Rhodes: The island of vivid contrasts
Rhodes has a long and impressive history; it’s a place where the strong mediaeval aspect blends with the traditional Greek one. It is also an island with great natural beauty: the lovely beaches face the pine woods on the mountainsides; the mountain villages overlook the seaside towns; and the archaeological sites, the mediaeval monuments and the cosmopolitan resorts arranged in the traditional style all conspire to make the popularity of this destination so hard to resist, even to a demanding traveller.
This Mediterranean gem of an island boasts a centuries-old history: a turbulent past full of unexpected turns and twists of fate. It flourished during the 4th c. BC; this is when the famous Colossus of Rhodes, a gigantic statue sculpted by Charis from Lindos, Rhodes, who was a student of Lysippos, a master sculptor at the time. The history of this island is a rich one, as each conqueror left their strong mark on it.
Lindos
Ancient Lindos used to be a rich and powerful city-state, and its imposing acropolis perched on a high rock bears proof to its past glamour. Visitors to nearby modern day Lindos will be impressed by the view of the village stretched along the foot of the rock. It consists of traditional white houses, stately buildings, churches and cobblestone alleys. Follow the path that crosses the village and you will reach the ancient acropolis; the area includes the remaining city walls and other ruins dating to the ancient and Byzantine times, as well as to the period that St. John’s Knights ruled the island. The location affords amazing views to the open sea. Lindos is a popular destination for beach-goers; you can enjoy swimming in the deep blue waters or practise your favourite water sports.
The medieval town of Rhodes
In the heart of Rhodes, in the medieval city, a haunting and mysterious air wafts through the streets, summoned back to life through the centuries. The famous Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the Hospitallers, has left an indelible mark on the island. If one walks around the always lively town, one can almost hear the hoofbeats of the horses and the whispering voices of history.
The town was never deserted or abandoned. It is one of the rare survivors of the medieval world; it stands unscathed, in all its vibrant beauty. In 1988, UNESCO declared the architectural complex of the Knights of Rhodes to be World Heritage Site.
The feeling of exploring the medieval streets of Rhodes is difficult to put into words. Time seems to have stopped in the middle ages, and the atmosphere is shrouded in the haze of its knightly past. The cobbled streets and Gothic towers challenge the traveller to unlock their deepest secrets.
The Beaches of Rhodes
Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese and the fourth largest in Greece. It looks like a place taken straight out of a medieval fairy tale with castles, knights, stories of Grand Masters and beautiful Gothic and Renaissance architecture buildings. Apart from the allure of its historical heritage, it is also a place of enticing natural beauty, with a coastline stretching 253 kilometers, where visitors can choose from a plethora of enchanting beaches.
Tranquil Beaches: Agathi, Glystra | Famous beaches: Anthony Quinn | For surfing lovers: Prasonisi, Ixia | Wild landscapes: Glyfada | Popular beaches: Tsambika Beach, Kalithea | Sports beaches: Afandou | Instagram Beaches: Elli
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