rhodes greece

What to do in Rhodes

Lindos

Lindos is located on the east coast about 50 kilometres from Rhodes City and is one of the most photogenic of Greek island holiday resorts.Above a long, curved fringed with golden sand sits an attractive hill village of sugar-cube houses, many with beautiful pebbled courtyards, and all linked by narrow, cobbled traffic free streets.

Overlooking the bay is a well-preserved Crusader fortress enclosing an ancient acropolis where a temple to the Greek goddess Athena has been in situ since the 4th century BC.

Big crowds are a big problem for Lindos. As well as holiday visitors that pack the hillside apartments there are daily buses and boats bring in wave after wave of day trippers. The hordes of visitors pack the tight alleyways and swamp shops and bars on their way up the the hill to the visit the castle.

lindos

Rodini Park

Rodini park Rhodes This cool and shady spot offers some escape from the summer heat. Rodini Park is on the edge of Rhodes City, about 3km from the centre and is considered one of the oldest landscaped parks in the world and popular with the Roman. It lies in a green river valley and has a number of small lakes with bridges over them.

There is a perfumed rose garden and a small zoo, although wild peacocks and deer run freely in the park. Woodland trails and rowing boat rides add to the attractions. The park is easily reached by car or bus or you can walk there. It can get quite busy in summer months.

rodini park rhodes greece

Monolithos Castle

The impregnable fortress at Monolithos is found on the rocky south-west coast near Apolakkia Bay perched on a 300ft rock. Built in 1480 by the Knights of St John it’s a steep hike up a narrow path. Within the walls is the church of Agios Panteleimon.

The village of Monolithos below is worth a visit in itself, a peaceful village with a few tavernas. The road leads to the Monolithos pebble and sand beach of Fourni which has some dramatic rock formations. Nearby are some 17th century caves carved into the rock by early Christians.

rhodes-monolithos-castle

Embonas Winery

Embonas is the centre of the Rhodes wine growing region and a favourite target of coach parties. Tavernas and tourist shops have grown to meet the demand of an almost endless stream of summer visitors here to see the attractive vineyards by day and to enjoy Greek Nights as well. The Emery grape produces Rhodes’ best wine and there are complimentary tastings for visitors. The red is thought better than the white.

Kalithea Springs

Kallithea Springs are located in the Municipality of Rhodes only 9km from Rhodes Town. They opened their gates on July 1, 2007 after many years of effort by the Municipality of Rhodes and welcome you to the magnificent spaces of the restored Monument next to the sea. The unique combination of nature, architecture and history travels to a special cinematic setting.

kalithea springs

Butterfly Valley

buterf;y-valley-rhodesButterfly Valley is near Petaloudes and about 5km inland from Tholos.

The butterflies here are actually Jersey tiger moths, Euplagia quadripunctaria, but the bright red wings make them look like butterflies.

They come here by their thousands to rest before mating and are a well camouflaged except in flight when they display deep red overwings.

Visitors are asked not to disturb them as they follow a waymarked trail through the woods and wooden bridges that cross the River Pelekanas.

buterfy-valley-rhodes

Afandou Golf Course

You can enjoy a round of golf at this 18-hole, par-73, golf course links that follows the coast at Afandou. This championship-level course opened in 1973 and admission fees are nominal.

It has the usual facilities including pro shop, changing rooms, showers and a small snack bar.

Specially selected grasses keep fairways and greens in condition throughout the year. Afandou Golf Club is located at Afandou Bay, about 20km from Rhodes Town and is well signposted off the main highway.

afandou-golf-rhodes