Port of Mandraki
Mandraki is a historic port on the northern tip of the island right in the centre of Rhodes town.
Today, the historic part of the harbour serves as a marina for private yachts, and it is also the departure point for cruises such as snorkelling tours, cruises to the island of Symi or to the beaches of Anthony Quinn or Lindos.
Attractions along the harbour
The Mandraki area is popular not only for its cruise agency stalls, but also for the beautiful walking promenades along the water and the several sights that surround the port.
Statues of deer
One of the symbols of the whole Rhodes are the deer statues standing on slender columns on either side of the entrance to the harbour.
On the eastern side near the fortress is a statue of a roan, while on the western side closer to the center stands a statue of a male deer.
Legend has it that during the Middle Ages, the knights inhabiting Rhodes brought deer to the island as protection against poisonous snakes.
On the site of the statues of the rope and the deer, a bronze statue of the god Helios, called the Colossus of Rhodes, stood over 30 metres high between 284 and 226 BC, and was one of the Seven Wonders of the World at the time. No remnants of it have survived.
Windmills
The most popular site in Mandraki harbour is the beautiful photogenic historic windmills, which are featured more on this page.
St. Nicholas Fortress
At the end of the quay, where the windmills or the statue of the rope stands, is the massive and very well-preserved St. Nicholas Fortress, built between 1464 and 1467.
The original form has been preserved to this day, but unfortunately the interior of the fortress is currently inaccessible to the public.
Church of the Annunciation (Evangelismos)
The beautiful church of the Greek Orthodox Church known as Evangelismos is located right on the harbour promenade in Eleftherias Square.
It was constructed in 1920 during the Italian rule over the island and at first glance it is obvious that it was modeled after the Gothic churches in the medieval Old Town.
The beautifully decorated interiors should not escape your visit.
- Free admission
- Open daily 7:00-13:00 and 17:00-19:30
Nea Agora Market
The beautiful yellow and white building of the New Market was built in the early 1930s during the Italian occupation and was to be one of the main components of the city's extensive modernisation.
Architecturally, the building relates to Byzantine buildings and still serves its original purpose.
In particular, the courtyard inside the market is lined with various souvenir shops or restaurants.
Walking along the promenades
Mandraki Harbour is a great place to relax and take an easy stroll after exploring the nearby Old Town.
There are plenty of benches, ice cream, drink or souvenir stalls along the shores, and the entire west side of the harbour is surrounded by stalls of companies offering daily cruises.
Mandraki harbour is beautiful at dusk, when the deer statues, the fortress and the windmills are beautifully lit by the setting sun.
Hotels at Mandraki Harbour
The area around the port is strategically located very close to the cruise lines and the main bus station, which is located at the back of the Nea Agora building.
You will find several well rated hotels here, of which we would choose the following:
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Rhodes Town.
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