Rhodes old town

The Old City of Rhodes is surrounded by medieval walls with seven gates: Gate of the Naval Station, Gate of Agios Ioannis, Gate of Agia Ekaterini, Gate of the Apostle Paul, Gate of Amboise, Gate of Agios Athanassios and the Gate of the port.

Sites to see: Pili Elefterias, Panagia tou Kastrou, Simis square, The Palace of The Grand Masters, The Archaeological Museum, The Famous street of Knights (Ippoton street), The clock tower, The Minaret of the old city & The Great Hamam, Ippokratous square, Mosque of Suleiman and the Byzantine Museum

One of the most picturesque villages on Rhodes and also the centre of the grape growing region. Taíernas in the area seríe jugs of the local wine and you will also find guides for the ascent of Mount Ataíiros the highest mountain on Rhodes with a peak of 1215 m.

At the summit are the ruins of a sanctuary dedicated to Zeus, and also the small church of St. John the eíangelist. The local tradition of Embonas is the permanent dance troupe of íillagers in traditional costumes that participate in both small village fetes and larger national ones. Performances are organised during the last three weeks of August.

This is the site of he Doric of Ialysson, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. It was the landing point of invading forces, and was also the location of the country residences of rich Venetian merchants, Knights and Ottoman Turks in later centuries.

Lying 270m above sea level enjoying wonderful views of the Aegean. The name Filerimos translates to “Friend of Solitude” and here you can visit the 14th Century church of Our Lady of Filerimos which is built on the site of an ancient temple dedicated to Zeus and has been restored on several occasions.

The Turks stabled their horses in it and it was destroyed by bombs in World War II. Another site worth visiting which was built by the Italians in the Stations of the Gross which you are able to climb to sample the magnificent views of the countryside and beyond.

This is one of the three ancient cities (Rhodes, Lindos en Kamiros). Kamiros is the only one built without fortifications. It has been extensively excavated and the ruins give an excellent idea of the layout of the original city which was abandoned about the time of Christ and is one of the best preserved of classical Greek towns.

Kamiros was inhabited until the 4th Century AD when it was mysteriously abandoned. The ruins include the agora (marketplace) with its Doric stoa (colonnade) from the 3th BC, an aqueduct and the Temple of Kamira Athena.

The mineral springs and thermal waters here have been known for their healing properties since ancient times. Hippocrates, the most famous ancient physician (he lived 460 till 370 BC on the neighboring island Kos) recommended them for kidney disorders, rheumatism and arthritis. He documented the use of 237 different types of medical herbs.

The baths were built by the Italians in 1929 and are currently enjoying restoration. There is a pleasant beach here, but most importantly Kalithea is the only area on the island which has permission for the use of underwater breathing apparatus.

So if you fancy being Jack Cousteau for the day and exploring the beautiful underwater world below Kalithea’s clear blue waters this is the place for

Situated between the two resorts of Faliraki and Afandou turn off the main road and follow the small sign to this crystal, clear, calm bay.

Ideal for snorkelling with a small sandy beach and waterfront taverna. Take a walk back up the small incline and turn immediate right and follow the mountainside above Ladiko Bay until reach a clearing where you will find yet another bay of pure beauty.

It is known as Anthony Quinn bay as the actor of the same name discovered it on his travels and fell in love with it. Very quiet here with a small beach and turquoise waters that are excellent for swimming and snorkelling. Anthony Quinn bay was used as a landing base for the famous screenplay the `Guns of Navarone`.

A short distance from the village of Monolithos is Monolithos Castle, perched on a 260 m. high rock, from where the Knights kept watch over the sea and surrounding countryside.

There is a small whitewashed chapel inside the ruins which it today used for private prayer. You can see the old walls surrounding the rocky plateau of the summit.

It was built by the Knights and restored by Grand Master D’ Aubusson in 1488. The views from the castle are absolutely breathtaking.

From the middle of June through to September the valley at Petaloudes is inhabited by thousands of small, brightly coloured butterflies.

One explanation for this concentration at this time of year is that the butterflies are attracted by the strong scent produced by one of the variety of trees, which grow in the valley.

You can walk through the valley following the well constructed paths and bridges and stop to take photographs at the main viewing points.

The butterflies appear to be sleeping on the bark of the trees during the day and we ask you to please respect this protected species and do not disturb them by clapping hands and shaking the trees.

This is the most southerly point on the island.

As recently tarmaced 8 Km long road leads to the sandy causeway with views of the lighthouse.

This is where where the calm blue Mediterranean and green raging Aegean sea meet.

Sea front tavernas enjoy the view but this area is really only advisable in calm weather.

This area was constructed by the Italians in the 1930’s as an irrigation system for the nearby village of Kolymbia.

This area is very popular with tourists because as it suggests it is a reservoir fed by seven springs.

It is nestled in a shady forest where a taverna with a beautiful view sits just below the parking area.

Peacocks and ducks frequent this area so if you have any stale bread don’t forget to take it along.

If you’re brave enough take off your shoes and walk through the tunnel situated a metre from the taverna to reach the reservoir or if you’re not so brave reach the reservoir by climbing the hill above the tun

The time stands still in this village, even the hands on the clock in the square are painted on! Goblets with black figures dating from 6 BC were found in the necropolis here.

It has beautiful views of the mountainous landscape and is the source of the local “firewater” Souma which is distilled from grapes grown only in this village

The ancient Hellenistic town of Rhodes is located on the eastern slopes of Monte Smith. There are some remains of the town, including a reconstructed stadium and the partially restored Ôemple of Apollo.

The hill, originally known as Mount Agios Stephanos, has been known as Monte Smith since the tßme of the Napoleonic Wars, when the English Admiral Sydney Smith, used it as an observation point.

The views of the Turkish coastline and island of Symi and Tilos are excellent here.

Close to the summit of Mount Tsambika, this Byzantine cloister dates from the 14th Century and consists of five whitewashed cells.

Local childless women make a pilgrimage to this monastery on 8th September to pray for fertility.

To show their appreciation they name their boy children Tsambikos and girls are named Tsampika.

From outside there is beautiful view out to sea and the beach at Tsambika below is one of the most beautiful on the island, with a long stretch of sandy beach with tavernas, cantinas and many watersports.