Rhodes is one of the most famous islands of Greece and the pearl of the Dodecanese. It attracts tourists not only with its fabulous beaches and beautiful bays, but also with its rich history and unique atmosphere. Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Greece.
Here you will see sandy beaches, clear paradise waters, castles and ancient ruins. And traditional taverns offer local delicacies that are really worth trying. This is a place where antiquity intertwines with modernity, creating the perfect combination of unforgettable holiday adventures.
A must-see during your stay on the island is its capital, the city of Rhodes, which has been inhabited continuously for 2,500 years. But what other cities are worth visiting on the island of Rhodes?
Practical Information:
- Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea, near Asia Minor and Turkey. The entire island is about 60 km long.
- It is the fourth largest island in Greece, with an area of approximately 1,400 km².
- The most popular resorts in this part of the island are Ixia and Ialyssos (Ilaissos), located near of the Rhodes Town.
- The island is inhabited by about 120,000 inhabitants, 60% of whom live in the capital, of the Rhodes Town.
The Most Important Cities:
Rhodes Town (Capital)
Rhodes Town can be divided into two quarters: the old town with medieval buildings and narrow streets, and the new town. It successfully combines a lively present with a rich historical past. In the city of Rhodes, you can find both beautiful architecture and beaches with crystal clear water, as well as shops and restaurants.
Rhodes has been famous since antiquity as the site of Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The citadel of Rhodes, built by the Hospitalliers, is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. The Medieval city is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lindos
Lindos is located on the east coast of the island. It offers a typical Greek atmosphere with wonderful landscapes and beaches. This resort is famous for its all-inclusive holidays in Lindos and is an ideal idea for a family vacation. The Mediterranean climate makes it beautiful at any time of the year, and the temperatures are pleasant even in winter.
It is worth seeing the magnificent, ancient Acropolis, and in it the temples of the goddess Athena, the white captain’s houses, of which there are many in this city, the views stretching from the hill on which the famous Acropolis stands. Also visit the port of St. Paul.
Lalyssos
Lalyssos is the second largest city on Rhodes. A resort located on the north-west coast of the island of Rhodes, about 8 km from the capital, not far from the city of Ixia, near the airport. It is a popular tourist destination with many hotels, apartments along the coast. This place also has several traditional restaurants and a very active nightlife, with various bars and clubs.
Next to the city of Ialyssos are the remains of ancient Ialyssos, the oldest city on the island of Rhodes. In Ialyssos it is worth visiting the churches of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Agios Nikolaos, the Springs of Zoodochu and the ruins of the temple of Athena Poliados. As well as the Doric fountain and the Byzantine monastery of Filerimos.
Archangelos
Archangelos is a small town in the eastern part of the island. The town follow their local customs and traditions; bread is still baked in wood-fired ovens, wedding ceremonies are held according to the traditional way and the unique idiom of the village is still spoken by many of the inhabitants. Traditional pottery and carpet-making are still practiced, as is the production of tall leather boots.
In Archangelos, there is a preserved medieval fortress with the church of St. George, the monastery of the Virgin Tsambika on Mount Zambuki, where, according to legend, a miraculous icon was discovered.The parish church with a bell tower is considered the city’s main attraction.Of the monuments of Archangelos, it is worth visiting the fortress of Faraklu, built on the site of a Byzantine castle, where pirates lived.
Kamejros
Kameiros is about 30 km from the capital. The ancient city of Kameiros, along with Lindos and Ialyssos, was one of the most important Doric settlements on the island. In the center you can find the remains of an agora, while on the slopes there are ruins of houses.
One of the main points of Kameiros is the Acropolis, from which there are breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and the Aegean Sea. After a day spent exploring the ancient city, you can relax on the nearby beaches and enjoy the crystal clear waters of the Sea.
