Rhodes Greece what to see and do during a holiday in the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, between sea, nature and a fascinating past.
One trip is not enough to see all the sights and attractions that Rhodes Greece has to offer. Where to start? Obviously with a visit to the capital of the largest of the Dodecanese Islands in Greece. Although in reality it is three cities in one: the Acropolis, the old city and the new city, each linked to a different historical period and therefore with atmospheres and peculiar characteristics, which deserve much more than a hectic visit.
To discover the most intimate and authentic soul of Rhodes, you must then head south, where among gentle hills and valleys you will find ancient villages rich in color and traditions, hospitable and friendly people who still speak the local dialect, taverns that put on the table dishes that smell of aromatic herbs. And last but not least, some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Index of Article
1. Rhodes Greek Acropolis
It is on the hill dedicated to Aghios Stephanos, where the ancient city was founded, an important center of traffics of the Aegean Sea, which begins the glorious history of Rhodes. It seems that in ancient times Greece The Acropolis of Rhodes was a concentrate of gorgeous buildings, largely lost. As you walk through the ruins of the archaeological park, it will not be difficult to imagine the magnificence of the temple of Apollo Pizio, of which there are still some columns, the imponence of the Odeon, the classic Greek theatre, and the ancient stage. Really fantastic is then the eye you can have on the ancient city, enclosed by powerful walls with lots of towers and bastions.
2. The old town of the Knights
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, the medieval city evokes with its palaces, squares, churches and mosques the period of greatest splendor, when it was the headquarters of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, the legendary Templars.
Cross the Eleftheria gate and you will seem to be catapulted in another era. Walk on the footsteps of the Templars along the way of the Knights, flanked by the beautiful Ottoman palaces: here once there were the inns in which the knights and pilgrims stayed back from the Crusades, and if you pay attention, you will hear the echo of a millenary history.
An emotion that will accompany you also in the rooms of the Hospital dei Cavalieri, where you can admire the finds of the Archaeological Museum, including the splendid Aphrodite of Rhodes, and in the Palace of the Grand Master, which was originally a Byzantine fortress.
3. Mandraki
Just cross one of the monumental gates in the ancient walls to make a jump of several centuries and find yourself in the modern city, to live especially towards evening. When the area around the port of Mandraki begins to animate and from bars and taverns begin to spread music and aroma of moussaka.
It is the best time for a walk on the waterfront between the yachts and boats to the entrance of the port, where once stood the legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. After dinner, go back on your way to the old town that will seem even more suggestive with the buildings, streets and illuminated mosques.
The morning is the ideal time to take a tour to the market of the new city and browse between shops and stalls looking for some original souvenirs. 
4. Lindos
Second city of the island of Rhodes Greece, Lindos is the main gate to the southern part of the island. It welcomes you with a waterfall of white houses, ancient palaces and Byzantine churches gathered at the foot of the acropolis, which the Knights of St. John transformed into an inexpressible fortress.
Before climbing to the castle, get lost in the alleyways of the most charming village on the island, which at the time of the Crusaders confused pirates and invaders, while today they are full of taverns, bars and shops.
The acropolis will leave you speechless: it is a real treasure chest of various epochs, including the remains of a Hellenistic portico, the Doric temple of Athena and the headquarters of the crusaders.
But the real surprise, for which it is worth to climb up the hill, possibly even on the back of donkey, is the amazing panorama of beaches and sea that you can admire from up there.
5. The most beautiful beaches in Rhodes
Right at the foot of the acropolis opens the magnificent Bay of St. Paul with green and transparent waters that invite you to a refreshing dip. A small chapel almost flush with water recalls the point where the apostle would be prepared to evangelize the inhabitants of the island.
To the south of Lindos begins a line of beautiful beaches, less and less touristy as you continue south. Spacious and spacious, ideal for swimming and water sports, such as Gennadi and the lively Kiotari, among the most sought-after resorts of Rhodes. And then the scenic sandy bay of Plimmiri, near a small monastery, and the boundless coasts of Agios Georgios and Mavros Kavos, shaded by wild and almost deserted trees.
6. Pragions
You have to go to the extreme south of Rhodes to reach the spectacular beach of Prasonissi, but it is definitely worth it, In fact it is a golden sand isthmus that connects Rhodes with the "green island" (this is the meaning in Greek of the name Prasonissi), on which camping a lonely lighthouse. Slighted by the wind, this language of sand is a real paradise for fans of windsurfing and kitesurfing and not by chance is a very popular location of international competitions and championships.
Rhodes Greece what to do
7. Greek cooking course in Rhodes
What better chance of a holiday in Rhodes to discover the secrets of tasty Greek cuisine and possibly learn how to cook the most typical dishes? This is what awaits you at the Greek Cooking Course in Rhodes at the restaurant of a local cook, where you will try to prepare some traditional Greek dishes such as tzatziki sauce, pitaroudia, Greek salad, gemistà or dolmadakia. And after testing your skills as cooks, it will be a real pleasure to taste your creations accompanied by one of the most appreciated wines of Greece.
8. Sailing cruise in Rhodes
One of the most beautiful experiences you can do is a Sailing Cruise in Rhodes on the day aboard the Romantika, with stops in the most famous bays to swim and snorkel: Kallithea Springs, an ancient therapeutic spa; the caves of Traganou on the beach of Afandou; Anthony Quinn Bay, a picturesque pirate refuge with fantastic seabeds. The ticket includes a buffet lunch with Mediterranean dishes, based on fish and vegetarians, prepared and served on board.
9. Rhodes off-road tour
There is no better way to discover the interior of the island of a fun off-road tour along beautiful hidden paths, with stops in small villages and on remote beaches for a dip in the refreshing waters of the Aegean Sea. It is an opportunity to say, also to taste typical products such as various types of local honey and other delicious products such as souma (distillate derived from grape bunch), olive oil, traditional desserts and seasonal fruit.
10. Butterfly Valley Tour
You can’t leave Rhodes without visiting the wonderful Butterfly Valley, an ecological oasis in the heart of the island, where you can immerse yourself in the local nature. The excursion also includes a walk along the Golgotha, a path among the trees with series of sanctuaries bearing the scenes of the Holy Passion, to reach a huge and imposing cross, from which you can admire the beautiful views of the island.
