Rhodes, an unmissable visit aboard a cruise in Greece
On a cruise in Greece, a visit to the Cyclades, the Argo-Saronic islands and the islands of the Dodecanese archipelago, such as Rhodes, is a must! The Dodecanese capital was an important place between the 5th and 3rd centuries B.C. It was part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires before being conquered by the Knights of Saint John, who occupied it from 1306 to 1519 and whose walled citadel still presides over Rhodes. Then there were the Venetians, the Ottomans and the Italians. Adorned with sandy beaches, lush nature and a lively nightlife, this island attracts thousands of tourists a year on cruise ships.
The port of Mandraki, in the center of the city of Rhodes, is one of the most important tourist destinations on a cruise through Greece.
Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese island complex. It is known in Greek as the "Island of the Knights", due to the numerous monuments left by the Order of the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, from the period it occupied the island.
In 1988, this famous medieval city was proclaimed by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. The most representative creation was the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Its construction lasted twelve years and was completed in 282 B.C. In addition, another important attraction on the island is the Butterfly Valley, a natural habitat that provides shelter for the rare Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly.
Rhodes Old Town
The city of Rhodes has been inhabited for over 2400 years. The first settlement was built in 408 B.C. and, when in 1309 the Knights of Saint John arrived, they erected their citadel on its remains. The medieval citadel, presided over by the towers of the Palace of the Grand Masters, forms the center of the old town. The new part of the town lies beyond the primitive walls. These have eleven gates, while the Koskinou gate, which faces the Bourg neighbourhood, provides the best views of the city's defences.
For this and much more, a visit to Rhodes is essential on a cruise through Greece.