Île de Rhodes |
Now we would like to introduce you some objects of interest and beauties of Rhodes, which you can comfortably reach with a car. The roads on Rhodes are predominantly good till very good. Tsambika beach is located approx. 25 km from Rhodes town and 1 1/2 km from the main road Rhodes - Lindos. This beautiful and naturally landscaped beach, offers everything a visitor would want to have while on holiday (crystal clear waters and a nice golden sandy beach). Dont miss this fantastic beach! On the main road Rhodes - Lindos also a road runs to the left leading to a hill crowned by the small church Kyra Tsambika. After 3/4 of this way you must park the car. The rest of the way you must walk. For this effort you are compensated with a wonderful view. Archangelos (30 km south of Rhodes-town) is the largest village of Rhodes, overlooked by a crumbling castle (1467) and surrounded by extensive orange and lemon plantations, olive groves and vineyards. Apart from the fine agricultural products, the village is famous for its traditional carpets and its goat leather boots. Other characteristics of the village are the striking colours used for the painting of the different elements of the houses. Prassonissi lies at the southern end of the island Rhodes. Prassonissi, which is actually an island, is connected to the main body of Rhodes by a long sandbank. The sea on the east side of the sandbank is calm; the sea on west side is rough. You can only reach this beach with a car or motorcycle. In front of the beach there are some restaurants and two small hotels. But you can eat also in the small village Kattavia with many taverns and restaurants (8 km from Prassonissi). Approx. 3 km behind Lardos in a southerly direction lies the small Glystra beach. You can only reach this beach with a car or a motorcycle. The beach lies below the Coast Street directly behind a sharp bend. On this beach its very quiet. Sun beds and sunshades are available for hire. A small restaurant is located directly on the beach. This is only an example, because it gives in the south of the island many quiet beaches and bays which you can reach with a car comfortably. The Anthony Quinn bay lies at the East Coast (approx. 17 km from Rhodes town or 3 km behind Faliraki) in a wonderful cove. The beach consists of sand, pebbles and stones. Sun beds and sunshades are available for hire. A small tavern is above the cove. One of the most frequented spots of the city is the ancient harbour - today called Mandraki harbour - with the statue of the male and the female deer at its entrance. Tradition tells us that this was where the famous Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, stood. On a long pier stand the three old windmills and at its northern end the Fortress of St. Nicholas with the lighthouse. From the Mandraki harbour the small excursion ships depart for daily cruises to Lindos, Symi, Kallithea (for diving) and different beaches at the East Coast. The Medieval Town (or the old town) is a living monument. It is a well preserved centre where many Rhodians live and work. The medieval town developed around a fortress that was most probably built after the earthquake of 515. The Street of the Knights is the best-preserved street from the period of the Knights and leads uphill to the Grand Masters Palace. The Chora to the south, with Socrates Street (the old market) with Suleimans mosque and the clock tower. Hora was the area for the bourgeois. |
Filerimos is a hill, 270 meters high, planed with cypress and other trees, 15 km away from Rhodes-town. Italians restored this monastery. Along the right side of a path there are scenes of the Passions of Jesus. This tiny thickly planed road leads to the western part of the hill, where an imposing cross stands in the middle of a small square. A track, leading south-west out of the village of Monolithos and down towards the sea brings you, after 3 km to the Byzantine castle of Monolithos. The castle was built on top of a rock, which gives it its name (monos lithos = single rock). Inside the castle there is a small chapel (15th century). From the castle you have a fantastic view of the West Coast and the small offshore islands. Approx. 2,5 km behind Paradisi a road runs off to the left. After 6 km you reach the beautiful valley of butterflies (Petaloudes. This small part of Eden lies 25 km away from Rhodes-town. A thickly planed valley with running waters, wooden bridges and lakes, make even the most demanding visitor short of words in front of this unique sight and the feeling of tranquillity. From July until September the valley gets filled up with thousands of butterflies, a sight that offers an even more enhancing view. The monastery Thari (south of Laerma) has been inhabited again for some years by monks. The present building arose in the 14th century. You can make very beautiful walks in the environs of the monastery. Approx. 4 km southeast of Lardos lies the 1855 founded nunnery Moni Ipsenis. Famous is the feast on 23rd. August at which time many believers come to the nunnery. The church has a fine olivewood roof. |