 The beautiful town of Rhodes is a strange mixture of Medieval monuments and modern life. The port welcomes visitors with the statue of a deer on one side, the symbol of the island. Following the Knight's street, the most traditional paved path of the town with the 14th century buildings on both sides, you meet at the end the Palace of the Grand Master, the famous castle of Rhodes.
This castle was constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John who had conquered the island. Although it suffered many damages along time, it was reconstructed in the mid-20th century and now it hosts exhibitions and cultural events. After this castle, walk around the Medieval Town with the picturesque square, the impressive constructions and the magnificent walls that separate it from the Modern Town. Traffic in the Old Town is prohibited, except for permanent residents that have special permission.
Walking in the Modern Town will reveal you a busy settlement. However, the architecture is very interesting as Venetian, Medieval, Noeclassical and Modern styles are mixed together. Close to the Medieval Town, there is the Casino of Rhodes, housed in a luxurious hotel. On the north of the town, there is an impressive Aquarium, aiming to present and preserve the Meditarranean life. Also head off to the west of the town, on the hill of Monte Smith, and visit the Acropolis of Rhodes, with the interesting monuments, such as an ancient theatre, remains of ancient temples, a stadium and a gymnasium. From this hill, you get amazing view to the island.
In the afternoon, choose one of the gorgeous beaches of Rhodes to siwm and relax after a tiring, sightseeing
day. Faliraki and Afandou are the most famous beaches close to the town. They are both organized and have watersports. In fact, in Faliraki, there is a fun waterpark. For another beautiful beach, try Tsambika.
 Two days in Rhodes: Lindos |
1st day as described above.
On the second day, visit the Acropolis of Lindos, the second most famous sightseeing spot on the island, after the Medieval Town. Lindos is located on the southern side of Rhodes, about 50 km south of the capital town. You can drive there as the road is good, take the bus or take a daily tour that depart from Rhodes Town.
The village itself is very picturesque and houses are built around a rock, on top of which there is the Acropolis. Better swim first at the small beach of Lindos to refresh and then head off to the top. You can walk there or take a donkey ride. There are many donkeys in Lindos that go up to the Acropolis or to closeby areas. The Acropolis of Lindos has been constantly inhabited since the ancient times. In fact, it was one of the most powerful towns of the island in the antiquity.
There, you will see remains of ancient temples, hellenistic walls, an ancient thetre, the gateways to the Sanctuary, Byzantine churches and all these protected by Medieval Walls. The view from up there is gorgeous. A drive or boat ride along the southern side of the island will reveal you many undiscovered coves and traditional settlements.
| Three days in Rhodes: Ialyssos and Ancient Kameiros |
 1st and 2nd days as described above.
The third day, visit the northern side of the island. The first stop is Ixia beach, a crystal coast ideal for watersports. Then, continue to the site of Ialyssos, one of the earliest city-states in Rhodes. The ancient town of Ialyssos extends around the hill of Filerimos and includes remains of ancient temples and Byzantine churches. The road to Golgothas, a paved path with stone representations of the Paths of Christ on the right side, leads to a gigantic cross on top of a hill that offers gorgeous view to the surrounding area.
After Ialyssos , continue to the Valley of Butterflies, about 5 km in the inland of Theologos village. This place is a natural reserve, unique of its kind. This green valley is crossed by a river. Visitors walk through narrow paths, wooden bridges, waterfalls and see rare kinds of buttterflies on their way.
About 15 km from the Valley of the Butterflies, there is the site of Ancient Kameiros,
that used to be one of the most powerful city-states of the island in the ancient times. Ancient Kameiros was built in three levels and it has some interesting ancient remains today.
View excursion on a map |
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