Greece — Rhodos
Traveling
Rhodos is the most significant of all the islands that make up the Dodecanese Archipelago. Large plateaus, pristine streams, and springs are part of its remarkable natural legacy, including a wealth of other natural features. You may learn more about this island’s illustrious past by visiting any one of the several historical sites, museums, or other buildings that have been preserved on it. A visit to Rhodos will allow you to make some fantastic discoveries and take in the island’s breathtaking scenery.
Rhodos is a genuine oasis of beauty with the most stunning beaches in all of Greece. It also has an extraordinary climate. One of the most well-known islands in Greece, its notoriety stems from the beauty of its natural settings and the wealth of its historical sites and cultural traditions.
Due to the favorable environment, the island of Rhodos, also known as the island of flowers or the pearl of the Dodecanese, is home to an abundance of roses, daffodils, and hibiscus. Rhodos is also known as the island of flowers. The island is a genuine crossroads of civilizations. It has various landscapes, archaeological treasures from different periods, beautiful beaches, and enormous woods; the Cyclades Islands are green with envy because of these features!
Rhodos is both the name of the island’s capital and the name of the island itself. It can be separated into three different periods: the ancient, the medieval, and the contemporary. Various avenues in the modern city are restricted to pedestrian traffic and are dotted with cafés, restaurants, taverns, clubs, and, last but not least, designer boutiques. The three windmills are the Prefecture Palace, Elephterias Square, Nea Agora Square, and the Aquarium, the name of the island’s capital (Institute of Marine Biology). This is also the location of the renowned Colossus of Rhodos, sung about by the ancient Achaeans.
The ancient town of the capital, comprised of 11 gates, is the city’s primary attraction. The black and white pavement, the mosaics, the remains from the past, and the dwellings where the residents live can all be seen here for visitors to appreciate. It is well worth one’s time to go to the remains of the temples of Zeus, Apollo, and Athens.
During your time on the island, you should make time to explore the Rhodos Acropolis as well. In this area, you can find some of the most impressive remnants of ancient Greek temples. Another important historical site is the Palace of the Grand Masters, which is an architectural triumph and a relic immersed in a long and illustrious past. It is both a palace and a fortification, the dominant structure in the old town. The entry is majestic due to the courtyard, which contains massive arches.
Afandou beach, which spans several kilometers and is covered with golden sand, is 22 kilometers from the island’s central city. It is a beach that is both clean and relatively tranquil. In the hamlet of Afandou, located close to the coast, there is a golf course, an abundance of places to stay, and many restaurants. Tsambika beach is a beautiful beach with soft sand surrounded by cliffs with irregular forms. The beautiful sand and green sea of Kalithea Beach, known for its healing thermal springs, is surrounded on each side by palm palms or pine trees. The structured home to the spa and thermal baths is a majestic one. The Arab culture is responsible for the creation of some stunning mosaics that can be seen in this area. Agathi beach, with its golden sand and green sea. It is situated 38 kilometers southeast of the island’s capital and close to Haraki beach and the ancient fortress of Feraklos. A beach that is both tidy and quiet. On the island, the coastal resort of Faliraki is known for having the highest level of development and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Golden sand may be found along the length of the four-kilometer-long Faliraki beach. You may participate in various water activities here, such as water skiing and surfing.
A visit to Rhodos also provides the perfect chance to explore the island’s neighboring municipalities and embark on unique day trips. You may also visit the charming coastal resort of Ixia Trianta, the magnificent Kiotari beach, and the historic town of Ialysos while you’re here. All of these are examples of tourist attractions.
Exploring the island’s various eateries is worthwhile to sample some foods that are not only succulent and delicious but also extremely good for you.
Spending time on Rhodos Island is like traveling back to the Middle Ages while accessing all of today’s modern conveniences. Even if trees and stores border the city’s alleys, ruins, monuments, and architecture still carry the remnants of ancient civilizations and many other things that you may appreciate here.
Beaches on the island of Rhodes
Rhodes Island is home to various beaches, each offering its own amenities and opportunities for recreation. The majority of Rhodes’ beaches, including those with tavernas, bars, and water sports, have been given the Blue Flag by the European Union. This environmental award recognizes beaches with clean sand and water of exceptionally high quality, such as the beaches of Santorini, which are famous worldwide.
Stretches roughly 250 kilometers down the coast. Each section of the beach is distinct and has its quirks, although, in the eastern portion of the island, the beach is created by a continuous series of sandy beaches surrounded by calm seas. The majority of the west coast’s beaches are composed of rocks. Most of the wind blows from the west, and the water also tends to be rougher towards the west. Therefore this portion of the coast is ideal for activities like skateboarding and surfing. These beaches are among the most frequented in the world:
Eli Beach, which can be found in the Rhodes town area and extends to the southernmost tip of the town, is often considered the most popular beach on the whole island. This is a sandy beach that has been arranged and is located right next to the Aquarium. There are high-rise hotels and casinos in the surrounding area, and many people consider this to be the most contemporary beach.
Ialysos beach, situated seven kilometers from the city of Rhodes, is considered the best surfing beach in Greece and is a popular destination for surfers. A pleasant temperature that is cool in the summer and moderates in the winter can be found in this region, along with clear seas, an organized beach that appears to go on forever, and mild winters.
The distance between Rhodes and Ixia beach is about 4 kilometers. Because it has sand and gravel, seas that are always windy, and crystal clear water, it is an excellent location for water sports such as surfing, windsurfing, and jet skiing, and there are two water sports centers there. A collection of beaches located near one another rather than a single beach. The majority of these beaches are organized and managed by coastal hotels.
Daily, the most renowned socialites of Rhodes may be seen congregating on Kalitheia beach. They chose this beach not only due to its proximity to the city of Rhodes, which is just a short distance away but also to the luxurious spas that the Italians constructed in this region. The Italians created this coastal resort back when it was first established. The current development will be finished today in what will most likely be a contemporary spa center located next to the structures that were there originally.
The most developed resort on Rhodes is Faliraki, about 14 kilometers away from the city that serves as the island’s capital. Faliraki beach is one of the most touristically arranged beaches in Rhodos. It has loungers, umbrellas, windsurfing, other activities, tavernas, restaurants, and beach bars. The golden sands of Faliraki run for more than 4 kilometers, and when combined with the azure waves of the Aegean Sea, they provide a scene that is both calming and aesthetically pleasing.
The beach of Ladiko can be found three kilometers away from Faliraki, in a tiny and charming bay. This bay has green seas, fine sand, small stones, sun loungers, umbrellas, and tavernas. It is notably popular with Italians and Greeks during August when the beach has its highest number of visitors. Because the sunbeds have recently moved to the other shore, this location is perfect for anybody looking for peace.
The town of Rhodes is about 12 kilometers away from Afandou Beach, while the beach is just 200 meters away from Afandou Beach Bay. This beach combines sand and gravel, and the seas surrounding it are deep and silty, making it an excellent spot for swimming.
One of the three beaches surrounding Lindos, Lindos Beach is widely considered among the most popular beaches on the whole island of Rhodes. It is situated 55 kilometers away from Rhodos and is an ideal destination for families due to the welcoming atmosphere and many amenities at their disposal. The beach is composed of sand and gravel, and the seas surrounding it are a brilliant blue color and relatively shallow, making it an excellent location for swimming and diving. Because it is geared specifically for families, it may become bustling during the high season; despite this, it is still lovely.
The well-known beach of Anthony Quinn may be found on the island’s eastern shore, between the beaches of Faliraki and Ladiko. This area is just 15 kilometers away from Rhodos. The beach was once known by its original name, which was Vegies. However, after the production of the well-known movie “Guns of Navarone” in this location, the locals concluded that the beach should be named after the legendary actor Anthony Quinn. The beach has long been considered one of the island’s quietest and most beautiful beaches, despite its well-known name; the primary reason it could get busy is because of the emerald-green seas that are so incredibly clear.
The beach of Lardos may be found 65 kilometers from Rhodos and 6 kilometers from the site of the old settlement of Kiotari. The beach in Lardos is made up of sand, stones, and green water that sparkles. Beautiful views may be seen on the hills surrounding Lardos; tamarisk trees provide an excellent and shaded perspective of the landscape.
The magnificent Colossus of Rhodes
The gigantic monument known as the Colossus of Rhodes has constructed thousands of years ago as the world’s seventh wonder. Helios, the Greek deity of the sun, is revered by the people who live on this island as their nation’s progenitor. The statue depicting Helios depicts the sun god in his Greek form.
The statue’s height is between 32 and 36 meters, and it was first constructed out of bronze before being reinforced with iron and stone. Although it is believed that 15 tons of bronze and 9 tons of iron were used, computations suggest that considerably higher amounts were used. The idea that this Colossus stood with one foot on either side of the harbor is nothing more than a myth since this aspect is never mentioned in any of the descriptions of it. It is thought that the French artist Auguste Bartholdi, who was responsible for building the Statue of Liberty in the United States, was inspired by it.
The work of Chares of Lindos, a favorite pupil of the famous Lysippus, The Colossus of Rhodos, was intended to immortalize the glorious resistance of the Rhodians. They were besieged by Demetrios’ mercenary army, which consisted of 40,000 soldiers and 200 battleships. This was one of the many conflicts.
The building would be finished in the year 282 BC after a construction period of 12 years. Some people believe it was located just in front of the port’s entrance on the island. According to a more recent study, it would have been found in the same spot as the gateway to the Templar Castle that is there today.
In 305 B.C., King Demetrios of Phrygia and Lydia, dreaded and renowned as the “besieger of towns,” urged the people who lived on Rhodes to take part in a battle against the city of Alexandria. In their capacity as Egypt’s commercial partners, they categorically rejected Demetrios’ request. As a result of this reluctance, the besieging expert was given the option to launch his assault on the capital of Rhodes rather than Alexandria. In anticipation of victory, Demetrios commissioned the construction of the tallest siege tower in the world — the illustrious “Helepolis,” also known as the “fortress destroyer.” It stood thirty meters tall. This monster, constructed out of oak wood, had wheels that allowed it to be approached from the stronghold’s walls.
In the end, engineers determined that there would be a need for 1,400 people to transport it. It was possible to hurl stones weighing fifty kilograms from the tower’s height and throw candles that were still ablaze. A battering ram was located at the foot of the building and was used to break through the wall of the besieged stronghold during the first assault. A drawbridge-like structure was dropped from the center of the tower’s nine stories and suspended over the citadel. The terrified people who lived on Rhodes beseeched Helios, the sun god, to come to their aid. Helios was the island’s guardian. They even promised him a statue that would be considerably bigger and more beautiful than any of the images of the gods that existed during that period if he would listen to their requests. The fact that the citizens of the fort hurriedly and quickly excavated a massive trench during the night ultimately rescued the structure. The following morning, the tower’s front wheels could enter the track. The enormous wooden frame, which could no longer be moved, used its own body to seal up the breach in the castle wall.
A powerful earthquake devastated the island of Rhodos in 226 BC, bringing the monument down after it had stood guard at the entrance to the harbor for many years. The city sustained significant damage, and the knee, which was the Colossus’s weakest spot, fractured. King Ptolemy II of Egypt quickly sent an invitation to the locals, asking them to assist in the restoration of the monument. The king’s offer to rebuild was turned down after consulting the oracle, which advised against doing so.
The monument had been lying in ruins for a millennium before the Arab invasion of the island of Rhodos in the year 654. They destroyed the Colossus of Rhodos and sold the pieces to a Jew from Syria. Camels were used to carry the details to their destination.
Rhode Island’s Valley of the Butterflies is known as “The Valley.”
Petaloudes, also known as the Valley of the Butterflies, can be found in the western region of Rhodos and is widely considered one of the island’s most breathtaking tourist destinations.
The Valley of the Butterflies is an environment that is unlike any other in the world since it has been preserved in its natural state. The Pelekanos River was formed by a series of smaller waterfalls with rapid water flow. August is a beautiful time to visit this region to take in the breathtaking display of butterflies.
In August, many butterfly species belonging to the class Quadripunctaria Poda migrate to the valley to reproduce. They may be found in any region with storax trees (Liquidibar Orientalis), characterized by a distinct aroma due to the presence of a certain kind of resin. Churches in the area also use this resin to produce incense. The butterflies spread across the valley throughout July and August to mate, and they typically deposit their eggs in September. After the reproduction process is complete in the spring, they disperse themselves over the region. They have already attained their full development by July. They return to the valley because the smell of storax and the sun’s warmth attract them there.
Both a gift store and a natural history museum may be found right here at the park’s main entrance, known as Butterfly Valley. It is not against the law for visitors to watch butterflies if they are relaxing. However, it is against the law for anybody to make noise near them (whistling, clapping, etc.).
Aphrodite’s Temple, located on the Greek Island of Rhodes
The worship of the goddess Aphrodite is central to this region of Rhodes, which is also home to the island’s oldest structure, which is dedicated to the goddess. In Symes Square, just in front of the Elephtherias Gate, you’ll find the Temple of Aphrodite. The structure was initially constructed in the third century B.C.
The ruined structure brings to mind the magnificence of the old Temple devoted to the Greek goddess Aphrodite, considered to be the personification of beauty in Greek mythology.
Faliraki Water Park on Rhodes Island
People of all ages will have a good time at Faliraki Water Park, the biggest park in Europe.
It is accessible from May to October, and its location is in the eastern section of the island, which is 12 kilometers away from the heart of Rhodes.
It is a great park that comes complete with all of the necessary amenities and activities. A pirate ship just waiting to be explored, Kamikaze slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, black holes, and a whole lot more are just some of the many surprises that await you in this area. While you have fun participating in the water activities, qualified lifeguards will watch you at all times to ensure your safety. The park is open from 9.30 in the morning until 7 in the evening. There are buses that run between Rhodos and Faliraki, which is convenient given that the hotel is situated directly on the beach in Faliraki. In addition, there is a sizable parking area located just outside the park’s entrance. There is a strict no-pets policy in place at the park. In addition, there is a souvenir store, a snack bar, and showers.
The park provides visitors with four distinct forms of entertainment:
-Thrill Rides (for those who like a good adrenaline rush): Turbo Rides, Kamikaze, and Free Fall
-Multi Rides include the Rafting Slide, also known as the “slide with numerous spirals,” the Multi Slide, also known as the “slide where multiple people may compete,” the Black Hole, and the Giant Slide.
- Taking it Easy (for relaxation and toning): Lazy River (230 meters long river), Wave Pool (wave and current pools), and Aqua Gym (exercise and Vibro-massage pools)
-This attraction is only for children: the Wet Bubble, the Tipping Bucket, the Funny Bridge, the Tarzan Pool, and the Pirate Ship.
The heart of Rhode Island’s rich historical past
It is possible to get disoriented in the medieval historic center of Rhodes, a town with over 200 streets that do not have names. In this scenario, one may inquire about Sokratus Street, one of the major streets in Rhodes.
The layout of the Medieval town’s winding, cobbled streets, which have round stones set into the sandy soil, is a feature that is unique to this region. The city was built during the Middle Ages. The Roadway of the Knights is a remnant from the Middle Ages that consists of a cobblestone street 600 meters in length and used to go from the Acropolis of Rhodes to the harbor. This street became a popular location for inns of every country at the beginning of the 16th century, and it was here that the knights of the Order of St. John stayed. Inns such as the Inn of the Italian Language, which was constructed in 1519, the Villiers Family Palace, and the Inn of France, which was built in 1492 and currently houses the French Language Institute, are all well-known examples of inns.
The Palace of the Knights, which was destroyed by an explosion in 1856 and then reconstructed in 1930 to serve as Mussolini’s residence during the Second World War, is a popular destination for vacationers in this part of the country.
A feature of this medieval castle is also Simi Square. You will discover tiny lanes with numerous merchants who insistently market their mostly high-quality items, particularly leather goods, purses, or apparel. This square is a highlight of this medieval fortress.
Rhode Island’s Prasonisi Cape serves as our focus here.
A narrow strip of sand connects Cape Prasonisi to the rest of the island of Rhodes, making it the island’s southernmost point.
It is 92 kilometers from the city of Rhodes, and the name Prasonisi, derived from Greek, means “green island.” If you are standing on a beach facing the island of Prasonisi and looking out to sea, the body of water to your left is the Mediterranean Sea, and the body of water to your right is the Aegean Sea. Prasonisi is located at the point where these two seas meet. The waves will be rough on one side of the beach depending on the direction and strength of the wind, while the other side will have calm water.
Because of the consistently high winds, Prasonisi Beach is an excellent location for wind and kite surfing, which lasts until October. The wind is blowing in an ideal direction for surfers of all skill levels, from novices to experts. There are many pubs and patios in the neighborhood where you can rest for a few minutes. Prasonisi is one of the locations where the finest surfers in the world go to train and also plays home to many international contests. Surfers from Olympic teams, as well as surfers from other nations, often visit this location.
Compared to the other more populated regions of the island, Prasinisi maintains a more traditional air, thanks to several businesses and five modest hotels in the area. If you are not a fan of surfing, you may visit any of these places. There are two tavernas on the beach that serve traditional Greek cuisine. Here, you may indulge in culinary delicacies that will infuse an authentic spirit in you, such as mousaka, grilled octopus, humus, souflaki, and other culinary specialties. You may go swimming, scuba diving, cycling, or climbing in the hills, where you can discover little beaches concealed on the “Green Island.” There is also a lighthouse on the “Green Island,” considered a symbol of Passini.
Rhodes Island Aquarium
The Rhodes Aquarium may be found at the northernmost portion of the island, just on the water’s edge. It was constructed between 1934 and 1936 and opened to the public in 1937. It first opened its doors in 1963 as an aquarium, museum, and research unit, and it is now a part of the National Centre for Marine Research (CNCM), which conducts its marine research at oceanographic centers, fisheries, and institutions that are in charge of seas inside the island.
One of the objectives of the hydrobiological station is to cultivate and share scientific information about the preservation of the maritime environment. The primary objective is to maintain in its museum an extensive collection of marine artifacts, including aquatic species both alive and preserved in taxidermy, enormous fish, and another marine “monsters,” as well as a significant number of marine equipment. The Aquarium can successfully mimic the natural living circumstances for the diverse range of species of life it provides thanks to its open water circulation system, consisting of forty tanks with a combined capacity of 75,000 liters. Many animals live in the tanks, including sharks, turtles, crabs, and other crustaceans and mollusks, as well as colorful fish.
Acropolis of Lindos
The Lindos Acropolis is the city’s oldest building and a spot where you can locate antique and medieval structures. It is also the city’s most famous landmark.
The Dorians established the ancient city of Lindos in the 10th century B.C. It is situated around 45 kilometers south of the town of Rhodes. Because of its location on the trade route between Greece and south-eastern Europe, it had already established itself as a significant economic hub by the eighth century. The establishment of the city of Rhodes in the 5th century marked the beginning of its fall into disrepair and decay.
Architectural relics discovered in the vicinity of the Lindos Acropolis provide evidence of the economic success of the ancient metropolis. It was revealed that the Dorians had constructed a temple in the fourth century that was devoted to the goddess Athena Lindia. Inside the Temple, people would bring gifts and sacrifices to the goddess, who was revered. In addition to them, there is a temple on the Acropolis devoted to Emperor Diocletian, as well as a Hellenistic wall encircles the hill.
The Medieval Castle, constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John, was a protective barrier for all of these historic structures. Two of the castle’s towers have been retained up to the present day. The ruins of an old theater may be found just beyond the court’s walls, on the southwest side of the wall. The only things that can be found now are rows and rows of seats that formerly belonged to the auditorium. It is estimated that the theater would have been able to seat around 1800 people at one time.
The twentieth century saw the beginning of excavations at the Lindos archaeological site. The Italians, who controlled Rhodes from 1912 to 1945, attempted to rebuild the ancient ruins they had uncovered, but they ended up making the devastation worse. Today, the location is overseen by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture, which is also responsible for the various preservation efforts currently underway there.
Suleiman’s Mosque on Rhodes Island
The ancient town, characterized by Turkish architecture that can be seen in mosques, minarets, and public baths, is highlighted by several significant architectural features, one of which is the Suleiman Mosque.
The mosque was constructed as a monument to honor the Turkish conquest of Rhodes in 1522 by Suleiman the Magnificent, who governed the island of Rhodes for 400 years.
Since the mosque serves as a place of prayer for Muslims, mosques constructed in regions that are not traditionally Arab, such as Rhodes, take architectural cues from the surrounding area. The western section of the old town, which has several Byzantine churches repurposed as mosques, exudes an oriental vibe heightened by the many little stores and stalls reminiscent of traditional bazaars. The Suleiman Mosque, with its pink-roofed minarets, is the most prominent building in the Turkish neighborhood. In addition, this Turkish area is home to a library known as the Sultan Mustafa, which has a fantastic collection of manuscripts written in Turkish, Persian, and Arabic.
The minarets, based on the Arabic aspect woven into the island’s design, are one of the components that have been adopted. They are shown as soaring towers that stand at each of the mosque’s four corners.
Another facet of Arab influence is shown in the shape of Turkish baths. These baths have been well-known ever since the Victorian era. They symbolize how people interact socially and their spiritual side, serving as a means of purifying the soul.
The Acropolis on the Island of Rhodes
The Acropolis of Rhodes may be found in the city’s western section and was first constructed in the second century B.C. In contrast to other parts of the Acropolis, this region was not walled, and it is believed that hundreds of temples and public buildings once stood here. Today, only their remains remain.
Stepped terraces, supported by thick walls, were used to construct the structures. This region’s version of the Greek architectural style can harmoniously coexist with the breathtaking natural scenery.
At the archaeological site, some of the monuments that have been unearthed include the following:
Rebuilt in 334 BC as a present from Alexander the Great, the Temple of Athena Polias was a conventional Ionic construction that included 11 columns throughout its length. Alexander gave the Temple as a gift. Priene was guarded by the goddess Athena Polias, the city’s patron goddess.
The athletes of Rhodes used the stadium situated in the island’s southern region as their primary training ground in preparation for the Olympic Games. A modest theater can be found next to the stadium; legend has it that this was formerly the location of the famous rhetoric school of Rhodes, where many great Romans received their education.
One of the structures in the Agios region that has been brought back to its former glory is the Stoa, which was constructed in 200 BC. The structure’s name refers to a passageway in ancient Greece that operated concurrently as a retail arcade, a municipal office, and a court of law. The lower level of the renovated structure is currently home to a museum that showcases historical antiquities from Athens that dates back over 5,000 years.
The Nymphaea Monument is an underground complex that is made up of four stone-cut monuments. These structures have stairs, passageways, and apertures in the ceiling’s center portion.
On the island of Rhodes sits the castle of Monolithos.
A little town by the name of Monolithos may be found around 77 kilometers to the southeast of the city of Rhodes. The community has nearly altogether avoided being developed for tourism. Thus it is an excellent place to go trekking. At the foot of Mount Akramtys, which stands at an elevation of 825 meters and is Rhodes’s highest point, it extends out like a theater.
The imposing structure known as Monolithos Castle may be seen perched one hundred meters above the surrounding village. It is a Venetian fortress constructed around 1480 to defend against adversaries and pirates. The castle is in ruins at present, but it provides an incredibly breathtaking view of Fourni beach and the islands on the other side of the shore.
It is one of four reasonably mighty castles that date back to medieval times on the island, but only the exterior defenses have been preserved. Within the fortifications are the chapels of St. George and St. Panteleimon, dating to the 15th century.
You have to wind your way through the dense undergrowth on a winding route that is steep and has many stairs. Most of Monolithos Castle’s walls have collapsed due to the passage of time. In addition to this, several cisterns serve to collect water and distribute it over the whole region.
Source : www.wikipedia.org
