January 2026


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THE ISLAND OF THE KNIGHTS | 29


EXPLORING THE ISLAND OF THE KNIGHTS


BY ERIN ENGLISH erin@nitravelnews.com


SURROUNDED by the Aegean sea, the Greek island of Rhodes is home to a plethora of unique sights. From breathtaking beaches and coves such as St Paul’s Bay, to UNESCO World Heritage sites in Lindos & Rhodes, holidaymakers truly can have the best of both worlds when visiting the island of the knights. Lindos


The Lindos acropolis can be seen standing guard over Lindos, an old town steeped in history and Greek legend. The Lindos acropolis stands at 116 metres high cascading elegantly over the horizon and the winding streets of the old town. To journey to the top of the acropolis is around 300 steps from street-level, although to capture a glimpse back in history, it is well worth the climb.


For those interested in Greek mythology,


feels like a step back in time, it remains immaculately untouched from modern elements. Perched at the peak of the street stands the Palace of the Grand Masters in all it’s majesty. Built on the foundations of the Temple of Sun God (Helios), the palace of the grand masters was constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of St John. The epitome of opulence, the palace houses one hundred and fifty eight rooms in total and roughly twenty four are open for public viewing. The Palace of the Grand Masters has an elaborate past, having been largely destroyed in 1856 by explosives which were hidden in the basement of the nearby church of St John.


it is believed that Danaus, the son of the King of Egypt, founded Lindos when he was fleeing from Aegyptus. In order to stop his fifty daughters from having to marry Aegyptus's fifty sons, Danaus fled to Lindos. During his time in Lindos, it is believed that Danaus built the Doric Temple of Athena at the peak of the Acropolis as a place of worship. At this temple stands a magnificent temple of Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom. Amazingly, the remains of this doric temple from 300BC remain at the top of the Acropolis. The pillars and porches transport you back to the wonder and might of ancient Greece. Walking from one side of the Acropolis to the other, the view alters from a magnificent birds-eye view of Lindos town, where the bustling streets form the veins leading to a vibrant square lined with colourful tourist shops and al fresco dining options, to the spectacular sight of the vast blue ocean and the beach that nestles comfortably into the bay of the coastline. Nearby the acropolis, remains an authentic Greek amphitheatre at the foot of the west slope. This amphitheatre dates back to the


4th Century BC with an estimated capacity


of around 1,800 to 2,000


spectators. This theatre is carved out of rock, and one of the three areas still preserved is the circular orchestra, which can be seen from the Main Street of Lindos New Town.


Rhodes


The medieval city of Rhodes embodies the charm and beauty of Greek life. With spectacular limestone gates that welcome you warmly into the medieval city. Dimitri, our guide, was a human fact file on all things Rhodes, throughout our tour, Dimitri explained origins of the Order of St Johns right down to the reasoning behind the cobbled streets in Rhodes Old Town; it was to stop horses of enemy troops from easily navigating the streets.


My personal highlight of the tour around Rhodes was visiting the Street of Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. Walking down this street honestly


At the turn of the 20th century, Italians who occupied Rhodes and


the Dodecanese Islands restored the Palace to be a holiday residence for the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III alongside Benito Mussolini. Artefacts from this time period remain in the residence, through emblems on the wall and artefacts occupation.


depicting of the the


In addition to the notes past,


palace’s chandeliers,


limestone artistry, historical,


and mythological mosaics are dotted throughout the palace.


The mosaics


depict scenes from Greek mythology, Roman history, and the Byzantine era. My personal favourite mosaic was one which depicted the Greek goddess, Athena, winning the battle to have a Greek city named after her, “Athens.” In the mosaic, Cecrops I, the first king of Athens, awards the city, represented as an olive branch, to the Greek goddess, Athena.


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