Rhodes is an island with beautiful beaches, rich history, delicious food and amazing nature. This exceptionality has increasingly drawn tourism since the 60s. For a small island its many visitors have shaped some of its area which might make navigation avoiding tourist traps challenging. Most of the tourism is on its northeastern part from the city of Rhodes down the east coast until Lindos. Beyond and within that you can still find many authentic offbeat locations. We have listed the best offbeat destinations in Rhodes for you.
Eleousa
Eleousa was built for Italian lumberjacks during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese. Here you will find an abandoned ghost-town as a sign of the Italian influence on the island. The village of Eleousa was called Campochiaro during those times. The village was firstly inhabited by sawyers and lumberjacks from Northern Italy. During the war it served as a huge military base with 20,000 soldiers based there. After the war once Rhodes (and the Dodecanese islands) merged with the rest of Greece it was noticed to be a suitable spot for tuberculosis patients.
Now the buildings have been abandoned for a few decades and it is a very interesting stop to go and explore these buildings that certainly have seen a lot.
South Rhodes
South Rhodes is wild and you will for sure feel you're far from everything. Dry crops, hills, sleepy villages, sandy beaches. Stop at the villages of Kattavia, Gennadi, Mesanagros or Vati and you will definitely forget about the touristy areas of Rhodes. Listen to the crickets while enjoying your meal/beverage, interact with the locals.
Monolithos
Monolithos is a picturesque village in the mountains. At the village you have to climb up to the medieval castle of Monolithos - the views from the castle are absolutely magnificent. The castle is free of entrance and offers breathtaking views to the Mediterranean. The sunset at the Monolithos castle is extraordinary and is the perfect way to relax after the drive.
Salakos
Salakos is a charmy village on the slopes of Mt. Profitis Ilias. The scenery around the village is not the usual Rhodian postcard views - its located on thickly pine-covered slopes and rich vegetation. The rich nature can be partially explained by the natural spring "Nymph" which is located in the village. The village has a beautiful square and it is a great place to escape the crowds even in high season of summer.
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