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Rhodes town in Rhodes |
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The city of Rhodes consists of a "new" district and an older and absolutely fantastic ditto. The so-called new town is not particularly new, it is the old city that is old, and not only that, it is really old. There is no one who says Rhodes new town, all Greeks simply say Rhodes, and then mean the "newer" part of the town. The old town is walled and outside the walls is Rhodes new town, as you can see in the picture below.
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The vast majority of us tourists who visit Rhodes town are satisfied with the neighbourhoods that are located in the northern parts, that is, where Mandraki port and the beaches Elli and Windys are located. Above Windy beach there are many charter hotels, so if you travel to Rhodes town with tour companies, this is usually where you stay.
Windy beach in Rhodos town.
Elli beach in Rhodos town.
Hotels above Elli beach (left) and Windy beach (right).
Mandraki harbour is also a popular place to spend the evenings. Many sit in fluffy armchairs sipping a drink or a cup of coffee and studying passers-by. Around Mandraki harbour, and inside the New Market, there are many bars, cafes, restaurants and some fast food places.
Mandraki harbour from where excursion boats depart around Rhodes.
From Mandraki harbour there are also excursion boats to Symi and Tilos, among other islands. |
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New Market in Mandraki. Behind New Market is the bus stop for regional buses.
In New Market there are many restaurants, cafes and bars of varying quality.
Before the walls of the New Market, you escape the traffic for a while.
In another part of Mandraki there are many caricature artists. |
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Just north of Mandraki are several government buildings erected by Mussolini's occupation forces. They form a curious contrast to Greek architecture. The post office, the court, the city hall, the national theatre, the national bank and Evangelismos church are located here, among other things. The houses are built in Art Deco style, like the houses in Lakki on Leros which were also built by the Italians during the Second World War. North of the National Theatre, on the other side of the street, is the Murat Reis Mosque. The cemetery is filled with narrow and unusual tombstones.
The National Theater in Rhodes Town. Murat Reis Mosque on the right.
Murat Reis Mosque on the left. Elli beach starts behind Ronda Bar, the white building with a dome.
Read more about the Murat Reis mosque here »
The very grandiose Evangelismos church.
Evangelismos church is very beautiful interiorly and absolutely worth a visit. |
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If you continue a little north, you will come to Greece's third largest casino and to the beaches Windy and Elli beach. Farthest north, where west and east meet, is a yellow building that is good to have as a reference point. In the lower floor of the building there is an aquarium.
The casino in Rhodes town is Greece's third largest casino.
Above Elli and Windy beaches, and in the back streets, there are lots of hotels, shops, restaurants, cafes and bars. It is in these neighbourhoods that most tourists in Rhodes Town live. The advantage of living here is the proximity to the beach, and that the range of facilities is gigantic, you don't have to leave the area if you don't want to. Rhodes' famous bar street is also located here. But there are not the same features as in the past.
One of the bar streets. This is pretty much how all the streets in Rhodes town look like.
If you like shopping, you have many shops to choose from in Rhodes town.
There are also many shops here where you can buy spirits and snuff, among other things.
Meltemi is our favourite lunch taverna in Rhodes Town. It is located right next to the water at the far end of Elli beach. Many Greeks go here for lunch, and that's a good rating. There are often a lot of people here and it can be difficult to get a table, and it can take time before you get the food. But it is usually worth waiting for.
Taverna Meltemi at the far end of Elli beach.
Tamam Restaurant is located on 28 October street, not far from Windy beach.
This seemingly unassuming restaurant is one of the best restaurants in all of Rhodes. Tamam has reached first place on Tripadvisor several years in a row and is extremely popular. It is not possible to book a table, so you have to queue. Come in good time. Restaurant Tamam is located in Rhodes town, at the corner of Leontos street and 28 October street, not far from Windy beach. |
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My absolute favourite restaurant in Rhodes town is To Steno. It is a small inconspicuous tavern on an equally inconspicuous street just south of the old town. This is not a place you just pass by and think it looks nice here, here we sit. How people find their way here is a mystery, you have to be tipped off, and you will be now.
My absolute favourite restaurant in Rhodes town is To Steno.
The taverna is located in an alley with a beautiful and worn old house opposite. Two brothers, Nikos and Elias, serve and their wives stand in the kitchen. There is no menu, what is served for the evening is told verbally at the table. Everything I've eaten here has tasted heavenly. In fact, To Steno is one of the best and nicest restaurants I know. Feel free to try their Symi prawns; small shrimps that are eaten whole, shell and all. Yum! Address: Agion Anargiron 29 south of the old town. Use Google Maps to find here.
The Rodini Park is located three kilometers from the center of Rhodes town.
Three kilometres from the center of Rhodes town, along the road to Lindos, is the townspeople's own little oasis, Rodini Park. Inside the park, it is green and leafy and relatively quiet. Straight through the park flows a stream with floating water lilies.
Read more about the Rodini Park in Rhodes town here »The Acropolis of Rhodes, known today as the hill of Agios Stefanos or Monte Smith, was the place of worship, education, sports and recreation in ancient times. The highest point was crowned by the temple of Apollo Pythios, next to which was a temple probably dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Monte Smith is located just south-west of Rhodes town. It is possible to drive all the way up, but the distance is so short that you might as well walk here. The name Monte Smith comes from an English admiral who fought for Napoleon.
Monte Smith is located on a hill above Rhodes town. Don't miss the view of Ixia and Ilaysos from here.
Read more about Monte Smith here »
HOTELS IN RHODES TOWNIf there is anywhere there are plenty of hotels, it is in Rhodes town. Much is, of course, booked in advance by tour operators, but there are also many places to choose from for those travelling on their own. Below are suggestions for good hotels in Rhodes Town.
Book Mitsis Grand Hotel here »Book Rodian Gallery Hotel Apartments here »Book Annapolis Inn here »Book Hotel Hermes here »Book Cactus Hotel here »
Book other hotels in Rhodes town here » |
WHAT YOU MUST NOT MISS WHEN YOU ARE IN RHODES TOWN |
READ MORE ABOUT RHODES |
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