The city of Rhodes is a pearl and one of the largest historical centers of Greece. The ancient port is located in the north of the island of the same name, on the coast of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas, today it is home to almost 50 thousand people engaged in tourism, fishing and agriculture.
Rhodes was founded in the early 5th century BC. e. It was in this polis of Ancient Greece that the famous Colosseum of Rhodes was located – one of the 7 wonders of the world. In 226 BC, the city was almost completely destroyed by an earthquake, and the world – famous landmark was wiped off the face of the earth. Finally, the city fell into disrepair 170 years later, after the death of Caesar.
Its convenient geographical location attracted the attention of the Byzantine Empire to Rhodes. Between the 4th and 14th centuries, the old town was a naval base and a strategically important port, and the capital of the Kivirreota fema. Since 1309, Rhodes was ruled by the Order of Knights, in 1522 the Ottomans seized the Greek land, and at the beginning of the 20th century the Italians ruled here. As a result, modern Greece has received a unique city that combines the features of antiquity, Byzantine style, Baroque and Gothic, a cultural capital and a powerful military base.
Interesting fact! Rhodes has been hit several times by severe earthquakes in its history. So, in 515, it lost almost half of its territory, and after the disaster of 1481, there were practically no ancient temples left in the city.
What to see in the Old Town of Rhodes? Where are the most beautiful sights, and where are the best beaches? The answers to these and other questions of tourists in Greece can be found in this article.
Rhodes city Attractions
Old Town
Medieval Rhodes is a true outdoor museum. It is a national landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Everything in this place, from the walls and gates to the churches and mosques, tells about the rich past of the city and Greece itself. If your time is limited, first of all visit the following attractions of the Old Town of Rhodes.
Walls and gates of the city of Rhodes
In the Middle Ages, there were 11 entrances to the Old Town, but only five of them are still in working order-Eleftherias, Arsenal and Sea Gate, Gate d’Amboise and St. Anthony. All of them are real works of architectural art, decorated with battlements and surrounded by towers.
The walls of the Old Town can also be called a landmark of Rhodes. Almost 4 kilometers of brick fortifications protected the ancient polis from enemies until the 17th century. In some parts of the walls, built-in galleries and passageways for sentinels have been preserved, and anyone can enter there for a nominal fee.
Street of Knights
This 200-meter-high street was the main artery of the Old City back in the days of Ancient Greece-then it connected the Grand Port and the Temple of Geolios. Today, it is one of the most colorful and unusual sights of Rhodes, perhaps the only place where there are practically no traces of modernity in the form of shops or restaurants. During the day, you can see the ancient coats of arms applied to each house, and in the evening – enjoy the magical atmosphere created by the illuminated ancient buildings.
Kahal Kadosh Shalom Synagogue and Jewish Museum
The oldest synagogue in all of Greece was built in the late 16th century and has been perfectly preserved to this day. This small building, built in the center of the Jewish quarter, stands out for its unusual architecture and decoration.
The synagogue has a special gallery for women, a spacious hall where ancient Torah scrolls are kept, and a small museum with a large exposition that tells about the traditions and fate of Jews. Inside the synagogue, religious rites are held daily, and it is open daily, except on Saturdays, from 10 to 15.
Important! Entrance to the synagogue and museum is free. You can take photos.
Rhodes Fortress
Another landmark from the time of the Order of Knights, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fortress occupies a large part of the Old Town and it may take a whole day to get around it completely. If your time is limited, first of all visit:
- The palace where the grand masters of the Order lived. Admission is free, but some rooms are closed to the public.
- Kolaciumi is the only wall in the fortress that was built by the Byzantines and is still preserved.
- An archaeological museum built on the site of the Knights ‘ Hospital of St. John. There is a small exhibition of everyday things of the Greeks from antiquity to the end of the 19th century, rare statues, a collection of ceramics. The museum has several courtyards, one of which has a garden with a pond. In the other two – temporary expositions and the house of the Turkish vizier. The museum is open from 8 am to 8 pm daily. The ticket price is 6 euros for an adult, 3 euros for a child.
- Socrates Street is a shopping street in the Old Town. Most of the stores are open from 10 to 23. There are many cafes and restaurants.
- Be sure to take a walk along the moat between the fortress walls or walk along their tops to feel like a real knight. From here you can take the most spectacular photos of the Old Town of Rhodes.
A tip! There are a few days a year when many of Greece’s attractions are completely free to enter. Most often, it is April 18 (International Day of Attractions) May 18 (International Day of Museums) and the last Sunday of September (European Heritage Day).
St. Panteleimon’s Church
Just outside the Old Town, in the Christian village of Sianna, is one of the most famous churches in Greece. It was built in the 14th century and is very popular among locals and tourists, because here you can venerate the relics of the Great Martyr Panteleimon.
The building itself is beautiful and bright, decorated with lace decorative elements on the outside. The interior walls of the church are decorated with frescoes and tell the story of the life of St. Panteleimon. Opposite the church is an 850-year-old chapel where old icons are kept. There is a shopping street nearby that sells natural products at inflated prices.
The temple is open from 9 to 18 every day, admission is free. Services are carried out on request for a small fee.
Suleiman’s Mosque
In the city of Rhodes, 14 mosques were built during the rule of the Ottoman Empire, the oldest of them was built in honor of Suleiman the Magnificent. Its foundation dates back to 1522, it bears the name of the first Turkish conqueror of the island of Rhodes.
Like many conquerors, this huge religious structure was built on the ruins of the destroyed Christian Church of the Apostles and is the largest mosque in Rhodes. From the outside, the Mosque looks nondescript – it is a small building of light pink color with small windows and columns. Unfortunately, the minaret, which had a high historical value, was removed in 1989, because it was in disrepair. However, to this day, the pink stone exterior and classic Ottoman style stand out and greatly complement the atmosphere of the Old Town.
The Suleiman Mosque remains one of the main attractions of Rhodes. Although it is currently almost always closed to visitors pending restoration, you can appreciate its design from the street. The mosque is conveniently located right in front of the old Turkish Bazaar.
Separately, it is worth highlighting the following attractions located outside the Old Town of Rhodes.
Mandraki Harbour
Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes is one of the largest on the entire island. For more than 2000 years, various vessels have been sailing here, to the eastern wall of the Old City. Near the port there is a beautiful embankment with souvenir shops and other shops, where you can buy a ticket for a pleasure boat or book a day tour. There are many other attractions around the harbour: church, Freedom Square, market and Mandraki windmills.
Colossus of Rhodes
Despite the fact that the statue of the ancient Greek god Helios was destroyed more than 2000 years ago, many tourists still come to Mandraki Harbor to see at least the place where it was located. By the way, this entertainment is not productive – to this day there is no information about the shape and appearance of the famous sculpture, nor about its exact location.
Nearby you can admire the modern symbol of Rhodes – a statue of deer. Their shape and location are still known.
Ancient Olympic Stadium
There are also many interesting sights outside the Old Town, one of them being the only fully preserved Olympic stadium in the world dating back to Ancient Greece. It was built almost 2500 years ago and was intended for running and martial arts competitions. Today, the 200-meter arena is open not only for curious tourists, but also for Greek athletes. At sunset, here, from the upper spectator seats, you can take beautiful photos of the city of Rhodes.
The stadium is located on the territory of the Acropolis, admission is free.
Be careful! Some tourists saw scorpions while walking around the stadium. Always keep an eye on your feet so that you don’t accidentally step on them.
What to see in Rhodes — the most interesting places
Rhodes Acropolis
The upper town of Rhodes is located just above the Olympic Stadium, on the hill of St. Stephen. Its construction was completed in the 3rd-2nd century BC, and excavations of this architectural complex have been carried out for more than 60 years. The Citadel of Rhodes overlooked the western and highest part of the city. It did not have a fortification character, like the old citadels. It was a monumental area with shrines, large temples, public buildings, and underground places of worship. The buildings were built in stages on different levels, on shaped plateaus supported by strong retaining walls.
Unfortunately, all that remains of the Acropolis are 3 high columns that were once part of the temple of Apollo of Pythia and the amphitheater. Most of the attention of tourists is attracted by the unusual restored staircase to the sky.
Entrance to the Acropolis is free of charge. From here you can enjoy beautiful views of the sea.
Beaches of Rhodes city
As a rule, people come to the city of Rhodes to see the ancient sights, but beach holidays are also available here.
Ellie
In the northern part of the city, on the Mediterranean coast, there is one of the best beaches in Rhodes Greece – Elli. There are always a lot of vacationers here, half of them are local youth. The beach is bustling with life around the clock: during the day, the main attention is paid to the calm and clear sea, at night-to the nearby cafes and discos that are held there.
Ella has a well-developed infrastructure. There are sun beds and umbrellas (10 euros per pair), showers, changing rooms, a rental area, a lot of water activities and a free cherry on the cake – a diving tower located 25 meters from the sandy and pebble coast.
Access to the water on the Ella is convenient, but there is music playing around the clock, so this place is not the best option for a holiday with young children.
Kalawarda
In complete contrast to the previous one, the beach near the village of Kalawarda is a suitable place for a secluded holiday, especially if you are not the most fastidious tourist. There are no umbrellas or sun loungers, shops or entertainment areas, but all this is compensated by the clean sandy coast, calm water and beautiful nature.
This is a great place for children, as Kalavarda has a shallow bay with a convenient entrance and always calm water. There are several toilets and showers on the beach, and a great restaurant is a 10-minute walk away.
Akti Miauli
The pebble-sand beach located in the center of Rhodes will provide you with everything you need for a great holiday. It is equipped with several hundred sun loungers and umbrellas, showers, toilets and other necessary amenities. Compared to Elli Beach, which is located nearby, there are much fewer people here. Akti Miauli is located on the coast of the Aegean Sea, the water here is warm and clean.
The beach is easily accessible by public transport, within walking distance of several cafes, a supermarket, famous attractions. Entertainment options include a volleyball court, catamaran rentals, and pier diving.
Important! Locals call Akti Miauli Windy beach, because in the summer it is constantly windy and waves rise here. Be careful when going on vacation with children.
Features of a holiday in Rhodes
Prices for accommodation
Rhodes is one of the most expensive cities of the Greek island of the same name, but even here you can relax with a small amount of money in your pocket. A double room in a three-star hotel costs an average of 50 euros, but you can find options for 35 euros per day. Approximately the same prices are available for apartments in Rhodes – two travelers can stay in an apartment for 40 €, the average cost in the city is 70 €.
According to vacationers, the best three-star hotels in terms of price/quality ratio are:
- Aquamare Hotel. Located 100 meters from Elli Beach, the Old Town can be reached on foot in 10 minutes. The spacious rooms feature a balcony with sea views, air conditioning and a TV. A buffet breakfast is included in the price. The hotel has a swimming pool, sauna, gift shop, pizzeria, tennis courts and two bars. The price of a double room is 88 €.
- Atlantis City Hotel. Located in the heart of Rhodes and a 4-minute walk from Akti Miauli Beach. Simply furnished, each room here will provide you with a balcony, a refrigerator, a TV and air conditioning. There is also a bar on site. A stay for two travelers will cost 71 €, the price includes an American breakfast.
- Hotel Angela Suites & Lobby. The hotel is a 10-minute walk from Elli Beach or the main attractions of Rhodes ‘ Old Town. The modern rooms have all the necessary amenities, and guests can relax in the pool or bar. The cost of accommodation is 130 €, the price includes a buffet breakfast. From November to May, the price drops to 110 €, and from the food tourists are offered only coffee with delicious rolls.
Please note! All prices listed in the article refer to the “high” season. During the period from mid-autumn to late spring, the cost of staying in hotels in Rhodes can fall by 10-30%.
Cafes and restaurants
The most expensive restaurants are located in the Old Town of Rhodes, the cheapest are located on the outskirts of the city, away from famous attractions. On average, a dinner for two without alcohol in a cafe will cost 25 €, in a restaurant-from 45 €. Portions in all establishments in Greece are quite large.
Moussaka landmark! Moussaka is one of the dishes of Greek cuisine and it is at its price that experienced travelers are advised to evaluate the level of the institution. On average, a serving costs 10 €, so if the price is higher in the menu at the entrance, this restaurant can be considered expensive, and lower – budget.
The city of Rhodes is an interesting and unusual place. Feel the atmosphere of Ancient Greece and enjoy a holiday on two seas at the same time. Have a good trip!
