History of the village of Paradisi

The area was settled in the times of the Johannite knights, who built a castle here to protect it from pirate raids. After that, individual dwellings began to grow up around the medieval castle and a small village was established. However, the village got its name later when the Arabs brought exotic flowers and planted them on the hills around. The place came to be called "paradise" and hence the name Paradisi.

During the Italian occupation, the village was renamed Villanova, but only temporarily, because when the Greeks regained their position, they gave the village back its name Paradisi. At present, the village has about 2,600 inhabitants, but during the summer months this number increases by a large number of tourists.

For more information about the history of the island, see History of Rhodes.

Paradisi Tourist Resort (Paradeisi)

The village of Paradisi (or Paradeisi) is located at the northwest coast of Rhodes, right next to Rhodian Diagoras International Airport. Paradisi is a medium sized seaside tourist resort with many taverns, shops and accommodation. The main hustle and bustle of the resort takes place in the local square, where most of the taverns and tourist services are also located. Old buildings alternate with more modern villas and small hotels and tourists can enjoy entertainment day and night.

The resort also includes the partially organized sand and shingle beach of Paradisi with larger waves and beautiful sunset view.

Paradisi is also a busy resort in terms of traffic, as the main road runs through it from the capital city of Rhodes to Diagoras Airport and on to the south of the island. Bus services are frequent and reliable here. The proximity of the airport is a separate issue, as in the main summer season the air traffic on Rhodes is very busy and the sound of planes landing and departing can be unpleasant and disturbing for some.

Social festivities

An unusual experience for visitors is the "strawberry festival", which is held here every year on the first Sunday in May. The main theme is, of course, strawberries and various strawberry delicacies and products, all accompanied by dancing and music.

There are several fine Byzantine churches in and around the village. The locals also celebrate the feast of St. Marina every year on the 17th of July.

More touristic destinations of Rhodes

Close resorts: Damatria, Kremasti, Theologos (Tholos)

Most favourite resorts of Rhodes: Afandou, Archangelos, Faliraki, Ialyssos, Ixia, Kalithea, Kiotari, Kolymbia, Koskinou (Reni Koskinou), Lardos, Lindos, Rhodes (city)

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Rhodes.