Set like a jewel in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes is the largest of Greece's Dodecanese Islands in terms of both population and land mass. Northeast of Crete and southeast of Athens, it is one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Whether you're traveling to Rhodes to view the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or if you are simply looking for a unique vacation destination, be sure to pack your SCUBA gear, because you're going to need it. Here are just six of the fantastic dive sites you'll find surrounding the beautiful island of Rhodes.
Lindos
Located on the southeast coast, about 54 kilometers from the city, Lindos was an ancient city that sits on Lindos Bay, where you'll find splendid walls that drop away to about 40 meters, excellent caves filled with tiny shrimp, and the potential for some outstanding drift diving among tuna and the occasional seal. With visibility averaging 20 meters, this site is a local favorite with several trips scheduled each day.
Plimiri
Situated 85 kilometers south of Rhodes Town along Cape Vigla, Plimiri features a peaceful bay bounded by lovely white sand beaches and low dunes. Here, you'll get the opportunity to dive the wreck of the cargo ship Giannoula K, which was built in 1953 and lost in 1981. Lying 22 meters beneath the surface and 110 meters long, this massive wreck is almost completely intact and is home to a wealth of marine life. You'll be able to see the wreck before you even enter the water, as the ship's mast breaks the water's surface.
Pefkos
Just a short walk from Lindos, Pefkos is a lovely resort town with soft sandy beaches and magnificent pine trees. You'll find that the underwater vistas are just as beautiful as the topside sights; with magnificent rocky overhangs and a veritable who's who list of Mediterranean Sea life in attendance, it's hard to believe that this site features maximum depth at only 12 meters.
Kolymbia
Located on the east coast about halfway between Lindos and Rhodes Town, Kolymbia is a peaceful family resort with a clean sandy beach for relaxing. Featuring maximum depth at just 12 meters and home to an incredible array of macro life as well as lots of fish, the site offers a blend of magnificent rock formations, gently waving sea grass, and clear sandy patches where an abundance of marine life thrives.
Ladiko
Located only 15 kilometers from Rhodes Town, Ladiko lives up to its Greek name, which translates to "Always Calm" in English. Surrounded by lush green vegetation and offering deep emerald green waters, Ladiko Bay features maximum depth at a little over 30 meters, and offers a splendid wall that eventually leads to the seabed, where ancient amphorae and abundant sea life offer photographers endless opportunities for outstanding images to remember the dive by.
Kalithea
Famed since even before the Middle Ages for its therapeutic springs, Kalithea also lives up to its Greek name, which translates to "Beautiful View" in English. Renowned for its unusual rock formations and underwater caverns, the site features splendid corals and sponges as well as plenty of amazing marine life, including some species which visit from the nearby Red Sea. Maximum depth is 20 meters, but the site offers plenty to see even in the shallows, so snorkeling is an option here.
Topside, you'll find a wealth of attractions including the Acropolis of Lindos, the Ruins of Kameiros, Apollo's Temple at the Acropolis of Rhodes, and much, much more. The accommodations are stellar, the food is divine, and the people, including the dive operators, are friendly and helpful. Be sure to book in advance, especially if you plan to visit during the summer months; you'll find that doing so ensures you get the opportunity to dive Rhodes to your heart's content.