Rhodes
GreeceCsa
© OpenStreetMap, CARTO
Τὰ πάντα ἐκ τοῦ Ἡλίου | All things from the Sun (Helios was the patron deity of Rhodes)
Why visit
Rhodes is essential viewing for medieval and ancient history. Walk the cobbled Street of the Knights inside the walled Old Town, climb the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master (carefully restored under Italian rule), and explore the Archaeological Museum housed in the medieval Hospital of the Knights. Beyond the walls, hike to the Acropolis of Lindos (35 km south) for the spectacular cliff-top temple of Athena Lindia. Day trip to Symi island for its pastel harbor. Visit the Valley of the Butterflies in summer. Relax on the Anthony Quinn Bay or Tsambika beaches. The Italian-built Mandraki harbor lighthouses occupy the spots where the Colossus's feet allegedly stood.
When to avoid
July and August see the Old Town overrun with cruise-ship day-tripper crowds and brutal 35 to 40°C heat, visit at opening (8 AM) or after 6 PM. Many central restaurants are tourist traps with mediocre food at premium prices, walk into the medieval back lanes for better. The Faliraki resort strip 13 km south is brash and rowdy. Crossings to Turkey require Schengen-rules awareness. Skip Rhodes November to March when most beach restaurants close. Don't drive into the Old Town, vehicles are largely banned and parking outside the walls is free.