Rhodes Island Attractions

These are some of the most popular attractions advised to visit

• The Old Town ( you can read the relevant section in our blog )

• The Aquarium

The Aquarium of Rhodes is a research centre, aquarium and museum in Rhodes, Greece. It was built in the 1930s, when the island was under the Italian rule.

The building an Art deco design by the Italian architect Armando Bernabiti, was constructed between 1934 and 1935. It was first named the Reale Istituto di Ricerce Biologiche di Rodi (Royal Biological Research Institute of Rhodes). In 1945, when Italian rule ended, it was renamed the "Hellenic Hydrobiological Institute". Now it is known as the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes.The Station carries out research on the oceanography of the Dodecanese. It is administered by the National Centre of Marine Research.

• Acropolis & Ancient Stadium

The Acropolis of Rhodes, along with the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes, was located on the hill now called Monte Smith. Only a few remains of the Acropolis survive, offering a faint glimpse of its original splendor. Nevertheless, it is well worth visiting.

The Rhodes Acropolis dominated the western and highest part of the city. Unlike most ancient Acropoleis, it was not fortified. It featured a monumental zone with sanctuaries, large temples, public buildings, and underground cult sites. The structures were built on stepped terraces supported by strong retaining walls. As the 2nd-century AD orator Ailios Aristides described, it was "full of fields and groves." The Hellenistic architecture style on the Acropolis of Rhodes was beautifully expressed through the blend of natural beauty and human-made alterations. The buildings on the Rhodes Acropolis date back to the Hellenistic and Late Hellenistic periods (3rd-2nd century BC).

The Acropolis of Rhodes is situated on a hill overlooking the modern new town and medieval town. In ancient times, the city's population was reportedly larger than today's and spread over the eastern slopes of Aghios Stephanos, later known as the hill of Monte Smith, named after the English admiral Sir Sidney Smith. He established an observation post in 1802 to monitor the movements of the Napoleonic fleet, extending down to the city harbor.

The excavations were carried out by the Italian Archaeological School during the Italian occupation of the island (1912-1945). From 1946 onwards the Greek Archaeological Service conducted excavations which added to our knowledge of the history and topography of the place. The whole of the Acropolis of Rhodes has not yet been excavated. An archaeological zone of 12,500 m² has been excluded from contemporary building with the intention of continuing excavation works to uncover the splendid ancient city of Rhodes.

There was extensive reconstruction during the Italian occupation in keeping with the spirit of the time. From 1946 onwards the Greek Archaeological Service carried out restoration work in the area of the Temple of Pythian Apollo, which had suffered considerable damage from bombing in the 2nd World War and from the weight of the artillery that had been installed there. During the 60's and 70's there was reconstruction work to the west foundation of the same temple, and in 1996 further reconstruction was carried out on the temple and the Nymphaia. Source: culture.gr

• Kallithea Springs

The Springs of Kallithea belong to the Municipality of Rhodes and are located 9 km from the city center. After years of renovation of this magnificent seaside monument, the doors of the Springs opened on July 1, 2007. This unique combination of nature, architecture and history offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a unique experience. The springs of Kallithea are an admirable and representative example of architecture, which has been integrated into the natural environment of the area.

Enjoy the excellent architecture, the crystal clear waters, the recreation area (cafeteria) and the picturesque bay with its unique natural beauty.

• Butterfly Valley

Known as the Petaloudes Valley in Greek, the Butterfly Valley is located on the western side of

Rhodes. What makes it special is that it is home to a diverse range of species of Jersey Tiger moths. Every year, colorful moths and butterflies cover the land from mid-June to mid-September. They are attracted to the region due to highly humid weather conditions. The Oriental Sweetgum trees in the valley give off a faint, distinctive scent that attracts moths and butterflies, creating an exceptional biotope.

The stunning natural beauty of the landscape, along with the charming presence of thousands of butterflies, attracts crowds of both local and international tourists to the valley every summer. Unfortunately, the butterfly population is gradually declining because they lack a stomach and cannot feed to gain energy. When disturbed by human activities, they fly more often, leading to excessive energy loss. This is a major reason for the declining butterfly population in the region.

Several decades ago, a German entomologist studied the butterflies that appear in Butterfly Valley between June and September. This specific butterfly species is known as Callimorpha Qudripunctaria Himalaiensis. The impressive name suits the species since it was first discovered in the majestic Himalayas. These butterflies are commonly found in Australia, Brazil, Peru, California, and many other places where native plants include the Liquidambar Orientalis trees.

Butterflies arrive in the valley during the summer. They mate, lay eggs on the island, and depart in September as the temperature begins to change. The eggs hatch into larvae in April. By the following month, the larvae develop into chrysalises. The transformation is completed in early June when chrysalises become adult butterflies. As the temperature rises, these beautiful butterflies leave their habitat and travel overnight to reach the valley. The moderately cool temperature of the valley and its surroundings, along with the sweet aroma of raisins, drives this mass migration.

• Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo

It is a great escape, especially if you travel as a family with young kids!

See more ---> https://farma-rhodes.com

• Seven Springs

One of Rhodes' most recognizable locations, Seven Springs (Epta Piges), draws many tourists

each year. Seven Springs is a cool, magical landscape, a real oasis even in the heat of high summer, swamped in greenery. A Natura-2000 protected zone that is waiting to welcome you to experience a unique tranquil experience!

One of the most charming destinations on Rhodes, Seven Springs (Epta Piges) offers a cool, magical landscape, a real oasis, even in the heat of high summer, a charming retreat in the most lavish of Mediterranean greens. Water flows out of the springs all year around, which is forming a small lake. The lake remains replenished thanks to a dam built by the Italians, in order to provide the nearby settlement Kolympia with fresh water.

The access to the lake at seven springs is very popular with visitors and offers a unique experience. If you feel adventurous enough, you can to walk through the 186 meters long and 2.5 meters high and very narrow dark tunnel to get to the lake. This tunnel, constructed back in 1931, leads the water that flows out of the seven springs and from the river Loutanis into the lake.

Walking through the dark tunnel with your feet in the running fresh water, is an exciting experience, but don't try it if you are claustrophobic. As an alternative route you can simply follow a walking path, right above the tunnel, to the lake. For walking through the tunnel we recommend light shoes or flip-flops as you will have to walk though ankle high running waters. If it makes you feel more comfortable, you can also use a flashlight.