Rhodes, also known as the Island of Roses due to its fertility and natural beauty, has long been a tourist favourite amongst the Greek islands. It also has a long and important history, being as it was the site of the Colossus of Rhodes, a Spartan base of operations, and a jumping point for crusaders on their way to the holy land. Today you’re likely to find that it gets quite busy, but there are still some lesser-known sights to discover during your stay.

The countryside is packed with natural beauty and historical architecture. Sadly some of the natural wonders are fading due to the onset of tourism, such as butterfly valley, which is suspiciously butterfly-less these days thanks to too many people encroaching on the scenic meadows. You can still find the site of a beautiful monastery which is a pretty well hidden gem at Filerimos Hill in the North. Somewhere that’s great for a romantic picnic away from prying eyes is the Castle of Monolithos, which isn’t that impressive architecturally, but is a wonderful viewpoint for the surrounding area.

When you get into Rhodes’ Old Town you tend to find that things get fairly tourist centric. Somewhere that people flock to is the Palace of the Grand Master. However, nearby you’ll find another great building for a bit of historical browsing. Situated in a 15th century hospital, the Archaeological Museum houses all kinds of objects of interest and religious relics. The medieval section is particularly impressive, and the Aphrodite of Thalassia is a must see.

The Old Town offers a lot of restaurants and bars, but again there are many tourist traps to watch out for. A safe bet is to head for the Casino Rodos for some fifties chic, including the chance for a bit of gambling, classy snacks, and the wonderful terrace of the La Rosa bar.

So you can see that there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy the islands charm without getting stuck in the same attractions as everyone else. It’s just a case of doing your research and finding something to suit you.

Cheap Ibiza holidays are easy to come by as its a very popular tourist destination.

Marine Equipment Necessities