Rhodes overview
Ancient Greeks worshipped Rhodes, the largest island in the Dodecanese, as their Island of Sun. It has maintained its reputation as the sunniest destination in Greece, and with its delightful bays, flowers and forests, handsome towns and ancient sites, visitors are only too happy to continue the veneration.
Greek mythology pronounces that when Zeus forgot to set aside any land for the Sun God, Helios, the latter asked for a sunny land that had recently emerged from the sea which suited his disposition admirably.
That island was Rhodes. Enjoying one of the healthiest and most refreshing climates in the Mediterranean with strong sunlight and beautiful warm sea, the island is also crammed with sites. The old town of Rhodes, the capital city, is widely acknowledged as one of the finest walled cities in Europe, and the landscape is bedecked with as many Byzantine churches as it is flowers.
Ancient archaeological settlements and a truly stunning Acropolis give way to fragrant pine forests, fabulous beaches and delightful sandy coves
Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town, the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe, is a fascinating combination of ancient and modern. The fortress walls of the old town rise out of lush sub-tropical gardens to protect a maze of arcaded loggia, Italianate squares and tiny cobbled backstreets.
It’s a splendid medieval city, which together with its fortifications, has attained status as an UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Palace of the Grand Masters is a majestic 14th century jewel lying in the architectural crown of the Knights’ Quarter where mellow stone coloured homes and flamboyant Gothic-styles co-exist harmoniously.
Elsewhere Rhodes’ Turkish heritage remains in the faded red stone and slender minaret of the 16th century Mosque of Suleiman: on a clear day it is just visible from the Turkish coastline just 18km to the north
Beyond the ancient walls of Rhodes, the trinkets of the new town exercise considerable charm: there are designer shops, international restaurants, a casino housed in a summer palace, live-music, bars, clubs, laser shows and simple backstreet ouzeries where backgammon is the plat du jour. During summer, the city hosts various cultural events and the many theatres of the capital have daily performances and concerts of classical and modern music.
Map
Climate
Official records show that Rhodes is the sunniest of all the Greek islands. Consistently hot and dry from June until September, with only the odd short, sharp shower in October to disturb the sunbathers.
Did you know?
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, standing over 30 metres (107ft) high. 56 years after the statue’s completion Rhodes was hit by an earthquake. The statue snapped at the knees and fell over on to the land. The remains lay on the ground for over 800 years, and even broken, were so impressive that many people traveled to see them.
Rhodes hotels
Amathus Beach Hotel Rhodes
This spacious hotel nestles on a hillside overlooking the picturesque coastal resort of Ixia, 4km from Rhodes city centre
Amathus Elite Suites
Located on the west coast of Rhodes in the bustling resort of Ixia, the new Elite Suites located in their own grounds adjacent to Amathus Beach Hotel
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Atrium Palace Thalasso Resort & Villas
Located in the tranquil and secluded bay of Kalathos, near the picturesque village of Lindos
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Atrium Platinum Resort Hotel & Spa
In a delightful hillside setting below the Acropolis of Rhodes, overlooking Ixia Bay, the brand new Atrium Platinum Resort Hotel & Spa boasts first class facilities in luxuriously stylish surroundings.
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Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
The Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas occupies an enviable position on the very south-eastern coast of Rhodes
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Hotel Elysium Resort & Spa
Named after the ancient paradise designated to heroes by the Gods of Greek mythology, the Elysium Resort & Spa is a stunning contemporary five star resort
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Kresten Royal Villas & Spa
Nestling on the Kalithea hillside with stunning sea views, 5km from Rhodes Old Town, Kresten Royal Villas features spacious guest accommodation with balcony and sea views
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Lindian Village
Enjoying a superb beach-side location close to the tranquil villages of Lardos and Lindos
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Lindos Blu
Lindos Blu is a luxurious adult-only boutique hotel nestled in a tranquil hillside and commanding stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea
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Melenos-Lindos
Boasting spectacular views from a superb location close to Lindos Acropolis, enchanting all-suite Melenos-Lindos has been meticulously created to resemble a 17th century terraced Lindian village.
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Port Royal Villas & Spa
In a premier east coast location on Kolymbia Blue Flag sand and pebble beach, the new five star Port Royal Villas &
Spa is a superbly stylish hotel
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Rodos Park Suites & Spa
Located beside parkland, less than 1km from Eli Beach, and just a short walk from the Medieval town and Mandraki Harbour
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Sevimar Villas
In a lovely peaceful setting 200m from the sea, Sevimar Villas is perfect for a self catering beach holiday. The centre of Lothiarika is 300m, Lardos 2km, and Lindos, a 10 minute drive away.
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Sheraton Rhodes Resort
Conveniently located in Ixia, just a short drive from the island’s fashionable capital
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The Ixian Grand
Enjoying a superb beach-front location, the honey-coloured and couples orientated Ixian Grand is an ideal choice for those who would like to combine the unrivalled views of the azure Aegean with the cooling breeze of the island's west coast
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Map
Climate
Official records show that Rhodes is the sunniest of all the Greek islands. Consistently hot and dry from June until September, with only the odd short, sharp shower in October to disturb the sunbathers.
Did you know?
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, standing over 30 metres (107ft) high. 56 years after the statue’s completion Rhodes was hit by an earthquake. The statue snapped at the knees and fell over on to the land. The remains lay on the ground for over 800 years, and even broken, were so impressive that many people traveled to see them.
Rhodes sightseeing
Lindos
A beautiful town where whitewashed sugarcube houses with charming pebble-paved courtyards cling to the hillside. Set high on a promontory overlooking the sea, the stunning Temple of Lindian Athena can be reached by foot or donkey via narrow, cobbled alleyways framed with glorious bougainvillea. Simply unique, the whole town is classified as an archaeological treasure.
Petaloudes: Butterfly Valley
Attracted by the vanillia-scented resin of the storax trees, butterflies and tiger moths flock to this valley of streams and waterfalls from June to September. It is one of only two breeding grounds in the world for rare Quadrina butterfly and an enchanting area of great natural beauty.
Monolithos
Fabulous sunset views over the neighbouring islands of Alimnia and Chalki can be enjoyed from the top of this rocky outcrop which rises sheer from the sea to a height of over 700ft. At the very top there's a castle which is home to a 15th century chapel decorated with charming frescoes.
Mount Filerimos
The remains of the great 3rd century BC Temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polieus, and the monastery of Our Lady of Filerimos, converted from a 5th century basilica church, are the main attractions atop Mount Filerimos. Reached by Cypress-lined flights of steps, this beautiful acropolis offers stunning views.
Map
Climate
Official records show that Rhodes is the sunniest of all the Greek islands. Consistently hot and dry from June until September, with only the odd short, sharp shower in October to disturb the sunbathers.
Did you know?
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, standing over 30 metres (107ft) high. 56 years after the statue’s completion Rhodes was hit by an earthquake. The statue snapped at the knees and fell over on to the land. The remains lay on the ground for over 800 years, and even broken, were so impressive that many people traveled to see them.
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Rhodes cuisine
'Life's fundamental principle is the satisfaction of the needs and wants of the stomach', according to the Greek philosopher Epicurus, and is a maxim that many Greeks seem happy to live by. Fresh bread and communally shared mezedes are just the start of it: tzatziki, tirosalata (feta cheese dip) and koponista (salted fish) lead onto moussaka, yemista (stuffed pepper) and the famed spicey beef stew, stifado.
Sea food is fresh and delicious, and Rhodes Town offers a cosmopolitan range of restaurants where cuisine as varied as Mexican, Swedish, Indian and French can be sampled.
As an alternative to the many types of Ouzo, Rhodes boasts its own wines including Chevaliers de Rhodes, IIios and Archontiko.
Map
Climate
Official records show that Rhodes is the sunniest of all the Greek islands. Consistently hot and dry from June until September, with only the odd short, sharp shower in October to disturb the sunbathers.
Did you know?
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, standing over 30 metres (107ft) high. 56 years after the statue’s completion Rhodes was hit by an earthquake. The statue snapped at the knees and fell over on to the land. The remains lay on the ground for over 800 years, and even broken, were so impressive that many people traveled to see them.
Rhodes offers
Amathus Beach Hotel Rhodes
This spacious hotel nestles on a hillside overlooking the picturesque coastal resort of Ixia, 4km from Rhodes city centre
2 offers
Amathus Elite Suites
Located on the west coast of Rhodes in the bustling resort of Ixia, the new Elite Suites located in their own grounds adjacent to Amathus Beach Hotel
4 offers
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Atrium Palace Thalasso Resort & Villas
Located in the tranquil and secluded bay of Kalathos, near the picturesque village of Lindos
1 offer
-
Atrium Platinum Resort Hotel & Spa
In a delightful hillside setting below the Acropolis of Rhodes, overlooking Ixia Bay, the brand new Atrium Platinum Resort Hotel & Spa boasts first class facilities in luxuriously stylish surroundings.
1 offer
-
-
Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
The Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas occupies an enviable position on the very south-eastern coast of Rhodes
1 offer
-
Hotel Elysium Resort & Spa
Named after the ancient paradise designated to heroes by the Gods of Greek mythology, the Elysium Resort & Spa is a stunning contemporary five star resort
2 offers
-
-
Kresten Royal Villas & Spa
Nestling on the Kalithea hillside with stunning sea views, 5km from Rhodes Old Town, Kresten Royal Villas features spacious guest accommodation with balcony and sea views
2 offers
-
Lindian Village
Enjoying a superb beach-side location close to the tranquil villages of Lardos and Lindos
4 offers
-
-
Lindos Blu
Lindos Blu is a luxurious adult-only boutique hotel nestled in a tranquil hillside and commanding stunning views of the Mediterranean Sea
2 offers
-
Melenos-Lindos
Boasting spectacular views from a superb location close to Lindos Acropolis, enchanting all-suite Melenos-Lindos has been meticulously created to resemble a 17th century terraced Lindian village.
1 offer
-
-
Port Royal Villas & Spa
In a premier east coast location on Kolymbia Blue Flag sand and pebble beach, the new five star Port Royal Villas &
Spa is a superbly stylish hotel
2 offers
-
Rodos Park Suites & Spa
Located beside parkland, less than 1km from Eli Beach, and just a short walk from the Medieval town and Mandraki Harbour
4 offers
-
-
Sevimar Villas
In a lovely peaceful setting 200m from the sea, Sevimar Villas is perfect for a self catering beach holiday. The centre of Lothiarika is 300m, Lardos 2km, and Lindos, a 10 minute drive away.
1 offer
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Sheraton Rhodes Resort
Conveniently located in Ixia, just a short drive from the island’s fashionable capital
2 offers
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-
The Ixian Grand
Enjoying a superb beach-front location, the honey-coloured and couples orientated Ixian Grand is an ideal choice for those who would like to combine the unrivalled views of the azure Aegean with the cooling breeze of the island's west coast
3 offers
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-
Map
Climate
Official records show that Rhodes is the sunniest of all the Greek islands. Consistently hot and dry from June until September, with only the odd short, sharp shower in October to disturb the sunbathers.
Did you know?
The Colossus of Rhodes was a statue of the Greek god Helios, erected between 292 and 280 BC. It is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, standing over 30 metres (107ft) high. 56 years after the statue’s completion Rhodes was hit by an earthquake. The statue snapped at the knees and fell over on to the land. The remains lay on the ground for over 800 years, and even broken, were so impressive that many people traveled to see them.