List of places to visit in Rhodes / Travel Guide, Tips
Fancy history, culture, beautiful coastal areas and delicious Greek food? Then you’ve come to the right place on Rhodes! We introduce you to the best sights on the island!
When you think of Greece, the fascinating island of Rhodes inevitably comes to mind. Once the home of the famous colossus and today a popular destination for culture and beach holidaymakers alike, there are delicious treats to try and idyllic mountain landscapes to admire, away from the dreamy coasts and impressive historical sites. We have examined the 10 most beautiful sights of Rhodes in detail for you.
1. Colossus of Rhodes, Rhodes Town
The beginning of our list of the most worth seeing attractions of Rhodes is the probably most famous one – even if strictly speaking nothing is left of it nowadays: the Colossus of Rhodes. The approximately 35 meter high statue, which represented the god Helios, was built in the late third century BC and collapsed just 35 years later during an earthquake.
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To this day, however, the impressive bronze statue is one of the seven wonders of the world and in recent years there have even been project ideas for – even more powerful – reconstruction. The exact location of the colossus at that time is not certain, but it is generally believed to have been in the entrance to what is now Mandraki Harbour, at which point two stone pillars adorned with deer represent the assumed foot positions. By the way: From the port you can also take a wonderful trip to the neighboring island of Symi.
2. Grand Master’s Palace and Old Town, Rhodes Town
We continue with another great sight right in Rhodes town: the Grand Master’s Palace in the middle of the old town of Rhodes. The beautiful white stone structure was originally built in the 14th century for the Grand Master of the island’s Order of St John, but was badly damaged in the mid 19th century. It was not finally rebuilt and expanded until the middle of the 20th century. Today the beautiful palace serves as a museum, which can be visited for 6 euros. It is also in the immediate vicinity of other exciting sights in the old town of Rhodes, including the medieval bell tower and the Archaeological Museum (admission 8 euros), which you should definitely visit during your holiday here.
3. Acropolis of Rhodes, near Rhodes Town
A bit away from the center of Rhodes Town is another must-see spot, especially for culture and history buffs when traveling to the island: the Acropolis of Rhodes. The complex experienced its heyday between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC and, in addition to an ancient odeion, a stadium, the Nymphaeum, which was once probably used for rituals, and several other interesting remains of ancient buildings, it also includes the ruins of the temple of Pythian Apollo, Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus. Admission is free.
4. Lindos
Besides Rhodes town itself, Lindos on the east coast is probably the most famous town on the entire island – and not just because of its wonderful beach, where you can spend relaxing hours bathing and diving into the waves. In Lindos you will also find a fascinating old town with its own acropolis, consisting of a ruined castle with a partially reconstructed temple dedicated to the goddess Athena of Lindos. Incidentally, from the Acropolis you also have a unique view over the sea, Lindos itself and its surroundings. The Acropolis can be visited all year round for an entrance fee of 12 euros. But be careful: in winter it is closed on Mondays and in the afternoon from 3 p.m.
5. Filerimos
If you also want to marvel at the natural beauty of the island during your holiday on Rhodes, you can do so during a hike to or on Filerimos. The hill rises just a few kilometers south of Rhodes town and offers not only great views over the surrounding area and the neighboring mountain Attavyros but also some historically interesting sites. For example, you can find the remains of a temple dedicated to Pallas Athena, a Doric fountain house and a Byzantine church. A building here that is particularly worth seeing is a restored St. John’s monastery, from which the well-known icon of the Mother of God from Mount Philermos probably originally came.
6. Prasonisi
We continue with a place that kitesurfers and windsurfers in particular should mark on the map of Rhodes: the beach of Prasonisi. The peninsula in the south of Rhodes is connected to the main island by a sandbank and is divided into two areas: On the one hand you can splash around in the wonderfully calm water or relax on the sandy beach, while on the other hand you can experience pure water action with surfing may. If you want to catch the best waves, you should go to Prasonisi, especially in the morning. Speaking of the journey: even during this you can enjoy the wonderful view over the peninsula and the turquoise blue sea. Parking is free on the beach.
7. Castle of Monolithos
We continue to the west coast of Rhodes to the Castle of Monolithos on a small hill near the town of the same name. What is particularly beautiful here is not only the ruins themselves, but above all the view that you have from up there and also during the hike up. Just don’t forget to put on good shoes, as the ascent is via steps that are sometimes worn. After the hiking tour to the ruins and an extensive photo session, you can then go to the nearby town and stop off at the tavern there to let yourself be spoiled by the delicious local cuisine at the end of the day.
8. Kallithea beach and springs
Like all of Greece, Rhodes is famous for its wonderful beaches, and the next point on our list of the most beautiful sights of the island takes us to its beautiful coast, more specifically to Kallithea. Kallithea is located in the north-east of Rhodes and is not only known for its beautiful beach, but above all for its thermal baths, which makes the place the perfect holiday paradise for all those who just want to relax for a few days in an incomparable ambience and at want to be pampered with spa treatments. By the way: Due to their architectural beauty, the Kallithea healing springs are also a popular place for various events – from organized photo shoots to weddings.
9. Feraklos and Agathi Beach
If you want to combine history with great views and bathing fun in one, you should consider a trip to the ruins of Feraklos. The castle on a hilltop near the small town of Haraki originally dates back to the 15th century, having been built on the site of the previous fort there. It was used by the Hospitallers for around a hundred years until it was finally besieged and conquered by the Ottoman Empire. Since then it has remained uninhabited and today it is only preserved as a ruin. However, the historic building is definitely worth a visit – if only because of the stunning view over the sea and Rhodes itself that you have from up there. Not far from Feraklos and Charaki you will also find the beach of Agathi, which is particularly suitable for bathing trips with children thanks to its calm, shallow water.
10. Profitis Iliad
And finally, there is another particularly beautiful mountain on Rhodes, which is ideal for hiking, lures with fantastic views, but also boasts architectural pearls as a destination on Rhodes: on the slopes of Profitis Ilias you will find many a building in the Alpine style built by the Italian occupiers in the early 20th century – including a chalet commissioned by Benito Mussolini. The forests at Profitis Ilias, on the other hand, are ideal for hikes in the shade and the view from the slopes (unfortunately the summit cannot be climbed because the top of the mountain is a restricted military area) extends to the Dodecanese and the Turkish coast on nice days.
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