The Greek island of Rhodes is a popular beach resort with first-class hotels, comfortable infrastructure and historical monuments from the Roman and Ottoman empires. The "Pearl of the Mediterranean" is one of the largest islands in Greece. Its shores are washed by two seas at once - the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Rhodes is located 450 km from mainland Greece and only 37 km from neighboring Turkey. The population is 115 thousand people. The climate on the island is mild. It only rains during the winter months. The airport is located 16 km from the city of Rhodes in the north of the island.
St. Petersburg and Moscow are the only Russian cities with direct regular flights to the island. You can also get to the popular resort with transfers. So, you can fly to Athens or other islands of Greece (Kos, Santorini, Crete), from which there is a ferry connection with Rhodes. True, the journey by sea can take more than 12 hours.
The sights of the island can be divided into several groups: the city of Rhodes, ancient cities, monuments of Antiquity and the Middle Ages, beaches and other natural beauties.
Rhodes beaches
The best beaches on the island can be divided into categories:
- Prasonisi, Ixia, Ialyssos - for windsurfing;
- Faliraki, Kallithea, Lindos - for tourists with children;
- Kolimbia, Tsambika, Antini Quinn Bay - for a measured quiet rest.
Mediterranean beaches are famous for their crystal clear, calm water, so they are chosen by tourists with children and those who like to swim and dive. Fans of kitesurfing and windsurfing come to the western beaches of the island, where the waves of the Aegean Sea are constantly raging.
Cape Prasonisi
In the very south of Rhodes there is the most romantic place "The Kiss of Two Seas" - the Aegean seethes in the western part, and the calm Mediterranean Sea splashes in the eastern part. You can get to Cape Prasonisi by bus from the city of Rhodes, but it only runs twice a day. For convenience, you can rent a car both online and on site.
Seven sources
A powerful underground spring comes to the ground in seven places, thereby forming beautiful streams of clear water that fall from the rocks. Streams rush into a large artificial lake. A tunnel leads to this reservoir: it is advisable to walk along it in complete darkness and ankle-deep in cold water. There is a belief that if a woman passes through this terrible tunnel, she will become seven years younger, and if a man, he will get rid of seven sins.
You can get to the attraction only by car or by sightseeing bus.
Valley of the Butterflies
This nature reserve is located 30 km from the capital of the island. It is located along the gorge and goes up to the top of the hill. More than a thousand of the most diverse butterflies live in the reserve.
In the valley, nature has created an unusual microclimate: small rivers, subtropical plants, trees smelling of resin. In order not to disturb the peace of the butterflies, special paths have been made for tourists. The reserve can be reached by bus from the bus station of the city of Rhodes, as well as by taxi or rented car.
Mount Filerimos
This place attracts tourists not only with historical monuments, but also because the mountain offers a beautiful view of the endless Aegean Sea and an overview of two cities - Ialyssos and Ixia. There are also many wild peacocks here.
Rhodes old town
It is in the capital that the best architectural sights of the island are located. So, Rhodes was part of Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, under the rule of the Romans, and only since 1948 it finally returned to Greece.
Main attractions:
- Palace of the Great Masters
- Mandraki Harbor
- Street of the Knights
- Fort of Saint Nicholas
- Suleiman Mosque
- Cathedral of Rhodes
- Windmills.
The Rhodes Fortress, its towers and walls are the main part of the Old City. Local residents are friendly and very sociable people. You can safely walk around the city without fear of getting lost.
Rhodes Acropolis
Three kilometers from the city on the top of Mount M. Smith are the ancient ruins of the Acropolis. This is a famous complex, which consists of the ruins of the amphitheater, the Temple of Apollo the Pythian and the Marble Odeon. Also partially excavated are nymphs, the temple of Athena and Zeus, the sanctuary of Artemis. It should be borne in mind that this acropolis did not perform strengthening functions. There are no stone guard towers and fortresses.
Lindos and the Acropolis of Lindos
The town of Lindos is located 50 km from the city of Rhodes on the Cape of Krana. It has only 750 inhabitants. Moreover, modern buildings and road transport are prohibited in this city. Donkeys are an alternative to the car.
The Acropolis is located in the city; a steep ascent leads to its foot. Above, a beautiful view of the bay opens. This monument is surrounded by fortifications with battlements. You need to know that there is no shadow on the territory of the Acropolis It is better to come on excursions in the evening or in the morning. Buses to the city run every hour from 6 am to 8 pm.
Kritinia castle
The castle was built in 1472 by knights as a fortification structure. The ruins of thick walls and a small chapel remain from the building. The castle is located 50 km from the capital. Tourist buses do not pass here as the road is narrow. You can get there by scooter.
Weather on the island
Rhodes has a Mediterranean climate. Winter months are mild here, summer months are hot. At the same time, the summer heat is easily tolerated by tourists due to the fresh breeze. The swimming season itself always begins in May and ends at the end of October. The best time for a quality holiday is from late May to September inclusive.
What to see with a child
An abundance of unusual vegetation, sandy beaches, real knightly castles, sea, ruins - children will surely like it.
A special attraction for children is the water park in Faliraki. Moreover, older children can learn the basics of windsurfing in Ialyssos.
A visit to the Valley of Butterflies and the Zoo will also impress children. The animation in the hotels is mainly in German and English.
Advice
Knowledge of English at the Pre-Intermediate level is quite enough to communicate with the local population. The native language of the inhabitants of the island is Greek, they also speak English and German decently.
Many restaurants have Russian waiters or Russian language menus. Among the national dishes, you should try kleftiko, dolma, souvlaki and stifado. As for drinks, tourists note the branded "resinous" wine "Retsina". This drink has a rich resinous aroma and mild taste. For dinner, you can also order aniseed vodka - ouzo or “Mythos”, Greek beer.
Also on the island there are shops with mink coats for tourists.
Taxis on the island are dark blue and have white roofs. The minimum price for the trip is 4 euros. Car and bicycle rental centers are also available to guests of the island.
Rhodes is a safe resort. However, it is recommended to walk with children until 10 pm, as at this time young people become more active.
