Holidays in Rhodes: reviews and travel tips

Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese. This archipelago in the network of the South Aegean consists of 163 islands (26 of which are inhabited), occupying a total area of 2714 km ² .

The sign of Rhodes is almost everyone, thanks to the numerous Greek myths associated with it. Picturesque landscapes, quiet bays, a warm sea, priceless historical monuments, comfortable hotels - all this makes an impeccable holiday in Rhodes. The feedback of those who have been there is always enthusiastically nostalgic.

Here everyone can find a rest for themselves: those who prefer a calm, measured pastime on warm sand to the sound of the surf, and active travelers who are in a hurry to visit all the sights of the place where they rest. Everyone can find their own by choosing a holiday in Rhodes. Reviews of most tourists indicate that it is simply impossible to stay away from visiting the historical places of this island. Therefore, even the laziest ones go on excursions.

The Colossus of Rhodes

Colossus - the work of the sculptor Khores - was built over 10 years, beginning from 290 BC. E. He portrayed the god Helios with a shining halo above his head and a torch in his hand. An impressive bronze statue dedicated to Helios, the patron saint of Rhodes, became a source of admiration and surprise for travelers. The statue, unfortunately, was destroyed by the earthquake in 224 BC. E. To restore it did not, because at that time the broken or destroyed statues were not restored. The remains of the statue in 651 were sold to Jews, who took them out of the water and took them to 900 camels. Now the place of the great statue is a bronze deer.

The Rhodes Fortress

Traces of stay on the island of Rhodes knights of the Order of St. John are the impressive walls of the Rhodes castle - the remnants of the then constructed palace. When in 1522 the siege of Rhodes ended with the 100,000th army of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the knights had to leave the island.

The palace was preserved, but 333 years later it was destroyed as a result of the explosion of the ammunition depot. After reconstruction in the XIX century, it became the summer residence of Benito Mussolini and the Italian King Victor Emmanuel III. Italians from the neighboring island of Kos brought here Hellenistic mosaics, sculptures, furniture and ceramics. Byzantine icons, medieval sculptures and manuscripts, as well as the original tomb of one of the Grand Masters - all this has survived to our days and attracts a huge number of tourists every year.

Dreams of Hollywood

Movie fans can go by boat to Anthony Quinn's beach , which is on the east coast. Local cliffs were captured in the military film "Cannons of the island of Navarone", and the actor, who played the main role, Anthony Quinn, wanted to build here the so-called second Hollywood, but his dream did not come true. From her there was only a beach, named after the actor.

Acropolis of Lindos

On the spit, in the eastern part, is the second largest city - the ancient Lindos - perhaps the most beautiful place on the entire island. According to legend, there once was hidden Elena Troyan. Holidays in Rhodes (many reviews contain advice to go there) will be inadequate if you do not visit this historically significant place. On the hill there is an acropolis with a colonnade of the II century BC. E. And the Doric temple of Athena of Lindia. In the temple of Athena in the Acropolis of Lindos seven Doric columns are well preserved. On the south-western slope stands the ancient theater of the IV century. From its top you can see the rocky bays. Today in Lindos there is a port and a bay bearing the name of St. Paul, and nearby is a beach with golden sands. The picturesque Lindos Bay is a great place to relax after a tiring walk along the acropolis.

Valley of butterflies

Very colorful and bright can be a holiday in Rhodes. Reviews of experienced tourists are recommended to go here in the period from June to September. It is at this time that there is a migration of butterfly-bear. There is a feeling that there is a multicolored rain of petals of amazing colors. Especially vacation with children in Rhodes at this time will be unforgettable! The delight of small travelers will have no boundaries, they will remember this rainbow fairy for a long time!

If you are planning a holiday in Rhodes, 2013 is not a good time for this, because in the second half of October, the rainy season begins there. It is better to plan a trip for May-September next year.