Rhodes: an Unmissable Visit on a Cruise through Greece
On a Greece cruise, you must visit the Cyclades islands, the Argo-Saronic islands, and those of the Dodecanese archipelago, such as Rhodes.
The capital of the Dodecanese was an important place between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC. 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 came the Ottomans and the Italians. Dressed in sandy beaches, good for excursions, on a cruise through Greece, and with lively nightlife, this island attracts thousands of tourists a year.
More Information about the Island
The port of Mandraki, in the center of the city of Rhodes, is one of the most important tourist destinations on a Greece cruise. Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese island group. Rhodes 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 in which they occupied the island. In 1988, this famous medieval city was proclaimed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The most representative creation was the Colossus, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Its construction lasted 12 years and was completed in 282 BC. Additionally, another major attraction on the island is the Butterfly Valley, a natural habitat that is home to the rare Panaxia Quadripunctaria butterfly.
Rhodes Old Town
The city of Rhodes has been inhabited for more than 2,400 years. The first city was built in 408 BC. and, when the knights of San Juan arrived in 1309, they erected their citadel on the remains of that one. The medieval citadel, dominated by the towers of the Palace of the Grand Masters, forms the center of the old town. The new part is located beyond the original walls. These have 11 gates, of which the Koskinoú gate, which faces the Bourg quarter, provides the best views of the city's defenses.
Get to Know Rhodes
For all of the above, and much more, on a cruise through Greece, it is essential to visit Rhodes. Check out our offers and start planning your next adventure!