Rhodes


Rhodes

  • About Rhodes

    Rhodes, the third largest Greek island, is thought to be the sunniest place in Europe. The island is certainly among the finest. Its ancient capital, Rhodes Town, one of the great old towns of Greece, is a stunning ancient city which combines a modern cosmopolitan edge. Away from the island's main centre there are still unspoilt villages to explore as well as some spectacular countryside and coastline. A good range of resorts and holiday accommodation, including apartments is available. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and the most Eastern of the major Greek islands in the Aegean. It's only 18km West of Turkey, lying between the Greek mainland and the island of Cyprus.

  • The Colossus of Rhodes

    Rhodes is synonymous with the Ancient Colossus of Rhodes. To celebrate a famous military victory ancient Rhodians decided to build a giant statue of their patron god Helios. The statue was 110 ft high and stood upon a 50 ft pedestal near the harbour. Construction is believed to have started in 304 BC and took 12 years to complete. The Colossus was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

  • Landscape

    Rhodes is famed for its rich, varied scenery which offers dry and rocky coastal regions, providing an impressive rugged landscape, as well as lush forests in its interior. Around Rhodes Town the island is very busy but the rest of Rhodes is fairly unspoiled and offers some delightful, quiet beauty spots.

  • Rhodes Town

    For many the most fascinating place in Rhodes is its capital, a splendid fortified medieval city, and the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Rhodes is also a modern centre with plenty of hip bars and cafes providing lots of opportunities for lively nightlife. You will also find excellent shopping opportunities. For many though, the main attraction is that it contains some amazing medieval architecture including the very well preserved Venetian castle, built by the Knights of Saint John. Other attractions include the Archaeological Museum with its impressive images of grand knights on their tombs.

  • Recommended Resorts

    Faliraki

    Faliraki lies on the North Eastern end of Rhodes, about 14 km from Rhodes Town. This popular resort used to be a small fishing village but has now grown into a lively centre with a variety of first-rate hotels, clubs, bars, cafes, shops and restaurants. Includes a pleasant beach and good range of accommodations.

    Lindos

    The pretty whitwashed town of Lindos was built on a slope of a hill, overlooking an attractive bay. The ancient village was constructed like an amphitheatre, creating a pleasant character. This picturesque, ancient village, with its Acropolis towering above is known for its intricately carved doorways and facades. Lindos is 50km South of Rhodes Town.

    Monolithos

    The village of Monolithos is located South West of the City of Rhodes and offers various types of accommodation, cafes, taverns and restaurants. This is a quiet village near the impressive 15th Century castle of Monolithos, built by the Knights on the top of a rock. A picturesque cove at Fourni is also nearby where pine trees, sandy beaches and caves create a memorable experience.

  • The Knights

    The medieval Christian military order of the Knights of Rhodes, also known as The Knights Hospitaller, Knights of Malta, was an organisation founded in Jerusalem following the First Crusade around 1100. Following the loss of Christian territory in the Holy Land, the knights operated from Rhodes and built many of the fortifications which dominate the island.

  • Visitor Attractions

    Acropolis of Rhodes

    The ancient Hellenic acropolis of Rhodes sits on a hill in the western part of the city. It once formed part of a monumental area with many sanctuaries, large temples, vaults and public buildings. The buildings were contained amidst stepped terraces and surrounded with gardens. The Acropolis remains date back to the 2nd Century BC.

    The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

    This museum is found in the Hospital of the Kings, an impressive building built during the rule of the Knights. It consists of a large interior courtyard bordered by a two storey colonnade.

    Exhibition in the Palace of the Grand Master

    An exhibition charting the history of Rhodes is housed in the Palace of the Grand Master, built during the medieval rule of the Knights in Rhodes Town. The exhibition in 12 rooms of the palace presents various historical artefacts, charting the 2,400 years since Rhodes was founded.

    Karpathos

    From Rhodes it is about a three hour ferry crossing to the pleasant island of Karpathos. Here you will see traditional costumes and some interesting architectural features, including the locals' individualistic houses, built of carved stone and decorated with flamboyant embroidery. The island, which includes a picturesque bay, is renowned for its unspoilt beaches and villages.