The Best of Rhodes - Private Beach Excursion

We will start our excursion with a drive around the walls of the Old Town of Rhodes where you can take photos from outside the most important Gates. The biggest inhabited medieval town in Europe. It was built in 1300s from the knights of the order of St. John. The Medieval Town of Rhodes is inscribed in the World Heritage Sites List of UNESCO. A) Due to a new traffic regulation, no vehicles are allowed inside the Old Town—only pedestrians. We can end the tour at one of the Old Town gates, allowing you to explore on your own and walk back to the ship. The walk from the Medieval City to the Cruise Port is an easy 5-minute stroll. This way, you save time and money, as you won’t have to pay for the driver’s waiting time. B) No worries—our knowledgeable drivers can guide you on how to walk through the Old Town back to the ship. Just ask your driver!

Mandraki port is situated in the new part of the town where you will see some very impressive monumental buildings built by the Italians. Here at the harbour entrance is believed that once stood the great statue of the Colossus of Rhodes – one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. We will stop for pictures of the area and you will be able also to enter and see the Church of the Annunciation which is the most famous church in Rhodes Town. Located north of Mandraki, the old port of the town, this church was constructed in the 1920s, during the Italian occupation of the island. The Church of the Annunciation celebrated on March 25th with a large religious festival.

One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes was a gigantic statue of the god Helios. Erected by the sculptor Chares of Lindos, it was under construction from 292 BC till 280 BC and was considered as the tallest building of its time, standing at 30 feet. Built in memory of the defeat of the Roman Army, which was trying to take control of Rhodes, this giant statue represented a man holding a bow on one hand and a torch of light on the other. The statue of Colossus was put in the port, with its two feet standing on the edges of the entrance. The ships would pass under him. But in an area prone to earthquakes, the inevitable soon happened. In 226 BC, only 56 years after its construction, an earthquake hit Rhodes and the statue fell down. Snapping at the knees, the statue fell onto the land and broke in giant pieces. A sad end for what must have been a majestic work of art.

Now we will continue through the city and see more of the great Italian architecture. We will stop for pictures also at the Northern tip of the island where the Mediterranean and the Aegean seas meet each other. Then we will drive to Monthe Smith Hill where you can enjoy exceptional panoramic views of the city and the seashore, and also visit the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the impressive open-air ancient Stadium and the Amphitheatre.

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 this 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. Services at the beach include sun beds, umbrellas and a restaurant. The picturesque beach is very popular and tends to get crowded in the summer months, especially in July and August. It is ideal for those who love scuba diving.

The 4 kilometres long sandy beach in Faliraki is definitely one of the most popular beaches in Rhodes. Services include sun beds, umbrellas, showers and public toilets. Here you can find anything you can possibly ask for – water sports, cafeterias, night clubs, restaurants, bungee-jumping, places for shopping and more.

Agia Marina beach is located on the 2nd km of Rodou- Kallithea Avenue. As you go down the stairs you will be amazed by the idyllic landscape, the view of the small bay with the sandy beach, where the Santa Marina is located. Small rocks rising in the sea are completing the natural beauty of the landscape. Santa Marina is the place where you will find what you are searching for, relaxation. Boho decoration, wood, bamboo and relaxing sunbeds give you the sense of a simplicity and luxury combination. This place makes you feel like you are somewhere…exotic.

A paradise for snorkelers and scuba divers, Kallithea is also famous for the marvelous Italian baths and its thermal springs mentioned since the antiquity.