Things to Do in Dodecanese

Claiming the title of Rhodes’ longest stretch of sand is sun-soaked Afandou Beach, which stretches for 2.5 miles (4 kilometers) along the northeast coast. One of the island’s most popular beaches, the Blue Flag–awarded Afandou features a sand-and-pebble beach, calm shallow waters, and shaded alcoves lined with palm trees.

With almost 25 acres (10 hectares of water slides, swimming pools, and a lazy river, Waterpark Rhodes is the largest of its kind in Greece and an ideal spot for family-friendly fun. Shoot down the extreme water slides or gently bob in the wave pool—there’s something for everyone from thrill-seekers to tiny tots at his vast water park.

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.

A minuscule cove protected by cliffs, St. Paul’s Bay is reputedly the spot where the Apostle Paul first set foot on Rhodes in AD 51. One of three beaches in Lindos, the water here stays warm as late as October, and the bay is both shallow and protected from winds, which makes it ideal for swimming.

The volcanic island of Nisyros (Nisiros, a craggy and fertile speck in the Aegean Sea, lies north of Rhodes and is part of the Dodecanese Islands, along with Kos and Tilos. An unspoiled treasure that has avoided the onslaught of mass tourism, Nisyros offers hot springs, fishing towns, Byzantine chapels, and ancient ruins to explore.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.