Rhodes
Photo: Erik Karits / Pexels
The Verdict
The best Dodecanese island for a first visit — medieval history, family beaches, and a season that runs later than the Cyclades.
Why go
For one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe, the beaches of the east coast, the ancient site of Kamiros, and a long shoulder season.
Understand the place
The largest of the Dodecanese — a walled medieval old town, long beaches, and a longer season than the Cyclades.
Where to swim
Beaches
What to eat & drink here
Food & drink
The old world
History & archaeology
The Acropolis of Lindos
A temple of Athena on a sheer rock above the village and bay of Lindos, with Hellenistic stoa and a Knights' castle on the same summit.
“The best ancient site in the Dodecanese, and worth the climb. Walk up before nine or after five, or ride a donkey and feel bad about it.”
Ancient Kamiros
One of the three ancient cities of Rhodes, on a hillside above the west coast, excavated into readable terraces of houses, temples and a reservoir.
“The quietest of Rhodes' ancient cities, and the one where you can actually read the town plan. Come here instead of queueing at Lindos.”
Palace of the Grand Master
The Knights' fortress at the top of Rhodes old town, rebuilt by the Italians in the 1930s as a palace for Mussolini.
“Go for the medieval shell and the mosaic floors; ignore the fantasy reconstruction wrapped around them.”
Towns & villages
Rhodes Town
The best-preserved medieval city in the Mediterranean: a walled Knights' town, an Ottoman quarter and a modern harbour city beside them.
“The only honest reason to start a Rhodes trip here rather than on the beach. Give the old town two nights and walk it after dark, when the cruise crowds are back on board.”
Lindos
A whitewashed village stacked beneath the acropolis of Lindos on Rhodes, overlooking a sheltered bay and a long sandy beach.
“Worth the detour for the acropolis and bay view, but the village itself is a summer tourist trap by midday.”
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