Rhodes (Rodos), Dodecanese Islands

In brief

Rhodes is famous as the island of sun, sea and sand, the ideal place for vacations. It is the third largest Greek island and, officially, the sunniest place in Europe. The city of Rhodes is among the finest, not only in Greece but also in the whole Mediterranean era. It is situated at the island’s most northerly point and ringed by sea on the east and west. Rhodes (Rodos in Greek) combines the cosmopolitan character of a contemporary city with the picturesque of the medieval town, which gives the impression of having been untouched by the passage of time.

General Introduction

The largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes (or Rodos) has become an important regional center, thanks to its location, climate and natural attractions.

It is known as the isle of the Sun. Pindarus mentions in one of his Odes that it was born of the union of Helios the sun god and the nymph Rhoda. In antiquity it also bore the names Aithraia, Ophiousa and Telchinis.

It was first inhabited in the Neolithic era. A major milestone in the island’s history, which affected the fate of the other Dodecanese as well, was the founding in 700 BC of the Dorian Hexapolis, a union of its three cities with Knidos, Halikarnassos and Kos. Its economy and culture continued to flourish until the 3rd century BC, when it was the predominant power in the Aegean. When, a thousand years later in 1309, it fell into the hands of the Knights of St. John, it became again the center of power, symbolized by its magnificent mediaeval town and the imposing castle and palace of the Grand Masters.

The island’s terrain is in large part fertile with a great variety of vegetation; its highest mountain is Atavyros (1,215 m.) in the southwest.

The capital, also called Rhodes, occupies the northernmost tip of the island. There are actually three cities on this site – modern, ancient and mediaeval. The modern town has a cosmopolitan character, many late 20th century buildings and hotels. The ancient town, which was founded in 408 BC according to plans by Hippodamos of Milesios (the first town planner), started from Monte Smith hill where the acropolis stood and extended as far as what is now the mediaeval city. All that is left of it today is the ruins of the temples of Zeus, Athena Poliados and Apollo, the Stadium, Gymnasium and the Theatre, which has been restored.

The medieval city is still surrounded by the high walls erected by the Knights. It is divided by an inner wall into two unequal parts, the smaller Collachio and the larger Burgo or Hora.

Collachio is further split by the Street of the Knights, both of whose sides are lined with the sombre stone facades of the Inns of the Tongues or nationalities that belonged to the order of the Knights Hospitalers of St. John. At the end of the street stands the palace of the Grand Masters, which today houses a collection of 16th and 17th century furniture and Roman mosaic floors from Kos. The Hospital of the Knights, another of the town’s most magnificent buildings, has been converted to the Archaeological Museum. Burgo / Hora lies to the south of Collachio; its walls once enclosed the humbler residences, the marketplace, the Synagogue and Jewish quarter, Orthodox and Catholic churches, public buildings and army barracks.

Sightseeing

The capital, Rodos, is in itself very beautiful. Just walk around in the Old Town and see where the streets take you. Mandraki is a nice area, and from the hill of Monte Smith you get a wonderful panorama view. It is in the harbour of Mandraki the two famous bronze deer stand where the Colossus of Rhodes once was. The old part of the town is from the Middle Ages and you can visit the castle of the Grand Master as well as walk on the road of the Knights and visit the Castle of the Knights.

The island abounds in lovely and interesting places to visit, such as the Valley of the Butterflies; the village of Trianda near the site of ancient lalyssos (Ialissos) on the top of Filerimos hill, where the 15th century monastery of the same name also stands, along with the ruined temples of Athena and Zeus Poliea in the ancient acropolis; Kameiros (Kamiros) and the ruins of the Dorian city; Kallithea with its thermal baths; Koskinou, Afandou, Faliraki and Rodini.

But above all don’t miss Lindos. The contrast between the brilliant white houses and winding lanes of the more recent village built around two crescent beaches and the ancient acropolis towering above it from its austere pinnacle makes for one of the most stunning views in Greece. The temple of Athena lindia (4th century BC) coming gradually into view as you ascend the stairs is a sight never to be forgotten.The  acropolis here was only surpassed by the acropolis of Athens, and you can still see its ruins.

The healing baths of Kallithea are on the Eastern side of the island.

On the West side of the island there are several picturesque villages. If you like ancient history the "Pompey of Greece", Kamiros, is definitely a place to go. The monastery of Filerimo is also a place worth a visit.

Sianna is often considered the most picturesque village.

The Valley of Butterflies (Petaludes) is full of butterflies and is very pretty.

Beaches

Finally, there are splendid beaches all over the island, some of which are equipped with facilities for bathers and equipment for water sports.

The east side of the island has almost continuous sandy beaches with calm waters; Rhodes town beach, Ialyssos, Ixia, Afandou, Faliraki, Kallithea, Ladiko (Anthony Quinn bay), Kolymbia, Tsambika, Agathi, Stegna, Vliha, Glistra, Lahania, Lindos. Beaches on the west are mostly more stony. The wind mostly comes in from the west and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the west so that side of the island is better suited to surfing or kite boarding; Gennadi beach near Prasonisi at the south-west coast of the island is very popular among surfers and kite boarders.

Things to taste & buy
Local sparkling wine (Cair)
Ceramic souvenirs from the "Keramik factory"
Umbrellas 

Useful Information

How to get there

By air from Athens 

Olympic Airways: +30 2103550500
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers

Area Code: +30 22410

Municipal Offices: 61200

Police: 44140, 27423

Olympic Airways: 20359 (tickets), 23998 (airport)

Port Authority: 28888, 22220

Health Center: 80000, 60100, 80252

http://www.rhodes.gr

Nisyros (Nissiros), Dodecanese Islands

In brief
Nisyros according to the mythology, is the stone that sea god Poseidon (Neptune) picked up from Kos Island and throw it to Titan Polyvotis. Apart of all that it is small volcanic island, a mere 41 square km in area, situated between Kos and Tilos. Untouched by tourism but popular with day-trippers from Kos, it has very few beaches but its distinct wild beauty offers stunning views and remarkable walks.
 

General Information
In antiquity it was known as Porphyris. Mythology holds that once it was united with Kos and that when Poseidon was chasing the giant Polyvotis, he split the two islands asunder.
The capital and port of Nisyros is Mandraki, set in the northwest at the foot of a steep hill. The whiteness of its houses forms a striking contrast to the dark, volcanic earth. Yet another castle erected by the Knights of St. John looms above the small town, while a chapel nearby dedicated to the Panagia tis Spilianis (Our Lady of the Cave), the patroness of the island, clings to the tip of the rock. Built in 1600, it is linked with many traditions and has a lovely 18th century iconostasis.
 

As a volcanic island, Nisyros has hot sulphurous springs, well known for healing properties for arthritis and rheumatism.
The island’s hot springs, fabled since antiquity and still in use today, are to be found at Loutra just 1.5 kilometres from Mandraki. East of Loutra is the picturesque fishing village of Pali.
Another village, Emborios, lies to the southeast of Mandraki, in the interior of the island, in a lush area with mineral springs and planted with olive trees, fruit trees, fig trees and grapevines.
 

You have to go almost to the middle of Nisyros to the Lakki plateau, to see the crater of the extinct volcano, Polybates. It is 260 metres in diameter and 30 metres deep with steps leading down to its Center. The reek of sulphur fills the surrounding air, while the scenery could belong to the moon.
In the south of the island, the charming village of Nikia perches on the crest of a hill 400 metres above sea level. Its white houses with their brightly coloured doors and windows and tile roofs are an attractive complement to the greenery that abounds in the district.
 

Sightseeing
The capital, Mandraki, is a very pretty village by the sea in typical Greek style. Here there is a folklore museum with various things displayed from the island's history. Above the capital is the 15th century monastery dedicated to Panagia Spilianis (Virgin Mary of the Cave), which is also Nisyros' patron saint. It is open for visitors, but as always when visiting churches and monasteries in Greece, you should dress appropriately: covered shoulders and long skirts for women, long trousers for men. On the 14th and 15th of August the Virgin is celebrated here with a great feast.
 

There is also a fortification nearby, Paleokastro, which dates back to the 4th century BC, which might have been the ancient capital of Nisyros.
Yet another castle is the Kastro of the Knights of St. John.
The volcano Polyvotis lies on the Lakka plateau, and has a diameter of 260m and is 30m deep.
At Loutra there are hot, supposedly healing, wells.
There are also some wonderful villages here: Nikea and Emboria are definitely must-sees.
 

Beaches

Nisyros has many lovely beaches: at Mandraki, Hochlaki, Agia lrini, Avlaki and on Giali, the islet directly opposite.

Useful Information  
How to get there  
By sea from Piraeus 

Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005 

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22420  
Municipal Offices: 31204

Police: 31201

Port Authority: 31222
Health Center: 31217

http://www.nisyros.gr