From the medieval capital in the north to the spectacular Prasonisi Beach in the south, Rhodes has some amazing experiences waiting for you. Full of fascinating history and idyllic countryside, it’s a great place for sightseeing, sports and outdoor activities.
On the north-eastern tip of the island, the capital city, Rhodes, is known for its architecturally impressive Old Town, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The Palace of the Grand Masters forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, and a section of the palace is open to the public. Live events and performances are regularly staged there, and the palace complex also hosts the interesting Archaeological Museum.
Despite all the history, Rhodes is very much a city of today, with a vibrant commercial centre and plenty of nightlife. The casino stays open late into the night, and there’s clubbing and lively bars on Orfanidou Street and, in the Old Town, Miltiadou Street. The city is packed with restaurants, and there’s more entertainment at the National Theatre and the city’s multiplex movie theatres.
Other attractions include the Museum of Modern Greek Art and the Marine Aquarium, located by the busy Elli Beach. There is also the pretty Rodini Park, said to be the oldest landscaped park in the world.
Down the coast from Rhodes, the resort of Faliraki offers family fun, with a well-organised beach and a large water-park. Other good choices for family days out include the fascinating Bee Museum of Rhodes, about 15 minutes’ drive from the city centre, and the solar-powered Toy Museum with its collection of Greek toys – it’s free to visit too.
The sheer number of beaches around the island will mean you are spoilt for choice. On the east coast are the likes of Lindos, Afantou, Archangelos and Agathi, while the stunning Prasonisi in the south attracts surfers and kite-surfers in large numbers.
Notable sights around the island include the iconic Lindos Acropolis, the ancient ruins of which are situated on the clifftop at Lindos and offer spectacular views of the Mediterranean. The village of Lindos is itself well worth a visit – as well as being beautiful, it has some of the best dining opportunities on the island, as well as laidback nightlife.
Rhodes’ natural beauty is particularly obvious at two of the island’s best-loved outdoor attractions. The Valley of the Butterflies is a charming area which fills with butterflies in summer, while the Epta Piges (Seven Springs) is a calming oasis with magnificent waterfalls and a lake – you can make your way from one to the other in around 35 minutes.
