Day three of my cruise took me to the island of Rhodes at the eastern edge of the Aegean Sea. It’s part of the southernmost group of Greek islands and I had no idea what to expect, but was happily surprised from the moment our ship pulled into port at 8am.
The first thing I saw: stone walls of a medieval city. I later learned that they were built some 700 years ago and knights returning from the Crusades lived behind them. Come to find out this is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and walking around the cobblestoned streets literally transports you to another time and place. I took dozens of pictures, went shopping (yes, I picked up a second pair of Greek sandals, a simple gold plated ring that was very reasonably priced and had a cup of Greek frozen yogurt with chocolate).
Other than the medieval city, there is a LOT to see on this island, including the city of Lindos, which is about a half hour drive away from the old city, but worth the trek. During our drive, our tour guide Ifigeneia, shared some interesting facts about her culture, such as garlic or a blue eye hanging outside of a house in Greece is used to ward off evil and believed to bring good luck. She also told us that the Greeks use Sage to help fight bronchitis and Eucalyptus oil is a good cure for insomnia. But, back to Lindos, which is a small town that has an ancient fortress high on a hill above the sea. Worth the hike up, but bring water, wear sunscreen and good tennis shoes.
Other than Lindos and the medieval town, we also found enough time to walk down to Elli beach to take a quick dip in the Mediterranean (it was cold and the sand was rocky… but at least I dipped my toes in!).
This was a great stop and we stayed out until 11pm before heading back to the ship. Definitely the surprise stop of the trip so far.
Windmills in the port
Lindos from afar
Black and white rocks used to create a mosaic, Lindos
View of a bay, Lindos
View of Lindos on the walk up to the castle
At the top of the Acropolis, Lindos
Our tour guide Ifigeneia showing us the ancient acropolis and temple of Athena, Lindos
Medieval castle, Lindos
The old town of Rhodes
Souvenir shop in the old town of Rhodes
Traditional pottery and ceramics from Rhodes
Medieval castle in the old city of Rhodes
Main entrance to the medieval castle in Rhodes
Elli Beach, Mediterranean
Diving Platform, Elli Beach
Greek sandals I bought in the old city of Rhodes
I could only dip my toes in… the water was too cold!
