What to see in Rhodes? Top 10 attractions

Rhodes is a compact and incredibly colorful island, chosen by tourists for several reasons:

• The confluence of two seas – the Aegean and the Mediterranean;
• The site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World – the Colossus of Rhodes;
• For history lovers – three ancient cities on one territory: Ialyssos – now the city with the hill of Filerimos and its 18-meter Cross, Lindos – a white city with an Ancient Acropolis, and Kamiros, known as the "Pompeii of Rhodes";
• Many pebble beaches with crystal clear waters and coves;
• 300 sunny days a year;
• Hospitable taverns in the Monolithos area;
• A great place for windsurfing;
• A mecca for European youth (especially the British) for nightlife in the Faliraki area.

There are plenty of reasons to head to Rhodes, and if you've already decided, take note of these 10 attractions in Rhodes.

1. Mandraki Harbor

While strolling along the main promenade of the city of Rhodes, you'll notice the partially ruined statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. The enormous statue of the Sun God Helios once marked the entrance to the island. The 36-meter statue was visible from neighboring islands, served for only 65 years, and was eventually destroyed by an earthquake.

Local residents attempted to rebuild it twice, but each time a new earthquake destroyed the structure. Wise men decided that another earthquake might not only submerge a new statue but also the entire island, so it was decided not to rebuild it to avoid angering the Sun God. Today, two stone columns – part of the statue's legs – serve as pedestals for new island symbols – a deer and a doe made of bronze. The deer were once brought to this land to combat snakes, and now the deer is not only a symbol of Rhodes but also a sacred animal protected by the state.

Locals fish here, and at night, the atmosphere is enhanced by the flickering lighthouse and the lighting of luxury hotels opposite the promenade. Mandraki Harbor does not accommodate large ferries, so it's small and filled with little tourist boats, constantly inviting tourists on sea trips, costing from 15€ for a day cruise and from 7€ for an evening one. Trips to neighboring islands – Symi, Chalki, Nisyros (from 30€) are also available.

Address: Plotarchou Plessa 2, Rodos 851 00

2. The Kiss of Two Seas – Prasonisi

A very interesting place for a beach holiday. By crossing a sandy spit, you can swim simultaneously in two seas – the Aegean (a windy and turbulent bay with fairly high waves) and the Mediterranean (a bay with gentle and warm waters from May to October).

3. Ancient City of Lindos

The highlight of this ancient settlement is the white color of all the buildings. At the top of the city stands the majestic Ancient Acropolis (entrance fee – 4€). Vehicles are prohibited in the city, except for donkeys. The fare – from 4€. In the city, be sure to walk through the cozy narrow streets, relax in a courtyard enjoying homemade wine and the cool shade of grapevines, and visit one of the workshops creating lace doilies, bronze statues, or pottery with traditional Greek designs.

You can book a hotel with a discount of up to 65% on the website.

4. St. Paul's Bay

This heart-shaped bay is located near the white city of Lindos. Instagram enthusiasts – the best photos of this place can be taken from the Acropolis. Beach lovers can drive directly to this attraction and swim in the azure waters. Greeks often hold wedding ceremonies in the chapel near this romantic bay.

5. Symi Island

This small island with colorful houses surrounded by cypress greenery, azure sea, and mosaic Orthodox churches is definitely worth a visit! It will appeal to yachting and romance lovers. Symi has long been known as a shipbuilding center and a place for sponge harvesting. While walking along the main street of the island, be sure to visit a local restaurant and try seafood paired with meze snacks, homemade wine, and freshly baked bread. Sweet lovers will enjoy xerotigana – fried spiral buns with syrup or honey, and pastellaris – a delicacy made of figs, almonds, and sesame seeds.

Romance lovers must visit the main temple of the island – Panormitis and leave a joint photo at the altar of St. Michael. According to legend, such couples will live a long and happy life together. The temple itself is also worth a visit – its walls have preserved ancient Byzantine frescoes, and the inner courtyard is paved with beautiful white pebbles with Greek patterns.

Beach lovers can visit one of the popular beaches of the island – Agios Nikolaos (named after the nearby chapel) or Agia Marina (a small sandy island). There are also pebbly beaches on the island, hidden from tourist crowds – Nanou Bay, Marathonda, Nimborios. You can reach the island by a state ferry, which departs daily from Mandraki port according to the schedule. The fare one way is €25 for adults and €13 for children. The travel time is about 2 hours. Private trips on small boats, which reduce travel time to 40 minutes, are also available.

6. Agia Tsambika Monastery

This temple with a miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary rises above a wonderful beach – it is a place with incredible energy! All local women come here to receive the blessing of Tsambika – the patroness of family and fertility – for having children. After a miracle occurs, women, in gratitude, name their children after the Virgin Mary: Tsambika if a girl is born, and Tsambikos if a boy.

Note that the monastery is high in the mountains and you can only reach the top on foot. The climb takes about 40 minutes.

Address: Archangelos 851 02

7. Tsambika Beach

The only sandy beach on the island and the best option for families with children – it has a gentle entrance to the water, numerous water activities, various cafes, yacht and motorcycle rentals, fishing, and you can also visit the Afandou caves.

8. The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes (Castello)

Finding the castle is easy, it is located in the Old Town, on the Street of the Knights – also known as Ippoton Street. How did knights appear on a Greek island? The fact is that in the history of Rhodes, there was a period when it was the base of the Order of Knights of St. John (John the Baptist), also known as the Hospitallers.

The order still exists today but has a more tourist-oriented mission. In one of the city’s temples, a special ceremony – knighting with a sword preserved from the period of knighthood on the island – is held. Today, the palace-museum has more than 200 halls and rooms: the Hall of Byzantine Icons, the Hall of Receptions and Waiting, the Hall of Music and Dance. Entrance to the museum grounds is €6.

Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00

9. Filerimos Hill

Filerimos Hill is the best viewing platform on the island. Here are not only the ruins of the ancient city of Ialyssos but also many interesting buildings from a more modern period. For example, the “Road to Golgotha” – on both sides of the Road, Catholics have installed stone structures depicting the sufferings of Christ.

At the end of the path is an 18-meter cross, which you can climb to admire the 360-degree panorama of the island. Children will be interested in watching peacocks freely roaming the hill, pilgrims – visiting the Filerimos Basilica and St. George's Church, and history lovers – wandering through the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Athena. Entrance to the park is €6, children free.

Address: Ferenikis 14, Ialysos 851 01

10. Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay – a bay with the clearest waters of the Mediterranean, located 15 km from the city of Rhodes. The bay is named after the famous Oscar winner Anthony Quinn and his unfortunate story with Greek dances. During the filming of the movie “Zorba the Greek,” the actor broke his leg before he could perform the energetic Greek dance.

The screenwriters decided to perform a slower version of the dance for the film. This melody and the elements of the Sirtaki dance became a hit not only in Greece but worldwide. Another version says that Anthony rented a house for vacation after filming the famous movie “The Guns of Navarone” and bought the entire plot of land in this bay. The local authorities decided to name the bay after the famous actor to attract more investment and tourists from other countries.