Rhodes is something that is not in the guidebook. Excursions in Rhodes. Group excursions in Rhodes

Beaches of unearthly beauty, ancient cities and castles with a rich history, unique culture, cozy hotels and low prices - this is what attracts tourists from all over the world to Rhodes. Are you ready to see this unique island? Then you have come to the right place: we have studied it inside and out and have compiled a guide to Rhodes for you, where the most detailed, useful and interesting information awaits you. Make yourself comfortable, close the search engine, the journey begins here and now.

Guide to the island of Rhodes (Greece) in Russian: beaches, attractions, prices, weather and much more.

Our guide to the island of Rhodes is the maximum of useful information that we were able to put in one article. It will help you plan your trip to Rhodes from start to finish, choose the best beaches and attractions, book hotels, estimate the cost of food, entertainment, etc. Here you will find links to our other articles, which tell you in more detail about everything you need you will need it on your trip. Don't forget to bookmark our Rhodes guide, so you can always return to it when planning your vacation.

Let's start our guide to Rhodes with a little historical background. Rhodes is one of the largest islands in Greece, ranks fourth in area in the country. The population is 115 thousand people, of which almost half (50 thousand) live in the capital of the island, the city of Rhodes. Together with Kos, Patmos, Symi and other islands, Rhodes is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is located much closer to Turkey than to mainland Greece: from the port of Rhodes to Turkish Marmaris in a straight line - only 50 km, while to Athens - as much as 450. Rhodes is washed by two seas at once: the Aegean in the west and the Mediterranean in the east.

For centuries, this favorable geographical position has made Rhodes a tasty piece of land for a variety of civilizations. Back in the 16th century BC the Minoans from Crete ruled here, then the ancient Greeks, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, again Persians, again Greeks... Since ancient times, Rhodes was part of Byzantium, until the Knights Hospitaller captured it at the beginning of the 14th century. For two centuries, the island became the main residence of the knightly order, and the city of Rhodes in the north of the island became its capital. It was then that the most important historical sights of Rhodes were built, which have survived to this day: the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of Knights, the Rhodes Fortress, etc.

At the beginning of the 16th century, Rhodes was captured by the Turks. The Ottomans ruled the island for almost 400 years, in 1912 they were replaced by the Italians, and in 1948 Rhodes “returned to its homeland”, becoming part of Greece. Now can you imagine how much blood is mixed in the inhabitants of Rhodes and how many cultures and civilizations have left their traces here, which are visible literally at every step? This alone is worth moving to this amazing island! But there are also dozens of stunning, breathtaking beaches for every taste: for tourists with children, for divers, and for windsurfers... All this makes the island of Rhodes one of the most popular for travelers from different countries, including Russia.

Socrates Street in the city of Rhodes is the real soul of the island. Here the Greek, Turkish, and knightly heritage of Rhodes merged together.

Weather in Rhodes and when is the best time to go

Rhodes is one of the southernmost islands of Greece. That's why the holiday season here lasts longer than on many other islands. Most of the local hotels are closed in winter, as well as in March and April, and from May 1, in honor of the Day of Proletariat Solidarity, resort workers Fr. Rhodes, in a single impulse, opens the hospitable doors of holiday homes and boarding houses. The air temperature in May is simply ideal (from 22 to 29 degrees), but the water in the early days is still cool, but by the middle or end of the month, as a rule, it gradually warms up to a comfortable +20...+22. However, local belief says that on the beaches of all-inclusive hotels the water is always warmer. We don’t know whether this is true or not, but for some reason there really are more swimmers there.

July and August are the hottest months in Rhodes in all senses. At this time, there is the hottest weather, the warmest sea, the largest number of tourists and, accordingly, the highest prices for tours, hotels and air tickets. So-called “Middle season” in Rhodes is June, September and early October, when the sea is still (or already) very warm, the streets are not so stuffy, prices are not so high, and the crowds are not so large.

From mid-October, the weather in Rhodes gradually deteriorates: it rains more, the waves rise, the temperature drops and most hotels close until the end of April. However, even in winter many tourists come to Rhodes. From November to March, life on the island calms down and a unique opportunity arises to get around the sights of Rhodes without the tourist crowds. Yes, you can’t swim at this time, but for leisurely walks through ancient cities, winter temperatures of +14…+16 are very comfortable.

How to get to Rhodes from Moscow, Athens, other Greek islands and Turkey

Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece; getting here is easy, including from Russia. But first, don’t forget (or any other Schengen). There are direct regular and charter flights from Moscow to Rhodes, and charter flights from other cities (including St. Petersburg). Read more about how to get to Rhodes from Russia in our article:

You can get to Rhodes from Russia not only on your own, but also on a package tour, because, along with Crete, this is one of the most popular islands among Russian package tourists. Tour packages to the island of knights from Moscow in the “middle season” cost from 550 euros, from St. Petersburg - from 700 euros (since the ruble exchange rate often changes, the cost is given in foreign currency). You can find out prices in rubles for the dates you need, as well as select and buy a tour to Rhodes. It automatically compares offers from all Russian tour operators and finds the best prices.

From other Greek islands you can get to Rhodes either by plane or by ferry. At the same time, flying to Rhodes from Athens or Crete can sometimes be not only faster, but also cheaper than traveling by sea. But from some cities in Turkey you can get to Rhodes and back by ferry very quickly and inexpensively. Details, prices and useful links are in our article:

The connection between Rhodes and Turkey is very strong. And not just the ferry. The photo shows the ship that brought us from Rhodes to Marmaris, Turkey.

Where to stay in Rhodes: overview of resorts and cities on the island

Rhodes is a very large island, it stretches 77 km from north to south and 35 km from west to east. There are dozens of cities and towns, many of which are located by the sea, each with its own pros and cons, its own beaches and attractions. Some are more popular with tourists with children, others - with windsurfers, others - with those who like to have fun, and others - with supporters of a calm, measured holiday... Which Rhodes resort is right for you? You will find the answer to the question in our article:

There are many resorts in Rhodes and they are all different. Our guide to Rhodes will help you choose the best place for you.

Rhodes hotels on booking sites

There are a huge number of hotels in Rhodes to suit every taste and budget - from small family pensions to large all-inclusive complexes. When booking hotels in Rhodes, we advise you to consider three main things.

1. The most popular resorts among Russian tourists are Faliraki, Lindos, and the city of Rhodes. In many hotels in these cities (especially in Faliraki), as well as in street travel agencies and shops, the staff speaks Russian.

2. It is worth searching and booking hotels in Rhodes not only on the well-known Booking.com, but also on other booking systems. The most convenient way to do this is with the help of special search engines. Our favorite hotel search engine is Hotellook.com. It automatically compares prices across all booking systems and finds the best options.

3. If you want to save money, book all-inclusive hotels or self-catering apartment hotels. And there is nothing paradoxical here. It's no secret that prices in cafes in Rhodes are often steep. This is where three meals a day in an all-inclusive community or a refrigerator with a stove in an apart-hotel will come in handy. In which, by the way, it is not at all necessary to sweat for hours at the stove: even a cup of coffee with sweets on the balcony of your room will cost you much less than in the most ordinary cafe. And if you try more complex dishes like scrambled eggs or boiled sausages... Products in Rhodes stores, by the way, are quite inexpensive.

Sights of Rhodes and its capital

For most tourists, the main attractions of the island of Rhodes are its beaches. But besides them, Rhodes has a huge number of natural and architectural attractions that you should definitely visit if you are going to this island. Therefore, the main task of any tourist is to select from a huge number of attractions those that you most want to see.

The main historical attractions of the island are located in its capital, the city of Rhodes. Knights Hospitaller, Byzantines, Turks, Greeks - different civilizations lived here for centuries, and each left behind a lot of interesting things. That's why the center of Rhodes is literally crammed with interesting sights. You will find a detailed story about them in our review:

But no matter how beautiful the Old Town is, there is also (and very much!) something to see outside of it. Natural treasures of the Valley of the Butterflies and the Seven Wonders Park, the ancient walls of Kamiros and the Acropolis of Lindos, stunning views of Monolithos and the exciting attractions of the Rhodes water park... Are you sure you’re not coming here for six months?) Then our guide to Rhodes will help you choose the attractions you like, and their descriptions and You will find photos in this article:

You can explore the sights of Rhodes on your own using public or rented transport, or you can go on an excursion. You can select the most interesting programs, find out prices and book an excursion in Rhodes on the website, where local Russian guides offer their services:

Everything you wanted to know about exploring Rhodes in a rented car is in our article:

Prices for food, hotels, entertainment, etc.

Rhodes is an island that is not only large, but fertile. The climate here is less arid than many of its neighbors in the Aegean Sea, everything grows, blooms and multiplies. Therefore, at least there is no need to bring food here, which is why the prices for food in stores are quite reasonable. In cafes and restaurants, of course, it’s not cheap, but this is the case everywhere.

Here are some examples of prices in Rhodes:

• Apples in the store (1 kg): from 1 to 2 euros
• Cheese in the store (1 kg): from 6 to 12 euros
• Juice in the store (1 l): from 1.5 to 2.5 euros
• Pork pulp in the store (1 kg) from 5 euros
• Mythos beer in the store (0.5 l): from 1.4 euros
• Bottle of wine in the store (0.7 l): from 5 to 15 euros
• Greek salad in a cafe: from 7 to 10 euros
• Omelette in a cafe: from 3 to 7 euros
• Gyros (Greek shawarma) in a cafe: from 2.5 to 5 euros
• Moussaka in a cafe: from 9 to 13 euros
• Wine in a cafe (0.7 l): from 7 to 25 euros

Hotels in Rhodes are also cheaper than on many other Greek islands. Here's how much it costs to stay at the island's popular resorts in June, September or October. The links lead to Booking, where you can check prices for the dates you need:

More detailed information on the topic “how much in Rhodes” awaits you in our article:

In Rhodes, you can even eat inexpensively in cafes. But only if you are happy with gyros for breakfast, lunch and dinner :)

The most beautiful photos of the island of Rhodes

And finally our guide to Rhodes will be decorated with the best photos of this island that we brought from our trip to Greece. And although you have seen many beautiful photographs in this article, Rhodes is a place that you want to admire forever.

You will find even more beautiful pictures of the wonderful island in our photo galleries:

This concludes our guide to the island of Rhodes in Greece. We tried to make it as informative as possible, but if there was something missing for you, then leave feedback: we will definitely answer all questions in the comments. Happy travel to the most interesting island of Greece!

And if suddenly you still have doubts about whether to go to Rhodes, then here is a clear answer to this question. Or rather, five answers at once:

It is worth going up to the Acropolis of Lindos just to see one of the best landscapes in Rhodes - the “Bay of the Heart” (St. Paul).

Rhodes is the most romantic island in Greece!

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY IN RHODES INTERESTING?

However, make sure that before evening you have visited all the attractions and museums of the city that interest you, because some of them close at 20:00, and in winter even at 18:00 or even at 17:00.

What to see in Rhodes on your own?

The main and most monumental attraction is, of course, the Palace of the Grand Masters, founded in troubled medieval times by the Knights Hospitaller.

The palace passed into different hands at different times: in 1522, during a siege by the Turkish army, it was captured, and during the Second World War it was planned to become a refuge for the dictator Mussolini, but did not. After the war, the Palace began to belong to Greece.

Today the Palace is a UNESCO heritage site.

It’s definitely worth a walk along Knights Street, preferably in the evening.

It is noteworthy that this street is a carriageway, although it is paved with paving stones, and it is also very, very narrow. It can accommodate only 1 car, and there is a narrow sidewalk for pedestrians.

Perhaps only the old city will be of interest to tourists; the new high-rise buildings on the outskirts are similar to the same high-rise buildings in other cities of the world, with the only exception that there is a beautiful sea splashing nearby and golden beaches.

I started my independent sightseeing of Rhodes from the ancient Acropolis, which is located about 6 km from the old city. A taxi took me to the Acropolis, and then I walked quietly so that the path was downhill.

The Acropolis offers breathtaking views of the city of Rhodes, and if you cross the road, you can take stunning photos with the sea and the rest of Rhodes in the background. Through the camera lens you can even see the airport runway.

The main attraction of the Acropolis is the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, as well as the Olympic Stadium, which is located just below and adjacent to the amphitheater.

The Acropolis Amphitheater looks very beautiful, but it was obviously destroyed during an earthquake and restored, but the stadium itself is simply mesmerizing!

This stadium is truly unique, as it is the only Olympic stadium of antiquity (3rd century BC) that has completely preserved its original appearance.

Greek schoolchildren are brought to the stadium for physical education lessons, and not for the first time I am amazed at how familiar the locals are with their ancient sights. Although...when you literally walk through antiquities, you can get used to everything.

On the way from the Acropolis, I saw the ruins of the Temple of Athena, which also made a strong impression on me. The ancient column lies right next to the road; you can easily lie down on the column and pose for the camera.

In the city of Rhodes itself, it is interesting to walk inside the fortress walls and walk along Socrates Street. There are many interesting taverns there; if time permits, you can stop at one of them for lunch, for example.

The Archaeological Museum located in the old town is also noteworthy. A lot of finds created before the birth of Christ lie in this museum. It is an indescribable pleasure to contemplate them.

The only negative is that for some reason you are not allowed to bring a tripod into any of the museums in Rhodes. For some reason, in this city, a tripod is considered an artifact of professional photography, and the fact that you are alone and are going to photograph your precious self is not an argument. You leave the tripod on guard and then just go to the museum.

Inside the Archaeological Museum there is a garden surrounded by antiquities. It looks something like this.

The easiest way to get back from Rhodes city is by taxi. Also, the city of Rhodes is good because, unlike coastal hotels and other remote places, the city itself has no seasonality, local residents permanently live in it, which means that if you have the desire and opportunity to book a ticket for a regular flight, you can come to Rhodes on your own and at any time of the year.

RODINI PARK.

Another interesting attraction of the island of Rhodes, recommended for independent visiting, is Rodini Park. The most convenient way to get there and back is also by taxi. The park is located just 3 km from the city of Rhodes, but the access to it is not very convenient for walking due to fairly heavy traffic.

I got to the park right after heavy rain, arrived on a weekday, and can you believe me that I was absolutely alone in the entire park?

It was just an unforgettable feeling, as if the park was completely yours. Only once did a local resident approach the park on a moped.

Rodini Park is very old, it was built by the ancient Romans. The feeling is that you find yourself in the era of Cicero and Julius Caesar, who also once walked here.

This park also contains the tomb of Ptolemy, which I did not find. Fortunately, probably, because I’m a little scared to wander around the tombs alone.

The cafe in the park is not open, I didn’t see any peacocks, probably because the park was still a little damp after the rain. In general, the park gives the impression of some abandonment and emptiness, but it is still a very worthy attraction.

The park itself is small, but very green and beautiful. In hot weather, it will greatly brighten up your stay on the island.

ISLAND OF TILOS.

If you get a chance to visit the island of Tilos, even if on a group excursion, I recommend doing it. My trip to Tilos was canceled due to a storm, unfortunately, but it was there that I intended to go in mid-October to observe the migration of colonies of rare birds, characteristic only of these regions.

At the height of the tourist season, you can easily get to Tilos on your own; there are regular ferries from the island of Rhodes, the schedule of which can be found on the Internet, and perhaps even buy a ticket.

AIRPORT.

For lovers of spotting, the local airport will be noteworthy. It is located only 14 km from mine, I’m a sporty girl, so I decided to walk to the airport :)

But, I must say, 14 km in Moscow and 14 km in Rhodes are two big differences, especially when you walk them in the heat. By the end of the journey, I regretted a hundred times why I didn’t take a taxi. And back I was ready to catch any cab driver with checkers from the airport and go for any money :)

But the walk is also worthy, because it allows you to look at the life of the island’s inhabitants from the inside, and not from the window of a tourist bus.

After having lunch at one of the seaside taverns, I wandered further, saw luxury villas, a BP gas station, modest budget low-rise buildings, around which it was very clean and tangerine trees grew, and when I finally got to the airport, I was rewarded with huge planes landing in a field and then on to GDP. The airport is very small, so planes can be seen from almost everywhere.

Of course, these are not all the attractions, there is also the village of Lindos, and Filiraki Hill, and the Valley of the Butterflies and much, much more, which, unfortunately, my hands and feet did not reach. But I hope that I can come to the island again, when there is no storm on Tilos, and I will finish watching this movie.

Rhodes is the fourth largest and sunniest island in Greece. Despite the rapid development of mass tourism, not only all-inclusive vacation lovers come to Rhodes, but also independent travelers. We spent 9 days in Rhodes, rented a car and rented an apartment. Everything you need to know about Rhodes with a map of attractions.

How and when to go to Rhodes

The most popular resorts in Rhodes with links to hotels: Faliraki, Kallithea, Lindos, Ixia, Ialyssos. The capital city of Rhodes has a large selection of accommodation, entertainment and a good beach. Rhodes Hotels

We chose the Stegna Bay apartments Bella Vista Stegna. Stegna is a picturesque place on the Mediterranean coast of Rhodes near the large city of Archangelos.

Beaches of Rhodes

Most holidaymakers come to the island of Rhodes to swim and sunbathe. There are more than 35 beaches in Rhodes that have been awarded the Blue Flag for their amenities and cleanliness of the sea. The longest beach (5 km) is located in the tourist center of Faliraki. Sandy beaches stretch one after another: Ialyssos, Ixia, Rhodes, Kallithea, Kolymbia. All of them have a smooth entry into the sea and are good for families with small children. A small beach in the rocky Ladiko Bay - Anthony Queen has long ceased to be a “secluded place”.

On the East Coast of Rhodes, my favorite beaches were Tsambika and Agati. Lindos has a beautiful beach overlooking the Acropolis. In the southeast are the long pebble beaches of Kiotari and Gennadi. At the southern tip of the island is Cape Prasonisi, where currents and winds converge. Despite the wide strip of sand, there are more wave surfers than swimmers in Prasonisi.

The beaches on the Aegean Sea side are less visited. We came to the pebble beach of Glyfada near the Monolithos fortress. There is a fine sandy beach next to Ancient Kamir; guests of the coastal tavern are provided with sunbeds free of charge. While relaxing on the western beaches of Rhodes, you can admire the sunset.

Sights of Rhodes

Sights of Rhodes on the map

You can get a free map of Rhodes at any cafe or hotel; guidebooks in Russian are sold for €5. All the sights of Rhodes in one day.

Rhodes city. The medieval city of Rhodes is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walk inside the fortress walls takes half a day: the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of Knights, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, squares with fountains, churches, mosques. The main street Socrates has shops and cafes. You can park your car for free in the port of Mandraki along the windmills. Where, according to legend, the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, there are now statues of a deer and a doe.

Lindos or Lind is located in the southeast of the island, 50 km from Rhodes. There are regular buses and pleasure boats to Lindos. Since Lindos is a very visited city, it is better to arrive early (there are problems with parking, there are many people on the beach and in the Acropolis). The ancient city of Lindos was built on a 116 m high elephant hill. To get to the main attraction - the Acropolis, you need to climb up the narrow streets. Tired tourists are offered a ride on a donkey. At the Acropolis they give you a map along with your ticket. From the top there is a beautiful view of the sea and the Apostle Paul Bay.

Kamir. The large-scale ruins of the ancient Dorian city of Camir are located on the Western coast of Rhodes. The place is open and can be very hot in summer. After visiting the archaeological site, it's nice to cool off on Kamiros Beach.

Monks on Mount Felirim

With the Church of the Virgin Mary and antique Ialyssos (Triad) with the remains of temples are located between the city of Rhodes and the resort of Ialis.

Castles of Castello Kritinia and South-West Rhodes are the best points to watch the sunset.

Monastery of Agia Tsambika is one of the most visited in Rhodes. The Lower Monastery stands on the main road from Rhodes to Lindos, the Upper Monastery is on a hill. You can only drive part of the way, the remaining 300 steps must be walked. It is believed that the Tsambik Mother of God helps in childbirth. From the top there is a panoramic view of the coast and Tsambika Beach.

Natural attractions of Rhodes: Valley of the Butterflies, Seven Springs (Epta Piges), Mount of Prophet Elijah. People come here to take a break from the sun in the shade of trees among greenery.

Food and souvenirs of Rhodes

Products typical of Rhodes are best bought where they are produced - in small traditional villages.

In a mountain village Siana make honey Flower, thyme and pine honey are used in making desserts and added to yogurt. Xi'an also produces a strong grape drink, soyma.

Rhodes is famous for its wine. Rhodes Muscat has been known since ancient times; the most popular grape varieties in Rhodes are Athiri and Amoriano. The best of dry white wine “Ilios” and “Grand Maitre”, dry red “Chevalier de Rhodes”. We tasted and bought Rhodian wine in a high mountain village Ebona.

Typical Rhodes dishes are served in taverns. Chickpea meatballs, lamb, Melekuni dessert, a large selection of fish and seafood dishes.

Traditional Rhodes souvenirs are ceramics, carpets, leather shoes, silver jewelry, and icons. Ceramic workshops are located on the road to Lind; weaving and handicrafts are carried out in Archangelos And Afand. In the city of Rhodes you can buy absolutely everything: from souvenirs to clothing from famous brands.

From Rhodes to neighboring islands

Rhodes is the central island of the Dodecanese, with easy access to neighboring islands. Tickets for Greek ferries on the FerriesinGreece website.

Simi Island is located 21 nautical miles from Rhodes. Pleasure boats to Symi depart every morning from the port of Mandraki (Rhodes). Ticket price starts from €15. The route includes a visit to the Paranormitis Monastery and a stop at the picturesque port of Ano Shima.

Sunset overlooking Halki Island

Halki Island quite small and not so visited. It can be reached by boat from the town of Skala Kamirou. Regular ships visit Halki several times a week.

One-day cruises from Rhodes are operated by the Dodekanisos Seaways ferry company during the season: Sima, Tilos, Kastellorizo, Nisyros, Marmaris (Turkey). It makes no sense to go to the island of Kos in one day. After Rhodes we moved to, where we spent the remaining 5 days.

The island of Rhodes is an ideal option for a beach and family holiday. Rhodes has a long season, a well-developed tourist infrastructure, many attractions and interesting places. Prices in Rhodes are high, but you can find inexpensive accommodation, rent a car and explore this large sunny island on your own.

Rhodes is one of the most visited islands in Greece. It is famous for its clean and beautiful beaches, natural beauty, historical and archaeological monuments. Further in the article, significant places of the island will be considered with a description. In addition, tourists will get acquainted with the guide to Rhodes and find out what excursions can be taken from the island of Rhodes.

Greece Rhodes attractions and excursions

Tourists will be able to see the sights of Rhodes on their own or by going on a group excursion tour.

Palace of the Grand Masters

The palace has approximately 200 halls, but not all of them are open to tourists. The walls of the galleries and halls are decorated with frescoes, tapestries, mirrors and mosaics. Within the walls of the palace there is a museum where you can see archaeological finds, household items and art from the ancient and medieval periods.

You can visit the palace from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 16:00, paying an entrance fee of 8 euros*.

Rhodes Island

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

All kinds of sculptures, vases, figurines, jewelry, Rhodian ceramics and even the head of the god Helios (2nd century BC) are exhibited here.

Entrance ticket costs 10 euros.*

Opening hours: in summer daily from 8 am to 8 pm, and in winter from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 15:00.

Mandraki Harbor

If you believe the legend: this is where the 7th wonder of the world stood - the Colossus of Rhodes.

Sights of the harbor are the Fort of St. Nicholas, the post office building (Renaissance eclecticism), sculptures of a deer and a doe, the building of the New Market (there are souvenir shops, shops, taverns).

Acropolis of Lindos

Of interest are the ruins of the temple of Pythian Apollo (2nd century BC), the Pythian stadium and the marble amphitheater. Entrance ticket costs 6 euros.*

Acropolis of Lindos

Opening hours: Tuesday-Friday – 08:30-16:30, Saturday-Sunday – 08:30-15:00. Monday is a day off.

Note! You can climb the Acropolis on a donkey for 5 euros.*

Tsambika Monastery

The main shrine of the monastery is the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. She patronizes childless couples. Visitors here will be able to purchase icons, oil, holy water, candles and souvenirs, as well as have a snack in a small cafe.

The monastery is open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 20:00. The entrance is free.

Mount Filerimos

The mountain is interesting with its cross, the monastery of the Holy Mother of God, 15th century frescoes in the cell of St. George, a Doric fountain, the ruins of the temples of Athena and Zeus (IV and III centuries BC), and an observation deck.

In summer, access to the mountain is open from 8 am to 7 pm for 6 euros.*

Cross on Mount Filerimos

Valley of the Butterflies

This butterfly reserve is located 26 km from the capital of Rhodes. Entrance fee – 5 euros.*

Guide to Rhodes

How to get there?

During the holiday season, you can get from Russia to Rhodes on charter flights. Flights from Moscow and St. Petersburg take just over 3.5 hours.

Diagoras Airport is 10 km from the center of Rhodes. Buses in this direction run from 6 am to 11 pm. The fare is approximately 3 euros. A taxi ride will cost tourists at least 25 euros.*

Note! You can get to Rhodes by ferry from Crete, Athens, Bodrum, Marmaris.

Main areas

Main areas of Rhodes:

• Afandou is famous for its long beach and golf course;
• Asklepio is interesting for its old churches and castles;
• Faliraki is a great place for party-goers and lovers of active beach holidays;
• Lindos is interesting for its Acropolis, large market, night bars and sandy beaches;
• Ialyssos, this comfortable resort has good beaches, luxury hotels, cozy manor houses, vibrant nightlife;
• Kallithea is famous for its healing springs and snorkeling conditions.

Springs of Kallithea

Where to stay?

For those who want to relax by the sea in a calm environment, it is advisable to stay in Lindos, Haraki, Pefki.

Active holidaymakers who enjoy surfing and other extreme water activities should head for Ixia or Ialyssos.

Those who cannot imagine a holiday without active nightlife should book accommodation in Faliraki.

Things to do?

Tourists coming to Rhodes should:

• walk along the Street of the Knights of John in the capital of the island;
• visit the water park in Faliraki;
• admire the Monolithos castle in the resort town of Gennadi;
• swim and sunbathe on the Rhodes beaches.

Where to eat?

In Rhodes you can satisfy your hunger in the following food establishments:

• Psistaria. In these eateries you can snack on fish, vegetables and grilled meat;
• Taverna. The atmosphere in these establishments is traditional village;
• Psarestiatorio. These restaurants specialize mainly in fish dishes;
• Estiatorio. They are restaurants with a pleasant interior and a high level of service;
• Souvlatsidiko. These kebab shops serve kebabs and traditional flatbreads;
• Ouzeri. Here you can order a variety of dishes and aniseed vodka;
• Kafenio, where you can treat yourself to coffee.

Note! The best restaurants in the city of Rhodes are Tatam, Agalma, Kerasma.

Group excursions in Rhodes

Tourists may be interested in the following excursions in Rhodes from the tour operator Pegasus:

• Sightseeing tour of the island: 8-hour tour, designed for a Russian group of tourists, children 4-11 years old will cost 30 euros, and adults – 60 euros;*
• “Valley of the Butterflies + Ostrich Farm”: 40 euros/adult and 20 euros/child + additional entrance fee to the “Valley of the Butterflies” (5 euros) and the ostrich farm (4.5 euros);*
• “Rhodes Town + Filerimos”: the tour will last 4 hours. It will cost 44 euros for adults, and 22.5 euros for children;*
• “Ancient Lindos + 7 springs + Prasonisi”: the cost of an adult ticket is 55 euros, and a child ticket is 27.5 euros.*

Note! Additionally, you will have to pay for lunch and drinks, as well as entrance to ancient Lindos.

Excursions from Rhodes

The following excursions are organized from Rhodes:

Excursion from Rhodes to Athens: this tour is individual and includes flights, hotel accommodation, several standard excursions around the Greek capital, a visit to the Acropolis (prices start from 450 euros);

Symi Island

Boat excursions from Rhodes to other islands:

• cruise to the island of Halki (33 euros);
• excursion to the island of Nisyros (87 euros);
• cruise to Symi island (30 euros).*

Note! Tourists will be transported to Symi Island by the high-speed 3-deck catamaran King Saron.

Experienced travelers advise:

• before traveling to Rhodes in 2018, apply for a Schengen or national (Greek) visa;
• do not try to speak Russian with local residents, with the exception of tour guides and tour guides on the island of Rhodes;
• visit local shops from 10:00 to 14:00;
• bring Greek wine, ceramics, glass and leather, olive oil, honey, carpets from Rhodes.

It is advisable to plan a trip to Rhodes to coincide with the Medieval Rose Festival (May), the Hellenic Festival of Light and Sound (summer months), and the Short Film Festival (July).

Those planning to visit the island should know that on the northern coast of Rhodes there are lively tourist resorts, and on the southern coast there are towns where life moves more slowly and calmly.

* Prices are current for 2018.

The island of Rhodes, like the goddess of beauty and love Aphrodite, emerged from the depths of the sea, washed by foamy waves. This was a gift from Zeus to the Sun God Helios after the victory of the Gods over the Titans. Helios named the island in honor of his beloved, the nymph Rhodes, and does not tire of admiring it to this day. That's why almost all days of the year are sunny on the island! So says the legend.

O. Rhodes is one of the largest Greek islands and one of the most popular among tourists. It is located quite far from mainland Greece and neighbors Turkey: the strait of the same name, separating the island from Turkey, is only 37 km wide. Rhodes has been inhabited by people for more than 9,000 years and the historical part of the island's capital, Rhodes, is included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage List.

The climate in Rhodes is mild - the average annual temperature is 18-20°C, in summer - 27-29°C, the heat is always moderated by the northeast wind. In Rhodes in summer it is 1-2°C cooler than in popular mainland resorts. Rain in summer is rare, but in the winter months it rains every 2-3 days.

The best time to travel to the island is from late August to early October, when there are fewer tourists and the sea is still warm, like in summer.

The beaches are located along the entire perimeter of the island, most of them are sandy, but there are also pebbles.

The capital of the island - the city of Rhodes - is a city of knights, medieval castles, impregnable fortress walls and high towers, shrouded in secrets, and in addition, it was here that the Colos of Rhodes was once erected - a giant statue of the god Helios, about 36 m high (for comparison, the height of the statue “Motherland” in Volgograd without a sword – 52 m.)

Attractions

The main traveler routes in the capital of the island will pass through the Old Town, along its original cobbled streets, along ancient fortress walls and high towers, where the Middle Ages and chivalry intersect with ancient Greek monuments and ancient Ottoman mosques.

An incredibly powerful defensive structure with a total length of walls of about 4 km, which still amazes with its impressiveness. Built in the 14th century by the Knights Hospitaller, it withstood attacks by Turkish troops for more than 200 years. During one of the sieges, the fortress walls, which were double and separated by a twenty-meter ditch, withstood up to 1000 cannon strikes per day!

• Most of the walls, 11 gates along the perimeter, bastions, the palace of the Grand Master and several streets have survived to this day, having undergone virtually no changes since the Middle Ages.
• Entrance to the fortress is free, and access is available to visitors 24 hours a day.

Exact address: Address: Alexandridou 14, Rhodes.

The central street of the Rhodes Fortress, which has preserved its original appearance over the centuries. When you walk along a street paved with rough stones between stone walls, it seems that at any moment you will hear the clatter of hooves and the clanking of armor of a rushing horseman behind you.

Here and there, on the walls along the Street of Knights, ancient coats of arms of the Knights Hospitaller and ancient lanterns built into the wall, albeit with modern lamps, have been preserved.

Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00.

The main building on the Street of the Knights, a castle within a castle with impressive towers and thick walls. The existing building is a reconstruction from the 1930s; the original building was destroyed in the explosion of a gunpowder magazine a century earlier. However, the reconstructed castle was built with meticulous precision and fully reproduces the atmosphere of the Middle Ages.

Inside the castle there is a museum dedicated in part to the archaeological finds of Fr. Rhodes, partly to reproduce the interiors of knightly castles of the late Middle Ages.

Also interesting are ancient books, icons, weapons, huge mosaics laid directly on the floor and extraordinary onyx windows, in which instead of glass plates of light yellow onyx mineral are inserted, which is why the light penetrating into the palace of the grand masters is rich and warm, like the sun , even on cloudy days.

• Address: Ippoton, Rodos 851 00.
• Cost of visit: 8 euros, children under 18 years old free.
• Opening hours: Monday - 12:30 - 19:00.
• Tuesday-Sunday - 08:30 - 19:30

The building that ends the Street of Knights is a medieval hospital, erected in the 14th century to help the crusaders and pilgrims who suffered in battles in the Holy Land. This is a two-story building with a courtyard surrounded by two-level arcades.

Currently, it is one of the most interesting museums in Rhodes. Numerous finds from all over the island are presented, including a statue of Aphrodite of the Sea, found right in the sea and dating back to the 4th century. BC e., a very beautiful statue of Aphrodite of Rhodes, 3 centuries younger, a marble head of the sun god Helios, collections of ancient coins and jewelry, ancient Christian manuscripts.

• Address: 2 Symis, 851 00 Rhodes
• Opening hours: May - October - Tuesday to Saturday 8.00 - 19.00; Sunday – 8.30 – 15.00.
• Monday is a day off.
• November - April: Tuesday to Saturday from 8.30 to 15.00.
• Ticket price: 6 euros, under 18 years old – free.

The Rhodes fortress, its walls and towers are the main part of the Old City, but it itself is much, much older: the city was founded in 408 BC. by the ancient Greeks, was under the rule of the Romans, the Byzantines, the Knights of the Order of St. John, and the Ottoman Empire.

From each of these periods, the city has preserved its own evidence and historical monuments: fragments of the ancient temple of Aphrodite, the remains of a Roman shipyard, the Church of St. Spyridon, the Suleiman Mosque and the Mustafa Mosque, the already mentioned Street of Knights and the Palace of the Grand Masters and much, much more.

The most interesting thing is that ordinary people live within the Old Town, just like thousands of years ago, their small houses with wooden shutters, flowers and cats are everywhere, for us it is an ethnographic museum, and for them it is their home and everyday life among the bustle of tourists .

Local residents are very sociable and friendly people; when they meet acquaintances, they will certainly stop to chat, even if they are separated by the roadway.

You can safely walk around the Old Town on your own for a whole day without fear of getting lost - sooner or later you will come to the city wall and one of the 11 exits that are always open. In addition, the Old Town is always crowded and it is easy to meet Russian or at least English-speaking people among the cafe staff or tourists who can give directions.

The main shopping street of the Old City, and, perhaps, of the entire city. It stretches within the fortress walls parallel to the Street of Knights, a block away from it. Numerous small shops and stalls sell almost everything: from ice cream and magnets to huge statues and antique vases, bright fabrics, spices, coffee, olive oil, honey, jewelry, paintings, etc.

On Socrates Street, souvenirs are somewhat cheaper than outside the Old Town.

In addition to shopping pavilions, Socrates Street has many attractions of its own. To begin with, the street starts from the beautiful ancient Suleiman Mosque with a tall, slender minaret, and ends at Hippocrates Square, where the unusual Castellania fountain with an owl on top and another ancient mosque and the Castellan Palace are located.

The most famous of the island's 14 mosques, built in 1522 during the reign of Sultan Suleiman, who commanded the Turkish troops during the conquest of the island. The mosque building is small, plastered in a pleasant light pink color. The mosque is crowned with 4 semicircular domes, several smaller domes and a high 35-meter minaret with two balconies.

Despite the fact that the minaret is a new building, erected on the site of a dilapidated old one, it fits very harmoniously into the architectural ensemble of the mosque.

On the territory of the mosque there is a small garden with tall cypress trees and a nice fountain. The entrance to the inside may be closed due to renovation work, but still this oldest monument of Ottoman culture in Rhodes is worth seeing. The best view of the mosque, by the way, opens from the Clock Tower of the Rhodes Fortress - the highest point of the Old Town.

Address: Rhodes, intersection of st. Ορφέως [orfeeos] and st. Ιπποδάμου [ipozamu].

Bus fares range from 1.8 to 8 euros depending on the duration of the route. Schedule on the websites: sindikatodesroda.gr and www.ktelrodou.gr.

A city in the north-eastern part of the island on Cape Crana, 50 km from Rhodes, not far from the famous heart-shaped bay of St. Paul. The town is tiny, with only 700 inhabitants, almost entirely built up with one- and two-story bright white houses.

Modern development of this UNESCO cultural monument is prohibited. Also, motor transport is prohibited in the city itself, but this is not a problem, since it is easy to get around on foot in a couple of hours. An alternative to a car is donkeys.

Lindos is home to the second largest Acropolis in Greece, after the Acropolis of Athens. There is a rather steep climb leading to the foot of the Acropolis, which you can overcome on foot, or you can ride a donkey, hiring it from the local residents who work part-time here.

From the top there is a very beautiful view of St. Paul's Bay. This is also where photos are taken in which the bay has a romantic heart shape.

Interestingly, the monument of ancient Greek architecture is surrounded by medieval fortifications with battlements.

The complex of the ancient Acropolis of Lindos (IV – III centuries BC) consists of the Propylaea (gate) of the Acropolis, the Temple of Athena, the Dorian Portico, and the remains of the Roman Temple of Emperor Diocletian.

• The Acropolis is open to visitors almost all year round - except for two winter months - January and February.
• Opening hours: 8.00 – 19.40 (out of season – until 14.40).

Attention! There is practically no shade on the territory of the Acropolis, so it is better to explore it in the early morning or evening hours. But the streets of the city itself are shady and cool.

Entrance fee to the territory: 12 euros.

You can get to Lindos by bus, which leaves from the bus station every hour from 6.00 to 20.00. You can also sit at stops in the city if they have a stand with a schedule indicating the direction: “Lindos”. The fare is 5 euros, buy a ticket from the driver.

A popular resort 15 km from Rhodes is a center of youth parties, nightclubs, discos and active recreation. It is also famous for its beaches with clean clear water and sandy coastal strip. And this despite the fact that the beaches are crowded during the season, and there are more catamarans, jet skis, banana boats, canoes and other watercraft on the water than ever before for the entertainment of vacationers.

Attention! From Faliraki to Lindos you can take a boat trip on a small bright red boat.

You can get to Faliraki from Rhodes by buses departing from the bus station in Rimini Square.

One of the best and most extreme water parks in Greece. “Kamikaze”, “Free Fall”, “Black Hole”, “Crazy Cone” - these are some of the attractions for the most fearless.

Fans of more relaxing activities can try storming the “wet bubble” or swimming along the “lazy river”.

For visitors under 12 years old there are children's areas with a pirate ship, a water jungle, a children's slide and a Luna Park.

• Address: Faliraki, 85100, Rhodes, Greece.
• You can get there from Rhodes by bus.
• Ticket price: 24 euros for adults, 16 euros for children.
• Opening hours: from May to October – 9.30-19.00
• Website in Russian: https://www.water-park.gr/ru/

The highest point on the northwestern coast of the island. Rhodes. Located 15 km from the capital of the island, the nearest settlement is the town of Ialyssos. Although the mountain is not the highest on the island, it offers a very beautiful view of the surrounding area.

The name of the mountain comes from the name of the monk Filerim, who, according to legend, climbed the mountain with an icon of the Mother of God made by St. Luke himself, and founded the monastery. To this day, the Church of the Philerim Mother of God functions on the mountain, interesting in that it is divided into two parts: Catholic and Orthodox.

The icon brought by the monk is now kept in the Art Museum of the city of Cetinje in Montenegro, and in the Filerimos temple there is only a copy of it. The temple is surrounded by a small cozy park where tame peacocks walk.

Another attraction of Filerimos is the “path to Golgotha” - a cypress alley that rises to the top, equal in length to the path taken by Christ to Golgotha.

At the end of the path there is an impressive 16-meter cross and an observation deck.

During the season you can get to Filerimos by bus directly from Rhodes; in the off-season you can only get to Ialyssos, and from there - on foot or by taxi.

The small resort town, just 8 km from Rhodes, is an ideal place for sailing and surfing, thanks to the northwest wind and wave direction.

Over the past 20-30 years, Ialyssos has often hosted national and international windsurfing and kitesurfing competitions.

This is a great place for beginner athletes to practice.

The beaches in Ialyssos are not the most convenient for swimming - the sea is always rough and the bottom is rocky.

The settlement of Archangelos, located 30 km south of Rhodes, is a quiet and peaceful place for a family holiday. Sandy beaches, shallow seas, vineyards, olive groves, and citrus orchards invite you to stroll around the surrounding area.

Among the attractions are the snow-white Church of the Archangel Michael with a high lace bell tower and the ruins of the ancient castle of St. John.

Another quiet place to relax with the whole family. This small but rapidly growing settlement among tourists is located 20 km from Rhodes on the east coast of the island. The main street of the village is a three-kilometer eucalyptus alley descending to the sea. Huge trees create a special microclimate thanks to the essential oils released by the leaves heated in the sun.

Nearby, just 6 km away, is the Tsambika Monastery with a church in honor of the Holy Virgin Mary, a visit to which, according to beliefs, helps women recover from infertility and give birth to a child.

Even in Kolymbia, according to tourists’ reviews, there are the best taverns of national Greek cuisine on the island.

The colorful, lively village adjacent to the bustling Faliraki is famous for its bright colorful houses, the main color of the walls is bright blue, the doors and shutters can be red, the porch can be green, etc. In addition, souvenirs are often hung right on the walls of the houses handmade - ceramics, embroidery, fabrics, rugs, which can be purchased right there.

In Kallithea there are ancient thermal baths with mineral water, which have recently been restored and welcome visitors.

This natural attraction is located in a gorge stretching upstream of a picturesque stream near the town of Petaloudes in the northwestern part of the island. You can get there by blue and white bus from R.O.D.A. from the central bus station for 5 euros.

The Valley of Butterflies is a place where thousands of them are collected, but they are all of the same species and do not fly, but sit on trees, sometimes covering the trunks with a continuous carpet.

These are four-spotted bear butterflies (Euplagia quadripunctaria rhodosensis), which have an underdeveloped proboscis, so they do not feed as adults, and the strength accumulated as caterpillars is only enough for mating and laying eggs.

Butterflies are not the most brightly colored, but still, when many of them cover trees or other surfaces with a living carpet, it is a fascinating sight!

• Opening hours: 8.00-17.00
• Ticket price: 5 euros, free for children.

Children will definitely love it on the island! The sea, sandy beaches, an abundance of unusual vegetation, real knightly castles, towers, walls, ruins everywhere.

Excursions around the Old Town in a playful way can be a real adventure! You can walk along the fortress wall, climb the high tower of the Rhodes fortress - the Clock. It will always be interesting for children to walk along the Socrates shopping street and choose souvenirs and gifts for relatives.

A special attraction is the water park in Faliraki - you can spend a whole day or even two on it! Older children can take windsurfing lessons in Ialyssos - when else will this opportunity arise?

Finally, another day can be devoted to visiting the Butterfly Valley and the nearby zoo.

The main inconvenience of the island when traveling with children is quite strong winds, which is why the sea is often choppy. Although, you can almost always find a cozy cove, especially in the Lindos area.