Rhodes

Rhodes enchants as Greece's spectacular medieval island where UNESCO-listed Knights Hospitaller fortifications enclose atmospheric cobblestone lanes in the world's finest preserved medieval walled city, dramatic Lindos Acropolis crowns impossibly photogenic whitewashed village cascading above turquoise St. Paul's Bay, and reliable 300 days of annual sunshine warm golden Aegean beaches from May through October making Rhodes perennially popular with sun-seeking Europeans. This large Dodecanese island (pop.

approximately 120,000, Greece's fourth-largest island) masterfully balances profound crusader history with energetic package-resort beach culture—UNESCO-protected Rhodes Old Town preserves medieval magnificence where Knights of St. John ruled for two centuries, while modern resort strips stretching from Faliraki to Ixia offer all-inclusive hotels, water parks, and buzzing British-dominated nightlife creating two distinctly different Rhodes experiences. The imposing Palace of the Grand Master (adult tickets usually around $11–$13 on-site, more via reseller bundles; EU under-25s and non-EU under-18s enter free with ID at Greek state sites) showcases the Knights' impressive 14th-century stronghold substantially rebuilt by Mussolini's Italians in the 1930s during colonial occupation with somewhat controversial historical liberties, the famous Street of the Knights preserves perfectly intact Gothic inns where different national branches (tongues) of the Order housed their knights, and mighty Byzantine walls punctuated by towers and gates encircle 200 narrow lanes hiding mosques left from Ottoman rule, a 16th-century synagogue surviving from expelled Sephardic Jewish community, and Ottoman fountains from successive occupations layering history.

The spectacular village of Lindos (50km south, accessible via $5 KTEL bus or organized tours) climbs steep whitewashed hillsides to its dramatic Acropolis perch (adult entry around $22; EU youth under 25 and non-EU visitors under 18 usually free with ID) where ancient Doric temple columns frame breathtaking Aegean panoramas and patient donkeys (around $5 each way, though many visitors now skip rides for animal-welfare reasons) haul less-fit visitors up the steep cobblestone paths past souvenir shops and Captain's houses with pebble-mosaic courtyards. Yet Rhodes generously offers spectacular beaches satisfying every preference: family-friendly Tsambika's long stretch of golden sand with shallow warm waters, Anthony Quinn Bay's small crystal-clear rocky cove perfect for snorkeling (named after the actor who fell in love with Rhodes filming Guns of Navarone), Prasonisi's unique dual-beach peninsula where Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet creating windsurfing paradise, and elegant Kallithea Springs' restored 1920s Art Deco spa complex with rocky bathing platforms. The enchanting Valley of the Butterflies (about $3–$6 depending on month; free for children under 12), open roughly April-October with Jersey Tiger moths clustering in peak numbers late June-September, hosts millions of moths in a shaded stream valley creating unique natural spectacle best visited July-August peak, while hilltop Filerimos monastery rewards climbers with giant cross viewpoints spanning northwest coast.

The food scene serves Greek taverna classics alongside distinctive Rhodian specialties: pitaroudia (chickpea fritters unique to Rhodes), melekouni (sesame-honey bars, traditional wedding sweets), and exceptionally fresh seafood grilled at Mandraki Harbor waterfront restaurants where fishing boats unload daily catches. Package resort hotels concentrate in lively Faliraki (notorious party scene with British tourists, though family areas exist separately) and Ixia's pebble beaches, while inland villages preserve authentic Greek life, and refreshing Seven Springs (Epta Piges) oasis offers cool forest respite and peacock-filled gardens reached via tunnel or footpath. Visit ideal shoulder seasons May-June or September-October for perfect 23-30°C weather, warm swimming, and manageable crowds avoiding overwhelming peak August when temperatures soar to 30-38°C and package tourists fill every resort—November-March sees many hotels shuttered, cooler temperatures, and rain making beach season effectively limited to seven months.

With abundant direct summer charter flights from across Europe, captivating medieval Old Town competing with excellent beach relaxation, ancient archaeological wonders, and very affordable prices (budget $65–$97/day, mid-range $108–$162/day, considerably cheaper than Santorini or Mykonos though still typical Greek island pricing), Rhodes delivers exceptional Greek island versatility successfully mixing Crusader history, reliable sunshine, and Aegean Sea beauty making it ideal for travelers seeking both cultural depth and beach holidays in one conveniently accessible package.