World famous for the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, Rhodes remains to this day one of the most attractive islands in Greece. The largest in the Dodecanese Archipelago, Rhodes is often called “the island of sun and light”, for it has more than 3000 hours of sun per year. Therefore, it is almost a certainty that any traveler will enjoy excellent weather.

 

The island is worth visiting for the ancient history, for it has encountered many civilizations, being situated at the meeting point between three continents.

Other than that, it has unique places (both old and new), great gastronomy and culture and, last but not least, it is worth visiting for the incredible people and their warm behavior.

Considering it is an island, the traveler can get to Rhodes in two ways: by sea (in the harbor with the same name) or by air (on Diagoras airport, in Paradisi, a location 15 km westwards the city of Rhodes). Either option has its (dis)advantages. By air means a shorter arrival time (advantage) yet less scenery, whilst by sea means a longer time yet an incredible journey between the hundreds of Greek islands in the Mediterranean.

 

 

With almost 2500 years of existence, the ancient town of Rhodes has had its share of history and civilization. Designed and built after the indications of Hippodamus of Milet, one of the greatest city planners of the ancient times, Rhodes soon became one of the most attractive and well organized cities in antiquity.

 

Till the 4th Century A.D. Rhodes was a Roman province. After, the Byzantine period followed. During this period, the Byzantines divided the town in two – the Acropolis, which later became the Grand Masters’ Palace and the Polis, or the lower town.

Then, they fortified the town against the Arab attacks which started in the 7th Century.

Six centuries later, in 1309 A.D., the Knights’ period followed, when the Order of the Hospitaller Knights of St John of Jerusalem came on the island. The Hospitaller Knights were a Christian organization founded in Jerusalem in the 10th Century A.D. in order to care for the sick and injured pilgrims from the Holy Land. Rhodes was used as the headquarters for the St John Knights.

Two centuries later, in 1522, the Ottomans conquered the town and left their mark with new and specific buildings, such as the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Mustafa Pasha Mosque and the Yeni Hammam baths (the new Turkish baths).

Year 1912 marks the beginning of the Italian occupation, with even more changes brought to the medieval town (the walls were brought to their initial state, prior to the Ottoman occupation, the Palace of the Grand Master rebuilt and the Street of the Knights reconstructed).

And finally, the town and island of Rhodes reached its present geopolitical shape and status in 1948, when the entire Dodecanese Archipelago was united with Greece. Today, the town of Rhodes is the largest still inhabited Medieval Town in Europe.

 

 

In terms of culture, Rhodes has it all. You will most certainly see at least one cultural event, with an emphasis on the months of summer. For information on cultural events, make sure to visit the website of the municipality of Rhodes, which covers all the events throughout the year.

 

In June, feast your senses with the Days of Poetry, Cinema, Theatre and Dance.

In July and August, see the Drama performances.

From August to September, listen to the Days of Music.

In September, take a leap back in time into an exceptional cultural voyage, during the Medieval Festival of Rhodes.

From August till November, see the most talented artists competing in the Mediterranean Engraving Triennial.

Last but not least, in October, run along the athletes in the Triathlon competition during the Days of Youth and Sport.

 

 

In terms of gastronomy, the famous crepes are a must and can be a great choice for an early breakfast. Served right in the street, in the heart of the old city, those crepes are a fortunate combination of flavors and spice, mixing Greek and Turkish and Oriental and who knows what other unheard scents.

 

For an even more complex experience, one can try the famous yet not so advertised Dimitrios tavern. Recommended by the islanders themselves, this tavern is the perfect place for some simple yet very tasty dishes. If still not convinced, the traveler should take a look inside the tavern and see the photographs of some of the former customers, such as Roger Moore. And the reason for them choosing such a place is not for the glamour and glitz, rather for its simplicity and coziness.

And a last word of advice. If not decided on what course(es) to choose, ask the chef – he will be glad to give you the best advice.

Also between the walls of the old city, try to spend at least a couple of days wandering here and there. Loose yourself on the small streets, in order to really breathe the atmosphere.

And of course, do spend a couple of nights in the heart of the old city, in the main square. It is guaranteed to give you a strange and pleasant feeling of warmth and being home.

Take a moment to rest and enjoy a quality time on any of the terraces in the square. And if the square is too busy, take a “seat” on the stone stairs or around the fountain.

Or try one of the many bars that offer a great time and atmosphere, excellent music for dancing, both inside the bar and outside in the street. And if you don’t know how to dance, don’t worry. Because most of the dance clubs also offer dance animators, that can show you what to do. In other words, Rhodes is a place for all ages and expectations, for you can find here anything from history and culture to shopping and nightlife.

 

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