Rhodes is one of the most beautiful and historic islands in Greece. With its dramatic cliffs, sunny beaches, and ancient ruins, there's something for everyone in Rhodes.
Here Are 15 Things to Do in Rhodes, an Amazing Island
1. Monolithos Castle
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Located in the village of Monolithos, this medieval fortress was built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century, and it served as a fortification against Ottoman attacks. The castle is situated atop a rocky outcrop and offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea.
It's not what it was before, but it's still a popular tourist attraction today. Visitors can explore what remains of the castle's several towers and bastions. Inside, there's also an active chapel dedicated to Saint Pantaleon, the church's patron saint.
2. Windmills of Mandraki
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There's something special about seeing a windmill turning in the breeze. Maybe it's the simplicity of its design or the fact that windmills have been around for centuries. Whatever the reason, they have a certain charm that's hard to resist.
The Windmills of Mandraki are some of the most iconic in all of Rhodes. Located on the east mole of the harbour, these windmills have been operating since the 14th century. They're said to have been built by Genoese prisoners.
Today, they're a popular spot for taking stunning photographs and a reminder of the island's rich history.
3. Gennadi Beach
Gennadi Beach is beautiful, sandy, and well-known for its crystal-clear waters. It's located on the southeast coast of Rhodes, only an hour's drive away from the city.
The beach is wide and long, with plenty of space to relax and sunbathe. It's perfect for swimming, water sports, canoeing, and lazing around on one of the many beach loungers.
Gennadi Beach is also a great place to go for a walk, as there are plenty of scenic routes to explore. And, if you're in a partying mood, the beach holds the liveliest party scenes on the entire island.
4. Faliraki Beach
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Faliraki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island and is usually quite lively. It's well organized with sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, a few beach bars, and a good selection of water sports. The sand is fine, and the water is crystal clear.
5. Seven Springs
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If you're looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate, Seven Springs is the perfect spot. Its therapeutic waters and tranquil setting make it the ideal place to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Located northeast of the island, this natural park's springs flow into a lake. The waters are said to have healing properties, and there's also a restaurant on-site if you want to take advantage of them.
6. Lindos Acropolis
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Lindos is a beautiful traditional village on the east coast of Rhodes island. And it's dominated by an acropolis, a piece of classical Greek architecture with a great view of the Aegean Sea and surrounding coastline.
Whether you want to learn more about Greek history and architecture or simply enjoy the stunning sights, it's a great place to go.
After exploring the acropolis, there are plenty of archaeological spots scattered all over town that you can visit. You can also enjoy traditional Greek food and drink in one of the many tavernas and cafes.
7. Filerimos Byzantine Monastery & Castle
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This stunning example of medieval architecture was built in the 11th century by the Byzantines and served as both a monastery and a fortress. In 1522, it was captured by the Ottoman Turks, who used it as a garrison.
Through the years, the complex has gone through multiple battles and eventually was left to abandonment. Part of it has been restored in recent years, but much of the castle still lies in ruins.
The monastery is accessible via a flight of stairs, and inside, visitors can light a candle and see beautiful mosaic decorations. In addition, the castle offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular spot for sunset watching.
The peacocks that roam around the castle and monastery are also a sight to behold. These colourful birds symbolize luck and beauty, and their presence is a welcome addition to the stunning scenery. It's a fun experience to watch the peacocks wander around and flaunt their feathers, providing a bit of colour and character to an otherwise historic site.
Despite the castle's long and turbulent history, it's now a peaceful place to enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about the area's rich past.
8. Embonas
Embonas is a quaint and picturesque village located in the island's centre. It's known for its traditional architecture and is one of the island's wine-producing regions. Visitors can tour the local wineries, taste the wines, and learn about the winemaking process.
The village is also home to several small shops, restaurants, and a few traditional tavernas.
For a touch of Greek mythology, you can visit the ruins of the temple of Zeus located on top of the Attavyros mountain, the highest on the entire island.
9. Pefkos Beach
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Despite being one of the most secluded beaches on the island, Pefkos Beach boasts unquestionably beautiful scenery. It's known for its clear water and sandy beaches, and it's a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Located in a small cove surrounded by cliffs, the beach provides a bit of natural privacy, making it a popular spot for couples.
There are also a few small restaurants and cafes located nearby, as well as a few beach bars. So it's a peaceful place to relax and escape the crowds.
10. Tsambika Beach
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Another fantastic beach to visit is Tsambika, located on the island's east coast.
Its bright blue waters and golden sands are definitely a sight to behold. The beach is located in a beautiful setting, with the mountains in the background providing a stunning backdrop.
Water sports are a popular activity here, and there are several restaurants and cafes located right on the beach, so you can enjoy a bite to eat while taking in the breathtaking views.
11. Feraklos Castle
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Feraklos Castle was initially built in the Byzantine era and served as a fortress for the Order of Saint John. The castle was strategically located on a hilltop and provided excellent views of the surrounding area.
Over the years, it has been rebuilt and remodelled, but the original walls and foundation still remain. Today, Feraklos Castle is a popular tourist attraction, and visitors can explore the castle grounds and enjoy the stunning views.
12. Vlycha Beach
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Vlycha Beach is more commonly visited by the locals, especially those living in Lindos who don't want to spend time on the more crowded beaches. It's perfect for families, with its gentle waves, gradual sea depth increase, and dozens of sun loungers. It's a great place to go for a relaxing day by the sea.
13. Ancient Kamiros
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Kamiros was an ancient agricultural city located northwest of Rhodes. It was one of the three Doric cities on the island, together with Ialysos and Lindos, and it was known for its fertile soil, which made it a major producer of grapes and olives.
The city was also a significant centre of trade, and it was home to many artisans who produced pottery, metalwork, and textiles.
This didn't last, though, because eventually, people moved to the city of Rhodes and left ancient Kamiros in decline. It wasn't until 1929, when archaeologists began excavating the site, that it was rediscovered.
Since then, several excavations have been carried out, and many of the city's structures, including the sanctuary of Athena, have been found again.
14. Medieval City of Rhodes
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The medieval city of Rhodes is located within the city limits and has been designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It's filled with medieval architecture, some museums and galleries, and plenty of restaurants and cafes. It's a great place to learn about the history of Rhodes.
Visitors can explore the city on foot or by bicycle. You can also choose to get a guided tour or wander around and explore on your own. The city is relatively compact, so it's easy to get around.
There are a few must-see sights in the medieval city of Rhodes:
- The Palace of the Grand Masters is an imposing 14th-century castle that was once the home of the ruling knights of Rhodes.
- The Street of the Knights is a well-preserved stretch of cobbled street lined with the former homes of the knights.
- And the Archaeological Museum is housed in the hospital of the Knights of Saint John and contains a wealth of artifacts from the island's long history.
15. Butterfly Valley
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The Valley of Butterflies is simply dreamy. With its gentle breezes and stunning array of tiny colourful creatures, it's easy to lose yourself in the moment and feel like you're in a far-off paradise.
The best time to visit is when the butterflies are most active in the summer. However, even during the cooler months, some are still fluttering about.
There are several walking trails through the valley, so you can take your time exploring and enjoying the beauty of nature. And if you're lucky, you might even spot a rare butterfly or two.
Discover the Beauty of Rhodes, Greece
As you can see, Rhodes is a beautiful island with plenty to offer travellers. Whether you're interested in history, and nature, or just want to relax on the beach, there's something for everyone. We hope you'll get a chance to visit Rhodes and experience all that the island has to offer.
