Rhodes | A Timeless and Modern Island
Rhodes, Greece, is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, with over 50,000 inhabitants, and is this island group’s historical capital. Rhodes has so much to see; you may want to spend several days here.
However, Rhodes is still a destination worth exploring if you only have a little time.
Climate
Rhodes is a warm destination with over 300 days of sunshine yearly. The Mediterranean climate produces mild and rainy winters and hot and sunny summers. The average temperature in January and February is 12 °C, and in August is 27 °C.
Places to see in Rhodes
- Rhodes Town. The town consists of the Old City, a medieval city, and the New City. Strong walls surround the Old City. It is one of the most significant and best-preserved Medieval settlements in Europe.
- Medieval Town. This old town showcases 2400 years of history inside its 4-kilometer-long imposing walls. The Street of the Knights is a famous cobblestone road in Old Town. They fixed it up to look like it did in the Middle Ages.
- Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent.
- Evangelismos Church, the Town Hall, and the National Theater are worth a visit.
- People say that Rodini Park, with its beautiful flora and fauna, is the location of the famous School of Rhetoric. This is where prominent Greeks and Romans studied, from Julius Caesar to Cicero and Pompey to Brutus.
- Acropolis of Rhodes.
- The Aquarium. It is an excellent place to see many of the marine species living in the Aegean.
- The Castle of Kritinia. The original medieval castle ruins are on a hill approximately 131 meters above the village of Kritinia.
- The Castle of Monolithos in the village of Monolithos is on top of a vast 300-foot rock standing above the village.
- Great Hammam of Rhodes is one of the few remaining Turkish baths in the Medieval Town of Rhodes.
- Jewish Museum of Rhodes.
- Lindos Acropolis.
- The monastery of Panagia Tsambika. The old monastery is on top of a hill with a gorgeous view of the sea and the surrounding area. The new monastery, which works today, is on the road that connects Archangelos to Rhodes Town.
- Springs of Kallithea.
Things to do in Rhodes
- Windsurf, Kitesurf: Avid surfers head to Prassonissi on the island’s south side. There, a long, narrow spit of land connects Prassonissi with Rhodes.
- Scuba dive: Many dive centers on the island offer courses and organized dive trips to old wrecks.
- Hike: Ample hiking trails on the island lead to green valleys, mountainous villages, medieval castles, and secluded beaches.
- Swim: Rhodes has various beaches, from sandy to rocky.
- Yoga Retreat and Cooking lessons: Offered in Teologos. Cooking lessons with hands-on experience or taking a yoga course.
- Shop and dine. Besides many tavernas, restaurants, and nightclubs, an outdoor theater by Arionos Square hosts traditional dances every summer.
Gastronomy
While in Rhodes, try appetizers such as pitaroudia (fried chickpea balls with chopped mint, onions, and tomato).
As for the main dish, have stew made with wild greens (vlita), purslane, stuffed vegetables, or oven-baked kolokoudi (pumpkin). If you’re feeling adventurous, try karavolous (snails cooked in tomato sauce with onions, cumin, or oatmeal).
Have mantinades (small fried dough with honey, rose water, and almonds) or tachinopita (small baked pies) for dessert.
Last but not least, the local cheese pairs nicely with white Moschato wine renowned from ancient times. That is the Athiri and Mandilaria (known as Amorgiano on the island).
