Rhodes and the Dodecanese
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1. Acropolis of Lindos
RuinsA 15-minute climb (please don't ride a donkey), from the village center up to the Acropolis of Lindos leads past a gauntlet of Lindian women who spread out their lace and embroidery like fresh laundry over the rocks. The final approach ascends a steep flight of stairs, past a marvelous 2nd-century BC relief of the prow of a Lindian ship, carved into the rock. The entrance takes you through the medieval castle built by the Knights of St. John, then to the Byzantine Chapel of St. John on the next level. The Romans, too, left their mark on the acropolis, with a temple dedicated to Diocletian. On the upper terraces, begun by classical Greeks around 300 BC, are the remains of elaborate porticoes and stoas, commanding an immense sweep of sea and making a powerful statement on behalf of Athena and the Lydians (who dedicated the monuments on the Acropolis to her). The lofty white columns of the temple and stoa on the summit must have presented a magnificent picture. The main portico of the stoa had 42 Doric columns, at the center of which an opening led to the staircase up to the Propylaia (or sanctuary). The Temple of Athena Lindia at the very top is surprisingly modest, given the drama of the approach. As was common in the 4th century BC, both the front and the rear are flanked by four Doric columns. Numerous inscribed statue bases were found all over the summit, attesting in many cases to the work of Lindian sculptors, who were clearly second to none.
Lindos, Rhodes, 85107, Greece22440-31258Sight Details
Rate Includes: €12, Closed Tues. Nov.–Mar. -
2. Aghios Nikolas
BeachAccessible by water taxi from Chialos, the alternative way is to walk, taking the 1 km-long (600 yards) rough path leading east of Pedi Bay. Once there, a sandy beach slopes gently into the sea, providing shallow waters that are excellent for children; it's backed by a grove of shade-giving trees. Despite the relative isolation, the beach attracts summertime crowds and is well equipped with food vendors and other facilities. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming.
Pedi Bay, Symi, 85600, Greece -
3. Casa Romana
RuinsThe Roman House is a lavish restoration of a 3rd-century Roman mansion, with 40 rooms grouped around three atriums. It was likely partially destroyed in the earthquake of 365 AD, though its south section continued to be inhabited until the Early Christian period. The house provides a look at what everyday life of the well-to-do residents of the Roman town might have been like and also has some beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The Greek and Roman ruins that surround the house are freely accessible, however, and are just as evocative. Last entry is 7:30 pm.
Grigoriou V Street, Kos Town, Kos, 85300, Greece22420-23234Sight Details
Rate Includes: €6; €15 combo ticket (inludes the Asklepieion and Archeology Museum), Closed Mon. (Apr.–Oct.); Tues. (Nov.–Mar.) -
4. Faliraki Beach
Faliraki's reputation is better these days, after authorities cracked down 20 years ago on the bars that once made this the hedonistic party capital of Greece. It remains the most popular beach on Rhodes, and will be your idea of paradise or hell, depending on what you think of crowded sands backed by fun parks, supermarkets, all-inclusive resorts, and fast-food joints. Stretches of the 5 km (3 miles) of fine sand are a little less cramped than others, such as the southern end, which is officially designated as a naturist beach. Beyond its southern tip lies the beautiful Anthony Quinn Bay, named after the Mexican-American actor who loved it so much while filming The Guns of Navarone in 1960 that he bought the land. Years later the Greek government reclaimed it and the legal battle that ensued continued even after the actor's death. Its tiny shore fills up fast but the emerald waters here are the best for snorkeling on the island. Buses run between Rhodes Town and Faliraki throughout the day and late into the evening. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; parking (free); showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: nudists; partiers; swimming; walking.
Faliraki, Rhodes, 85100, Greece -
5. Kambos Beach
BeachThe most popular beach on the island stretches for 1.6 km (1 mile) or so along Kambos Bay, with a gently sloping sea floor that's ideal for young waders and swimmers. Sun beds line the strand of fine pebbles and sand, and pines behind the beach provide plenty of shade. The many amenities include windsurfing, waterskiing, and pedal-boat rentals. Regular bus service connects Kambos with Skala, about 6 km (4 miles) away. Amenities: food and drink; parking (free); showers; water sports. Best for: snorkeling; swimming; windsurfing.
Skala, Patmos, 85500, Greece -
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6. Petaloudes
The "Valley of the Butterflies" lives up to its name in all but one important regard. Its star attraction aren't actually butterflies. In summer the callimorpha quadripunctaria, a species of day-flying moth known as the Jersey tiger, cluster by the thousands around the low bushes of the pungent storax plant, which grows all over the area. In recent years numbers of the moths have diminished, partly owing to busloads of tourists clapping their hands to see the creatures fly up in dense clouds—an antic that causes the creatures to deplete their scant energy reserves and is strongly discouraged. Access to the valley involves an easy walk up an idyllic yet crowded trail through a pretty wood, past a stream and ponds.
Rhodes Town, Rhodes, 85104, Greece22410-82822Sight Details
Rate Includes: €5, Closed Nov.–Mar., Late Apr.–Oct., daily 8–7 -
7. Zia
The busiest of the villages of the Asfendhiou area is Zia, with its appealing smattering of churches and craft shops selling local honey, weavings, and handmade soaps. There is also a small nature park, which has various game and farm animals for kids to feed. Buses run here three times a day direct from Kos Town in summer, and the commercialization of the village has skyrocketed in recent years. But one thing the crowds can't take away is the views, with a handful of open-air tavernas, such as the excellent Oromedon, offering a fine vantage point for the village's coveted sunsets. It also makes a good base for walks in the surrounding countryside.
Zia, Kos, 85300, Greece
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