Looking at the island of Rhodes and looking for the best suggestions for must visit and must do/ see, the sure thing is that you will find yourself in front of a variety of options and many challenges!
The island of Rhodes in Greece has much more to offer than the sea and its sandy beaches!
So, along with the many points of interest and activities it offers, here are some suggestions from our list!
Alternative places and activities:
Butterfly Valley
In about 30 km from the city of Rhodes lies the valley of butterflies and it is one of the most attractive and famous destinations on the island. In August, thousands of butterflies of the genus Panaxia (a species of Quadripunctaria Poda) flood the valley to reproduce, creating a wonderful spectacle.
Filerimos and the ancient city of Ialyssos
Ialyssos is one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes with occupation ruins dating from the 3rd millennium BC.
The ruins of ancient Ialyssos that have been discovered are located mainly on the hill of Filerimos, which took its name in Byzantine times and which was actually used as a strong point and as a place of worship from a very early age.Remaining parts of the ancient city are the temple of Athena Poliados, where the base of the statue of Athena is, as well as some columns.
During your stay there, you should visit the monastery of Panagia (Virgin Mary) and certainly do not forget to make the hiking route during which you will enjoy the wonderful green of nature and the endless blue of the sea. More info on www.explore-rhodes.com
Seven Springs
A few kilometers on the right of Kolimbia, you will find the “Seven Springs”. The smell of pine and the lush landscape full of bridges and streams will definitely make you relax from the very first moment.
In your quest to discover each of the 7 springs among the paths, you will find yourself in a lush lake with turquoise water nestling in a pine forest.
A marked path leads to it from the main site, along with a tunnel that carries a stream. Many visitors walk through the dark tunnel for about 610 feet (186 m), but it is not recommended for claustrophobics, who can follow the alternative route with the signs. Peacocks also roam the site but if you miss them, their penetrating screams are unlikely to go unnoticed.
The Marine Aquarium (Hydrobiological Station) of Rhodes
A walk on the coastal pedestrian street of the city leads to the northern end of Rhodes and the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes – Aquarium, a historical building, with special architecture that cultivates contact and acquaintance with the maritime wealth of the Aegean and Eastern Mediterranean.
The main building of the current HYDROBIOLOGICAL STATION OF RHODES (YSR) was built at the Acre of the Mills, ie the northern end of the island, during the period 1934 – 1936, while the Dodecanese was under Italian occupation, to host the “Regio Istituto di Ricerche Biologiche di Rodi ”(Royal Institute of Biological Research of Rhodes). It was established in 1937 when it started its activities. In 1945 it was integrated as a regional station of the Hellenic Center for Marine Research under the supervision of the Academy of Athens. It has been operating as an aquarium-museum and research unit since 1963.
Both in terms of scientific interest and beauty, it is worth visiting and combining it with a sunset yoga session, where you will enjoy the relaxation and the positive energy of one of the most beautiful and idyllic landscapes of the island! More info on www.explore-rhodes.com
Ancient Kamiros
On the north-western coast of Rhodes, near the cape of Agios Minas (Ancient Mylantio), there is the third of the ancient cities of the island – Kamiros. Kamiros was one of the three major Doric cities of the island, which was united with Ialyssos and Lindos in the 5th century BC creating the strong city-state of Rhodes. Kamiros was founded by the Dorians and it was basically a rural society that produced oil, wine and figs. During the golden age of the city of the 6th century, it was the first city of Rhodes to mint its own coins.
The village of Monolithos and the castle of Monolithos
The main attraction of the village Monolithos is the medieval castle, which is located among the pines on the large outline of an isolated rock from which the name Monolithos (lonely rock) comes. After leaving your car at the bottom of the castle, there is a ten-minute walk that will take you to the top, where you will enjoy the sea and the aroma of wild herbs.
The castle is located on top of a 100m-high rock and was built in 1480 by the Knights of St. John to protect the island against foreign attacks. The Castle of Monolithos is widely ruined today. Inside the castle there is a small church dedicated to Saint Panteleimon.
Extra hint: From monolithos you will enjoy the most beautiful sunset in rhodes.
