Dodecanese attractions

This archaeological museum showcases priceless objects excavated during digs on the island of Rhodes. Housed in an imposing medieval hospital built by the Knights of St. John, the collection encompasses everything from ceramics and marble statues to mosaics and funeral urns.

Overlooking the Aegean Sea and the neighboring island of Halki, the crumbling stone shell of Kritinia Castle crowns a 430-foot (131-meter) hill above the village of Kritinia. Originally built in the 15th century by the Knights of St. John, the castle features a ruined chapel and the coats of arms of Grand Masters.

With its white sand, turquoise waters, and refreshing lack of tourists, Limnionas Beach is where you can plop yourself directly into one of the postcard seascapes for which Greece is famous. Set in a cove along Limnionas Bay, the beach is protected from strong winds and rough seas, making it a haven for boat excursions and snorkeling.

One of Rhodes’ most tranquil spots, the Seven Springs (Epta Piges) comprises seven natural springs that feed into a small man-made lake, built by the island’s Italian occupants to provide water to the nearby villages. The springs offer a welcome relief from the Mediterranean heat, as well as a habitat for a surprising variety of wildlife.

Dating back to 1577, Kahal Shalom Synagogue is among the oldest synagogues in Greece. A museum in the former women’s prayer gallery documents the history and legacy of the Rhodes’ Jewish community, from ancient settlements to the mass deportations to Auschwitz in 1944.

Stretching about half a mile (1 kilometer) along the northeast corner of Kos, Lambi Beach is a popular swimming and sunbathing spot near the island’s main town and port. Lined with sand and pebbles, the beach offers chairs and umbrellas for rent, water sports, restaurants and snack bars, and views facing the Turkish coastline.

The ancient city of Kamiros stretches along the northwest coast of Rhodes. Once among the most prominent cities in the Dodecanese Islands, it thrived off local figs, wine, and oil production. The Hellenistic ruins of Kamiros, including the remains of the agora, temple, and reservoir, were rediscovered in 1929.

Hailed as one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval streets, Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton) stretches from the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes to the port. The lane was once home to the Knights of St. John, who lived in streetside inns.

One of the largest water parks in Greece, Lido Waterpark offers upwards of 18 acres (7 hectares of wet and wild fun. Cool off while you zoom down water slides, splash in the wave pool, float along the lazy river, and relax in the hot tub. Smaller tots have a dedicated interactive area with gentle wading pools and waterfalls.

Perched atop a tall sheer rock face overlooking the Mediterranean, Monolithos Castle (Kástro Monolíthou) was built by the Knights of Saint John in 1480 to guard the shores from invasion and is renowned as one of the island's most impenetrable fortresses. Today the castle lies in ruins, overlooking the distant shores of mainland Greece.

As well as exploring the lifecycle of bees and the honey production process, Rhodes’ Bee Museum documents the history of beekeeping in the Dodecanese. The museum also boasts a glass-sided observation hive where you can watch thousands of busy bees in action.

A “9D” cinema, the Throne of Helios brings Rhodes’ history to life in style through two short movies.Throne of Helios takes you from the Colossus of Rhodes to the present day by way of the Crusaders, whileThe Rhodes Race, a fun cartoon, follows afterwards. As well as surround sound and 3D, the experience features smells and motion.

Dotted with cedar and cypress trees, Filerimos Hill rises 876 feet (267 meters) above sea level and therefore affords hikers panoramic views of the island and the Aegean Sea. The hill is home to Filerimos Monastery, free-roaming peacocks, and the scattered ruins of Ancient Ialysos, including those of an Athena temple.

Since opening its doors in 1936, the Aquarium of Rhodes has evolved into a miniature Mediterranean, amassing a vast variety of native fish and sea creatures housed in some 40 climate-controlled tanks. Octopuses, crabs, sea turtles, and Mediterranean monk seals are among the eclectic inhabitants of this popular family attraction.

Blessed with an ideal climate for grape growing and renowned as one of the most important Greek wine growing regions, the island of Rhodes has nurtured a tradition of wine production since the seventh century BC. The cultivation of Malvasian grapes really put the island on the map, fast becoming one of the principal Mediterranean wines.