Rhodes
Rhodes is the furthest south eastern island of Greece and the largest island of the Dodecanes, a complex of islands
in the south of the Aegean Sea. It is a very popular, cosmopolitan island, where both Venetian and Turkish influence are
apparent, giving it a special charm. The continual sunshine - an average 300 days of sunshine a year, the mild climate and
the geographical position are the main factors that Rhodes was inhabited already in prehistoric times. The city is divided
in two. The new city with its modern buildings, hotels, fashionable and traditional shops and numerous restaurants and the
medieval walled city, full of impressive 15th century buildings. Rhodes is a big island with a lot to see. We suggest a
visit to the town of Lindos located southeast of Rhodes, where the Acropolis of Lindos, is situated. The Valley of the butterflies
is also worth a visit. For swimming we present you some of the beautiful beaches of Rhodes.
New City of Rhodes
Apart from the monumental buildings Rhodes is a very popular and cosmopolitan island. Numerous hotels, fashionable shops,
coffee shops, snack bars, and restaurants are available to satisfy any taste. Don’t forger to visit Mandraki, the yacht harbor
of Rhodes, where the two bronze deer welcome you to the city. Erected where probably the famous Colossus of Rhodes one of the
Wonders of the World- used to stand.
Medieval City of Rhodes
The medieval town is a living monument, where 6.000 inhabitants live and work in our days. It was divided into two parts:
The Knights lived in the northern part called Castelo, with a perimeter wall. Their residences and their hospital are still in
an almost perfect state of conservation today in the northern part, the Acropolis of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand
Magistrates where also included. The Greeks and the families of the Franks lived at the southern part, called the Chora. There
is too much of interest to see in the Medieval town, like: Palace of the Grand Masters: impressive, decorated with the coats of
arms of the Grand Masters. Street of the Knights: official street of the medieval city, ascending straight from the port to the
palace. Archaeological Museum: housed in the 15th century building of the Knight’s hospital. In the museum you can see ancient
coins, pots and sculptures from the Mycenaean up to the Roman era. Byzantine Museum: housed in the 15th century church of Panagia.
The museum contains frescoes and icons of the late and post Byzantine periods. Mosque of Suleiman: built probably on the site of
the church of Agion Apostolon. Mosque of Murat Reis: distinctive for its minaret, it was built on the site of the church of Agios
Antonios.
Lindos
Lindos town, which is located 50km southeast of Rhodes town, is the tourist capital of the island. The narrow, cobbled streets
are pedestrian only and many houses boast beautifully laid out black and white pebble courtyards.
The Acropolis of Lindos
The famous Acropolis of Lindos is the most well known of all ancient sites in the Dodekanese and attracts thousands of visitors
from all over the world. A spacious arcade marks the beginning of a stately flight of steps which lead to a raised terrace on which
stand the remains of 5th century B.C. propylaea. Past this, the way leads to the sanctuary of the Lindian Athena with its charming
4th century B.C. amphiprostylon temple, perched on the edge of the cliff.
Valley of the Butterflies
A valley with a stream, plane trees and wooden bridges where you can have a delightful walk of 1km. It is worth a visit even
if you don’t see the kind of moth called Panaxia, which come here on June to reproduce, leaving again on the end of September.
During the day they sleep requiring your respect because they die if you make them fly.
Shopping
Rhodes is ideal for all kinds of shopping, from jewellery, leather ensembles and furs to souvenirs. One should not forget the
famous Rhodian umbrellas available in variety of shapes and colours. Note that certain categories of products including luxury items
are subject to low duties.
Beaches
Antony Quin Bay & Ladiko Beach:
Near Faliraki area, just 15 minutes walk from the hotels, a peaceful area with green surroundings.
Faliraki:
Situated on the East Coast, just 15km from Rhodes-town. A long sandy beach, organized, crowded, with water sports facilities.
Restaurants, bars, hotels and apartments to rent back the beach.
Lindos:
Take a swim at the sandy beautiful beach below Lindos village. An organized, crowded beach, with extensive sports activities.
There are also a few restaurants and snack bars available for lunch.
Tsambika:
The most popular beach in Rhodes. A massive sandy, organized beach with lots of water sports and very shallow and warm sea.
There are a few taverns – restaurants right on the beach.
Kolymbia:
Go south of the village to take a swim at the small and peaceful beach in front of the hotel and after passing Limanakia tavern.
Glystra:
The quiet beach of Glystra can be reached only with vehicle. Sun beds and sunshades are available for hire. A small restaurant
is located on the beach.
Prassonissi:
Actually an island connected to the main body of Rhodes by a long sandbank. If you prefer calm sea choose the east side of the
sandbank, for windsurfers the west side is the appropriate one. There are two little cafes on the beach.
Afandou:
The longest beach on the island (5 km). It’s a sandy beach with pebbles with fantastic crystal-clear sea.
Restaurants and Taverns
Old Town
Alexis:
Fresh fish, seafood and good service. Don’t forget to book ahead.
Dinoris:
Fresh fish and seafood. Relish the romantic setting in a medieval lane.
Fotis:
A restaurant in the heart of medieval Rhodes since 1970. It is known for its delicious seafood dishes and sea urchin salads.
To Steno:
"Ouzeri" serving traditional appetizers with the aperitif Ouzo.
Ta Kioupia:
Traditional specialities, many dishes, and warm atmosphere. Once it was rated, as one of the ten best restaurants in the world.
Kolymbia
Limanakia:
A tavern on the Kolymbia beach. It serves fresh fish straight from the fishing boats and lobsters from the aquarium.
Lindos
Mavrikos:
One of the best-know restaurants on the island. It combines outstanding quality and the choice of Greek, French and
Italian dishes.
How to get there
- By air: from Eleutherios Venizelos airport at Athens
- By ferry: from Pireaus
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