Rhodes with Costa croisière: a stopover between medieval heritage and heavenly beaches

On a Costa cruise in the Mediterranean, Rhodes stands out as a special stopover. With its medieval history, cobbled streets steeped in legend and dreamy beaches, the island combines heritage and easy living with a rare intensity.

Costa offers a range of excursions to Rhodes, from guided tours of the old town to relaxing trips to the southern beaches. Start with the medieval town, a jewel not to be missed if you’re only spending a day on the island.

Rhodes Old Town: walk through a thousand years of history

Allow 2 to 3 hours to explore the old town and its main points of interest, without hurrying.

As soon as you enter the ramparts, you’re gripped by the sensation of stepping back in time. Cobbled streets and ochre stones tell the story of a city that has been a crossroads of civilizations for centuries.

Our guide Costa leads us along the Rue des Chevaliers, one of the best preserved in Europe. Long and majestic, it is lined with historic lodges, the former residences of the knights of the Order of St. John. Home to the knights of the Order of St. John who came from Europe during the Crusades. The mysterious atmosphere of the Middle Ages is best felt here. Every stone seems to carry the echoes of ancient battles, secret alliances and hastily whispered prayers.

The Palace of the Grand Masters stands out with its towers, monumental courtyard and Roman-inspired frescoes. An emblematic place, the center of power for the knights who made Rhodes a strategic stronghold in the Mediterranean.

On the way down to the port, our guide tells us the legend of the Colossus of Rhodes, a 30-metre-high giant of Helios. It was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Today, there’s nothing left of it, but its myth continues to fuel the imagination, reinforcing the island’s past grandeur.

In the alleys of the lower town, Byzantine, Ottoman and Greek cultures have overlapped, leaving mosques, hammams, churches and merchant houses. A lively and charming district, with shaded tavernas, local crafts and the gentle way of life typical of the Greek islands.

Rhodes beaches: relaxation and azure blue

It’s a 30-45 minute drive from the port to the most famous beaches in the south of the island, but if you have the time or opt for a longer excursion, Rhodes also offers some magnificent beaches, each with its own character. Here are a few of the most beautiful, accessible by car or via Costa excursions:

• Tsambika Beach: a wide golden-sand beach fringed by hills, very popular for its warm, shallow water.
• Lindos Beach: at the foot of the white village of Lindos and its acropolis, this is an exceptional spot to combine with a cultural visit.
• Anthony Quinn Bay: a wilder cove with turquoise waters, popular with snorkelers. A little more intimate.
• Faliraki Beach: busy, well-equipped, perfect for families or those looking for a little excitement.
• Agathi Beach: a quieter beach with fine golden sand, ideal for relaxing at the end of the day.

These beaches are superb, but if you’re only staying a few hours on the island, the old town really deserves priority, as its historical interest is exceptional and its beauty outstanding.

Rhodes is an unforgettable stopover, a place where you can feel the imprint of past civilizations and where you can still rest on a beach as if time had stood still. The island offers a subtle balance between exploration and relaxation, heritage and simple pleasures.

Ask about Costa’s other ports of call, such as Istanbul, Mykonos, Santorini or Crete, to extend this Mediterranean voyage rich in emotions and discoveries. Sample itinerary for a Costa Mediterranean cruise :

Find out more about all Costa cruise destinations HERE