Things to see and do Dodecanese

Archaeological excavations on the Kamiros site were first carried out by a Franco-British team in the 1860s, then resumed by Italian archaeologists during the Fascist occupation of the 1920s. They revealed traces of the earliest human settlement dating back to the ^14th century BC. However, it wasn't until the ^7th and ^6th centuries BC that the city, now a Dorian city, reached its true apogee. It became one of the three great cities of Rhodes, along with Ialyssos and Lindos, and was the first to mint coins on the island, a sign of its power and wealth. Kamiros fell into decline after the earthquakes of 226 BC and 142 BC. Today, the ruins can be visited in a site of touching beauty.

Excavations relaunched by the Italians in 1928 revealed the remains of three complexes, which can still be admired today: the Agora with its ^3rd-century BC temple dedicated to Apollo, the temple of the gods, the temple of the gods, the temple of the gods, the temple of the gods, the temple of the gods and the temple of the godsC. temple dedicated to Apollo, its two sanctuaries and bathing establishments; a dense residential area, made up of successive houses organized along alleys, themselves crossed by a wider central avenue; the acropolis built as a three-level amphitheatre, with a particularly long Doric stoa (204 meters) dating from the ^3rd century B.C. and a temple from the same period, dedicated to Athena. The latter was rebuilt after the earthquake of 226 BC on the foundations of a much older temple, probably dating from the ^7th century BC.

The ancient Acropolis of Rhodes - not fortified - dominates the entire city. There were massive temples and all the places of power and public life of the city. The whole site dates from the late Hellenistic period (between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC). The excavations began under the Italian occupation in 1912 but are still not completed. In particular, you will see an impressive reconstruction of the 210-metre-long stadium, a theatre that could accommodate 800 spectators and temples dedicated to Zeus and Athena.

The beaches around Kefalos are the most beautiful of the island: quieter, less crowded and clearer than in the north of Kos, they offer miles of sand and a serenity that is rarely found elsewhere. The ones closest to the village are also the most developed, with tavernas and deckchairs, but the further away you go, the more you will feel like you are alone in the world.

In the bay of Kefalos itself, you will have to leave the village beach and go eastwards to find the pretty beach of Aghios Stefanos and the ruins of its Byzantine church (5th-6th centuries) overlooking the islet of Kastri. Further on, the small bay of Camel Beach can quickly fill up. Beyond, a wide sandy bay links the beaches of Paradise Beach, Lagada, Psilos Gremos and Magic Beach. They are also busy, with sunbeds and tavernas, but remain relatively unspoilt. Finally, Exotic Beach, at the eastern end of the bay, is less visited.

The beaches on the west coast of the peninsula are much less accessible and therefore much less crowded. Agios Theologou, where there is a beach tavern, has a particularly clear sea but the waves can be impressive depending on the wind. As you head south along the coast, you will discover a succession of small, isolated and quiet coves. There are no facilities so bring water and a picnic. The sandy beach of Paradiso and its small hut are a true paradise, preserved and solitary, at the end of the chaotic road.

The former main port of Rhodes has existed since ancient times and has been used by all the successive conquerors of the city. The entrance is guarded by two columns surmounted by bronze sculptures representing Rhodes' emblems: the stag and the deer. For centuries, legend has it that these two columns marked the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes. According to this widespread myth, the Colossus' feet were anchored at the level of the current columns, rising to 32 metres in height, the equivalent of a twelve-storey building. If the Colossus did exist, this somewhat whimsical thesis was defeated in a breach by all archaeologists... The dike that still protects the harbour today is dominated by Fort Saint-Nicolas, a jewel of defensive art established by the Knights of Saint-Jean in the 15th century. Three medieval windmills lead to it.

It is at the port of Mandraki that you will find the cruise and excursion boats that connect Lindos, among others. But the main interest is elsewhere: completely rethought during the Italian occupation, the quays offer a succession of buildings of fascist architecture, in various styles. Among the imposing Mandraki buildings designed by the Italians, you may notice the National Bank of Greece, the National Theatre, the Post Office, the Law Courts and the Town Hall, but you can't miss the eclectic New Market style building. In this former fish market established in 1925, today there are cafés and shops.