Rhodes, The island of vivid contrasts
The island of Rhodes is an ideal destination for all travelers all year round, even in the winter, especially for seniors and digital nomads, because of its Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The temperature from November to March ranges from a minimum of 6°C (42.8 °F) to a maximum of 15°C (59 °F), while the rainy days do not exceed 10 per month on average. The average temperature in August is 27 °C (80.5 °F).
Rhodes is an island with great natural beauty and lovely beaches. It is also a destination that has a long and impressive history; it’s a place where the solid medieval aspect blends with the traditional Greek one. 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 traveler.
Rhodes Harbor, Photo: GNTO/ P. Merakos
The medieval town of Rhodes – With the Knights as your guides!
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.
Rhodes, Photo: GNTO/ Archive
Local traditional cuisine
Rhodes’ cuisine always had a rich variety in flavours. Basic ingredients used in the island’s recipes are wheat and olives thanks to the land’s fertile grounds which facilitate cultivation. Delicious meat, fresh fish and seafood-based dishes, as well as a wide variety of desserts made with cereals, olive oil, nuts, fruits, honey and herbs, compose the uniqueness of Rhodes’ cuisine.
While visiting the Island of Rhodes don’t miss the chance to savour their local traditional dishes! Nibble on their delicious appetizers such as pitaroudia (fried chickpea-balls with chopped mint, onions and tomato), giaprakia (stuffed vine leaves), zucchini-balls and stuffed cyclamen leaves with lentils.
Giaprakia, Photo: GNTO/Archive
For wine lovers
Rhodes delicious dishes are served with savoury local wines from the island’s wineries which keep their long-lasting tradition that dates back to antiquity. The wineries produce excellent wine and have been internationally awarded.
Taste the white Moschato varietal renowned from ancient times, the Athiri and Mandilaria (known as Amorgiano on the island), the Moschato Trani and Asyrtiko. Another important cultivar is the white Muscat, which yields sweet wines
Photo: GNTO/Archive
Souma from Rhodes
Souma is a Dodecanese alternative of ouzo or raki, which is going to amaze you! In Rhodes, it is mainly made from grape marc and wine, which makes the Rhodian Souma so special. You will find souma everywhere in restaurants, or even at cafes.
Photo: GNTO/ Archive
See more: Rhodes, The medieval town, Local cuisine, Wines of Rhodes, Souma from Rhodes
Beloved destinations and beaches of Rhodes
For history buffs
Lindos
Lindos is definitely among the island’s most characteristic and traditional villages. From the moment visitors set foot in this picturesque village they feel they are entering another space-time, captivated by its intense aromas, colors and delicious local products. Its allure is heightened by the deep blue, magical bay that spreads out right beneath it.
Lindos Acropolis, Photo: GNTO/ P. Merakos
Wild landscapes
Glyfada
This is an idyllic place to discover the beauty of the natural landscape and relax right where the green of the trees joins the blue of the sea. It serves as a refuge from the crowds and resembles a desert island. Glyfada is popular mainly among adventurous tourists who are not put off by the rocks that make it difficult to reach its crystal-clear waters.
Photo: GNTO/Archive
For surfing lovers
Prasonisi
Prasonisi, on the southern tip of Rhodes, is probably the most impressive beach on the whole island. This is because it is actually an islet, which is connected to the mainland by two coves covered with soft sand. Its sublime natural beauty and the strong winds that blow here have made it a meeting point of windsurfers.
Rhodes Prassonisi, Photo: GNTO/ P. Merakos
Photo: GNTO/ P. Merakos
Anthony Quinn beach
The beach that won the heart of movie star actor Anthony Quinn rightfully deserves his name. He was linked to the small picturesque cove beach after several scenes of the well-known movie “The Guns of Navarone” which he starred in were filmed there. With its enchanting emerald waters and the surrounding tall pines, it is reminiscent of a vintage postcard.
Anthony Quinn beach, Photo: GNTO/ Archive
Instagram Beaches
Elli
This cosmopolitan beach in the city of Rhodes is famous, photogenic and, therefore, much photographed. It has served as the backdrop for many well-known Greek films of the 60s. It is a huge beach starting from the cafe of the same name and reaching the city Aquarium. It attracts thousands of people to the steps of the tall, imposing diving platform which, for decades, has served as its trademark.
Photo: GNTO/ Militos
See more: Beloved Beaches of Rhodes
