Rodi, Gemma del Dodecaneso

Mura antiche e spiagge selvagge

Rhodes, Crossroads of Cultures

Rhodes, Crossroads of Cultures

Between Ancient Temples and Crystal-Clear Waters

Rhodes is an island in the Dodecanese, an archipelago in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Thanks to its strategic location between Europe, Asia, and Africa, Rhodes has long served as a crossroads of cultures and civilizations—from the ancient Greeks to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Knights of St. John, all of whom left an indelible mark on the island. The medieval city, with its majestic Palace of the Grand Master and imposing walls, is one of the best-preserved fortified complexes in Europe and tells stories of knights, battles, and intrigue. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you’ll be immersed in a bygone atmosphere, with artisan shops, traditional cafés, and hidden corners around every turn. Just a few kilometers away, Lindos is a true gem: a village of whitewashed houses climbing the hillside beneath the acropolis, offering breathtaking views over the Aegean Sea. Here, ancient legends still linger, and you can explore the remains of the Temple of Athena. But Rhodes is also a place of wild nature and outdoor adventure. Tsambika Beach, with its iconic chapel perched above, and Prasonisi, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, are ideal destinations for those seeking either relaxation or adrenaline, with activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing. The island also pulses with life through its traditions: the celebrations of St. John, with evocative processions, folk music, and traditional dances, are wonderful opportunities to dive into local culture. Lively markets offer a chance to discover typical products—from local cheeses to olive oil—and a cuisine that blends Mediterranean flavors with Eastern influences. Rhodes is an island that captivates those with a spirit of exploration, offering something to discover at every turn, authentic atmospheres, and a perfect balance of history, nature, and contemporary culture.

The Most Beautiful Beaches

The Most Beautiful Beaches

From Hidden Coves to Kite-Friendly Bays: Choose Your Vibe

The beaches of Rhodes are without a doubt one of the island’s main highlights. There's something for everyone: small rocky coves, long stretches of golden sand, wild, wind-swept shores, or fully equipped beach resorts. Among the most scenic spots on the eastern coast is Stegna, a peaceful bay perfect for families or anyone seeking relaxation. It offers a mix of sandy and pebbly areas and is well-served by local tavernas—don't miss Taverna Maria for an authentic experience, or Taverna Gorgona, known for its fresh seafood and its family-friendly atmosphere. Further north lies Traganou, a beach sheltered by high cliffs, with white pebbles and crystal-clear water. It’s rarely crowded, ideal for those who enjoy peace and quiet, and it offers both free and serviced areas. If you’re after a livelier vibe, Faliraki is a long sandy beach lined with seafront bars, water sports opportunities, and a dynamic atmosphere—perfect for groups of friends or families. Heading south, you’ll come across Agathi, considered by many to be the most beautiful sandy beach on Rhodes. With shallow, crystal-clear waters, essential amenities, and a small kiosk for a snack with a view, it’s a favorite for a relaxing day at the sea. At the southern tip of the island is Prasonisi, one of Rhodes’ most iconic spots. Here, a strip of sand connects the mainland to a rocky promontory (visible only in summer), creating a stunning landscape. The constant winds make it a paradise for kitesurfing and windsurfing.

For those who crave solitude and a closer connection with nature, Agios Georgios Beach offers a stretch of golden, untamed sand. Often windy and unspoiled by amenities, it's perfect for disconnecting from everything. Every beach in Rhodes has its own story to tell. Whether you’re looking for a sporty day, a lazy afternoon at a seaside taverna, or simply a spot to lay your towel and gaze at the horizon, you’re sure to find your perfect place on the island.

A Fortified Island

A Fortified Island

Among Knights, Castles, and Timeless Cities

Visiting Rhodes feels like stepping through centuries of history, woven together by stone, sea, and memory. The beating heart of the island is the Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site—an authentic medieval maze enclosed by mighty walls, cobbled alleys, and historic buildings. At the center of these fortifications built by the Knights of St. John—a religious and military order founded in the Middle Ages—stands the Palace of the Grand Master, one of the most impressive examples of Gothic architecture in the Mediterranean. Not far from it, you can climb the Roloi Clock Tower, which offers a unique view over the red rooftops of the ancient city. Still within the city walls lies the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, housed in the knights’ former hospital, showcasing frescoes, sculptures, and Byzantine icons. The city also bears traces of other rulers, such as the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, built during the Ottoman occupation. Once you step outside the Old Town, you reach Mandraki, the modern face of Rhodes, with its marina, the famous three windmills, and the pillars on which stand two bronze deer—symbols of the island and markers of the legendary spot where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. In ancient Greek culture, deer were often associated with Artemis, goddess of the hunt, but also of wilderness and protection. According to a local legend, the island was once plagued by venomous snakes. To combat the scourge, the inhabitants are said to have introduced deer (platonia in Greek), as it was believed their presence or scent repelled the reptiles. Whether true or not, the tale became part of local folklore, and deer came to be seen as guardians of the island. Rhodes, with its blend of myth, history, and legend, remains a fortified treasure where the echoes of past civilizations still resonate among stones and sea breezes.

Beyond the Walls

Beyond the Walls

Among Doric Acropolises, Seaside Castles, and Butterflies

But the history of Rhodes doesn’t end within the walls of its capital. Just a few kilometers away, landscapes unfold that tell stories from even earlier times. Ancient Kamiros, founded by the Dorians and built according to the Hippodamian plan (named after the Greek urban planner Hippodamus of Miletus), is a remarkable archaeological site. Laid out over three tiers, it preserves the ruins of temples, Doric fountains, and homes—set in a landscape that feels frozen in time. Further south, the dramatic acropolis of Lindos rises on a cliff overlooking the sea. From its summit, the Temple of Athena Lindia dominates the whitewashed village below, a settlement dating back over 3,000 years. The contrast between ancient ruins and the cubic houses clinging to the hillside is simply breathtaking. Rhodes is also dotted with fortresses and watchtowers, remnants of centuries of defense and conquest. Some of the most captivating include the Castle of Kritinia, the Castle of Monolithos with its small stone chapel overlooking the sea, the Castle of Archangelos, and Feraklos Castle, built on the remains of an ancient acropolis and later used by the Knights as a prison. For a completely different experience, head inland to explore the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloúdes)—a shaded natural reserve filled with plane trees and resinous vegetation, home to thousands of Jersey tiger moths. These “harlequin butterflies” cover tree trunks, rocks, and pathways, creating a rare and almost hypnotic spectacle. It’s a place outside of time—where even nature has a story to tell.

Rodi Offbeat

Local Tips for an Off-the-Beaten-Path Trip to Rhodes

Greek Flavors, Rodian Soul

Greek Flavors, Rodian Soul

What to Eat on the Island

After a day exploring medieval castles and postcard-perfect beaches, it’s time to make room at the table—because here in Rhodes, the food is truly good. Rodian cuisine is genuine, hearty, and fragrant with Mediterranean flavors. Whether you’re sitting in a seaside taverna or a small inland trattoria, you’ll always find dishes that tell the island’s story in their own way. Start light with a χωριάτικη (choriátiki), the classic Greek salad: juicy tomatoes, cucumbers, black olives, red onion, and a generous slab of φέτα (féta) resting on top, seasoned with oregano and local olive oil. For those unfamiliar with feta, here it tastes different—it’s made from sheep and goat milk, crumbly, slightly salty, and delicious even on its own, perhaps with honey and sesame seeds. Then move on to something more comforting: a steaming portion of μουσακάς (mousakás), the absolute symbol of Greek cuisine. Layers of eggplant, potatoes, and minced meat sit beneath a gratinéed béchamel sauce. You’ll find it in every traditional restaurant, each cook with their own secret recipe. If you’re by the sea, maybe in a fishing village or Mandraki, try the ψαρόσουπα (psarósoupa)—a warm, hearty fish soup made with fresh fish (often snapper), rice, and the classic λαδολέμονο (ladolemono) sauce, an emulsion of extra virgin olive oil and lemon. It’s the perfect dish to recharge after a long swim. Between bites, don’t forget to order some μεζέδες (mezedes)—small sharing plates like dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), keftedes (meat and spice meatballs), pitaroudia (chickpea and mint fritters, typical of Rhodes), all paired with a glass of ούζο (ouzo) or κρασί (krasi), the local wine.

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