Imagine the best-preserved authentic medieval setting, a spectacular palace with imposing towers, and tales of knights unfolding among gates, moats, and alleyways. This is Rhodes, also, offering a modern, internationally recognized tourist profile with top-notch infrastructure, hotels, restaurants, and et al.
History buffs and those seeking exclusive experiences and premium services will find plenty to enjoy. Captivating landscapes complete its allure: lush greenery, golden beaches, and excellent blue-flag (the EU recognition for water and services quality) shores bathe in the brilliant light of the ancient sun god who blessed Rhodes with year-round sunshine.
Why Go in July
July offers ideal conditions for exploring the largest Dodecanese island before the August peak season. Greek and international visitors flock to Rhodes’ beauty, filling the island with music, art, and festive spirit. The 11th Rhodes Summer Festival brings children’s theater performances and well-known Greek musicians to the Medieval Moat Theater from July 12-28.
On the other end, villages across Rhodes celebrate saints like St. Marina and St. Paraskevi in the second half of the month. Don’t miss the Watermelon Festival in South Rhodes on the first Saturday after July 17 for a sweet, cool treat.
What to Do
The Old Town remains one of Greece’s most charming settings despite its popularity. As the best-preserved medieval city, it transports visitors straight to the 14th century. The Knights of St. John forever changed the face of the ancient city. Cross the large moat and enter the Old Town through one of the nine majestic gates to experience Rhodes’ fairytale narrative. An architectural masterpiece of Byzantine, Gothic, and Ottoman influences awaits. Countless Byzantine churches, charming squares, and Ottoman mosques and baths dot the landscape. The famous Palace of the Grand Master stands at the end of the historic Street of the Knights as the most spectacular sight.
The Palace of the Grand Master, though an Italian reconstruction from 1912, remains an imposing fortress. Visit early in the morning to tour the exhibitions on Rhodes’ history. Return late at night to enjoy the Old Town’s unparalleled romantic atmosphere.
Mandraki harbor remains a favorite meeting point for locals and one of Rhodes’ most recognizable images. Two tall columns bearing the island’s symbols, a bronze male and female deer, stand where the Colossus of Rhodes likely stood. Admire the small fortress of St. Nicholas at the harbor pier’s edge. Tour the three windmills that ground grain from merchant ships during the Middle Ages. Enjoy an excellent brunch next to the yachts docking at Mandraki marina, at the Yachting Club Café.
Complete your Old Town exploration at the medieval Knights’ Hospital, housing the Archaeological Museum with its giant head of the Sun God. The Museum of Modern Greek Art showcases extensive painting and engraving collections. Don’t miss the current exhibition “West Meets East through Ceramics”. Dive into the magical underwater world at the Rhodes Aquarium before heading to the periphery.
Rodini Park, one of the world’s oldest, introduces visitors to beautiful Rhodian nature just 3 km outside the capital. Lakes adorned by water lilies and small waterfalls create a paradisiacal and cool atmosphere. The famous Valley of the Butterflies offers a fascinating spectacle of colors and aromas. Thousands of butterflies seek coolness, humidity, and food in the trunks of pines, plane trees, and fig trees throughout this 6 km long green area.
The Seven Springs provide coolness and rich vegetation in a small biotope with running water and shady plane trees. The Kallithea Springs, though not operational, constitute an admirable visitable monument. Impressive facilities of the Thermes with their pebble courtyards create a unique combination of nature, architecture, and history. Rhodescape Adventure Park at the artificial lake of Apollakia offers a unique zip-lining experience – or at least canoeing – over a water biotope protected by the Natura 2000 network. Prasonisi in the south attracts surfers, kitesurfers, and water sports enthusiasts with its strong winds and equipment rental offices.
Rhodes boasts amazing beaches with full organization, most extensive and sandy with stylish beach bars. Afantou, close to the city, provides an ideal choice even on crowded days. The pebbled Traganou impresses with crystal waters and spectacular caves. Anthony Quinn Bay offers pebbles and greenish waters, forever associated with the famous actor who sought to buy its picturesque cove. Elli and Tsambika with its wide, golden sand cater to cosmopolitan tastes. Iordanis beach boasts exotic waters, while Glystra, Pefkos, and the lesser-known Agathi offer shallow waters – you’ll struggle to choose where to dive first.
Lindos, 55 km from Rhodes town, deserves a visit for its picturesque charm and historical significance. The imposing Acropolis of Lindos, carved into the rock, impresses even from a distance. The important archaeological site reveals the Doric temple of Athena Lindia, the Propylaea, the great Hellenistic Stoa, the Byzantine chapel of St. John, and the Administration building from the Knights’ period.
Lindos village charms visitors as one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese. Its architecture reminds of the Cyclades: white houses, mysterious captain’s houses from the 16th-18th centuries hide behind high walls and arched entrances.
Cobblestone alleys and well-kept courtyards paved with intricate pebble designs add to its allure. Well-maintained shops sell ceramics, beautiful cafes dot the landscape, and a fully organized beach with clear waters caters to those who can’t sacrifice swimming for exploration.
Where to Stay
LUXME Dama Dama of Grecotel stands out among Rhodes’ excellent hotels. This dreamy beachfront oasis offers exceptional design, modern amenities, and a wide range of excellent experiences. It pioneers a luxury vacation concept that changes the landscape of Rhodes’ luxury resorts.
LUXME Dama Dama reflects Rhodes’ beauty, spreading out in front of the Blue Flag Faliraki beach. It brings an exotic air to the partly sandy, partly pebbled coast with its spectacular 100-meter-long pool surrounded by towering palm trees. Couples and groups of adults can enjoy moments of summer bliss, while younger family members play in the exclusive children’s pool or a third pool with water slides.
Local color and attention to detail permeate the resort. Its name, LUXME Dama Dama, refers to the fallow deer living in Rhodes and welcoming visitors as a symbol of the island in Mandraki. Well-trained staff provide warm welcomes and discreet service, ready to respond to wishes via WhatsApp chat and the Grecotel Mobile App.
A wide range of rooms, bungalows, and apartments offer personal comfortable, sophisticated retreats. Sea breezes inspire the luxurious but low-key decor. Natural hues mix with coral, golden, and blue touches mimicking Rhodes’ sunrise colors. Relaxing materials harmonize with the island’s summer lightness, all accompanied by transporting views.
LUXME Dama Dama’s perfectly designed proposals promise action and sensory enjoyment. Its summer calendar brims with interesting and fun events. July 10th celebrates Pina Colada cocktails, while World Chess Day falls on July 20th. A beach party with the full moon occurs on July 21st. World Friendship Day sees children celebrating with crafts at Grecoteland. Throughout July, the resort organizes visits to Siana village’s olive mill. Water sports, outdoor cinema nights, cooking workshops for children, candle-making for adults, wine tasting visits to wineries, horseback riding on the beach, yoga sessions, and personalized menus for BBQ, picnic, or beach dinners cater to varied interests.
Its gastronomic universe invites exploration with six exceptional quality restaurants, a Pâtisserie-Chocolaterie, a Creperie-Gelateria, and stylish bars. The Rose offers Mediterranean-inspired degustation menus for adults, accompanied by 150 selected labels from the Wine Library. The new Lobsteria Bar Restaurant serves fresh seafood flavors. Tavernaki recreates a genuine, well-kept taverna atmosphere, welcoming guests with warm bread, local olive oil, and ouzo. Delicious mezedes arrive at your table as you dine.
Asiana and Italian restaurants reflect Rhodes’ cosmopolitan character. LUXME Dama Dama’s buffets offer an endless variety of Mediterranean dishes from breakfast to dinner, including gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options. The LUXME concept provides late-night snacks and unlimited drinks.
When relaxation calls, the sauna and indoor pool with its impressive, pyramidal roof offer respite. These amenities prepare you for another day full of exciting experiences on Rhodes, the timeless favorite island of the Sun.
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