If you’re looking for a beach getaway with sand, clear waters and water sports, Rhodes is the place for you. The island has plenty of blue flag beaches which means that the water is clean and the facilities are in top condition.
Rhodes is also known for its medieval history, which can be explored in the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Old Town. You’ll find a variety of historic sites such as ancient statues, hammams and the famous Palace of the Grand Masters.
Beaches
Rhodes is home to an impressive variety of beaches. From well-equipped stretches of golden sand to remote coves and rocky outcrops, there’s something for everyone.
A sheltered bay of soft white sand and calm sea, Lindos Beach is one of the best family-friendly beaches in Rhodes. It’s also a great spot to relax with a book and enjoy a drink.
There are plenty of facilities here, including sunbeds and parasols, changing rooms with showers, bathrooms, watersports and restaurants. You can also hire a jet ski or jump on a ringo for a ride around the bay.
If you want to experience a more rugged coast, the southernmost tip of the island is home to Prasonisi beach. Here, the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea meet and it’s a popular spot for windsurfers. It’s not a particularly large beach, but it’s worth a visit.
Medieval Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its imposing architecture and cobbled streets take you on a journey back in time.
In 1309, the Knights Hospitaller captured Rhodes and transformed it into a model of European medieval ideals. They built three lines of defenses and extended the city, which they named Kollakio (Knights’ Quarter), to 420,000 square meters.
Criterion (v): The old town of Rhodes combines Frankish and Ottoman architectural forms. The alterations to the fortification walls and monuments during the Ottoman period did not harm the character of the historical settlement, while the Italian occupation after 1912 preserved many of the most significant buildings.
A visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must, located in an imposing hospital built by the Knights Hospitaller. Set in a herb-scented courtyard garden, the airy rooms contain archaeological finds from excavations around the island. The museum also houses a stunning wall-mounted mosaic of the Aphrodite of Rhodes, which dates back to the first century BC.
Lindos
The Lindos peninsula in Rhodes is a wonderful place to explore! Most visitors come here for the Acropolis and its monuments but there are also many other interesting things to see.
The hilltop acropolis sits above the village’s whitewashed, narrow labyrinth of streets and courtyards. Its clifftop summit is a natural citadel, fortified successively by the Greeks, Romans and Byzantines.
It’s also home to an archaic amphitheatre that was used for musical and athletic competitions. Fortunately, the site is open to visitors free of charge.
You’ll get fantastic views of the town below from the acropolis as well as the Aegean Sea and St Paul’s Bay. It’s a great place to relax, swim and take in the scenery of this wonderful coastal destination!
There are lots of hotels and other accommodation options in the area, including some great family-run tavernas. You can also find budget-friendly rooms in the back of the old town or a villa right on Megali Paralia beach!
Kastellos
The Kastellos peninsula in Rhodes offers spectacular natural charms, a long cultural history, and unique lifestyle. It also has the cosmopolitan character and a large number of hotels to choose from, making it a popular vacation spot for visitors.
Located on the western coast of the island, Kastellos is a clifftop castle that offers impressive views of the sea and other islands. It was built in the 15th century to protect the villagers from potential conquerors and is now a ruin.
Kastellos is a great place to relax and enjoy the panoramic mountain and sea view. Casa Vasilia is the perfect destination for a memorable holiday in Kastellos.
Lindos is another famous tourist attraction in Rhodes, featuring spectacular sunsets, a pristine beach, and ruins of ancient Ialysos. It is also home to Diagoras, the greatest Olympic champion of antiquity.