Rhodes is the largest of the Greek Dodecanese islands in the Aegean Sea, about 11 miles off the southwestern coast of Turkey. Rhodes has a population of just over 100,000 people, of which approximately 80,000 live in the city of Rhodes. The island is a popular destination for young people and students. The medieval center of the city of Rhodes is a World Heritage Site.
Why go to Rhodes?
Rhodes is a popular tourist destination for its antiques and nightlife.
The island has been inhabited since the Neolithic. The Knights Hospitallers occupied the island in 1309; The city walls and the Palace of the Grand Master, both important tourist sites, were built during this period. The giant bronze Colossus of Rhodes once stood in the harbor, one of the wonders of the world, and many pay homage to the statue destroyed in an earthquake in 224 BC. C.
Historic sites on the island of Rhodes:
The city of Rhodes
Consult a Google map of the city of Rhodes.
- Acropolis of Rhodes and the Temple of Apollo Pythios
- The Governor’s Palace, built in 1927 by the Italian architect, Florestano di Fausto.
- The Old Town of Rhodes has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The Palace of the Grand Masters Kahal Shalom
- The Citadel of Rhodes – According to Wikipedia: “The fortifications of Rhodes were frozen in 1522, making Rhodes the only European walled city that still shows the transition between classical medieval fortifications and modern ones. The fortifications that still today form a belt around the medieval city, making it a separate neighbor of the new city, were restored during the Italian administration of the island and, at present (2011), are being studied, restored and maintained «
- Jewish Synagogue and Museum – The oldest synagogue in Greece and the only Jewish synagogue left in Rhodes.
- The Archaeological Museum – was once «Hospital de los Caballeros. Construction was started by the Grand Master of Lastic in 1440 with money bequeathed by his predecessor, Fluvian, and completed in 1489 by the Grand Master of Aubusson. ‘
- Kritinia Castle and St. Catherine Hospice (just outside of Rhodes)
Rhodes Island
- Ancient alys
- Ancient Kamiros
- Acropolis of Lindos
- The ruins of the Venetian castle of Monolithos
How to get to Rhodes
By air
Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” is located 16 km (10 miles) southwest of the city of Rhodes. You can reach many Greek islands and European cities from Rhodes International. The official site of Rhodes International Airport is a bit short on information, but it will give you the basics.
by sea
The city of Rhodes has two ports of interest for the traveler:
Central port: located in the city of Rhodes, it serves national and international traffic.
Kolona Port: opposite the central port, it serves intra-Dodecanese traffic and large yachts.
Rhodes is reached by ferry from the port of Pireus in Athens in approximately 16 hours. Ferries to Marmaris, Turkey take about an hour and a half.
Golf in Rhodes
There is an 18 hole golf course in Rhodes, called Afandou Golf Course. It is one of the 5 international standard golf courses (18 holes) in Greece.
Rhodes Wine
Rhodes has a fairly favorable climate for wine grapes. The whites are from the Athiri grape, the reds are from Mandilariá (known locally as Amorgianó). There are also sweet wines made from Moschato Aspro and Trani Muscat grapes. Find out more about the Rhodes wine region.
Rhodes kitchen
Rhodes dishes to try:
- Pitaroudia (chickpea, potato and mint croquettes, especially in the village of Afantou)
- Kapama (roasted goat with beans or chickpeas)
- Hilopitas (egg pasta accompanied by tomato or meat sauce) photo of thread and recipe)
Wheel climate
Rhodes has a typical Mediterranean climate, with hot and dry summers and lots of rain in winter, especially in December and January. Showers can be expected between October and March. View current weather and climate tables for trip planning: Rhodes Travel Weather and Climate.
Other resources of Rhodes (maps)
Ferry map between Greece and Turkey: how to get to Turkey by ferry from Rhodes or other Greek islands.
Greek Island Group Map – Find the location of the Dodecanese Islands with this map.
