One of Europe’s favourite holiday destinations is without a doubt Greece and while many head to the capital Athens and beach resorts such as Zakynthos, another excellent destination is the island of Rhodes.
Rhodes is one of the largest islands, with a wide range of wildlife, friendly people and plenty of things to see, plus the amazing weather where in the summer month’s temperatures can top 33°c, making it an ideal location for a getaway.
With such a rich culture and heritage, Greece has a lot of intriguing historical visitor attractions, especially on the island of Rhodes. The island has history dating back to the Byzantine era and even further back to the Hellenistic civilisation from around 323 BC.
One of the main historical attractions is Filerimos Hill, which is the site of interesting medieval remains. The hill is also the location of a Byzantine church were visitors can experience the religious life of early Greece.
For an even earlier historical attraction, Kameiros is an important archaeological site that was once the site of a Hellenistic city with a temple dedicated to Athena. The city was destroyed by an earthquake, but years of careful archaeological work have partially restored the site, giving visitors a glimpse at its former glory.
Another important attraction to see in Rhodes is its charming Old Town. The town includes historical fortifications as well as the historic Street of Knights, which features several Inns and taverns dating back to the Middle Ages. In the evening, a beautiful display of coloured moths can be seen.
The Grandmaster’s Palace is another important attraction that leads on from the Street of Knights. The palace was built for the grandmaster of the Knights of Saint John and is an example of a typical Byzantine fortress. Visitors can take a look round the museum located within the fortress, which describes the building’s history as well as the story of its Ottoman occupation.
Another example of interesting historical fortifications, the Castle of Monolithos is worth a visit. The castle is mostly ruined, but there are two interesting examples of chapels as well as an unrivalled view of the sea.
For an intriguing view into one of the many breathtakingly ornate Greek Orthodox churches, Asklipio is a stunning example dedicated to Asklepios, the son of Apollo and God of healing. The church features many examples of traditional orthodox art as well as an exhibition dedicated to medicine and healing.
Aside from cultural and historical attractions, Rhodes also has several beautiful beaches including Faliraki and Lindos. These beaches are perfect for relaxing and getting a tan as well as snorkelling and swimming.
The beaches are not just great spots for sunbathing, but also perfect for water sports. The west coast of the Island is the best location for surfing and kitesurfing and there are several facilities for hire and tuition is available.
For those who enjoy exciting and challenging outdoor activities, another attraction is Mount Attavyros. The mountain takes around two to three hours to climb but once the summit is reached, the view is very rewarding and gives a unique perspective on the beautiful island.
Another excellent outdoor attraction is Epta Piges, which is the site of verdant forest and seven springs, as well as a cooling lake. There are a number of quiet forest walks and places to enjoy picnics.
The island is also a great place for shopping, with a number of traditional shops selling items such as crafts and leather goods, perfect for buying souvenirs.
One item which should definitely be purchased while in Rhodes is jewellery, which is widely available across the island. Whatever you decide to do in Rhodes, you won’t be disappointed and you certainly won’t run out of things to do.
Follow itravelnet.com