Valley of the Butterflies

In a lush, green canyon, about 1km wide, there is a unique forest with zities, trees that look like planes. The smell of the nectar attracts millions of butterflies of the species Panaxia guadripunctaria, with its trademark four orange dots on each wing. Tread carefully so as not to scare these miraculous little angels away!

 

Old Town

One of the best preserved mediaeval settlements in the world, the Old Town has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site, and is one of the many reasons to choose Rhodes as your holiday destination. Protected inside its imposing wall – a boundary between past and present – is the island’s coat of arms.

 

Lindos

The ancient acropolis of Lindos is one of the most popular places to see.It is surrounded by walls constructed by the knights, standing 116m above sea level. Here you’ll admire the impressive Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, built in the 4th century B.C. The village of Lindos, built on a slope, is the most  popular on the island. In the summer its little streets fill with visitors bar-hopping and window-shopping or buying gifts.This picturesque town should definitely be on your list of things to do in Rhodes.

Museums

The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

The Archaeological Museum is located in the Old Town of Rhodes. It is located in the Medieval building of the Hospital of the Knights, in the Palace of the Grand Master. The construction of this building began in 1440 and it was completed in 1948. The building was renovated in the early 20th century by the Italians, as was the whole Medieval Town of Rhodes.Today the Archaeological Museum contains findings from excavations all over the island.

 

The Aquarium of Rhodes or Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes

The Aquarium of Rhodes is housed in the located of the Hydrobiological Station. The building was constructed in 1934-36, during the Italian occupation, to house the Institute of Biological Research. After the liberation of the Dodecanese islands, it was named as the Greek Hydrobiological Institute and also included an aquarium and a museum.

 

The main objective of the Aquarium is to present and preserve the species of the Mediterranean Sea. Fish and organisms from the Mediterranean are selected and displayed there in public view. These tanks host different kinds of sea species, such as sea turtles, dolphins, sharks, seals, mollusks, echinoderms, crabs and many kinds of fish.

 

 

Churches

Monastery of Panagia Tsambika

The Monastery of Panagia Tsambika is the most famous monastery of the island located on the eastern side, on the road to Lindos. In fact, there are two churches: One is located on the main road, while the old main monastery stands on top of a hill, at approximately 320m in altitude.

 

The name “Tsambika” comes from the Rhodian word “tsamba” which means spark, a name that is extremely common on the island. Panagia Tsambika is considered to be miraculous, especially for women who cannot have children. The monastery celebrates on the 8th of September.

 

Santa Maria

A Catholic church located in Neochori, which was built in 1743 and it became the main Catholic Church of Rhodes. It has guesthouses, in which various believers and scholars are occasionally hosted. Nowadays, the Divine Liturgy is conducted in various languages.

 

Evangelismos tis Theotokou 

In the harbor, near the place where the Colossus of Rhodes was, lies the vast and imposing Evangelismos tis Theotokou church (The Annunciation of the Virgin Mary), in Eleftheria Square. At first, it operated as a Catholic church dedicated to Agios Ioannis and then became an Orthodox church.

The products of the island are unique products with special characteristics are :

 

Olive oil

Olives

Vegetables (Watermelon , Melon, Tomato

Citrus

Aromatic and Medical Plants

Products of Animal Production

Dairy

Cheese

Honey

Honey of Rhodes is awarded annually as one of the best in the world.

A special sweet based on honey is the melekouni (traditional sweet). The melekouni is a healthy dessert and stands out for its great taste and high nutritional value.

Religious Feasts & Festivals

 

• August 15th

On the 15th of August, there is a celebration for the Assumption of the Virgin. Many churches around the island celebrate with a Holy Mass in the morning and panigiri in the village square in the evening.

 

• Jule 29th

On June 29th, there is the festival of Saint Paul on the small bay above Lindos.

 

• April 23rd

On April 23rd, the locals celebrate the feast of Agios Georgios in Pastida.

 

• July 6th

On the 6th of July, locals celebrate the feast of Agia Kyriaki in Kalathos.

 

 

Cultural Events

Of major interest are the annual festivals of Rhodes which involve music, art exhibitions, theatre, and other important happenings. Hundreds of visitors and locals take part in these celebrations.

 

Medieval Rose Festival

The Medieval Rose Festival was founded in 2005 and it takes place every summer, including various exhibitions, concerts, theatrical plays, and other events.

 

International Film Festival

The International Film & Visual Arts Festival is a perfect occasion where guests will enjoy documentaries, short films for all ages.

 

Sound and Light Show

The Sound and Light Show is an impressive show organized in the Old Fortress of Rhodes Town.

Rhodes is a popular holiday island in the Greek Dodecanese.

The beaches offer great choices, but the family-friendly sand beaches are located along the east coast. A number of Rhodes’ beaches have been awarded the EU Blue Flag eco-label of excellence.

The best beaches are :

 

Tsambika

The best beach in Rhodes is Tsambika, which is an impressive sand beach on the east coast of the island. Tsambika is located beneath the rock that hosts the famous monastery of Panagia Tsampika Psili. The beach has with golden sand, sun beds, canteens and water sports.Also has all the necessary facilities, including beach restaurants, and is very child-friendly. Definitely worth a visit!

 

 

Faliraki

One of the most organized beaches with water sports and bungee jumping, umbrellas, Faliraki is the largest holiday resort in Rhodes.This is particularly due to the very long sand beach, stretching out in front of the holiday resort.The beach has all facilities,sunbeds, beach bars, restaurants, cafes, a water park.

It was awarded the “Blue Flag”.

 

Prasonisi

Located on the south point of the island is also a unique natural treasure. At high tide, Prasonisi is a small island, but at low tide, a sandhill makes it into a peninsula. There are two large beaches, of which the most windy one is the preferred for kitesurfers . The other one is perfect for sunbathers and families. It offers windsurfing equipment rental places and restaurants with local delicacies.