Mandraki Marina (Rhodes)

Introduction

Mandraki has been a harbour of Rhodes for over two thousand years — the ancient naval port, the legendary site of the Colossus, and today a working marina at the edge of the medieval Old Town.

What You'll Feel

You enter past the Fort of St. Nicholas and a line of medieval windmills, bronze deer marking the entrance where the Colossus is said to have stood; behind the quay rise the walls of the Knights' city.

What Makes It Unique

Nowhere else do you berth on the spot of a Wonder of the ancient world, beneath a UNESCO-listed medieval town — history at the dock line, not on a day trip.

The Story Behind

One of the five ports of ancient Rhodes, Mandraki was the naval "small harbour". The Colossus — a bronze giant raised around 280 BCE by Chares of Lindos to mark victory over Demetrius — stood here until an earthquake toppled it in 226 BCE. In the Middle Ages the Knights of St. John fortified the harbour and built the 15th-century Fort of St. Nicholas.

Local Life

The harbour is the busy heart of Rhodes Town — fishing boats, yachts and excursion craft share the water while the tavernas and the Old Town are a short walk away.

Best Time to Visit

Mandraki is the island's busiest harbour; June–August are peak and crowded — reserve ahead — while spring and autumn are calmer.

Fun Facts

• The legendary site of the Colossus of Rhodes, a Wonder of the ancient world.
• The Colossus was raised around 280 BCE and toppled by an earthquake in 226 BCE.
• One of the five ports of ancient Rhodes — the naval "small harbour".
• Guarded by the 15th-century Fort of St. Nicholas built by the Knights of St. John.
• Lined with medieval windmills that once ground merchants' grain.
• At the edge of the UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town of Rhodes.