According to Greek mythology‚ Rhodes emerged from the sea. Zeus‚ the father of the gods‚ is said to have divided up his empire among the gods of Olympus‚ and the sun god Helios wanted the island for himself.

Rhodes is the fourth-largest Greek island and one of the Greek Dodecanese islands. The sun shines nearly all year round‚ and even the winter months are generally mild.

This means that Rhodes isn’t just worth visiting in summer‚ but in the cooler months as well. While temperatures of around 40 degrees inland are not uncommon in summer‚ the climate is much more comfortable in May‚ June‚ September and October. Inland‚ Rhodes has a breathtaking landscape featuring mountains and pine forests. Although the mountains extend to the coast in the east and west‚ they often slope steeply up to the sea there. By contrast‚ the north and south of the island are much flatter.

Fabulous beaches and a water-sports paradise

If you spend your holiday on Rhodes‚ you can expect fabulous beaches and picturesque bays‚ along with countless water-sports options.

There's something for everyone here. If you’re looking to relax‚ head for Glystra beach. Surrounded by dune landscapes‚ it contains all the ingredients for a perfect day on the beach. Nature lovers and snorklers will probably feel more at home in Anthony Quinn Bay. Situated between rocks and a small forest‚ it provides a stunning backdrop. Do you want to watch fish and other sea creatures? If so‚ this is just the right place.

Alternatively‚ Tsambaki beach is another snorkling paradise worth visiting.

If you’re into activities and like to party‚ come to Faliraki Beach. Cocktails‚ music and a wide range of water sports such as jet skiing‚ banana boats and parasailing attract party lovers and action fans to this beach.Tasos Beach is the ideal place for families. Children can bathe safely here in shallow artificial pools‚ while adults have access to the deep water. Food and drink for the whole family is also available on this beach.

Other beaches worth visiting are Elli beach near Rhodes town‚ Fourni beach‚ the Caribbean-like Mojito beach close to Gennadi‚ Prasonisi beach in the south of the island‚ and Lardos beach in the eastern part of Rhodes‚ which is perfect for sailing and surfing.

Some beaches on Rhodes are made up of a mixture of sand and shingle‚ and the sea contains rocks in places. That's why we recommend that you always wear aqua shoes on days at the beach.

Sights

Wonder of the ancient world and UNSECO World Heritage Site

Rhodes’s old town was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

A 4 kilometre-long wall surrounds the old town and other sights such as the Palace of the Grand Master. In the old town‚ you’ll find lively Socrates Street including a shopping mall‚ a Turkish library‚ the Square of the Jewish Martyrs‚ Hippocrates Square‚ the colourful Turkish quarter and the delightful Süleyman Pascha mosque.

Also‚ the Street of the Knights is an absolute must.

In the east of the island is the small town of Lindos. It has a typically Greek flavour‚ with turquoise sea‚ alleyways‚ inviting restaurants and the famous white houses. If you stop off in Lindos‚ don’t miss the remains of the Acropolis.

Rhodes is home to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Colossus of Rhodes‚ a bronze statue over 30 metres high‚ was completed in 292 BC and built in honour of the sun god Helios. The statue stood for 66 years before being destroyed in an earthquake. All that remains on this site is the two columns on which the figure once stood. While you’re here‚ take in the atmosphere of the harbour and the many small cafés and restaurants.

Other sights on the island are Filerimos Monastery and the Acropolis of the ancient city of Ialyssos‚ in the modern-day town also called Ialyssos. From the monastery‚ there are wonderful views of the sea and the island.

Do you want to take time to relax while exploring the island?

If so‚ Kallithea Springs may be just the place for you. A restoration many years ago gave the springs a new lease of life‚ and they have a distinctly Oriental air. Alternatively‚ be captivated by the Valley of Butterflies‚ a magical green place with several small waterfalls.

Once you’ve sampled all the sights on Rhodes‚ you can take a ferry or boat trip to one of the beautiful neighbouring islands such as Tilos‚ Halki or Karpathos and‚ of course‚ the island of Kos.

Culinary Rhodes

Good food and drink are an essential part of any holiday in Greece. And Rhodes is no exception.

Typical Rhodes cuisine is famous for its use of cumin and oatmeal.For instance‚ chicken or goat cooked with oatmeal is often served here.

Another Rhodes delicacy is snails stewed with lots of onions. If Rhodes cuisine is not quite to your taste‚ the island’s numerous restaurants and tavernas naturally also serve souvlaki‚ gyros and many other familiar dishes.

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