Rhodes is a Greek island in the Aegean Sea, famous for its medieval history, sunny climate, and sandy beaches. Rhodes is one of the largest and most visited islands in Greece, attracting millions of tourists every year.

What is Rhodes Known For?

Rhodes is famous for many things, such as:

  • Its Colossus and Old Town. Rhodes was the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue of the sun god Helios that stood at the entrance of the harbor. The statue was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC, but its remains are still visible in the water. Rhodes also has a well-preserved Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is surrounded by a wall and a moat and has many historical buildings, such as the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and the Archaeological Museum.
  • Its beaches and resorts. Rhodes has more than 300 days of sunshine per year and more than 200 km of coastline. It has many beaches that offer a variety of experiences and activities for all preferences. Some of the most famous beaches are: Faliraki Beach, a long and sandy beach that is known for its nightlife and water park; Lindos Beach, a picturesque beach that is overlooked by the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient citadel; Prasonisi Beach, a windy beach that is ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing; and Tsambika Beach, a golden beach that is named after a nearby monastery.
  • Its cuisine and culture. Rhodes has a delicious and diverse cuisine that reflects its Mediterranean climate and influences from various civilizations. Rhodes is famous for its honey, olive oil, cheese, wine, herbs, and seafood. Some of the most typical dishes are: pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), melekouni (honey and sesame bars), giaprakia (stuffed vine leaves), souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), and baklava (filo pastry with nuts and syrup). Rhodes also has a vibrant and hospitable culture that is influenced by its history and traditions. Rhodes is famous for its music, dance, festivals, and customs.

Famous Drinks in Rhodes

Rhodes has some famous drinks that are worth trying along with its food. Some of them are:

  • Souma: This is a traditional alcoholic drink made from distilled grape pomace that is produced in Rhodes and other islands of the Dodecanese. It has a clear color and a strong taste. It can be drunk plain or flavored with honey or herbs. It is usually served in small glasses or shots after a meal or as a welcome drink.
  • Wine: Rhodes has a long tradition of wine-making that dates back to ancient times. The island produces mainly white wines from local grape varieties such as Athiri, Amorgiano, Moschato, and Mandilaria. The wines have a light color and a fruity aroma. They are usually served chilled in large glasses or carafes with food or snacks.
  • Coffee: Rhodes has a strong coffee culture that is similar to other parts of Greece and Turkey. The most common coffee drink is Greek coffee (also known as Turkish coffee), which is made from finely ground coffee beans that are boiled with water and sugar in a small pot called cezve. It has a thick layer of foam on top and a layer of sediment at the bottom. It is usually served in small cups with a glass of water and a sweet treat.
  • Tea: Rhodes also has a variety of herbal teas that are made from plants that grow on the island or in the nearby mountains. Some of the most common herbs used for tea are: sage (faskomilo), thyme (thimari), oregano (rigani), mint (dyosmos), chamomile (hamomili), linden (tilio), rosemary (dendrolivano), lavender (lavanta), lemon balm (melissa), mountain tea (tsai tou vounou), and dittany (diktamo). These teas have various health benefits and soothing effects.

Famous Sports in Rhodes

Rhodes is an ideal place for sports lovers, as it offers many opportunities for fun and adventure on land and sea. Some of the most popular sports in Rhodes are:

  • Water sports: Rhodes has many beaches and bays that are perfect for water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, kite surfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and fishing. You can rent equipment or join tours to explore the coast and the nearby islands.
  • Golf: Rhodes has an 18-hole golf course that is located near Afandou Beach on the east coast of the island. The course was designed by British architect Donald Harradine and opened in 1973. It has a scenic landscape that includes olive trees, cypress trees, lakes, and streams. It also has a clubhouse, a pro shop, a restaurant, and a bar.
  • Hiking: Rhodes has many trails and paths that lead to scenic spots and hidden gems on the island. You can hike to the peaks of the mountains, the depths of the valleys, the entrances of the caves, or the outskirts of the villages, enjoying the nature and the history of the island. Some of the best hiking routes in Rhodes are: Epta Piges (Seven Springs), which is a lush and cool area with springs, streams, and a lake; Butterfly Valley, which is a green and shady valley with thousands of colorful butterflies; Profitis Ilias, which is the highest mountain on the island with a pine forest and a monastery; and Monolithos Castle, which is a medieval castle on a rocky hill with panoramic views.
  • Cycling: Rhodes is also a great place for cycling, as it has many roads and tracks that offer different levels of difficulty and scenery. You can cycle around the coast, the plains, the hills, or the fields, admiring the landscape and the culture of the island. You can also join tours or events to see more of the island or meet new people. Some of the best cycling routes in Rhodes are: Rhodes Town-Faliraki-Lindos, which follows the east coast of the island; Rhodes Town-Kamiros-Salakos, which passes through the west coast and the countryside; and Rhodes Town-Archangelos-Lardos-Pefkos-Lindos, which explores the south-east part of the island.

Famous Streets in Rhodes

Rhodes has many streets that are worth exploring for their charm, atmosphere, and history. Some of them are:

  • Socratous Street: This is the main shopping street in Rhodes Town, the capital and main town of the island. It is a pedestrian street that runs from Mandraki Harbor to Ippokratous Square. It has many shops, cafes, restaurants, and hotels. It also has some historical buildings such as the Mosque of Suleiman, the Library of Hadji Hassan Pasha, and the Clock Tower.
  • Knights Street: This is one of the most impressive streets in Rhodes Town, located in the medieval Old Town. It is a narrow and cobblestone street that runs from Ippokratous Square to the Palace of the Grand Master. It has many buildings that belonged to the Knights of St. John, who ruled Rhodes from 1309 to 1522. The buildings have different coats of arms that indicate their origin and rank.
  • Orfanidou Street: This is one of the most lively and popular streets in Rhodes Town, located in the new town. It is a long and busy street that runs parallel to Elli Beach. It has many bars, clubs, pubs, and restaurants that offer music, drinks, and fun until dawn. Some of the most famous venues are: Colorado Club, Amazone Club, Paradiso Beach Club, and Saffron Bar.
  • Lindos Street: This is one of the most picturesque streets in Lindos, a beautiful village and a popular tourist resort in eastern Rhodes. It is a steep and winding street that leads from the main square to the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient citadel that overlooks the village and the sea. It has many white-washed houses with blue doors and windows that contrast with the pink bougainvillea flowers. It also has some cozy taverns and bars that offer traditional food and music.

 

See more Famous Places in Greece:

Previous articleWhat is Crete Famous For?
Next articleWhat is Zákynthos Famous For?

RELATED ARTICLESMORE FROM AUTHOR