Discovering Rhodes
Discovering Rhodes
Exploring the beauty of RhodesFind yourself a pen and paper and get that wishlist started. With so many incredible landmarks, beaches and cultural highlights on your doorstep, you’ll want to get out and enjoy an island that has mesmerised its visitors since ancient times. From the nearby Kallithea Springs and Medieval Old Town, to dreamy beaches begging to be explored, get ready to fall in love with Rhodes.
Archaeological Sites
Lindos & the Acropolis
Beautiful Lindos and its lofty Acropolis deservedly rank right at the top of visitor bucket-lists. Take your time to wander down the narrow alleyways of the village that was once the island’s capital, before heading up to the archaeological site’s acropolis. The Doric temple at the top was built in the 4th century BC and its history predates that. But what you’ll remember most is the panoramic view of the Aegean from the top. Absolutely magical.
Rhodes Old Town
The Old Town doesn’t just take you on a journey to the days when knights on horseback and settlers from all over the region made Rhodes their home. It gives you a sense of what it was like to live in their time. A medieval citadel that has remained continuously inhabited, its majestic stone buildings are must-sees, as are the Jewish and Muslim districts and the life-filled streets of a truly multicultural settlement.
Ancient Ialysos
The site of Ancient Ialysos offers another insight into the history of Rhodes. It dates from prehistoric times, with the remains of the Temple of Athena Polias offering an insight into life in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. The temple was built over an earlier Classical structure and was enhanced by Byzantine fortifications.
Ancient Kamiros
The third of the three cities that dominated ancient Rhodes, Kamiros was rediscovered and excavated in 1929. It is famous for its 600 cubic meter reservoir but the reason for its sudden abandonment in ancient times is still a mystery. Built over three levels on a hillside overlooking the sea, it’s in a beautiful spot. The nearby Monastery of the Virgin Mary is also worth visiting.
Attractions
Kallithea Springs
Just 3km from Amada Colossos Resort, the Kallithea Springs have attracted visitors since antiquity. Renowned for the healing properties of the thermal waters, they gained prominence during the early 20th century Italian occupation of the island as a spa complex developed by renowned architect Pietro Lombardi. You’ll love the intricately-designed pebble mosaics and landscaped gardens that have inspired the design of our resort. The springs have dried up, but the site is wonderfully atmospheric and has been used as a Hollywood film set. It’s the perfect setting for a swim or evening drinks.
Seven Springs
Considered one of the most beautiful and romantic locations on Rhodes, Epta Piges (as it’s known in Greek) is named after the natural springs that merge into a man-made lake here, providing an ideal habitat for turtles, eels, crabs and other water life. The setting is serene, with walking paths through a forest. Or you could just relax with a picnic surrounded by incredible nature.
Prassonisi Kite Beach
If you’re a wind- or kite-surfer, then Prassonisi Beach, on the southernmost tip of Rhodes, is for you. The “Green Island” isn’t always an island at all, as a narrow strip of land provides road access during the summer months. Your first sight of all those surfers (professional and amateur) riding the winds is something you won’t forget. Don’t worry if you don’t windsurf. You can also just relax here.
Valley of the Butterflies
Hundreds of thousands of delicate little butterflies, fluttering their distinctively patterned wings on and amongst the trees. What a rare and utterly beautiful sight the Valley of the Butterflies gives its visitors. Each June-September, the Panaxia species of butterfly gathers in this 1km wide valley to feed on the resin of the local zitia tree and lay their eggs. Lucky us! But please respect these angel-winged creatures whilst you’re here.
A day trip to Symi
A fantastic daytrip to the tiny island of Symi will introduce you to another island style. Symi is known for its old-world charm, with stately mansion houses built theatrically around its port and main town. The ferry ride is just 1-1½ hours from Rhodes port. Top tip: order prawns whilst you’re here. They’re a local speciality.
Beaches
Faliraki
There are hundreds of fantastic beaches to enjoy on Rhodes catering for every taste. If it’s a cosmopolitan vibe you’re after, with bars, restaurants and lots of fun, then Faliraki is for you. A 5km stretch of sand, it accommodates every age group and style.
Kolymbia
A firm favourite for families, with sunbeds and umbrellas and a lovely stretch of sand, Kolymbia ticks all the boxes for a great day out on the beach. Halfway between the main town and Lindos, it has a laidback air, making it an ideal place for relaxing with great views of the Aegean.
Tsambika
One of most beautiful beaches on Rhodes, with smooth, golden sand and a nearby national park giving an extra dimension to a day by the sea. You’ll love the emerald green waters and beautiful view, and the water sports if you’re after something more active. The nearby Monastery of Panagia Tsambika is apparently the place to visit if you’re looking to conceive.
Afandou
One of the longest beaches on Rhodes, Afandou is anything you want it to be. You can enjoy water sports and other activities, or you can pick your spot and relax on the sand. It’s worth having a look around whilst you’re here. You can visit the village, from which the beach takes its name, and the surrounding fruit and olive groves.
Museums
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Housed in the Hospital of the Knights, an imposing the 15th century building at the foot of the Old Town’s famous Street of the Knights, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes offers 16 different rooms with archaeological findings from Rhodes and surrounding islands. Exhibits range from ceramics to statues, from prehistoric to medieval times.
Muslim Library
Within an inviting little courtyard opposite the Suleymaniye Mosque, the Muslim Library has been operating since the end of the 18th century. The library houses some of the most important Muslim documents, including beautifully illustrated Korans from the 15th and 16th centuries.
Rhodes Aquarium
Situated on the northernmost edge of Rhodes, the Aquarium offers an insight into the rich marine life of the island and wider Mediterranean region. You’ll enjoy viewing tanks containing various marine species as you walk down a sea cave-like path, with a floor of black-and-white pebbles. Art lovers will enjoy the 1930s art-deco architecture, designed during the 1930s Italian occupation.
Museum of Decorative Arts
Located inside a building serving as the Knight’s Arsenal in the Old Town, the Museum of Decorative Arts hosts a varied range of local artefacts. Experience what daily life was like in the 17th to 20th centuries, with furniture, ceramics, costumes, woodcarvings and embroideries of Rhodes and other Dodecanese islands.
