Despite being a brief one-day visit, my adventure in the sun-kissed island of Rhodes, Greece was nothing short of extraordinary, filled with mesmerizing history, breathtaking beauty, and an undeniable charm that is quintessentially Greek.

Highlights

My one-day itinerary comprised:

  • The Acropolis of Rhodes and the Ancient Stadium
  • The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
  • The street of the Knights and Hippocrates Square
  • The site of the Colossus
  • and a ton of walking!

Aegean Airlines A320neo The beautiful A320neo of Aegean Airlines, the flag carrier of Greece. Also a member of the Star Alliance, hence a convenient connection from United Airlines, which I flew from the U.S to Munich

My day in Rhodes

My day began early in the morning. I took a taxi from my hotel in the resort town of Ixia to the Acropolis of Rhodes. Perched high on the Monte Smith hill, the Acropolis, a testament to Rhodes’ ancient glory, presented a panoramic view of continuing history, overlooking modern buildings and ancient ruins alike. Near the Acropolis, I wandered in the Ancient Stadium of Rhodes, marveling at the well-preserved remnants of where athletes once competed in track events.

Acropolis of Rhodes The Acropolis of Rhodes

From there, I walked towards the city, into the heart of the Medieval Town of Rhodes. I spent quite a bit of time in the architectural masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights. Its imposing stone walls echo tales of the Knights of St. John who once ruled the island. I strolled through the palace’s vast halls, captivated by the medieval mosaics, intricately carved archways, and the profound sense of history that pervades every corner.

Palace of the Knights Palace of the Knights

Upon exiting the palace, I strolled down the famous Street of the Knights, a well-preserved medieval street that looks much as it did in the 14th century, lined with inns once occupied by the knights.

I ventured further into the vibrant and bustling Hippocrates Square, named after the famous ancient Greek physician who is said to have taught beneath its plane tree. It’s a kaleidoscope of color, with its charming shops, traditional tavernas, and the melodic strains of bouzouki music filling the air.

My journey through Rhodes ended at the site of the Colossus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. While nothing remains of the original statue, the port where it once stood still captivates the imagination. I spent several hours meandering through the beaches of Rhodes, soaking up the sun, waves, and sand until the brilliant sunset, signifying the end of a truly memorable day.

Ixia beach sunset Ixia beach sunset

Despite having just a day to spend, Rhodes’ historical grandeur and natural beauty left an indelible impression. Its enchanting blend of ancient ruins, medieval architecture, and vibrant street life create an allure to which I can’t wait to return.