Rhodes, the medieval mystique Dodecanesian island
All the Greek islands hide a special charm, which makes them ideal holiday destinations for visitors from all over the world. One such case is the island of Rhodes, the remote Greek island of the Dodecanese, in the SE borders of the Aegean, with its long historical existence and its undeniable natural beauty.
Greek myths testify to the charm of this sunny island that triggered the imagination of the Greeks. When Jupiter divided the world he forgot the missing Sun, as the story explains. When he returned and complained about the injustice, the father of Gods and men was ready to make the division again from the beginning. But the Sun stopped him, because he saw a rich island emerge through the foamy sea, which until then, was hidden under the sea. He chose it for his lot. There, the Sun mingled with Rhodes and, thus, the history of the island was born.
Today's visitor is easily assured that this God has not stopped loving his ancient place. It always bathes him with its light and makes him radiate. And the beaches, with their clear crystal clear waters and their dazzling blue-green color, gave Rhodes the characterization as the emerald island of the Mediterranean.
There are many beauties in Rhodes and it is difficult to choose only one. We present here some of the points that highlight Rhodes as an island that knows how to inspire the senses and generate the greatest emotions. Follow us!
The Medieval city
Impressive large walls, magnificent castles and palaces and a labyrinth of cobbled alleys, compose the core of the medieval city of Rhodes, which is maintained in excellent condition and is considered one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the world. The medieval atmosphere that prevails from one end to the other is so intense, reminiscent of a fairy tale. In every part of the medieval city of Rhodes, myths, legends and traditions of the Knights of St. John are reborn, which left their mark on the historical and cultural identity of the island, while the coexistence of Byzantine, Ottoman and Jewish monuments testify to the multicultural character of Rhodes.
Crossing the street of the Knights, the most famous street of the medieval state, monuments emerge, which tell their own story. From the Byzantine church of Panagia the castle to the Clock Tower, the pink mosque of Suleiman, with its impressive minaret and the Jewish synagogue, the center of the Jewish quarter of Rhodes, aspects of the rich history of the island are revealed, up to the Palace of the Master, to amaze everyone, with its impressive architectural structure and the invaluable relics, which are exhibited inside. It is evident that this historical and cultural feast will captivate all the senses.
Mandraki
Just outside the imposing walls of the medieval city of Rhodes, is Mandraki, the picturesque port of Rhodes, which is offered for a nice walk by the sea. Mandraki is fortunate enough to host some of the most famous sights of Rhodes, such as the two columns that house the bronze statues of deer, which are the current trademark of the emerald island. According to tradition, the two bronze deer, which welcome visitors, at the entrance of the port, held in antiquity, the famous statue of the Colossus of Rhodes. The imposing statue, which depicted the Sun God, was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and although it is not preserved until today, it still excites every imagination. At the same time, the fortress of Agios Nikolaos dominates on the opposite side of the port and in combination with the three windmills, which stand at the pier, create one of the most characteristic and recognizable images of the island, like a well designed postcard.
Monte Smith Hill
On the Monte Smith hill, which dominates just above the current city of Rhodes, is the ancient Acropolis, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island. The ancient remains of the Acropolis, are, to this day, monuments of historical memory and provide the opportunity for an interesting tour of the vast area, where one of the most important cities of the island of the ancient Greek world developed. Today, in this beautiful and verdant archeological park, there are remains of the famous Diagoras Stadium, as well as the ancient Theater, which, today, hosts events of cultural interest and character. At the highest point of the Acropolis is the temple of Pythian Apollo and at a short distance, the temples of Athena Poliada and Zeus. A visit to the place in the afternoon, rewards the visitor with one of the most beautiful sunsets of the Aegean, which deifies the senses.
Lindos
The Acropolis of Lindos, which dominates the top of a bare and steep rock and looks like it stands on the sea, is one of the busiest places for visitors in Rhodes. The beauty of Lindos comes from nature and the human works that are located on its rock, show the growth that Lindos experienced in antiquity. To visit the Acropolis today, one passes through the medieval wall, which surrounds the Acropolis, while on the floor, where one stands, before going up to the Acropolis, there is a relief carved in the rock, which represents the stern of a ship. Admittedly, however, the most impressive monument is the temple of Lindia Athena, a beautiful Doric temple, which is maintained in fairly good condition and seems to overlook the entire Aegean. The Propylaea of Lindos and the Doric Stoa in front of them impress, with their delicate proportions and their brilliant decoration, completing the wonderful experience of historical exploration.
The modern village of Lindos, which lies at the foot of the rock, is a beautiful set of white, cubic houses, which clearly refer to images of the Cyclades. Clear, cobbled alleys and impressive houses with pebbled courtyards, excellent examples of folk art of Rhodes, leave the best impressions on all visitors, who enjoy countless special moments in this beautiful village.
The Valley of the Butterflies
Near the village of Theologos, NW of Rhodes, is the Valley of the Butterflies, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rhodes. It is, in essence, a habitat of rare beauty, spread over a natural environment of rich vegetation, full of waterfalls, small ponds and cool springs, elements that compose an, without a doubt, heavenly setting. Wooden bridges and paths in nature, enable every visitor to tour and get to know the environment up close, where a rare species of butterfly lives and can be found within the period June - September. Although the outer colors of the butterflies allow them to camouflage themselves satisfactorily as long as they are on the trees, the spectacle when they fly is more than impressive, creating, among other things, a cloud that will reveal the orange color of their wings and will excite everyone.
Beaches
They are, without a doubt, the trademark of Rhodes. The emerald island of the Aegean can be proud of having some of the most beautiful beaches, not only in Greece, but also in the whole Mediterranean. With their main asset the crystal clear blue-green waters, the beaches of Rhodes stretch along the extensive coastline and offer all kinds of emotions. The golden sandy beaches, the colorful pebbles and the picturesque coves that emerge in every corner of the coastline, as well as the rich vegetation of Rhodes, compose a scene that reminds of an earthly paradise and guarantees your the most special moments.
The options are countless and each one of them is excellent. From the double beach in Prasonisi, for kite surfing lovers, to the crystal clear waters and caves starring in Traganou beach and from the beautiful Glystra, the photogenic Tsampika and the surreal beauty, Anthony Quinn beach, to the sandy beach and the equally picturesque bay of Agios Pavlos, which overlooks the Acropolis of Lindos, the senses reach their peak, as Rhodes realizes what it promises to each of its visitors: The materialization of every travel expectation and dream.
