I’m told on various podcasts and media talking heads that vitamin D boosts your immune system. So in the midst of the Summer of Corona, a Greek vacation seemed like the perfect idea. Ródos is the almost the easternmost of the Greek Islands (the exception being Kastellórizo and a few islets) and sits within view of the Turkish mainland. As a bonus, there are direct flights from Amsterdam Schiphol. So in July of 2020 we bought some tickets, grabbed our sunscreen, and packed our bags for an ancient Mediterranean paradise.
The major city on the island of Ródos is called Ródos. This is not all that surprising. Also, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World used to stand in the harbor. Strangely enough, it was called The Colossus of Rhodes.
The old town section of the city is still surrounded by the old city wall, and I’d be damned if we stayed anywhere else. Who doesn’t want to stay inside an ancient fortified seaside city? Since cars are mostly banned within the old town, we parked outside and our amazing host picked us up on a golf cart for a bumpy, but thrilling, ride to our accommodations within. I tried to take a video of the ride under the city gates, but we were on a golf cart, on cobbles, so it didn’t turn out well. So I’m not going to post it.
Boats docked in Kolona Harbor in the city of Rhodes. July, 2020.
Just walking around the old town is a fantastic experience. I mean, it is pretty much my MO at this point so nothing different should be expected. But the city is impressive. The city walls, the harbors, the absolutely beautiful water; they all blend to put you immediately into that ancient Greek beachgoer state of mind. And if you need a place to call home during your stay (and you want to live like a king) check out the Zacosta Villa Hotel. It’s an old building renovated into a few amazing rooms, with a great outdoor patio and exposed stone interiors that are just really really cool. The owner is a helpful and cheerful local who went out of his way to make us feel comfortable, and since Greece had just relaxed travel restrictions we were his first guests since March. When I go back to Ródos I’m going to stay there again, so just don’t take my spot please. Also, the nearby Mama Sofia restaurant is fantastic if you are looking for some home-style Greek cuisine. And why are you in Greece if you aren’t here for the amazing food?
The following day we explored the walls and harbors of the old city. Just look at the pictures. It was amazing.
Rhodian Deer Statues, Rhodes City, Rhodes, Greece.
Somewhere around this time I had a craving for pizza. In Greece. I know, I know, but good pizza is hard to come by in the Netherlands. Same with tacos. Il Borgo ended up having some fantastic pizza, the views were great, and they brought plenty of water. Five Stars for them!
The infamous Windmills of Rhodes. July 2020
Did I mention stray cats earlier? Here’s another one. This is Thomas.
Let’s talk about the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Knights of Rhodes. It fell into ruin, it was destroyed, and now it’s been rebuilt. And it is a must visit when you are here. They have cannons you can sit on. You can explore all of the rooms and see suits of armor and mosaic tiled floors and high wood-framed ceilings and swords!! Plus there are some great views of the city and the harbor. Plus plus you get to feel like a (the?) Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes! Who doesn’t want that?
View of the Palace of Rhodes from the nearby community garden.
Nightlife! Given that it was the Summer of Corona, nightlife was pretty hard to come by. But the northern beaches of the city are lined with some places that I imagine would be pretty amazing during a normal year. Beach chair service, warm water, and fun cocktails were still out in a few places, and a great time was had by all despite the lack of crowds. There is even a diving tower out in the water when you need that little extra drunken kick of adrenaline. Just head towards Elli Beach and check out places like Ronda, Baia, and the Thalassa Beach Bar. Just remember to practice safe drinking and diving, dear readers.
Ródos Recommendations:
Zacosta Villa Hotel - Each room is unique. The rooms are dope, the location is dope, the owner is dope, the service is dope, the breakfast is dope, the coffee is dope. Stay here if it happens to be available.
Mama Sofia - Amazing home-style Greek food. Cheap drinks. I’m pretty sure Mama Sofia’s whole family works here, so you know it’s good.
Palace of the Grand Something Something Lots of Words - It is hard to miss and it is worth visiting.
Il Borgo - I confess that even amidst all of this amazing Greek food, I was craving pizza at one point (several points probably, but I can only suppress so many cravings) This place has good pizza, and good pasta. The outdoor seating is also adjacent a main old town gate and several shops, so it is fun to relax and people watch from the porch.
City Walls - There are plenty of parks and trails that take you around various portions of the old city walls. Explore them.
Fort of Saint Nicolas and Windmills of Ródos - There are some really cool views along this section of the harbor, and you can see Turkey in the distance.
Elli Beach - A large area of nice sand that connects to the Mediterranean Sea. Probably one of the main reasons you came here.
Ronda Beachside Bar - Several different types of bars all woven together created a fun interesting atmosphere even during a very lowkey time. Most of the people were flocking here at night for drinks.
Hope you enjoyed the tour of the City of Ródos. Please like and email or comment below if you have questions! The potato product of the day is vodka, because I’m currently trying some silly low-carb diet and it’s the only potato product I can currently use. Plus it’s Friday night.