Rhodes: Where the Mediterranean sun shines for almost 320 days!

With around 300 days of sunshine a year and mild autumn temperatures of 32, 26, 20 in October, November and December, Rhodes offers miles of sandy beaches, world-famous ancient ruins and a medieval port capital , even in autumn and winter . Nature walks such as the Valley of the Butterflies and village visits are the most appropriate activities.

Atmospheric and lively is the medieval town of Rhodes with its mosaic of ancient, medieval, Byzantine, Ottoman and Italian monuments.

The most emblematic street is the Street of the Knights , while the main attractions are the Palace of the Grand Master , the Archaeological Museum in the Hospital of the Knights, the Mosque of Suleiman, the Church of Our Lady of the Castle, the Jewish Synagogue, the recent Ottoman baths (Hammam) , the Gallery of Modern Greek Art and the Center for Contemporary Art. Aristotelous Street and Hippocrates Square are classic meeting places.

A journey through time
The "Cycladic" Lindos is characterized by the citadel and the picturesque captain's houses, which are worth a visit. Visiting the citadel just before sunset will be awe-inspiring! The small port of Mandraki   is a timeless landmark and ideal for a stroll to admire the imposing Italian occupation buildings which now house public services and the Municipal Theatre.

The famous aquarium and a coffee in one of the pastry shops are highly recommended. It is believed that the Colossus of Rhodes , one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, built in honor of the sun god Helios, was located here! You can enjoy the pleasant temperatures in Rodini, a small amusement park in the south of the city : plane trees, willows and ponds form an interesting ensemble for a walk just 3 km from the center of Rhodes.

For the little mice there is a playground and a mini zoo. This park was very popular with the Romans and they even built an aqueduct here. The Monte Smith hill is located to the southwest of the city and featuresa wonderful view of the old town and the new town. A visit to the ancient theater and the citadel is announced.

Excursion tips on Rhodes!
Discover the island's ancient spa! The thermal baths of Kalliithea are located about 10km from the center of Rhodes and have been known since ancient times for their therapeutic and healing benefits. Admire the vaulted buildings, the rich pebble mosaics, the arches and the atriums with the palm trees. In the center, the rotunda dominates with its ornate decoration! Another good idea for a trip is the Valley of the Seven Springs(Epta Piges) on the way to Archipolis. Water flows from the springs all year round, forming a small lake. If you are feeling adventurous enough, you can walk down to the lake through a 186m long very narrow dark tunnel. Alternatively, you can simply follow a hiking trail to the lake. The lake is also suitable for swimming although the water is quite cold.

The area belongs to a Natura 2000 protected area together with Profitis Elias and the Valley of the Butterflies . At the famous nature park, Butterfly Valley, where from June to August thousands of butterflies appear on the north slope of the Psinthos Mountains, there are ponds, shady paths and wooden bridges - all you need for a refreshing walk . Rhodes has small picturesque villages such as Monolithos , a small, cute village on the southern part of the west coast of the island with main attractions the medieval castle, Vati suitable for hiking and the like-a-postcard village of Lachania with the white houses.

The best beaches in Rhodes
The best known are on the east coast. Most are organized with sun loungers and facilities: Tsampika is a large organized sandy beach with crystal clear waters ideal for water sports, Ladiko beach which is small and pebbly and the impressive Anthony Quinn beach are some of them . To the north are Ixia and Ialyssos , typical tourist beaches with large hotels. In the area of ​​Agios Pavlos and Gennadi you will also find pristine sandy beaches with dunes and cedars (some accessible via dirt roads). If you are traveling with children , Agathi and Tsampika are ideal as they have sand and shallow water.

Prasonisi at the southern end of the island is the best beach for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Afantou and Stegna have some great tavernas where you can enjoy a meal after your swim. People watching and water sports are best enjoyed in Faliraki and Kolymbia . For absolute peace and quiet head to Mavros Kavos and Agios Georgios on the south east coast. To end your day with an aperitif in idyllic surroundings, choose either Kallithea or St. Paulus in Lindos. These beaches are also great for snorkeling as they have rocky seabeds.