In the Dodecanese, one of Greece’s most historically significant islands (pop. 115,000) is one of the Mediterranean’s richest destinations for history lovers. Its capital, Rhodes Town (pop. 50,000), is anchored by a remarkably preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of cobbled streets, stone houses, and massive walls built by the Knights of St. John. Walking through it feels like stepping into a living fortress, especially along the Street of the Knights.
Human settlement dates back to the Neolithic period (c. 4000 BCE), and by the 8th century BCE Rhodes was a major Greek center. It later became famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant bronze statue of the sun god Helios erected around 280 BCE near the harbor—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, though it stood for only a few decades before collapsing.
Key sights include the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a vast 14th-century fortress-palace with grand halls, mosaics, and medieval artifacts, and the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes. One of the few remnants of the ancient Hellenic times is the Acropolis of Lindos (founded in the 10th century BCE), about an hour´s drive outside Rhodes Town, which rises above the whitewashed village of Lindos, with the Temple of Athena Lindia and sweeping sea views.
Beyond history, Rhodes offers a tasty menu of food and wine and is full of charming villages (besides Lindos, other notable examples being Afandou, Archangelos, and Embonas; more than 40 fetching beaches, ranging from sandy stretches to clear, pebbled coves; and varied natural landscapes (great for hiking and biking) from pine forests to rugged hills. All of which makes this island as appealing for dining, relaxation, and nature as for culture.
Read more in Tripatini contributor Karen Anthony´s post 5 of Greece´s Best Islands for History.
Comments