Rhodes: An Island that I Can't-Wait to Return to

brightsunnymorning9
Feb 4, 2024
5 min read

Rhodes, Greece, is famously known as the “Island of the Knights.” It is best known for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

The Colossus of Rhodes was a massive bronze statue of the Greek sun god Helios, who was also the patron deity of Rhodes. Created by the Greek sculptor Chares around 282 BC, the statue stood at the entrance to the harbor until it was destroyed by a powerful earthquake around 226 BC.

When my daughter asked me what had happened to the remains of the great Colossus, I turned to our guide for the answer. He explained that the statue had lain in ruins for nearly a thousand years before a merchant transported the fragments of the Colossus to Syria on the backs of 900 camels.

Rhodes

"Knights’ Island" offers many attractions, including a rich history, impressive medieval architecture, stunning beaches, and a warm and pleasant climate.

Rhodes is a versatile destination that provides an ideal mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you are seeking an action-packed vacation or a peaceful getaway, this island caters to all preferences.

As time goes on, I find myself leaning more toward leisurely experiences. 😊

Tip:

If you're considering spending summer vacation in Rhodes, the East Coast is a wise choice for its sheltered beaches and moderate winds. Unlike the West Coast, which can be exposed to strong winds and unpleasant waves, the East Coast offers a more tranquil and comfortable experience.

Beaches

Let’s begin with the beaches! With those on the East (less windy) side of the island.

Elli Beach

Elli Beach is one of the main reasons we always return to Rhodes. Of course, there are many other reasons too: you don’t have to worry about gloomy summer rain here, and the island has everything you need—shops, cafes, and restaurants—making everything feel close at hand. Although it’s a city beach, it’s my favorite. The beach is slightly pebbly, but that also means sand doesn’t get everywhere. The water is crystal clear and free of seaweed.

While there are some beach bars, such as Karbonkel Beach Bar, and restaurants like Ronda, Elli Beach is not overcrowded with them. Stretching 400 meters (1,320 feet), the beach offers plenty of space, and since you are already in town, you can easily find countless places to eat nearby. This fabulous city beach gets especially busy in August. We always visit during that month, although locals say Rhodes is at its most beautiful in September.

Elli Beach is well organized, offering sunbeds, showers, changing rooms, and various water sports activities. We tried a few of them, including a pedal boat ride and the Crazy Sofa ride. It was amazing and not scary at all, because you can communicate with the boat driver using hand signals to let them know if you want to go faster or slower.

Is Elli Beach a good choice for families with children? While many families prefer the sandy Faliraki Beach, Elli Beach can also be a good option if children wear water shoes.

Elli Beach

Lindos Beach

Lindos Beach is my second favorite. It is very clean, and the water gradually becomes deeper, making it ideal for small children. The sand is beautiful, and there are few stones, even in the water.

Lindos Beach

St. Paul's Bay Beach

Beautiful St. Paul's Bay Beach is located near Lindos. We didn’t go swimming, but we enjoyed the view.

St. Paul's Bay Beach

Kallithea Beach

Kallithea Beach offers a picturesque landscape, though its rocky areas may present challenges for young children. On the positive side, the water is wonderfully clear, making it an attractive spot for those looking to enjoy a beautiful setting.

Kallithea Beach

Ladiko Beach /Anthony Quinn Beach

These beaches are located just 20 km south of Rhodes Town and are very close to each other. If you manage to find a parking spot, you can easily visit both. While both beaches are beautiful, they tend to be crowded and are small and narrow, featuring a mix of sand, pebbles, and rocks that may not be suitable for children. If you plan to visit these beaches, consider arriving early to secure parking and enjoy both lovely locations.

Anthony Quinn Bay is renowned as one of the best snorkeling spots in Rhodes. The beach is named after the actor Anthony Quinn, who was on the island while filming "The Guns of Navarone."

Faliraki Beach

Faliraki is a good option for those who love organized, long sandy beaches with many beach taverns, bars, and water sports.

Tsambika Beach

The sand and color of the sea are similar to those at Lindos Beach. This beach is beautiful and especially suited for children.

The Old Town

The most important monuments on the island are located in the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered one of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns. The Order of St. John of Jerusalem ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522, after which the island came under Turkish and Italian control.

The Old Town

Walking the Old Town streets

We visited The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes and The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.

The Palace of the Grand Master

What else can you see? You are in charge; you will decide 😊 These are just a few of my ideas.

The Valley of Butterflies

You can visit the Valley of Butterflies, which is located about 25 km from the city of Rhodes. This beautiful area features dense vegetation, bridges, and small waterfalls. Upon entering the Valley of Butterflies, you'll discover a charming little Natural History museum.

The Valley of Butterflies

Filerimos Mountain

Filerimos Mountain is located about 14 km / 8 miles from Rhodes Town, in the western part of the island. There, you can see the Monastery of Filerimos, the Cross (a 16-meter/52-foot-tall cross that you can climb to enjoy the view), and the Church of Our Lady of Filerimos…

The Cross, Filerimos Mountain

Monastery of Filerimos

The view from the Cross

Lindos town

This charming white town, which might be better described as a village, is located 55 km from Rhodes. My husband and I enjoyed visiting the archaeological site known as the Acropolis of Lindos, which sits atop a rock. As you enter the village, you can follow a path leading to the Acropolis; however, I’m uncertain if it's suitable for young children to climb all the way to the Acropolis. We visited this site before our daughter was born.