Rhodes Island: A Timeless Journey Through Medieval History – 12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots

Nestled in the southeastern edge of the Aegean Sea, Rhodes Island has long been a vital gateway in the Eastern Mediterranean. Due to its strategic location, it has been conquered and influenced by various civilizations, leaving behind a rich cultural heritage that still fascinates visitors today. The island is also legendary for once hosting the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

From its well-preserved medieval city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to its breathtaking coastal scenery, Rhodes offers a perfect blend of history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a beach lover, this island has something for everyone. Let’s explore the best attractions Rhodes has to offer!

1. The Enchanting Medieval City of Rhodes

The Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is known as the "Medieval City of Rhodes." It was built by the Knights of St. John, who took control of the island in 1309. This impressively well-preserved fortress is surrounded by towering 10-meter-high stone walls that stretch in a 4-kilometer semicircle. In some sections, the fortress is reinforced with multiple layers of defense, and the deep moat outside serves as a reminder of the legendary battles between the Knights of St. John and the Ottoman Empire.

The moment you step through the castle gate, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time to the medieval era, much like scenes from a fantasy movie or anime! It takes about two hours to explore the entire area, so take your time wandering through the cobbled streets and discovering hidden gems. However, summer in Rhodes can be scorching, and the winding alleys can be confusing, so it's best to stay alert while exploring!

2. Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

At the northern end of the Old Town stands the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. This palace served as the headquarters and residence of the Grand Master of the Knights of St. John, who lived on Rhodes. Originally, the structure was a Byzantine-style palace built in the 7th century, which was later renovated and expanded by the multi-national Knights of St. John, composed of members from Spain, France, and Germany, in the 14th century. Although its exterior appears simple and fortress-like, the interior is stunningly luxurious.

Visitors will be captivated by beautiful mosaic floors transported from Kos Island, intricate tapestries, exquisite 16th to 17th-century furniture, and frescoes depicting battles on Rhodes. The atmosphere of the palace is so immersive that you might almost hear the footsteps of medieval knights in armor echoing through the halls.

3. The Hospital of the Knights (Archaeological Museum of Rhodes)

The remains of a building constructed as a hospital by the Knights of St. John are now used as an archaeological museum. The second floor houses many historical artifacts excavated from Rhodes, including pottery, murals, and statues, making it a fascinating place to visit. Among the many exhibits, one that should not be missed when touring Rhodes is the beautiful white marble statue "Aphrodite of Rhodes"! Many tourists visit the archaeological museum specifically to see this piece.

If you're tired from walking around the Old Town of Rhodes, take a break in the courtyard while enjoying the island's sunshine. This courtyard retains a medieval charm and is a lovely place to relax. Exploring each room in detail takes time, but this is a tourist spot filled with the breath of Rhodes' history.

4. The Street of the Knights

When exploring Rhodes, the Knights of St. John cannot be overlooked. The street where their residences stood is called the Street of the Knights. Since the knights were a multinational military force with members from France, Germany, Italy, and other countries, they were divided into separate groups based on their native languages. Each group had its own residence, and even today, their emblems remain engraved on the buildings. Some of these buildings are still used as consulates! Imagining how knights who spoke different languages communicated adds an extra layer of fascination to your visit.

Surrounded by imposing stone buildings, the cobblestone path stretches all the way to the Grand Master's Palace. Thinking about armored knights rushing through this street to defend Rhodes enhances the excitement of exploring this historical site.

5. Mandraki Harbour

Mandraki Harbour is one of the gateways to the sea on the island of Rhodes, offering a picturesque view of the Aegean Sea. Located just north of the Old Town of Rhodes, it was used as a military port during the medieval period. Even today, remnants of the fortress towers and windmills remain at the entrance of the harbor, along with bronze statues of a stag and a doe gazing out over the Aegean Sea.

In 284 BC, the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was built over the harbor, standing at a height of 34 meters. Including its pedestal, it reached about 50 meters, roughly the same size as the Statue of Liberty in New York. Unfortunately, it collapsed in an earthquake just 58 years after its construction in 226 BC, and no trace of it remains today.

With its ancient legends and medieval history, Mandraki Harbour is a scenic place where you can simply enjoy a stroll while feeling the sea breeze.

6. Acropolis of Lindos

Located about an hour’s drive south of Rhodes Town, Lindos Village is home to the ruins of an ancient Greek acropolis (fortified city). From the village center, visitors can reach the acropolis by foot or on a donkey in about 20 minutes, where they will be greeted by breathtaking views. The Acropolis of Lindos was built around the 10th century BC and developed into a thriving port city by the 8th century BC.

As Rhodes became the island’s main city, Lindos lost its central role. However, in the 14th century, the Knights of St. John built a fortress on the ruins of the acropolis. Though much of it was destroyed in various battles, some columns and staircases have been restored. Today, many tourists visiting Rhodes make their way to Lindos to witness its historical grandeur.

Perched on a hilltop, the Acropolis of Lindos offers spectacular views of Rhodes' harbors and ships. On clear days, you can even see Turkey’s Anatolian Peninsula in the distance. Standing on this historic fortress, you can imagine how the knights of Rhodes once watched the mighty Ottoman fleets, adding a sense of romance and history to the experience.

7. Monastery Tsambika

Located on a hill between Rhodes and Lindos, Monastery Tsambika is a church known for a famous legend. It is said that women who wish to have children visit this monastery barefoot and pray to the Virgin Mary inside to be blessed with a child. Even for general tourists, there are many highlights, such as the old and artistic murals, beautiful chandeliers, and a magnificent 11th-century statue of Mary.

From the monastery hill, you can admire the view of the Aegean Sea and the island's mountains at the same time. However, to reach this view, you must climb 300 steps. Why not visit Monastery Tsambika while sightseeing in Rhodes Island for its legend and breathtaking scenery?

8. Ancient Kamiros

In ancient Greece, Rhodes Island had three city-states, and one of them was Kamiros (Kameiros). Located on the west coast, about an hour’s drive from Rhodes’ main city, it is believed to have been built by the Dorians around the 6th century BC. The city had houses, temples, reservoirs, public facilities, and even public baths, giving an idea of its size.

It suffered major damage from two significant earthquakes in the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC, leaving mostly only the foundations today. However, seeing the remains of many buildings neatly arranged allows one to imagine the ancient acropolis. Large cruise ships that stop at Rhodes often include tours to Ancient Kamiros, making it a popular tourist destination.

From the acropolis on the hill, you can also enjoy the scenic view of the coastline of Rhodes Island. Take a walk around the ruins and capture your favorite spots in photos. However, since the sun is strong and there are few shaded areas, bringing a hat or sun protection is a must.

9. Monolithos Castle

Standing atop a rocky hill near the western edge of Rhodes Island, Monolithos Castle remains in ruins. It was built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John to defend the island of Rhodes. It is said that the fortress was never conquered. Although it now stands in ruins, the sheer geography of the site still showcases its former strength.

The highlight of visiting Monolithos Castle is the breathtaking view from the mountaintop! You can see other Aegean islands in the distance, and the emerald-green waters of the Aegean Sea through the crumbling castle walls create a postcard-perfect scene. The sunset here is particularly stunning, attracting many tourists who wish to capture the beautiful dusk scenery in photos. Nearby, there is also a small white church that you can visit.

Be sure to enjoy the sunset at this scenic spot on the western coast of Rhodes Island. However, be cautious, as the terrain is rocky and uneven, which may pose a risk of tripping and injury.

10. Butterfly Valley

If you visit Rhodes Island between June and September, Butterfly Valley is a must-see attraction. Located in the Petaloudes region, south of Rhodes International Airport, this valley is home to tens of thousands of butterflies, creating a truly mysterious and enchanting sight. Technically, these are not butterflies but a species of moth called the Jersey Tiger. These moths densely cover the trees, making them look like unusual bark patterns.

The valley has well-maintained walking trails and parking areas, allowing visitors to enjoy a pleasant stroll while listening to the gentle murmur of a clear stream among lush greenery. For those who find walking difficult, there is also a tourist train available. Experience this unique natural phenomenon during its limited season.

11. Ostrich Farm

You might be wondering, “Why an ostrich farm on Rhodes Island?” However, this is one of the few ostrich farms in Europe, located on a vast area near the Valley of Butterflies. In addition to ostriches, the farm also houses ponies, wild boars, rabbits, and other small animals.

What’s even more surprising is that visitors can get close to the ostriches and feed them directly from their hands! The ostrich parade is also an impressive sight to see. Nearby restaurants even serve dishes made from ostrich meat and eggs—a rare experience you won’t often get.

The souvenir selection is also excellent, including massive ornaments made from whole ostrich eggs! It’s a great place to visit, especially for families with children who want to take a break from exploring Rhodes’ historical sites.

12. Agios Pavlos Beach

The charm of Rhodes Island is not limited to exploring ancient ruins. Among Greece’s islands, Rhodes is known for its beautiful sea. Because of this, many European tourists visit the island specifically for swimming.

Among the many beaches, Agios Pavlos Beach is highly recommended. It is located in a bay, so the waves are calm, and the water is so clear that you can see fish swimming! Additionally, the famous Lindos Acropolis is nearby, making it a perfect location where you can enjoy both the beach and historical sightseeing in one trip.

You can spend the day relaxing on the beach, and before sunset, climb up to the Acropolis to take in the breathtaking scenery of Rhodes Island—a perfect combination for an unforgettable trip.

◎ Summary

We have introduced 12 recommended sightseeing spots on Rhodes Island. Thanks to its warm Mediterranean climate, Rhodes Island has a high annual sunshine rate and is even called the "Island of the Sun and Roses," making it an ideal place for sightseeing.

There are many attractions, including the medieval city of the Knights of St. John in the center of town. If you go a little farther, you will find ancient Greek ruins, making this island full of interesting sights. Be sure to take in the wonderful scenery as a souvenir.

Not only sightseeing, but the sea is also as beautiful as any other island, so relaxing on the beach is a great option. Enjoying the blessings of the Mediterranean while taking your time will surely create unforgettable and wonderful memories.

Search

Customer Support

Rhodes Island: A Timeless Journey Through Medieval History – 12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots