks to the Knights Hospitaller, who built their headquarters here, he acquired numerous man-made sights. It is not for nothing that the Old Town of Rhodes is considered one of the finest examples of fortification architecture in the world.
Street of the knights
Street of the Knights is one of the best-preserved architectural artifacts in the entire Dodecanese. It served as the main artery of the city even in antiquity - here was the road connecting the Big Port with the Temple of Helios.
But real glory came to her later - already during the reign of the knights.
You may have visited medieval cities before, but you are unlikely to come across a place where immersion in the Middle Ages takes place as clearly and deeply as in old Rhodes. From the Street of the Knights, modern buildings are not visible, and therefore, walking along it, it is very easy to believe that time has turned back and you are back in the 15th century.
On the street of the knights, houses were built in the styles of the countries participating in the Order
Another feature of the Street is its multinationality. Once it was built for prominent guests of the order - knights and dignitaries who came here from different countries. To make them feel more comfortable on the island, the architectural ensemble of each building speaks of its belonging to a particular country.
The most significant building is the residence of France - it is most richly decorated. In addition to France, there were also residences for knights from England, Germany, Italy, Aragon, Auvergne, Provence and Castile.
Palace of the Grand Masters
Located at the top of a hill, the Palace of the Grand Masters dominates the old town.
Once upon a time on this very place there was a temple of Helios, then the Byzantine fortress and only from the XIV century the building that rises now. However, a small amendment: the palace in its original form was thoroughly damaged under Turkish rule, and later in 1856 it was also severely mutilated as a result of the explosion of an ammunition depot.
The Italians who ruled here, in the period from 1937 to 1940, carried out the restoration of the building in order to serve it as a summer residence for Mussolini, and this is the same view that opens to tourists today. Mussolini himself, by the way, has never been here.
Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes was restored especially for Mussolini
When Rhodes was the capital of the Knights of the Ioannites, the Palace was a symbol of their power and the place from where the 19 Grand Masters of the Order governed the affairs of the Order. In total, the Palace has more than 200 halls and rooms. Among the most notable of them are the Halls of Byzantine Icons, the Italian Governor, receptions, dances, music, waiting, etc.
In the period from 01.04 to 31.10, the Palace is open to visitors every day from 8:00 to 19:40. The entrance ticket price is 6 Euro. For students and persons under 18 years of age, admission is free.
City walls
It is impossible to lose sight of the imposing fortification, no matter from which side your ship approaches the commercial port of Rhodes. The impressive 4-kilometer-long structure surrounds the old town and sparks the traveler's interest in entering its holy of holies.
The main part of the walls was built by knights in the XIV-XV centuries.
An interesting fact is that different elements of the walls were rebuilt at different times, and the dates of construction of each element of the fortification can be determined by the coats of arms of the great masters decorating them, knowing the time of the respective powers.
The walls of the fortress amaze with their grandeur
The city walls around the old city were completed at a time when the use of artillery in hostilities became widespread. Foreseeing the direction of development of military affairs, the Grand Masters of the Order adapted their fortification to the spirit of the times.
That is why the walls grew not so much upward as in breadth - in order to withstand the enemy's fire strike. During periods of exacerbation of the situation, the walls were strengthened by ramparts, which made their ability to withstand artillery fire even higher.
This thorough approach to construction allowed Rhodes to withstand several major sieges and hold out for 70 years longer than Constantinople. The intensity of hostilities between the knights defending the island and the Turks is evidenced by the fact that, for example, during the siege of 1480, the walls of the fortress took on up to 1000 cannonballs a day.
You can learn a lot about the medieval history of the island by looking closely at the coats of arms on the buildings.
The fortress fell only in 1522 after a six-month siege by the one hundred thousandth army of Sultan Suleiman the Great. And this despite the fact that the forces of the defenders were about 6000 people, of which only about 1000 could be considered professional soldiers. Impressed by the courage of the defenders, the Turks allowed them to freely leave the island with all the banners, weapons and relics.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Located next to the main entrance to the old city, the Archaeological Museum is of interest only because it is located in a building that once served as a hospital for the Knights of St. John.
Today there is a museum, which displays finds found during excavations on the island. And in the period of antiquity, these places were very respected in the Ancient World, as evidenced by the facts that one of the 7 wonders of the world was located in Rhodes, as well as the fact that the local temple of Athena Lydia was visited by such famous historical figures as Alexander the Great and the mythical Spartan king Menelaus.
The Archaeological Museum is located in the former hospital of the Knights of St. John
The highlight of the exhibition is the sculpture of Aphrodite of Rhodes, carved from marble. In addition to it, the marble head of Helios, the famous gravestone stele of Crete and Timarista, the statue of Zeus of the Hellenistic era and many other exhibits are also worth noticing.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes during the summer period (from 01.04 to 31.10) is open daily from 8:00 to 19:40. The cost of the entrance ticket is 8 Euro. Admission is free for children under 18 and students.
Byzantine churches, mosques and the Jewish quarter
The streets of Old Rhodes give the city a special flavor
A unique feature of Rhodes is the reformatting of the remnants of previous cultures by subsequent ones and the adaptation of previously built buildings to new needs.
What are, for example, the Byzantine churches, adapted by the Johannites for Catholic, then rebuilt by the Ottomans in mosques and then again returned to Christianity. Or the fact that before 1944, 70% of the population of the old city were Jews, who were subsequently exterminated by the Nazis.
Of course, walking around the old town of Rhodes is better with a guide. Moreover, Athens has a very interesting excursion covering all the most significant places of the old city. If you decide, then in the article at the link there are contacts of Athena, to write to her and arrange a walk.
If this article was useful to you, be sure to save it to your social network. These details may come in handy many times during your trip.
Island of Roses - Rhodes, like the rest of Greece, has gone through a lot over its centuries-old history.
The geographical position of Rhodes made it a tasty morsel for all Mediterranean countries. The island was located at the intersection of sea trade routes between Asia and Egypt.
Rhodes was conquered, it became free, then the conquerors came again.
The main attractions of the island are located in its capital - the city of Rhodes.
This city is not only a concentration of unique architectural monuments, but also a wonderful resort, with wonderful hotels, beaches, numerous shops, salons, restaurants, taverns and nightclubs.
Rest here is suitable for those who do not like monotony, silence and measured holiday atmosphere. Life in the city is in full swing - a trip to the capital can become a real holiday, colorful and informative.
Weather
The climate of Rhodes is ideal for relaxation. For travel, the most comfortable April - May and October - November. During these months, the daytime temperature is 20-24 degrees, and the water is still cold for mass swimming - 18-20 degrees.
The hottest months are June to September. The air warms up to 28-30 degrees, and the water 22 degrees in June, 24-25 degrees in July - September.
But its name - "Island of the Sun", Rhodes received no coincidence - there are 300 days of sunshine a year.
It rains mainly during the winter months: December, January and February.
History
Almost one and a half thousand years BC, this beautiful fertile land, near the coast of Asia Minor, was owned by the Achaeans. Around 1100 BC, they were supplanted by the Dorians, who created the Union of the Six Cities.
From 164 BC Rhodes became an ally of the Roman Empire for a long time.
In 1309, after a long and stubborn resistance of the Rhodians, the knights of the Jerusalem Order of St. John, the so-called Ionites, took possession of the island for more than 200 years. These were people from all Catholic countries of Europe who wanted to free Jerusalem from the infidels.
They helped the pilgrims and dreamed of the Christianization of the whole East. Interestingly, dreaming about this, they oppressed the Orthodox Church in Rhodes.
It is to the ionites that Rhodes owes its medieval architectural appearance.
In 1522, after months of siege, the well-defended city was taken by the Turks.
Knights - Ionites fled to Malta and since then are called the Knights of Malta. The Order of Malta still exists today.
The Turks settled in Rhodes for almost four centuries. The important commercial position of the island, the high standard of living of the inhabitants led to the fact that the Turkish oppression in Rhodes was not very strong.
Skilled artisans and successful traders, the Rhodians enjoyed many privileges over other Greek colonies captured by the Turks.
In 1912, the Turks were replaced by the Italians, who had a noticeable influence on the architecture of the island. They built such notable buildings as the Palace of the Government, the National Theater and the Courthouse.
The Italians have carried out many archaeological excavations and restored numerous ancient monuments.
On the island of Mussolini he built a summer house, which he had never been to. Today it is completely abandoned and is not shown to tourists.
It was only in 1948, after the German occupation, that Rhodes was re-incorporated.
How to get there
It operates on the island of Rhodes.
Charter flights during the holiday season fly from many cities of Russia, in particular from Moscow. The flight takes 3 hours 10 minutes.
From Athens, Solonikov and from many islands of Greece, planes fly all year round. takes only 50 minutes. In addition, there is a ferry from Athens to Rhodes.
An economy class ticket from Transaero to Rhodes will cost 22,700 rubles. You can find cheaper tickets when buying in advance or from low-cost airlines.
The cost of a flight from Athens to Rhodes when buying a ticket in advance on the company's website is 24 euros. The closer the departure date, the more expensive the ticket.
The cost of a ticket purchased a few days before departure will range from 65 to 100 euros. The ticket price does not include the cost of baggage transportation. The cost of transporting luggage up to 23 kilograms is also paid via the Internet and costs 15 euros.
If you pay for baggage at check-in, it will cost more. The planes of the Greek airlines, which fly from Athens to Rhodes, are quite old, the service is primitive. During the flight, you can only count on drinks of a very meager assortment. But the flight is so short that all the inconveniences can be experienced.
Rhodes is about 500 kilometers away from Athens. The ferry covers this distance from 10 to 16 hours. During the voyage, he visits many islands, and this trip can be considered an excursion. Of course, if traveling by sea is a pleasure, and seasickness does not torment. The sea is an unpredictable element.
The cost of a ferry ticket depends on the type of cabin chosen, and ranges from 20 to 170 euros. Discounts are provided for children from 4 to 10 years old (50 percent), children under 4 years old travel for free in economy class cabins. Rhodes Airport is located 16 kilometers from the capital of the island.
There are several ways to get to the city of Rhodes:
- use the services of a taxi. The trip to the city center will take about 20 minutes and will cost, depending on the class of the car, about 2000 rubles;
- the most economical transport is the bus, which runs every 15-30 minutes during the day. Travel time by bus is approximately 300 minutes. Ticket price 2.20 euros;
- if your vacation plans include travel around the island, it is worth booking a car rental in advance, it is safer and cheaper.
There is a special site, which contains the coordinates of all firms providing car rental services. Website address: http://www.rhodes-airport.org. The cost of renting a car per day depends on its brand of the month, and starts from 16.50 euros per day in May.
To arrange a rental, a driver's license with English transcription is required. The driver must be at least 21 years old and not more than 70 years old. The cost of a liter of A95 gasoline costs 1.7 euros.
Some hotels provide airport transfer services. The availability of such a service can be found when booking a hotel room.
Where can I stay
The city of Rhodes, as well as throughout the island, is full of hotels of various star categories. Many of them are located in the Old City or very close to it. After spending half a day on the beach, the second half of the day can be devoted to leisurely walks in the Old Town, shopping and markets.
Rodos Park Suites & Spa 5 *
This luxurious five-star hotel is set in a beautiful garden.
The rooms offer a magnificent view of the Knight's Castle in the Old Town or the garden.
The hotel provides tourists with a full range of services typical for a high-star hotel:
- open pool;
- Spa;
- bio - sauna;
- gym;
- fitness center;
- massage;
- Turkish sauna;
- hydromassage baths;
- a restaurant with Mediterranean cuisine;
- parking;
- car rental.
The Galaxy Roof's bar offers great cocktails and is popular with tourists and residents alike.
Accommodation prices start at 12,886 rubles per night for a double room.
But the impeccable service of the hotel, Russian-speaking staff, beautiful interiors, spacious, comfortable rooms, live music in the evening, a magnificent sandy beach not far from the hotel are worth the money.
The hotel has only 59 rooms.
Address: Rhodes Town, 12, Riga Fereou Street.
Mediterranean 4 *
The undoubted advantage of this four-star hotel is its location on one of the most famous sandy beaches of Rhodes.
Nearby is the Old Town and the Aquarium.
The hotel is large, has 241 rooms, but each of the rooms has an original interior, modern furniture. Despite the proximity to the sea, the hotel has an outdoor swimming pool with parasols and sun loungers.
For guests:
- tennis courts;
- Beach volleyball;
- water sports on the beach.
Tourists celebrate the excellent cuisine of the restaurant, which has a Russian menu, a buffet with a variety of snacks, cocktails at the pool bar.
Prices for one night stay in a double room start at 8845 rubles.
The roof offers a beautiful view of the sea, the port and the medieval city.
Address:: 35, Kos (Cos) Str, Rhodes 85100, Greece.
Rhodos Beach 3 *
The Rhodos Beach Hotel is a great option for a 3-star budget getaway.
The Aegean Sea can be seen from half of the rooms, the other half overlook the garden.
The hotel is located on the first line, on the Canari beach. The city center and the Old Town are a 10-minute walk away. The distance to the port of Rhodes is 1 kilometer.
The hotel's beach is sandy - pebble, with a gentle entrance to the sea.
The hotel has 2 outdoor pools, one of which is for children. For sports lovers there are tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts.
The minimum price for a double room per night is 6022 rubles. In terms of value for money, this hotel is one of the best. It is no coincidence that most of the tourists vacationing here are foreigners.
Address: 19, Akti Kanari Street 85100 RODOS, DODEKANISSOS, GREECE.
Moschos 2 *
The Moschos has a total of 31 rooms and is housed in a small three-story building. This 2-star hotel is located in the city center, and is aimed at real travelers who spend only the night in their room and travel the rest of the time.
This hotel is the ideal destination for the budget traveler who wants to see the amazing monuments of Rhodes Town, visit the trendy shops and stroll along the port (just 500 meters).
A night in a double room starts from 2828 rubles.
It offers free parking and Wi-Fi in public areas of the hotel. Ellie Beach is just 200 meters away.
An additional bonus is the provision of free accommodation for 1 day, provided that you stay at the hotel for 10 days.
Breakfast is included in the room rate.
The hotel is ideal not only for a budget holiday, but also for short stays of 2-3 days. The disadvantages include small rooms and not a very good view from the windows.
Address: 5 Ethelonton Dodekanission Street, Rhodes, Greece.
Africa 2 *
The two-star hotel is located on the first line, 100 meters from the pebble beach of the Aegean coast. On the beach there are water activities for tourists.
The Old Town is 5 minutes walk.
The hotel is surrounded by a variety of shops, restaurants, bars and taverns. Literally a few steps away: port, aquarium, casino.
The staff are friendly and welcoming. The service provided corresponds to the price.
The night costs from 1351 rubles, but the hotel does not provide food. This does not create any inconvenience: there are many taverns and cafes nearby.
Address: Alexiou Diakou 63, Rhodes 85100, Greece.
Sights of the capital
The city of Rhodes is one of the most beautiful cities not only on the island, but also in Greece. Inspection of historical monuments of different eras can take more than one day.
The Palace of the Grand Masters or the Palace of Castello was both the temple of Helios and the Byzantine fortress.
During the time of the Knights, the Palace was the center from which the Order's masters ruled over the Eastern Mediterranean.
The Turks used the Palace as a fortress. 158 rooms are decorated with precious carpets, antique furniture, magnificent vases and marble mosaics.
The street of the Knights in the Old Town leads to the Palace.
The palace works: Monday 12.30-07.00, Tuesday - Sunday 08.30-19.30.
Ticket prices: adult 6 euros, children 4 euros, common for all museums in the Old Town 10 euros.
Telephone: + 30 22410 23359.
There is a bastion next to the Palace, tickets for which can be bought at the ticket office of the Palace.
It is interesting to climb the clock tower in the Old Town.
The view of the Old Town from above is magnificent. A ticket to the tower costs 5 euros. Attached to the ticket is a voucher that entitles you to a free drink at the tower bar.
The Archaeological Museum is located next to the Palace, on the Museum Square.
In the days of the Knights of St. John, it was a hospital to which the sick came from all over Europe. It is surprising that already in the 15th century, every patient, regardless of financial condition, had a separate bed and medical care in the hospital.
A two-storey building with two-level arcades, inside which there is a cozy courtyard, has survived to this day. The Archaeological Museum located here is a unique collection of art from the Mycenaean era to the later eras of Greek civilization.
The most famous exhibit is the statue of Aphrodite. Mosaic floors, terracotta figurines, knight-era burial slabs and more can be seen in this magnificent museum.
The museum is open daily: from 8.00 to 19.40, on Monday from 13.30 to 19.40.
A ticket to the museum costs 3 euros.
Telephone: +30 22410 75674.
The Rhodossian Acropolis is one of the most interesting places in the city.
In ancient times, the acropolis united sanctuaries, temples, underground storage facilities in the most fortified part of the city. The most famous building of the Acropolis is the Temple of Apollo the Pythian, which was built in the 2nd century BC.
The territory of the huge Pythian stadium, which previously hosted the competition in honor of Apollo the Pythian, is today used as a theater. On the acropolis there is an indoor antique theater Odeon, in which famous orators have performed.
Acropolis works: from November 1 to March 1 from 8.30 to 15.00. The entrance is free.
Telephone: +30 22410 25500.
For many centuries, the Rhodes Fortress defended the city from numerous enemies. The fortress was built in the 15th century by the knights of the Order.
After two long blockades in the 15th century, which did not lead to the capture of the fortress, they began to consider it impregnable. Today the fortress is a unique monument of medieval architecture included in the list of UNESCO monuments.
You can visit the monument daily, free of charge.
North of the Old City is the Mandraki port, founded in 408 BC.
The entrance to the port is guarded by statues of a deer and a fallow deer. There is an assumption that the Colossus of Rhodes used to be in the port, one of the seven wonders of the world, depicting the pagan deity Helios.
The Colossus was over 30 meters high. In the ancient port, as before, ferries, ships, yachts and boats are moored to the island.
On the embankment there are such architectural monuments as the Provincial Palace, the Evangelical Church, the Church of the Virgin.
In the port, tourists are offered many different walks on the sea.
The most interesting of them is a boat trip with a glass bottom, which costs 5 euros. In addition to the bottom of the sea, you can see the embankment of the Old Town from the sea.
Where and what to eat
The taverns in Rhodes Town are renowned for their delicious Greek cuisine, large portions and excellent local wine. Of course, on the tourist "trails" prices are higher than slightly away from them.
Approximate cost of meals:
- an average breakfast for two costs 15 - 20 euros;
- dinner 40 euros with drinks;
- lunch in a tavern costs 30-35 euros for two (lunch consists of: salad - 6 - 8 euros or soup 6 - 10 euros, main course - 8 - 15 euros, juice - 4 - 5 euros, a glass of wine - 4 - 5 euros ).
If the main course is seafood, then its cost is 40 euros.
In the Old Town, in a small restaurant or cafe, you can find food at other prices.
For example, you can pay 10 euros for a huge portion of cold cuts of sausages, kebabs, wings, potatoes and vegetables. And for 60 euros for two to get a portion of lamb, a glass of beer and local wine.
Taverns and restaurants often offer a compliment from the chef to thank you for your visit.
Prices in supermarkets and shops:
- 1.5 liter bottle of water costs 0.7 - 0.9 euros;
- 1 liter of juice - 1.2 euros;
- homemade wine costs from 5 euros for 0.5 liters;
- beer in cans € 0.45;
- kefir 300 ml - 2.5 euros;
- chips 2 euros;
- pineapple slicing 500 grams - 3 euros.
Entertainment
The nightlife in the island's capital is varied. There are many pubs, restaurants, nightclubs here. In summer, concerts of Greek music and dance are very popular in the open-air theater.
Dancers can choose from several nightclubs with dance floors.
In the Angel pure Club, which is located in the Old Town, you can hear disco music, Latin and Greek hits.
Rock and metal lovers should visit the Valhalla Rock Bar Rodes club in the Old Town.
The huge dance floor of the Paradiso Beach Club nightclub is designed for 4 thousand people. The club features dance music, electro, techno and house.
Around there is a whole entertainment complex with an excellent bar and seating area.
Nearby, in a separate building, there is a casino with slot machines and roulette. The magnificent casino restaurant offers delicious Greek and European cuisine and a varied wine list.
Club and casino address: Nikiforou Litra str., Comlex Rodia Mare, Kallithea Beach, Rhodes Island.
In the center of Rhodes city there is the most exotic club - Butik Club. The design of the club includes details of a pirate ship, palm trees, waterfalls, parrots and, of course, music.
The menu includes original cocktails and dishes with seafood delicacies. The club is open daily.
- HAVANA, located at Miltiadou Str. 9, Rhodes; Tel: +30 6944314724;
- TAJ MAHAL, located at Iliadon 2, Ialysos, Rhodes; Tel: +30 22410 29220;
- Colorado Club; Orfanidou Str. 57 and Akti Miaouli, Rhodes, Tel: +30 22410 75120; Website: www.colorado.gr.
Shopping
There are so many shops in the old and the new part of the city that walking in Rhodes is impossible to pass by.
offers jewelry made of silver and gold: earrings, pendants, chains, bracelets for tourists with any income level. The store has an excellent selection of opal items, as well as Byzantine icons.
The entrance to the store is located next to the arch at the entrance to the medieval part of Rhodes from the sea. Jewelry purchased from this store is a great memory of the sunny island!
Alexandra Gold Jewelry Store Is one of the most expensive and luxurious jewelry stores in Rhodes. Exquisite jewelry made of gold and platinum with precious and semi-precious stones, made by jewelers of Rhodes and jewelers of European countries.
Afrodite Store attracts buyers with its original design, as well as an excellent collection of women's clothing designed for any age. The store has a good selection of genuine leather goods: bags, vests, wallets. The store features the brands Von Dutch, Bosco and INDIES.
Diakosavas store offers collections of expensive clothing from such popular brands as Timberland, Nautica, Polo by Ralph Lauren, La Martina, Trussardi Jeans, The Bostonians. The store offers a large selection of original shoes and accessories. Despite the fact that the store opened only in 2010, it is very popular with both city residents and tourists.
Royal Carpet Shop sells handmade carpets from different materials. The original feature of the carpets is the use of silver and cotton in the production of carpets.
The store also offers vases, icons, lamps and other interior items.
Avanti Furs Store offers a huge selection of top quality fur products.
Sportswear and merchandise are available at Columbia Sportswear.
For souvenirs and gifts, you should head to the Jannis shopping center.
Clothes made from natural fabrics, dresses, tops, trousers, sundresses, T-shirts with the theme of Rhodes in bright colors can be bought in many shops in Rhodes. These relatively inexpensive purchases will remind you of a pleasant and unforgettable vacation.
In numerous markets in the capital, you can taste and buy spices, honey. Unlike shops, you can bargain well here.
Shopping in Rhodes City will appeal to everyone. But prices are the highest on the island. In order to save money, you can go shopping in shopping centers in the vicinity of the city, where trips are often offered free of charge directly in hotels.
Emergency services
Going on vacation abroad, no one thinks about any emergency situations. But practice shows that they sometimes happen. Then it will be very useful to know the emergency phone numbers.
Emergency telephone numbers in Rhodes:
- Police: 100;
- Fire department: 199;
- Ambulance: 166;
- Service of information on duty pharmacies: 107;
- Service of information on duty hospitals: 106;
- Tourist Police: 171.
The most common emergencies are related to health. Every tourist traveling to Greece must have an amount of 30,000 euros.
The insurance policy is issued by many insurance companies, some of which have their representations at the Greek embassy and consulates.
A visa cannot be issued without a medical policy. Together with the insurance policy, a memo is issued with the phone numbers that you need to contact if you need medical assistance.
Dispatchers on these phones speak Russian. A common mistake of tourists is to contact the hotel doctors, who provide their services for a fee. Only doctors called through the dispatchers indicated in the memo to the insurance policy will provide medical services free of charge within the sum insured.
The island of Rhodes, like the goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite, emerged from the depths of the sea, washed by foamy waves. This was a gift from Zeus to the Sun god Helios after the victory of the Gods over the Titans. Helios named the island in honor of his beloved - the nymph Rhodes and does not get tired of admiring it to this day. That is why the island is sunny almost all the year! So the legend says.
A. Rhodes is one of the largest Greek islands and one of the most popular with tourists. It is located quite far from mainland Greece and neighbors Turkey: the strait of the same name, separating the island from Turkey, is only 37 km wide. A. Rhodes has been inhabited by people for more than 9000 years and the historical part of the capital of the island - Rhodes is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.
The climate in Rhodes is mild - the average annual temperature is 18-20 ° С, in summer - 27-29 ° С, the heat is always softened by the north-east wind. Rhodes in summer is 1-2 ° C cooler than popular mainland resorts. Summer rains are rare, but in the winter months it rains every 2-3 days.
The best time to travel to the island is from late August to early October, when there are fewer tourists and the sea is still warm, like in summer. The beaches are located along the entire perimeter of the island, most of them are sandy, but there are also pebbly ones.
The capital of the island - the city of Rhodes - is a city of knights, medieval castles, impregnable fortress walls and high towers shrouded in secrets, and in addition, it was here that the Kolos of Rhodes was once erected - a giant statue of the god Helios, about 36 m high (for comparison, the height of the statue "Motherland" in Volgograd without a sword - 52 m.)
sights
The main routes of the traveler in the capital of the island will pass through the Old Town, along its original cobbled streets, along the old fortress walls and high towers, where the Middle Ages and knighthood are cut short by ancient Greek monuments and ancient Ottoman mosques.
An incredibly powerful defensive structure with a total length of walls of about 4 km, which still amazes with its impressiveness. Built in the 14th century by the Knights of the Hospitaller Order, it withstood attacks by Turkish troops for over 200 years. During one of the sieges, the walls of the fortress, which were double and divided by a twenty-meter ditch, withstood up to 1000 cannon hits per day!
Most of the walls, 11 gates around the perimeter, bastions, the Grand Master's Palace and several streets have survived to this day, since the Middle Ages, which have not undergone almost any changes.
- The entrance to the fortress is free, access for visitors is round the clock.
- Exact address: Address: Alexandridou 14, Rhodes.
The central street of the Rhodes fortress, which has retained its original appearance over the centuries. When you walk along the street paved with rough stone between the stone walls, it seems that you are about to hear the clatter of hooves and the clink of armor of a racing horseman behind you.
Here and there, on the walls along the street of the Knights, the ancient coats of arms of the Knights Hospitallers and the old lanterns built into the wall, albeit with modern lamps, have been preserved.
The houses on the Street of the Knights are the residences of the "languages" - units of the Order of the Knights Hospitallers from different countries of medieval Europe. Some of the houses are open to the public, for example, the House where the Turkish prince Jem was hiding, who encroached on the Ottoman throne.
Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00.
The main building on Knights Street, a castle inside a castle with imposing towers and thick walls. The existing building is a reconstruction of the 30s of the XX century, the original building was destroyed by the explosion of a powder warehouse a century earlier. However, the reconstructed castle was erected with meticulous precision and fully reproduces the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
Inside the castle there is a museum dedicated in part to the archaeological finds of Fr. Rhodes, in part - a reproduction of the interiors of the knightly castles of the late Middle Ages.
Also interesting are old books, icons, weapons, huge mosaics laid out right on the floor and extraordinary onyx windows, in which instead of glass plates of light yellow onyx mineral are inserted, which is why the light penetrating into the palace of the great masters is rich and warm like the sun even on cloudy days.
- Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00.
- Entrance fee: 8 euros, children under 18 free of charge.
- Opening hours: Monday - 12:30 - 19:00.
- Tuesday-Sunday - 08:30 - 19:30
The building that ends the street of the knights is a medieval hospital, erected in the 14th century to help the crusaders and pilgrims who suffered in the battles in the Holy Land. It is a two-story building with a courtyard surrounded by two-level arcades.
Currently - one of the most interesting museums in Rhodes. Numerous finds from all over the island are presented, including a statue of Aphrodite the sea, found right in the sea and dating back to the 4th century. BC BC, a very beautiful statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes 3 centuries younger, the marble head of the sun god Helios, collections of ancient coins and jewelry, ancient Christian manuscripts.
- Address: 2 Symis, 851 00 Rhodes
- Working hours: May - October - from Tuesday to Saturday 8.00 - 19.00; Sunday - 8.30 - 15.00.
- Monday is a day off.
- November - April: Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30 to 15.00.
- Ticket price: 6 euros, up to 18 years old - free.
The Rhodes fortress, its walls and towers are the main part of the Old City, but it itself is much, much older: the city was founded in 408 BC. ancient Greeks, was ruled by the Romans, Byzantines, knights of the Order of St. John, the Ottoman Empire.
From each of these periods, the city has preserved its own testimonies and historical monuments: fragments of the ancient temple of Aphrodite, the remains of a Roman shipyard, the Church of St. Spyridon, the Suleiman Mosque and the Mustafa Mosque, the already mentioned Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters, and much, much more.
The most interesting thing is that ordinary people live within the Old City, just like thousands of years ago, their small houses with wooden shutters, flowers and cats are everywhere, for us - an ethnographic museum, and for them - their home and everyday life among the tourist bustle ...
Local residents are very sociable and friendly people, meeting acquaintances, they will certainly stop to chat, even if they are separated by the carriageway.
You can safely walk around the Old Town on your own at least the whole day without fear of getting lost - sooner or later you will come to the city wall and to one of the 11 exits, which are always open. In addition, the Old Town is always crowded and it is easy to meet Russian or at least English-speaking people among the cafe staff or tourists who will give directions.
The main shopping street of the Old, and, perhaps, the entire city. It stretches within the fortress walls parallel to the Street of the Knights across a block from it. Almost everything is sold in numerous small shops and stalls: from ice cream and magnets to huge statues and antique vases, bright fabrics, spices, coffee, olive oil, honey, jewelry, paintings, etc.
Souvenirs on Socrates Street are somewhat cheaper than outside the Old Town.
In addition to shopping pavilions, Socrates Street has many of its attractions. To begin with, the street starts from the beautiful old Suleiman mosque with a tall slender minaret, and ends at Hippocrates Square, where the unusual Castellania fountain with an owl on top is located and another ancient mosque and the Castellane palace.
The most famous of the 14 mosques on the island, built in 1522 during the reign of Sultan Suleiman, who commanded the Turkish troops in the conquest of the island. The building of the mosque is small, plastered in a pleasant light pink color. The mosque is crowned with 4 semicircular domes, several smaller domes and a 35-meter high minaret with two balconies.
Despite the fact that the minaret is a new building, erected on the site of a dilapidated old one, it very harmoniously fits into the architectural ensemble of the mosque.
On the territory of the mosque there is a small garden with tall cypresses and a pretty fountain, the entrance inside may be closed due to renovation work, but still this oldest monument of Ottoman culture in Rhodes is worth seeing. The best view of the mosque, by the way, is from the Clock Tower of the Rhodes Fortress - the highest point of the Old City.
Address: Rhodes, intersection of st. Ορφέως [orfeos] and st. Ιπποδάμου [hypozamu].
The bus fare is 1.8 - 8 euros, depending on the duration of the route. Schedule traffic on the sites: sindikatodesroda.gr and www.ktelrodou.gr.
A city in the northeastern part of the island on Cape Krana, 50 km from Rhodes, not far from the famous St. Paul's bay in the shape of a heart. The town is tiny, with only 700 inhabitants, almost entirely built up with one and two-story bright white houses.
The modern development of this UNESCO cultural monument is prohibited. Also, in the city itself, automobile transport is prohibited, but this does not matter, since it is easy to get around it on foot in a couple of hours. An alternative to a car is donkeys.
Lindos is home to the second largest Acropolis in Greece, after the Acropolis of Athens. A rather steep climb leads to the foot of the Acropolis, which can be overcome on foot, or on a donkey, hiring it from the locals who earn money here.
Above, a very beautiful view of the bay of St. Paul opens. From here, photos are taken, in which the bay has a romantic heart shape.
It is interesting that the monument of ancient Greek architecture is surrounded by medieval fortifications with battlements.
The complex of the ancient Acropolis of Lindos (IV-III centuries BC) is made up of the Propylaea (gate) of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the Dorian Portico, the remains of the Roman temple of the emperor Diocletian.
- The Acropolis is open to visitors almost all year round - except for the two winter months - January and February.
- Opening hours: 8.00 - 19.40 (out of season - until 14.40).
Attention! There is practically no shadow on the territory of the Acropolis, so it is better to inspect it in the early morning or evening hours. But the streets of the city itself are shady and cool.
Entrance fee to the territory: 12 euros.
You can get to Lindos by bus, which departs from the bus station every hour from 6.00 to 20.00. You can also sit at stops in the city, if they have a stand with a timetable, where the direction is indicated: “Lindos”. The fare is 5 euros, you can buy a ticket from the driver.
A popular resort 15 km from the city of Rhodes - the center of youth parties, nightclubs, discos and outdoor activities. It is also famous for its beaches with clear clear water and sandy coastal strip. And this, despite the fact that the beaches are crowded during the season, and there are more catamarans, jet skis, "bananas", canoes and other floating facilities on the water for the entertainment of vacationers.
Attention! From Faliraki to Lindos, you can take a boat trip on a small bright red boat.
You can get to Faliraki from Rhodes by buses departing from the bus station in Rimini Square.
One of the best and most extreme water parks in Greece. Kamikaze, Freefall, Black Hole, Mad Cone are some of the rides for the most fearless.
Lovers of more relaxed entertainment can try storming the "wet bubble" or swim on the "slow river".
For visitors under the age of 12 - children's zones with a pirate ship, water jungle, children's slides and Luna Park.
- Address: Faliraki, 85100, Rhodes, Greece.
- You can get there from Rhodes by bus.
- Ticket prices: 24 euros for adults, 16 euros for children.
- Working hours: from May to October - 9.30-19.00
- Website in Russian: https://www.water-park.gr/ru/
The highest point on the northwest coast of. Rhodes. Located 15 km from the capital of the island, the nearest settlement is the town of Ialyssos. Although the mountain is not the highest on the island, it offers a very beautiful view of the surroundings.
The name of the mountain comes from the name of the monk Filerimus, who, according to legend, climbed the mountain with an icon of the Mother of God made by St. Luke himself, and founded a monastery. To this day, the temple of the Filerimskaya Mother of God functions on the mountain, interesting in that it is divided into two parts: Catholic and Orthodox.
The icon brought by the monk is now kept in the Art Museum of the city of Cetinje in Montenegro, and only a copy of it is in the Filerimos temple. The temple is surrounded by a small cozy park in which tame peacocks walk.
Another attraction of Filerimos is “the way to Golgotha” - a cypress alley that rises to the top, equal in length to the path that Christ traveled to Golgotha. At the end of the path, there is an imposing 16-meter cross and an observation deck.
In the season, you can get to Filerimos by bus directly from Rhodes, in the off-season you can only get to Ialyssos, and from there - on foot or by taxi.
The small resort town, just 8 km from Rhodes, is an ideal place for sailing and surfing thanks to the northwest wind and the direction of the waves.
For the past 20-30 years, Ialyssos has often hosted national and international wind and kitesurfing competitions. It is also a great place for beginner athletes to practice.
For swimming, the beaches in Ialyssos are not the most convenient - the sea is always agitated, and the bottom is rocky.
Excursions will diversify your leisure time - the Filerimos Mountain is not far away, and the capital of the island with its knightly castles is also a stone's throw away.
It is easy to get to Ialyssos by bus from the airport or from Rhodes, you can take a taxi, because of the short distance it will be inexpensive.
The settlement of Archangelos, located 30 km south of Rhodes, is a quiet and peaceful place for family holidays. Sandy beaches, shallow sea, vineyards, olive groves, citrus orchards make for walks in the surroundings.
Among the attractions are the snow-white church of the Archangel Michael with a high lace bell tower and the ruins of the ancient castle of St. John.
Another quiet place for the whole family. This is a small, but rapidly gaining popularity among tourists settlement, located 20 km from Rhodes on the east coast of the island. The main street of the village is a three-kilometer long eucalyptus alley going down to the sea. The huge trees create a special microclimate, thanks to the essential oils released by the leaves heated in the sun.
Nearby - just 6 km away, is the Tsambika Monastery with a church in honor of the Holy Virgin Mary, a visit to which, according to beliefs, helps women recover from infertility and give birth to a child.
Even in Kolimbia, according to tourists' reviews, the best taverns on the island of national Greek cuisine.
The picturesque lively village adjacent to the bustling Faliraki is famous for its brightly colored houses, the main color of the walls of which is bright blue, the doors and shutters can be red, the porch is green, etc. In addition, souvenirs are often hung right on the walls of the houses. handmade - ceramics, embroidery, fabrics, rugs, which can be immediately purchased.
In Kallithea there are ancient thermal baths with mineral water, which have recently been restored and receive visitors.
This natural landmark is located in a gorge that stretches upstream of a picturesque stream near the town of Petaloudes in the northwestern part of the island. You can get there by a blue and white R.O.D.A. from the central bus station for 5 euros.
The Valley of Butterflies is a place where thousands of them are gathered, but they are all of the same species and do not fly, but sit in trees, sometimes covering the trunks with a solid carpet. These are butterflies of the four-pointed bear (Euplagia quadripunctaria rhodosensis), in which the proboscis is underdeveloped, so they do not feed in adulthood, and the forces accumulated during their time as caterpillars are enough only for mating and laying eggs.
Butterflies are not the most brightly colored, but anyway, when many of them cover trees or other surfaces with a living carpet, it is a mesmerizing sight!
Attention! It is guaranteed to meet butterflies in the valley from late May to early August. Arriving earlier or later, you most likely will not meet them or there will be very few of them.
- Working hours: 8.00-17.00
- Ticket price: 5 euros, for children - free.
Children on the island will love it! The sea, sandy beaches, an abundance of extraordinary vegetation, real knightly castles, towers, walls, ruins everywhere. 
Guided tours of the Old City in a playful way can be a real adventure! You can walk along the fortress wall, climb the high tower of the Rhodes fortress - the Sentry. It will always be interesting for children to walk along the Socrates shopping street and choose souvenirs and gifts for their relatives.
A special attraction is the water park in Faliraki - you can spend a whole day or even two on it! Older children can take windsurfing lessons in Ialyssos - when else will the opportunity arise?
Finally, another day can be spent visiting the Valley of the Butterflies and the nearby zoo.
The main disadvantage of the island when traveling with children is rather strong winds, which is why the sea is often restless. Although, you can almost always find a cozy cove, especially in the Lindos area.
