One of Rhodes’ most tranquil spots, the Seven Springs (Epta Piges) comprises seven natural springs that feed into a small man-made lake, built by the island’s Italian occupants to provide water to the nearby villages. The springs offer a welcome relief from the Mediterranean heat, as well as a habitat for a surprising variety of wildlife.
The volcanic island of Nisyros (Nisiros, a craggy and fertile speck in the Aegean Sea, lies north of Rhodes and is part of the Dodecanese Islands, along with Kos and Tilos. An unspoiled treasure that has avoided the onslaught of mass tourism, Nisyros offers hot springs, fishing towns, Byzantine chapels, and ancient ruins to explore.
Overlooking the Aegean Sea and the neighboring island of Halki, the crumbling stone shell of Kritinia Castle crowns a 430-foot (131-meter) hill above the village of Kritinia. Originally built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John, the castle features a ruined chapel and the coats of arms of Grand Masters.
Hailed as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets, Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) stretches from the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes to the port. The lane was once home to the Knights of St. John, who lived in streetside inns.
Perched atop a tall sheer rock face overlooking the Mediterranean, Monolithos Castle (Kástro Monolíthou) was built by the Knights of Saint John in 1480 to guard the shores from invasion and is renowned as one of the island's most impenetrable fortresses. Today the castle lies in ruins, overlooking the distant shores of mainland Greece.
The ancient city of Kamiros stretches along the northwest coast of Rhodes. Once among the most prominent cities in the Dodecanese Islands, it thrived off local figs, wine, and oil production. The Hellenistic ruins of Kamiros, including the remains of the agora, temple, and reservoir, were rediscovered in 1929.
A “9D” cinema, the Throne of Helios brings Rhodes’ history to life in style through two short movies.Throne of Helios takes you from the Colossus of Rhodes to the present day by way of the Crusaders, whileThe Rhodes Race, a fun cartoon, follows afterwards. As well as surround sound and 3D, the experience features smells and motion.
As well as exploring the lifecycle of bees and the honey production process, Rhodes’ Bee Museum documents the history of beekeeping in the Dodecanese. The museum also boasts a glass-sided observation hive where you can watch thousands of busy bees in action.
Nestled on top of a hill on the east coast of Rhodes, Lindos is a picturesque seaside village offering plenty of history and natural beauty. A popular day trip destination, highlights include the Acropolis of Lindos, several pretty beaches, and a charming maze of small cobblestone alleyways, whitewashed houses, and a lively dining scene.
Known for its thermal waters since ancient times, a spa resort was built at Kallithea Springs in the 1930s to take advantage of the location’s therapeutic waters. Recently restored to its former glory, Kallithea Springs today is a popular beachside resort destination, and an idyllic place to spend a sunny day, special event, or wedding.
Dotted with cedar and cypress trees, Filerimos Hill rises 876 feet (267 meters) above sea level and therefore affords hikers panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea. The hill is home to Filerimos Monastery, free-roaming peacocks, and the scattered ruins of Ancient Ialysos, including those of an Athena temple.
Located on the east coast of Rhodes, Agathi Beach sits within a picturesque and secluded cove hemmed in by rocky hills. Considered one of the area’s prettiest beaches, Agathi features fine, golden sands and typically calm, clear sea. It is a lovely place to soak up the sun, swim, and snorkel.
Since opening its doors in 1936, the Aquarium of Rhodes has evolved into a miniature Mediterranean, amassing a vast variety of native fish and sea creatures housed in some 40 climate-controlled tanks. Octopuses, crabs, sea turtles, and Mediterranean monk seals are among the eclectic inhabitants of this popular family attraction.
Located on the eastern coast of Rhodes, south of Lindos, Kiotari Beach offers clear blue waters and a long idyllic stretch that rarely gets crowded. A mix of shingle and pebbles, the Blue Flag beach is dotted with hotels, taverns, restaurants, bars, and watersport rentals.
In the heart of Kallithea along the northeastern coast of Rhodes, Oasis Beach is nestled in a secluded, rocky cove. Quiet by day, and ideal for lounging or snorkeling, the beach offers a bar, restaurant, and rentals, and turns into a party destination at night, with live DJs and parties.
On the southern tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi Beach is one of the most unique beaches on the island. Nestled between two sandy coves, it’s a long strip of sand that connects to Prasonisi Island. With the Aegean Sea on one side and the Mediterranean on the other, it’s a unique geographical phenomenon.
Blessed with an ideal climate for grape growing and renowned as one of the most important Greek wine growing regions, the island of Rhodes has nurtured a tradition of wine production since the seventh century BC. The cultivation of Malvasian grapes really put the island on the map, fast becoming one of the principal Mediterranean wines.
