Welcome to Rhodes
Rhodes, the biggest of the Dodecanese islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, offers beaches, history-laden streets, and plenty of Mediterranean cuisine and nightlife. The ancient acropolis of Lindos and the surrounding medieval castle elevates what’s already a picturesque village. Several other sites grace the island, such as the three-level ruins at Kamiros, the Filerimos Monastery, and the castles of Kastello and Monolitho. In Rhodes town, the Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—is long gone, but the Old Town is nevertheless a beautiful UNESCO-listed area, and it can be seen by a Segway, walking, or bus tour. The Palace of the Grand Master (Kastello) is both a tribute to Byzantine architecture and the history of the Christian Knights that built it and gave the island its nickname, the Island of the Knights. Of course, the island’s near year-round mild, sunny weather make Rhodes an ideal beach getaway, and guided water sports such as stand-up paddleboarding, sea kayaking, snorkeling, and swimming are a great way to take it all in. Private tours can also take visitors over to the islands of Symi or the Turkish Marmaris by boat. For an only-in-Rhodes experience, plan a trip to see the summer gathering of colorful tiger moths in the 600-acre (243-hectare) nature park, the Valley of Butterflies; attractions there include a kid-friendly train that leads to a monastery and a museum.