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Greece

Olympia is one of the most significant archeological sites in Greece. One can easily imagine the original Olympics when wandering among the columns and platforms of these ruins. There still remains enough vestiges and artifacts from the Birthplace of the Olympics to go back in time for perspective.  As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea I spent a day wandering this marvel amongst the apex of spring bloom.  So, read on to learn about the highlights and why the best time is spring for an Olympia Greece travel destination ruins tour.

Background of Olympia, Greece’s Original Olympics

Located on the Peloponnese peninsula in Greece, Olympia is where the original Olympic games played. It lies in the Alfeios River valley, about 18 km from the Ionian Sea. The Olympic Games happened every 4 years for over 1,000 years from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD.  The games encompassed much more than sports.  Moreover, they symbolized the peace and nobility of healthy competition, with just the reward of an olive wreath.

Besides the Olympic games, the site also a significant Panhellenic religious sanctuary of ancient Greece.  It dedicates to Zeus, the father of the 12 Olympian Gods and his consort, Hera.  Also called Altis, this was the sacred grove and sanctuary of Zeus. Furthermore, it had over 70 buildings, such as, the Temple of Zeus, Temple of Hera, Palaestra and the Philippeion.  Furthermore, the great altar of Zeus is where most the great sacrifices happened.  There are also various sculptures like the famous Hermes of Praxiteles and the statue of Nike of Paionios.
My Springtime Olympia Greece Travel Destinations
From the cruise port, Katakolon, I took off solo on the modern train 25 miles to Olympia, arriving in 45 minutes.  The archeological site is walking distance from the train.  I did not take a tour and just wandered the complex on a spring afternoon in April.  Little did I know, that I arrived during one of the best times, as this is when the wildflowers and Judas trees are in full bloom.  Overall, I was awestruck by the numerous purplish-mauve Judas blooming trees and yellow wildflowers, alongside the remaining stone platforms and Doric columns.  This is such a beautiful contrast of the ancient sacred ruins, illuminated by the new colors of spring.

I felt like taking it all in without a tour.  It was such a beautiful spring day and it felt fantastic to be in such a historic place at my own pace.  I wandered for at least a couple hours and took amazing photos, displaying the flowers alongside the ruins.

    Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes, Greece
    Greece

    Historic Rhodes, Greece 2-Day Itinerary – Medieval City and Acropolis of Lindos

    by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac
    written by Trudy Wendelin, L.Ac

    Rhodes is the perfect getaway for natural beauty, beaches and historic landmarks.  It preserves 2 amazing World Heritage Sites at the Medieval City and Acropolis of Lindos.  These 2 must-see areas are the perfect 2-Day Rhodes, Greece highlights itinerary.  I enjoyed my time here and love sharing tips on how best to enjoy this island.  So, read on to discover this itinerary for planning or learning about Rhodes.

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    About the Island of Rhodes

    Nicknamed “The Island of the Sun” after its patron sun God, Helios, Rhodes offers more sunny days than any other Greek island.   This 4th largest island in Greece lies in the southeastern corner of the Aegean Sea, just 18 km from Turkey.  The terrain is hilly, including the highest peak Ataviros standing 1,215 m.  Rhodes was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

    The island of Rhodes was a significant location for the cult of Athena in ancient times.  In Greek Mythology, Athena was born from the head of Zeus on the island of Rhodes. The Acropolis of Lindos in Rhodes with the Athena Lindia sanctuary dates back to around 300 BC. The Doric temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It was a major religious center in ancient times.  Today, this monument is the second most preserved acropolis in the world, after the one in Athens.

    Dating back to Neolithic times, multiple countries occupied Rhodes throughout the centuries, such as, the Minoans, Myceneans, Persians, Byzantines, Ottomans, Romans and Italians. 

    Rhodes is also nicknamed “The Island of the Knights” after the Knights Hospitaller or Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, ruling the island from 1310 to 1522.  The Medieval City of Rhodes is a World Heritage Site greatly influenced by the Knights of Saint John. In the 14th century, the Knights of St. John of Rhodes were established because the order was forced to relocate from Jerusalem to Rhodes. It was in Rhodes that the knights achieved great military strength, defending the island against invaders for over two centuries.

    The Ottoman Empire expelled the Knights in the Siege of Rhodes, forcing them to move their headquarters to Malta. Overall, the Old Town displays unique cross-cultural influence in its architecture from the Crusades with Byzantine, French and Spanish styles. 

    Check out my YouTube Video!

    2-Day Rhodes, Greece Highlights Itinerary

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    Marine Gate

    Day 1: Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes

    A day in the Medieval Old Town is the perfect way to experience the roots of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.  The town is compact and easy to get around with everything within walking distance.  So, walking is the best way to explore the historic sites. 

    The medieval city lies within a 4-km wall with 11 gates.  The high town on a hill stands in the north with the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights. This area is mostly designed in Gothic.  In comparison, the south town blends more the Gothic with mosques and architecture from the Ottoman period.  Hippocrates or Hippokratous Square remains a central hub to the city of Rhodes.

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    Palace of the Grand Master
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    Palace of the Grand Master 

    Originally, the Gothic Palace of the Grand Master was a Byzantine fortress built in 700 AD.  Later, in the 14th century, the Knights fortified it as their headquarters. 

    Today, as a museum the palace houses extraordinary mosaics and art throughout 24  rooms. Most mosaics were recovered from across the Dodecanese Islands.  The famous Medusa Mosaic originated from Kos, dating back to the 2nd century BC.   Also, the Laocoon and His Sons Sculpture is an important relic on display.

    Alongside the palace spreads beautiful gardens with Greek and Roman sculptures.  A walk through this palace mesmerizes and takes you back to medieval times.

    Street of the Knights

    The stone-paved street connects the palace to the town.  It starts at the Hospital of the Knights (now an archeological museum) and ends at the Palace of the Grand Master.  Its cobbled medieval street includes 7 inns representing the Knights of St. John’s different countries of origin. 

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    Archeological Museum of Rhodes – The Lion

    Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

    The medieval Hospital of the Knights houses the Archeological Museum of Rhodes.  Overall, it provides 6 rooms with a colorful garden.  Exhibits showcase pottery, mosaics, sculptures and funerary steles dating back to the Hellenistic period.  The Aphrodite of Rhodes (Crouching Venus) and Head of Helios sculptures are both here.

    Climb to the Top of the Roloi Clock Tower

    Near the palace is the medieval Roloi Clock Tower. Climbing the steep wooden stairs to the top of the tower rewards you with the highest panoramic view in Rhodes. Plus, your entrance fee includes a free drink at the open-air cafeteria on site.   

    Acropolis of Rhodes

    In the upper town the Acropolis of Rhodes stands on the hill known as Monte Smith.  The archeological park includes a Hellenistic stadium dating back to 3rd century BC. Also, the Odeon and remains from the temples of Athena and Zeus stand here.  On the summit stands the temple of Pythion Apollo, the patron deity of Rhodes. 

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    Latin Church of our Lady Mercy Ruins

    Latin Church of Our Lady Mercy 

    Dating back to the 14th century, ruins from the Latin Church of Our Lady Mercy stand near the Gate of the Virgin.  This Gothic Roman Catholic Church dates back to the 14th century.  The striking ruins survived the WW II bombings, leaving behind 3 apses and parts of a small chapel. 

    Jewish Quarter – “La Juderia”

    This Jewish community dates back to the second century BC.  Highlights to see in the Jewish Quarter include the Kahal Shalom Synagogue, Square of the Martyred Jews and Holocaust Memorial. 

    The Lady of the Castle Church

    The Byzantine Lady of the Castle Church dates back to the 11th century AD. It stands at the eastern end of the Street of the Knights.  The building served as both a Roman Catholic church and a Muslim mosque. It’s a famous pilgrimage site for people near and far to this Turkish Holy Place.

    Suleymaniye Mosque

    The Suleymaniye Mosque is a former mosque built after the Ottoman conquest of Rhodes in 1522.  Its Byzantine domes and four minarets distinguish it as the most significant Ottoman architectural monument in Rhodes.  Going to the top of the Roloi Clock Tower, provides amazing views of this nearby mosque.

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    Walking the Moat

    Walk the Moat Around Rhodes Old Town

    This is a unique opportunity to walk the 2.4 km moat around Rhodes Old Town. It’s a great way to see upclose how massive the walls are with historic landmarks and gardens along the way. The path is mostly flat with a nice walking path. I loved this peaceful route and even found secret tunnels in the rocks.

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    Mandraki Harbor Windmills
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    Memorial for Colossus of Rhodes

    Mandraki Harbor

    The Mandraki is one of three harbors in Rhodes and the only yacht harbor.  One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the statue Colossus of Rhodes once stood in this harbor. That representation of the sun god Helios became erected in 280 BC and soon toppled from an earthquake in 226 BC.  Today, a memorial stands in its place with 2 bronze statues, as a stag and doe on top of columns guarding the harbor.

    Travelers today will find medieval windmills and the St. Nicholas fortress at the entrance. The windmills once ground grain brought to the harbor by ancient cargo ships.  Three restored windmills still stand.

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    Elli Beach

    Elli Beach

    This is the main beach in Rhodes Town and very popular with beautiful, blue waters. It stretches from Mandraki Harbour to Rhodes Aquarium. The beach provides amenities with loungers, street food and restaurants. Also, water sports are available, such as, parasailing and windsurfing.

    Day 2: Lindos Acropolis and Town with Beaches

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    Lindos Acropolis

    Lindos Acropolis

    Just 50 km (31 mi) south of Rhodes Town is the Lindos Acropolis and town.  The majestic acropolis perched on a cliff overlooking the village and sparkling Aegean Sea is one of the most stunning sites in Rhodes.  It stands 116 m above sea level. Also, the Lindos Acropolis is the second most preserved acropolis in the world, after the one in Athens. 

    The acropolis is a natural citadel fortified by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Knights of St John and the Ottomans.

    You reach the acropolis from the Lindos village by climbing 250 steps.  This ancient site dates back to the 6th century BC.  Numerous countries occupied Lindos, including the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Knights of St. John. The prominent features today display remnants of the Hellenistic period and the medieval castle built by the Knights​.

    The Temple of Athena Lindia is the most significant monument at the acropolis, dating back to 300 BC.  The ruins of this Doric temple and columns crown a stunning view of the sea and town below.  The Propylaea marks the entrance to the monument with stairways and porticos.  The Hellenistic Stoa is the colonnaded ruins offering more spectacular views. 

    Among the ruins is the Byzantine Church of St. John known for its frescoes that are still visible. Also, at the entrance is the relief of a Rhodian trireme (warship) carved into the rock at the foot of the steps leading to the acropolis.

    Lindos Town

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    Lindos from Acropolis

    Located 50 km (31 miles) south of Rhodes city, Lindos is a popular tourist destination because of its ancient ruins and great beaches. With a history that dates back to the 10th century BC, Lindos was once a meeting place for the Greeks and Phoenicians, and later became a major trading center. 

    Lindos was a significant Doric city-state.  The medieval city clusters around the Acropolis towering above.  The village is a maze with numerous shops, restaurants and tavernas.  Historic landmarks to see include the cruciform Church of our Lady along with Churches of St. Nicholas, St. George, St. Demetrius and St. Minas.  Also, the interesting mansions of Lindos combine architectural styles of medieval and Byzantine. 

    Lindos Coastline and Beaches

    St. Paul’s Bay

    Just a short walk from the south end of Lindos, the bay is at the foot of the Acropolis of Lindos.  Surrounded by rocks with the Acropolis towering above with clear turquoise waters makes for a stunning place to relax.   At the beach is a restaurant and chairs to rent. 

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    Lindos Beaches

    Lindos Beaches and Sea Caves

    The Lindos Beach is also located a short distance from the town’s main square.  It’s the largest and most popular beach in Lindos and reachable by car.  Vendors provide chairs to rent.  Near Lindos Beach, Pallas is the smallest beach in Lindos and only reachable by walking. 

    The Lindos Sea Caves are just around the corner from Pallas Beach.  This is an excellent location for swimming and snorkeling.  Glass bottom boat trips also go there. 

    More To Do if More than Two Days!

    Being the 4th largest Greek island, 2 days just scratches the surface.  If you have more time, consider these interesting sites:

    Ialyssos-Filerimos Archeological Site
    Kamiros Archeological Site
    Valley of Butterflies
    Aquarium of Rhodes

    Also, Rhodes offers off the beaten path traditional villages.  These picturesque towns include Faliraki, Kallithea, Archangelos, Ialyssos, Kremasti, Eleousa, Salakos, Skala Kamirou, Embonas and Siana.

    Enjoy Rhodes!

    With some of the most remarkable beaches and historical landmarks, Rhodes provides the perfect balance of natural beauty and culture.  Plus, it’s the sunniest island in Greece, so you can almost plan on good weather.  I loved Rhodes and can’t wait to return.  If your travels bring you to Rhodes, please leave travel tips below. 

    Read More!

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    Incredible Olympia, Greece Ruins Tour in Springtime – Birthplace of Olympics

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