Rhodes Awaits: Secrets of the Island of Knights
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece, not far from the Turkish coast. It is a captivating destination blending ancient history, medieval charm, and stunning beaches.
Getting There
- Rhodes is accessible by direct flights from major European cities or by ferry from Athens (Piraeus port) and nearby islands.
Best Time to Visit
- May to October offers warm weather and vibrant activities.
Rhodes is very popular with international tourists, so expect it to be packed during the height of the summer.
What not to miss on the island of Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town:
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this medieval town is a maze of cobbled streets, historical buildings like the Palace of the Grand Master, and the Street of the Knights.
The Old Town is easily accessible from Rhodes International Airport (about 20-25 minutes by taxi) or the Port of Rhodes if you’re arriving by ferry.
Palace of the Grand Master:
A stunning medieval castle that once served as the residence of the Knights of St. John. Originally built in the late 7th century as a Byzantine citadel, it was later transformed by the Templar Knights in the 14th century into their administrative centre and the residence of their Grand Master
Street of the Knights:
A beautifully preserved cobbled street lined with inns representing the knights’ different “tongues” (languages).
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes:
Housed in the former Hospital of the Knights, it showcases artifacts from ancient Rhodes and beyond.
Suleymaniye Mosque: A reminder of the Ottoman era, this mosque adds a unique cultural layer to the Old Town.
Clock Tower (Roloi): Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Old Town and beyond.
Rodini Park: an oasis of green with a lazy river
Byzantine Churches: Discover small, historic churches tucked away in the labyrinthine streets.
Medieval Walls Walk: Take a stroll along the ancient walls for a unique perspective of the town.
Lindos
Lindos is a picturesque village on the east coast of Rhodes, and it is a must-visit destination blending history, charm, and natural beauty.
Getting There
- Lindos is about a 45-minute drive from Rhodes Town and around an hour from Rhodes International Airport. You can reach it by car, bus, or even a scenic boat trip from Rhodes Town.
Top Attractions
Acropolis of Lindos: Perched on a hill, this ancient site offers stunning views and a glimpse into Lindos’ rich history. The ruins date back to the 4th century BC.
Visit the Acropolis early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the village and climbing to the Acropolis.
Lindos Village: Wander through its narrow, cobbled streets lined with whitewashed houses, boutique shops, and rooftop restaurants.
Church of Panagia: A small but charming church in the village, known for its beautiful frescoes.
Beaches
Lindos Main Beach: A sandy beach with calm waters, ideal for families.
Pallas Beach: A smaller, quieter beach near the main one, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
St. Paul’s Bay Beach: A picturesque spot with two small beaches on either side of the bay.
Valley of the Butterflies: A serene natural reserve, perfect for a peaceful escape.
Kallithea Springs: Known for its therapeutic waters and stunning architecture.
Beaches in Rhodes
There are dozens over dozens of stunning beaches in Rhodes.
Just to mention the most popular:
Anthony Quinn Bay: A scenic cove with crystal-clear waters, perfect for snorkelling.
Tsambika Beach: A family-friendly sandy beach with shallow waters.
St. Paul’s Bay Beach: A picturesque spot with two small beaches on either side of the bay.
If you have a car or scooter, do take your time to explore and discover more than just the popular places.
Try Glystra beach, just south of Lindos or Kiotari beach, they are much quieter than the beaches on the north side of Lindos.
Visit the inland of Rhodes as well with its authentic charming villages.
We stayed two nights in Asklipio, on the mountains, 25 mins drive from Lindos but a world apart.
We were the only tourists overnight and we became the celebrities of the village, with grannies telling stories and posing for pictures.
And don’t worry if you don’t speak Greek (very little English is spoken), use a translator or adapt. People are super friendly and genuine. No tourist traps here, just welcoming families.
There are also several monasteries to discover:
Holy Monastery of Panagia Ipseni is a sprawling , stunning site only 20 mins drive from Lindos and deserves a visit.
Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Tsambika (Kyra Psili) overlooks the Tsambika beach with breathtaking views.
Please dress accordingly when visiting places of worship.
All in all, Rhodes is a fantastic holiday destination with so many different activities and places to explore. It really has something for everyone and won’t leave you disappointed.
