Rhodes things to see and do

The marble of Classical sites, granite of Dorian settlements, and sandstone of medieval castles and churches are just some of the legacies of a long established historical timeline. For insight on what to see and do when you get to Rhodes see this handy guide below.

Top Ten Things to See and Do in Rhodes Island

1. Archaeological Museum

One of the best museums in the Dodecanese; this historical structure spreads through the 15th century Knights Hospital into its beautiful and wild gardens. Each room holds well preserved historical treasures ranging over 7000 years and excavated from all over the island. Other highlights include a pavilion displaying wall-mounted mosaics, an exquisite marble statue of Aphrodite from the 2nd century BC, and a reconstructed tomb from 1700 BC that held a helmeted warrior and his horse.

2. The Acropolis at Lindos

Ride on donkey back from the village of Lindos to the top of the famous Acropolis and discover a series of monuments from ancient times including the Temple of Athena Lindia, the remains of the columns of the propylaia and inner bemas that date as far back as 342BC. What may be the most impressive perhaps are the fascinating views of the town to the west, the well sheltered St Paul’s Bay to the South and Lindos Bay to the north.

3. Nireas

Nireas is well known as one of Rhodes’ favorite seafood restaurant’s. Much of this is owed to the verve and sheer enthusiasm of the owner Theo, and the well prepared meals, served in the candlelit, beneath a vine-shaded canopy outside, or lemon-walled interior. Be sure to try the Symi Shrimp, Viagra salad of small shellfish and the salted mackerel.

4. Street of the Knights

Situated in Rhodes old town the Street of the Knights, was where the majority of the Inns owned by the order of the Knights of St John were located. It is the most complete medieval street in the Greece, (and one of the most complete in the world). Its buildings are made of finely chiseled sandstone which is an uninterrupted facade that rises through a double archway to the road.

5. The Beaches

The main beach to the East of Acropolis, is sandy and shallow, making it an ideal swimming spot for children. You can go north to the western end of the bay and see the taverna-fringed Pallas beach, followed by some rocks where you can bathe on when the beach gets overcrowded. Do not swim near the jetty as it is home to sea urchins.

6. Tsambika

Panagia Tsambika monastery rests on the peak of the rocky promontory looking through the east coast. Though a narrow but drivable concrete lane leads the way there, female pilgrims walk (crawl on knees and hands) on the main road when going to pray for fertility particularly during the September 8 festival. From the taverna and the parking lot, there are still some 298 steps up Pinnacle, which is a breathtaking walk. The original, vaulted, church (since the 17th-century) retains fresco fragments; the wonderful icon resides in a different recess, emblazoned with votive offerings.

7. The Palace of the Grand Master

The view from outside, the Palace of the Grand Master still looks as much as it did when it was erected during the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller. However, during the 19th century, it was hit by an explosion, so the interior seen today is a reconstruction that was completed during the 18th year of the fascist era. The magisterial chambers upstairs still hold the haphazard looted artworks. The most interesting section is an exhibit on ancient Rhodes situated downstairs.

8. The Valley of Butterflies

Up in the hills and south from the airport is Petaloudes which translates as butterflies (usually known as the valley of butterflies) is one of the island’s beautiful tourists spots. It is actually a seasonal home to Jersey tiger moths. The valley has been set as a reserve for tourists, who can walk over streams, ponds, and waterfalls, or walk through the trees looking for the winged creatures.

9. Symi

The island of Symi is deservedly the most popular location for a day trip from Rhodes. Upon arriving at Symi’s port, Gialos offers the most impressive vista in Greece. A number of neoclassical iron balconies and stone facades combined with numerous pastel-hued shutters rise through the harbor side up the slopes. Just high above Gialos and out of sight lies the island’s inland village known as Horio, the Kali Strata (the ‘Good Road’), reached by 357 broad stone steps, or by bus from the south quay.

10. Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes or Marine Aquarium

The Hydrobiological Station is located at the North of the island and was constructed in 1934-1396, starting its activities in 1937. In the year 1945, it was named as a subsidiary station under the supervision of the Athens Academy of the Greek Hydrobiological Institute. Is has operated as a research unit and Aquarium-museum since 1963.

It is owned by the NCMR (National Centre for Marine Research) which is developing research in oceanography, inland waters corresponding institutes and fisheries.