What to see in Rodi?
Rhodes is a popular tourist island, full of life and rich in both natural and artistic beauty. It entices you to explore its entirety, to savor its history and discover every nook and cranny. There are many things to see and do on the island; below, I list at least the main ones.
Rhodes
Rhodes is located in the north of the island and is divided into the old town, medieval in style but also with minarets, and the new town, cosmopolitan with elegant buildings and large hotels. The view of the city from the sea is very beautiful.
In the ancient part, all surrounded by fortified walls, you can find the Castle of the Knights, the Hospital of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Archaeological Museum, and the Museum of Folk Art. Walking along the Street of the Knights, steep and narrow, you can admire the most interesting Gothic buildings. The ancient walls surrounding the city can be walked along the outside: a splendid walk. As for the Turkish quarter within the old town, it is delightful to wander through the streets with arches and vaults, markets, mosques, and the Turkish Bath.
Mandraki Harbor (Colossus of Rhodes)
The famous bronze Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, stood at the entrance to this harbor. It was 31 meters high and its feet stood where two towers now rise with statues of a stag and a doe (symbols of the island) on top, and ships passed between its legs. Unfortunately, in 227 BC, the colossus fell into the sea due to an earthquake. There are also three ancient windmills in Mandraki Harbor.
Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes
Located near present-day Rhodes, in a very panoramic area called Monte Smith, it features the ruins of a temple of Apollo, the ancient stadium, and the Odeon. The area is the best place to admire sunsets.
Valley of the Butterflies
The Valley of the Butterflies is located in Petaloudes and is an incredible attraction. The best time to see the butterflies, which settle by the millions on bushes, tree leaves, and trunks, is between June and September. When the butterflies are settled, they tend to blend in, but if they take flight, they create a colorful cloud.
Lalissos
Ruins of the ancient city with remains of a temple and a fountain with six columns.
Kamiros
Exceptional landscape with the ruins of the ancient city occupying an entire valley.
Lindos
A large promontory with an acropolis containing significant archaeological remains and a large, elegant Frankish castle in a very panoramic and enchanting area. The modern white town built at the foot of the acropolis overlooking a splendid blue sea is also very beautiful. The Church of the Madonna with a richly frescoed nave is also worth a visit.
Embonas
A very picturesque village, situated at the highest inhabited point on the island, with beautiful houses and inhabitants who often still wear traditional costumes.
Siana
A beautiful village with all stone houses.
Monolithos
A mountain village near the most imposing medieval castle of Rhodes, built on a large rock.
Mount Atavyros
A 1250-meter massif crowned by the enormous foundations of the temple of Zeus.
Events
There are many summer events on the island, such as the daily “Sound and Light” show in the garden of the Rhodes castle and various folk ballets.
