Rhodes has a long and glorious history; it is a site where the rich mediaeval appearance fuses with the conventional Greek one. It is also an island of great beautiful nature: the gorgeous beaches face the pine forest on the mountainside; the mountain communities overlook the seaside towns; and the archaeological finds, mediaeval landmarks, and cosmopolitan attractions placed in the traditional style all collaborate to make this destination difficult to resist, even for the best quality customer.
This Mediterranean beauty of an island has a centuries-old history: a stormy past full of unforeseen twists and turns of fate. It prospered around the 4th century BC, when the famed Colossus of Rhodes, a massive statue carved by Chares of Lindos, was built. This island has a rich history, with each conqueror leaving its imprint.
You may have noticed by now that they have a sweet place for all things Greek. The breathtaking Greek islands, and delicious Greek cuisine. The island of Rhodes is no exception. Furthermore, Rhodes has so many wonderful and greatest things to do that you'll be spoiled for choice.
The weather is mild and one may enjoy a lovely holiday all year, although the ideal time to visit Rhodes is between the dates of April and October. To avoid crowds, September and October are possibly the best months, with April and May a good choice.
To be honest, this is one of the greatest destinations to immerse yourself in part of Greece's rich history. After exploring Lindos Village, take the road that goes up the 116-metre-high cliff to visit the spectacular Acropolis, filled with ancient walls, fortifications, a temple devoted to Athena Lindia, as well as a Hellenistic stoa.
Although Symi is renowned for its mountains, it also has some wonderful beaches - as long as you do not really mind a little shingle. St Nicholas Beach, a quick walk from the hamlet of Pedi, is surrounded by a rocky bay and washed by an enticing blue sea. On the beach, tamarisk trees give shade, or you may rent a sunbed and umbrella. When you're in the mood for a refreshing drink, head to the seashore café-covered bar's patio.
The Old Town of Rhodes, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, is Europe's biggest mediaeval city and one of the top things to do in Rhodes. That's something, isn't it? Most of all, it used to be home to one of the "7 wonders of the world," the Colossus of Rhodes (a massive statue of Helios) more than 2,000 years ago. The attractive ancient city now boasts a large mix of Greek, Ottoman, and Italian ancestry, which has formed the city's feel and appearance. Consider how attractive tiny alleyways, high walls, historic cathedrals, and mediaeval buildings can quickly transport you back in time.
The Palace of Grand Masters is placed at the end of Knights Street in Rhodes' Old Town. Originally erected on the remnants of the Temple of the Sun God (Helios), whose religion was widely practised in Rhodes in antiquity, this palace served as the governor's house and administrative centre during the Middle Ages.
The palace was massive in size. It had 158 rooms, but only 24 are offered to guests now. The rooms feature 16th and 17th-century antique furniture, gorgeous multi-colored marbles, sculptures, rugs, and fine Oriental vases. The official chambers and the Grand Master's private apartments are on the first floor. The auxiliary rooms are located on the bottom floor. The Grand Reception Hall, the Waiting Room, the majestic ballroom, and the beautiful Music Room are the most essential spaces, and the Medusa Mosaic is not to be missed. The murals by renowned painters such as P. Gaudenzi and F. Vellan, as well as the floors tiled with a mosaic of ancient Roman and Byzantine art, are especially noteworthy.
Furthermore, the internal yard is embellished with several Greek and Roman statues. Unfortunately, this wonderful structure was substantially destroyed in 1856 by explosives buried in the basement of Saint John's Church. The palace was repaired at the beginning of the 20th century by the Italians who occupied the Dodecanese islands at the time.
St. Paul's Bay has sand and stones, as well as cliffs from which to dive into the clear sea. You will have to take the car long before reaching the shore and then walk. You may also walk here from Lindos. St. Paul's beach is made up of two little streams and a small church at the end. Swimmers from the upper portion of Lindos village love to come here. Lindos Beach is popular among those from the poorer portion of town. However, there are many international tourists here as well. The right half of the beach has loungers, snacks, and island music, whilst the other side is quiet.
St. Paul is said to have arrived here in 51 AD to teach Christianity to the Rhodians. The lovely tiny chapel on the mountain to the right of the sea is also a favourite wedding venue. St. Paul's Bay is noted for its gorgeous surroundings and a breathtaking view of the Lindos Acropolis, as well as its golden sand and blue waves.
This location, more often known as Petaloudes, is home to numerous magnificent butterflies from June through August each year. Although you can visit outdoors during these months, don't expect to see many butterflies. But don't worry, it's also a lush green refuge with waterfalls that is one of the key things to do in Rhodes if you want a nice stroll. If you're hungry afterward, travel to the town of Psinthos and eat at one of the local tavernas.
The Street of the Knights is among Rhodes' most renowned tourist attractions. This street goes nearly east-west. This historic cobblestone roadway transports tourists back in time. The Street of the Knights is one of Europe's best-preserved mediaeval streets. The roadway connects the courtyard in front of the Knights' Hospital to the Grand Master's Palace.
Visitors will discover seven inns along the Boulevard, each symbolising one of the seven nations where the Knights of the Order of St. John originated. The knights came from Germany, England, Italy, France, Provence, Aragon, and Auvergne, among other places.