The largest of the 12 islands, Rhodes is also one of the most popular tourist destinations. With its chic streets, fast-paced life in the evenings and sparkling seas, it is an island that deserves its popularity. The history of the island is also very deep-rooted. The island was conquered by the Arabs and the Genoese after the ancient times and then shaped under the rule of the Knights of St. John. The most beautiful buildings you can see on the island also belong to this period. This island, which is also blended with mythology, offers a vacation with plenty of stories and never-ending places to see.
How to get to Rhodes Island, what are the places to visit; all in this guide! Let us remind you before we start our article: Don’t forget to download the Piri Guide mobile app to visit Rhodes step by step with your personal digital tour guide!
Where is Rhodes Island?
Rhodes Island is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and is approximately 20 kilometers from Turkey. The closest province is Marmaris. Rhodes is also located off Bozburun in the Aegean Sea.
How to Get to Rhodes Island?
Rhodes island is very easy to reach. You can reach the island via ferry from Marmaris, Bodrum or Fethiye. The fastest transportation is from Marmaris with 1 hour, then from Fethiye with 1 and a half hours. From Bodrum you can reach the island in about 2 and a half hours. But no matter where you are, we recommend you to buy your ferry tickets in advance. As it is a very popular destination especially in summer, tickets can sell out quickly. You can also cross Athens by ferry. But the journey can take between 13 hours and 20 hours.
Apart from that, if you prefer to go by plane, there are flights to the island from most parts of Europe. If you will fly from Athens, the journey takes about 3 hours.
When to Vsit Rhodes?
The best time to visit Rhodes Island is during the spring and fall months, given the weather and the activities the island has to offer. The period between April and June is the most enjoyable time on the island. During this period, the crowds diminish and hotel prices can be more affordable than in the summer months.
September and October are also ideal times to visit Rhodes. The sweltering temperatures of summer are replaced by cooler and more pleasant weather. The sea water is still warm, which means you can also take the opportunity to swim.
Rhodes in Mythology
The most popular mythological story surrounding Rhodes is based on the war between the gods and the titans. According to the legend, after the war Zeus divided the land among the other gods and goddesses. But the sun god Helios was not there at the time and they remembered to give him a piece of land. So when Helios returns, he demands his own land and Zeus says he can have the next piece of land that comes out of the sea. As you can imagine, this land becomes the island of Rhodes.
Helios falls in love with the sea nymph Rhode, daughter of Poseidon, and they begin to live together as patron god and goddess in Rhodes. Helios named the island after his love. Thus the modern day island of Rhodes was formed.
One of the best known legends of Rhodes is a huge bronze statue that once stood at the entrance to Mandraki Harbor. Made in the likeness of the Sun God Helios, the Colossus of Rhodes was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. If you are curious about the details, we wrote the details here.
Rhodes Island Best Places to Visit
Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes is one of the best preserved medieval cities on the UNESCO World Heritage list. The heart of Rhodes is the Old Town. The Old Town, the most touristic part of the island, is full of various shops. Walk especially in Hippocrates Square and definitely see the Street of the Knights. If you are interested in the ‘Palace of the Grand Masters’ located in the street, it is one of the places you should definitely see. This is one of the best preserved castles in the Mediterranean and a symbol of the island.
Another place to see is the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, which was once the Hospital of the Kings. The museum exhibits a rich and very interesting collection dating from the Hellenistic period to the Early Christian period.
Lindos
The quaint village of Lindos is one of the most attractive and beautiful villages in Rhodes. It is also an interesting place with its magnificent and imposing acropolis at the top. The village is built amphitheatrically and is a must-see with its pebbled courtyards, narrow streets and whitewashed houses influenced by Byzantine, medieval, Arab and Rhodian architecture. If you want to swim in the sea, we recommend Saint Paul’s beach in the village.
Acrapolis of Lindos
After wandering the streets of Lindos, be sure to see the Acropolis. Especially the view is breathtaking. The history of Lindos Acropolis dates back to the Hellenistic period. Some of it was restored by the Knights. Among its monuments worth visiting is the 4th century temple dedicated to Athena. There was also an ancient theater outside the castle. Today, all that remains of this theater are the seats that were part of the auditorium. The theater is thought to have had a capacity of 1,800 people.
Aquarium
The Aquarium is one of the most interesting museums in Rhodes. It is also very close to the city center. It is used as a research center for animals living in the Mediterranean. The building was first constructed in 1934-36 during the Italian occupation as a Biological Research Institute. The main purpose of the aquarium is to promote and preserve Mediterranean species. Inside the aquarium there are various fish and organisms that you can see in the Mediterranean. Sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, seals, crabs, dolphins, dolphins, dolphins, sharks, sharks, seals, seals, crabs and more. Apart from the museum, it is often used for the treatment of sea turtles and seals in the nearby waters.
Kallithea Thermal Springs
Since ancient times, the hot springs of Kallithea were famous for their therapeutic powers. People suffering from various diseases such as arthritis, obesity and diabetes would come to find healing.
The current facilities of the Kallithea Hot Springs were first opened by the Italians in 1929 and have attracted many patients and scientists from all over the world. The architecture of the spa is also very interesting. There are palm trees, pine trees, various flowers and plants in the garden. Under the hot springs there are small bays with crystal thermal water.
Sianna
If you are looking for a quieter and more peaceful village, Sianna is the place for you. Sianna is a small semi-mountainous village. The village has a nice mix of small Cycladic-style cubic houses, neoclassical mansions and modern buildings. Along the main street you can stroll through small shops full of various products such as ceramics, colorful rustic rugs, local honey and olive oil. The island’s honey is especially famous, so don’t leave without trying it. The village’s old olive press, built in 1920, now serves as a museum dedicated to local olive oil production.
