Rhodes: The island of the knights
Summer is approaching and you are still looking for the right vacation destination. In Greece, there are many places you can visit to enjoy your vacation. One of them is Rhodes. It belongs to the Dodecanese complex and offers all kinds of entertainment. So whether you travel with friends or alone, a visit to this island will definitely leave you satisfied.
How to get to Rhodes
Rhodes has its own international airport and during the summer period, there are lots of tour operators who provide flights to the island. You can also choose to land in Athens since it’s the biggest airport in Greece and take another flight from there too.
TIP: Choose to travel on Tuesdays or Wednesdays as ticket prices tend to be lower on those days.
Last but not least, you can also choose the ship from Athens. Traveling by plane may be faster but traveling by ship has its own beauty.
How to transport in Rhodes
It is a large island, so it offers many ways of transportation. Below I will give you an idea of each.
Urban and Intercity Buses: Rhodes has a very good transport network. There are frequent itineraries from the airport to the city center and from there you can travel all over Rhodes. The people at the information counters are helpful and will give you whatever information you need as well as a brochure with all the itineraries running on the island. Ticket costs are relatively low and reduced tickets are available for students. More information on urban routes can be found here and on intercity routes here.
Rent a car or scooter: Rhodes is a big island so the options for rent are many. If you are traveling with your family or friends, I consider renting a car the proper solution.
TIP: You may find it difficult to find a parking space as the island is “flooded” by tourists so it would be good to have a lot of patience. You can find more information here.
Taxi: Generally, there are many taxis on the island, and many prefer them as the cost for a ride within the city does not exceed 5-8 euros. However, you have to be very careful at night as there are a lot of people gathering in central places to get a taxi. This means that you may have to wait in line for up to half an hour.
TIP: If you call the taxi from the hotel you are staying, be aware that depending on its rating in stars, there will be an additional charge.
Bicycle: Many hotels and various shops in the city center offer you the opportunity to rent a bicycle. You can rent it for a day where the cost is 8 to 10 euros, but you can also rent it for up to a week.
TIP: It would be good to have some kind of screwdriver with you, which most hotels or shops will give you to avoid any accidents with the bicycle chain.
Meet the sights of Rhodes
Old Town of Rhodes: It is not possible to visit Rhodes and not walk its old town. There, in addition to enjoying the walk, the visitor can see the Suleiman Mosque where Suleiman the Magnificent lived, but also admire the palace of the Grand Master. You can also walk the Knights Street where the old town’s trademark is. One walk is enough to take you to the medieval times.
See also: “The “blue” of Rhodes“
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes or the Hospital of the Knights is a wonderful place with beautiful architecture and many exhibits of the Hellenistic period. In the museum inside there is a wonderful garden, beautiful mosaics that have been preserved until today, impressive statues and a small lake where goldfish swim inside. Admission to the museum is 6 euros and staff are willing to answer all the visitor’s questions.
Palace of the Grand Master: Many believe that it is the most beautiful attraction in the city of Rhodes. It is a medieval palace that was renovated by the Italians who settled in Rhodes but also by the Greeks who succeeded them. It is perfectly preserved and the visitor can admire, the impressive entrance with the two towers and internal, the numerous mosaic floors, which were transported by the Italians from Kos, as well as other items such as old furniture, chandeliers, and some paintings. A visit to the palace takes you mentally to the time of the knights and the entrance to the museum costs 10 euros.
Agios Nikolaos Fortress – Windmills: The walk is definitely worth it. It is a fortress with a large lighthouse which, however, does not receive visitors. You can enjoy your walk along the beach at any time of the day, sit on the benches, and listen to the sounds of the sea.
TIP: Prefer to take a walk in the afternoon as the sun sets so you can be amazed by the orange-red color of the sky and the beauty of the island.
See also: “Lindos: A must visit village in Rhodes“
Roloi Clock Tower of Rhodes: Located in the old town of Rhodes and is located between the Palace of the Grand Master and the Suleiman Mosque. It is worth visiting so that you can enjoy the beautiful view and the wonderful interior. Admission to the tower is 5 euros and includes free coffee, juice, or an alcoholic beverage. The staff is very polite and while leaving they give you souvenir cards.
Aquarium: Located in the old town and is the oldest aquarium in Greece. It is worth visiting if you are traveling with young children so that they can see different types of fish in a very short reach. The staff is very kind and the interior of the building is impressive as it has stone corridors.
Waterpark: Located a short distance away from the city center, it is one of the largest parks of its kind in Europe. It is an ideal place for families and groups and offers many activities. Inside the park, there is a train which takes you to various places while everywhere there are lifeguards and people who are willing to help the visitor. Admission is 24 euros while the addition of a personal closet is 2 euros extra. Free transportation from the center of Rhodes to the park is provided.
See also “Eat like a local in Rhodes”
Take a submarine ride: During your walk in the city center of Rhodes and especially near the port, it is very likely that you will see large signs advertising submarine rides. This is a route that takes about 30 minutes and you can see fish and other marine organisms passing next to you. It is an unforgettable experience and it is going to amaze you.
TIP: Prefer to take the ride at hours before sunset as at night there is no good lighting in order to see a lot down at sea.
Generally speaking, Rhodes is an island that offers all kinds of entertainment even for the most demanding people. It attracts thousands of tourists every year, which confirms the love for the island. Whether you travel with friends or alone, Rhodes will definitely offer wonderful experiences.
