Rodos (City) Things to Do

The Hospice of St. Catherine was built in 1391-92, under grand master Heredia, by the Italian Domenico d'Allemagna, admiral of the Order of the Knights of St. John (Knights Hospitaller). The founder was an important personage, disposing of considerable means. The foundation charter of the Hospice in 1391 states that it was «founded in the burgus of Rhodes, near the walls at the gate leading to the mole» already known as the «Gate of St. Catherine» from 1465. The situation of the building draws the eye, as it projects into the axis of the high street; the salient part carries the coats of arms of 1516. The Hospice, exclusively intended for eminent guests of the Order, was already in use from 1394-95; at this date traveller Niccole de Martoni described it as «beautiful and splendid, with many handsome rooms containing many and good beds».
The building was apparently destroyed in the siege of 1480 and the earthquake of 1481. Its rebuilding, as testified by the heraldy on the west façade, was completed by Costanzo Operti in 1516, when Fabrizio del Carretto was grand master.
In 1944 the east part of the Hospice was destroyed by Allied bombing, along with many building in the heart of the Jewish quarter. In the years following, the surviving part stood forlorn in a deserted neighbourhood. It was occupied by poor immigrants from the neighbouring islands until 1986, in slum conditions.
The Hospice of St. Catherine was one of the 20 state-owned properties under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Receipts Fund entered in the restoration programme of the Office of the Medieval Town, founded in October 1985.

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The Street of the Knights is one of the best preserved and most delightful medieval relics in the world. The 600m long, cobble - paved street was constructed over an ancient pathway that led in a straight line from the Acropolis of Rhodes to the port. In the early 16th century, it became the address for most of the inns of each nation, which housed Knights who belonged to the Order of St. John. The inns were used as eating clubs and temporary residences for visiting dignitaries, and their facades reflect the various architectural details of their respective countries.

The Building of the Prefecture (The formerly Governor's Palace) is one of the most considerable buildings construced during the Italian occupation of the island. It is a combination of many different architectural styles and its arrangement strongly resembles the Palace of the Duces in Venice.
It was built in 1927 by the Italian architect, Florestano di Fausto. It was used by the Ialians as the Governor's Palace and today it houses the Prefecture of the Dodecanese.

This is just a tiny cove, but offers everything you could possibly want! Fine sand, small rocks, sun beds, umbrellas, hills all around, emerald water, showers and finaly a taverna. It is very popular among Italians, especially in August when it becomes very crowded. In recent years actually, the sun beds have spread over to the opposite shore with the rocks, ideal for those looking for some peace and quiet.

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Tsambika (or Tsampika) is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rhodes. A long, broad beach with fine, golden sand and dozens of colourful little flags marking out the various eating establishments and beach sports centre. Apart from these, and a mini-market next to the bus stop, there is absolutely nothing else here - nothing except crowds of people of all ages and nationalities, who come to swim in the emerald crystal-clear water and admire the imposing rock with the Monastery of the Virgin of Tsambika (or Tsampika), from which the beach has taken its name. The virgin of Tsampika is said to work miracles and young woman having diffi culty in conceiving often pray for her aid. If their prayers are answered, they name the child after the Virgin.

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Kalithea is the beach where many locals like to gather every day. The attraction is partly the sort distance from Rhodes town, partly the glamour of the magnificent Baths built here by the Italians (no longer in operation), as well as the obvious delights of mezedes and the tiny inlets and coves with their sculptured rocks and clear green water. Especially outside the high season, this is the favourite spot for local people looking for a quick swim. However, You should not confuse it with the minibeach below the Baths, which is full of visitors who come in little boats from Rhodes town to admire the amazing facilities of the Baths, currently under renovation. Once you have visited the Baths, drive on towards Faliraki and take the first dirt track to the left. Then, by following the signs guiding you to the various small eating holes in the area, you will reach a series of pine-covered bays and coves, with stone pools and rocks you can dive from (be careful: the sea is deep here, you need to be a good swimmer). This is the place the locals refer to when they say "let's go for a swim at Kalithea". Each of the little coves has sun beds for hire, and its own small restaurant, which usually lends its name to the beach itself.

Natural stone surfaces ideal for reclining under the sun, pine trees reaching down to the water's edge, emerald green water - Anthony Quinn certainly showed impeccable taste when he fell in love with its miniature bay. The beach is known today by the actor's name since he bought this part of the island when filming "The Guns of Navarone" here. The waters owe their deep emerald colour to the kush green vegetation which surrounds the beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rhodes. It's mostly popular with young people - especially Italians - since the sharp rocks both in and out of the water are not ideal for families with young children or elderly people. You will find people here only in July and August - during the rest of the year the water is so much too cold for most people.

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Afandou is a fantastic rural, typical Greek village with all the local and traditional trappings. The people are very friendly and warm.
Afandou beach is wonderful . It is a pebble beach with crystal clear waters. There are several Greek taverns at the edge of the beach.