The island of Rhodes has a glorious climate, with spring coming early and summer lingering well into October.
While the sunshine is a big reason why Rhodes has been so popular for so long, it’s not the only factor. The island’s other natural charms include sweeping, sandy beaches and tiny coves lapped by the shimmering blue Aegean Sea, as well as pine-clad mountains, shady valleys and rare wildlife. There are man-made attractions too: ancient ruins, medieval towns, picture-postcard villages and tiny churches smelling of incense, not to mention an enticing assortment of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Bustling Rhodes Town
The jewel in the island’s sightseeing crown is the capital, Rhodes Town, especially the fabulous, walled Old Town. Its narrow streets, with cobbles worn to a shine by centuries of visitors and lined by ancient stone mansions, are wonderfully atmospheric. Top of everyone’s list of must-see sights is the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters, crammed with treasures such as Roman mosaics, thousand-year-old frescoes and medieval cannons. The other main museums are down the hill, at the bottom of the historic street of the Knights, first laid out more than 2,400 years ago. Housed in another medieval palace, the Archaeological Museum is full of classical statues, tombs and altars.
Of course, it’s not all about sightseeing. Many of the main lanes are lined with tempting shops selling everything from natural sponges and jewellery, to ceramics and rugs. Don’t be shy about wandering off down quieter alleyways. You can’t get too lost, and you might stumble on something interesting along the way. The Turkish bath, which dates from the 15th century and is still in use with separate section for men and women is worth a watch.
Picture-postcard Lindos
This picturesque village is delightful, with white, sugar-cube houses clustered round a shallow bay overlooked by a castle. There’s no traffic noise; cars are banned from its winding alleyways, making it a relaxing place to stroll. It’s also a bit of a climb to the castle or Acropolis to give it its proper name. Inside the medieval walls of the Acropolis are much older remains, including Roman temples, Greek cellars and so on. For most people, the real reason for the trip is for the spectacular views: the village itself, the sparkling blue sea and sleek yachts bobbing in the bay, set against a soundtrack of chirruping crickets.
If you haven’t spent all your money on an embroidered tablecloth from the women that line the path up to the castle, there’s more temptation in the village’s bazaar area.
Natural Rhodes
For many visitors, it’s the beauty of Rhodes’ seaside-golden sand or fine shingle lapped by crystal-clear water that’s the real draw. However, the island boasts more unusual sights inland that can be just as appealing on a hot day. The most visited is Petaloudes, or Butterfly Valley. From June to September, this small, wooded valley is home to thousands of tiger moths, who flourish in the cool, damp air. Even when they aren’t there, it’s a lovely spot for a walk, with waterfalls, streams and plenty of greenery including a tree that smells of vanills.
Between Butterfly Valley and Lindos is Seven Springs (Epta Piges), another watery, shady retreat of plane and pine trees. There’s a maze of footpaths connecting the springs, but the truly adventurous will head for the 600ft-long tunnel that leads to a turquoise lake in a pine-clad gorge. There are peacocks living in the area, though you’re more likely to hear them than catch a glimpse of one. Just on the outskirts of Rhodes Town, easily reached by bus, Rodini Park is a good place to rest in the shade of cypress and pine trees; go to the tiny zoo to see rare Rhodian deer, which normally live only in the mountains; or visit an ancient Greek cemetery.
While the sunshine is a big reason why Rhodes has been so popular for so long, it’s not the only factor. The island’s other natural charms include sweeping, sandy beaches and tiny coves lapped by the shimmering blue Aegean Sea, as well as pine-clad mountains, shady valleys and rare wildlife. There are man-made attractions too: ancient ruins, medieval towns, picture-postcard villages and tiny churches smelling of incense, not to mention an enticing assortment of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
Bustling Rhodes Town
The jewel in the island’s sightseeing crown is the capital, Rhodes Town, especially the fabulous, walled Old Town. Its narrow streets, with cobbles worn to a shine by centuries of visitors and lined by ancient stone mansions, are wonderfully atmospheric. Top of everyone’s list of must-see sights is the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters, crammed with treasures such as Roman mosaics, thousand-year-old frescoes and medieval cannons. The other main museums are down the hill, at the bottom of the historic street of the Knights, first laid out more than 2,400 years ago. Housed in another medieval palace, the Archaeological Museum is full of classical statues, tombs and altars.
Of course, it’s not all about sightseeing. Many of the main lanes are lined with tempting shops selling everything from natural sponges and jewellery, to ceramics and rugs. Don’t be shy about wandering off down quieter alleyways. You can’t get too lost, and you might stumble on something interesting along the way. The Turkish bath, which dates from the 15th century and is still in use with separate section for men and women is worth a watch.
Picture-postcard Lindos
This picturesque village is delightful, with white, sugar-cube houses clustered round a shallow bay overlooked by a castle. There’s no traffic noise; cars are banned from its winding alleyways, making it a relaxing place to stroll. It’s also a bit of a climb to the castle or Acropolis to give it its proper name. Inside the medieval walls of the Acropolis are much older remains, including Roman temples, Greek cellars and so on. For most people, the real reason for the trip is for the spectacular views: the village itself, the sparkling blue sea and sleek yachts bobbing in the bay, set against a soundtrack of chirruping crickets.
If you haven’t spent all your money on an embroidered tablecloth from the women that line the path up to the castle, there’s more temptation in the village’s bazaar area.
Natural Rhodes
For many visitors, it’s the beauty of Rhodes’ seaside-golden sand or fine shingle lapped by crystal-clear water that’s the real draw. However, the island boasts more unusual sights inland that can be just as appealing on a hot day. The most visited is Petaloudes, or Butterfly Valley. From June to September, this small, wooded valley is home to thousands of tiger moths, who flourish in the cool, damp air. Even when they aren’t there, it’s a lovely spot for a walk, with waterfalls, streams and plenty of greenery including a tree that smells of vanills.
Between Butterfly Valley and Lindos is Seven Springs (Epta Piges), another watery, shady retreat of plane and pine trees. There’s a maze of footpaths connecting the springs, but the truly adventurous will head for the 600ft-long tunnel that leads to a turquoise lake in a pine-clad gorge. There are peacocks living in the area, though you’re more likely to hear them than catch a glimpse of one. Just on the outskirts of Rhodes Town, easily reached by bus, Rodini Park is a good place to rest in the shade of cypress and pine trees; go to the tiny zoo to see rare Rhodian deer, which normally live only in the mountains; or visit an ancient Greek cemetery.
