Gennadi - Rhodes - Greece

Gennadi (Gennadion in Greek) is the head village for the Municipality of South Rhodes and is located approximately 60km from Rhodes Town,  Separated from the beach, the village lies along the main road with a sprinkling of tasty tavernas, small hotels, rooms to let and lovely villas. There is a friendly, relaxed atmosphere for visitors to the village, with its traditional village houses nestled in charming little lanes.  The village also has a number of amenities and shops including a small post office, a pharmacy and an ATM.  There is also a regular bus service for those wanting to explore the island further.

Italian architecture adds interest to the, otherwise, totally Greek atmosphere and it is well worth taking a look at the building that is now the Police Station which is a marvelous example of this.  An Olive Press Museum and natural spring water taps located around the village add to its traditional atmosphere. It is also worth visiting the byzantine churches of Ioannis Theologos  and Agia Anastasia, which were built with construction material from the demolished tower of the Knights that existed in Gennadi.  Close by, in a place called Pano Vrissi, there is a cave, where archeologists have found artefacts dating back to pre-historic times.  Not only will the cave provide you with the opportunity to take a break from the searing mid-day heat, but can also offer you a drink of cold fresh water. The water comes from waterfalls in the area, which run through the cave. It’s clean and drinkable, and, in fact, feeds the many taps scattered all over the village.

Gennadi’s greatest jewel is the exceptional beauty of its never-ending beach. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the crystal clear sea at all hours but the special moment is watching the sunrise over the sparkling waters.

 
How to get here

If you’re coming from Rhodes town in the north, take the Rhodes-Lindos National Road. You will go past the villages of Asgourou, Koskinou, Faliraki, Afandou, Kolimbia, Archangelos, Malona, Massari and Kalathos, Just after Kalathos take the right hand junction for Gennadi and Kattavia.  Passing by the villages of Pilona and Lardos. The next village, 12km down the road, is Gennadi.

 
Attractions

Church of St. Anastasia the Roman– This 12th century church was built on pre-existing foundations that go back to the 6th century AD. The interior of the church is embellished with 13th and 17th century frescoes depicting the life of Jesus and the Virgin, in the naïve style, which is very different to other frescoes in Rhodes, so it’s worth a visit. This is also the site of the village cemetery.
    Saint Ioannis the Theologianis a 19th century church.

·         This is also a good place if you’re into nature as the mountain range and the undisturbed flora and fauna are worth a visit.

 
Festivals

·         The Monday after Easter - The festival of St. George of "Tha". The festivities takes place during the day.

·         The 1st Saturday after 15th August - The festival of St. Savvas "Igiasmenos" (Savvas the Holy).

 
Interesting Facts

Gennadi beach - The beach is made up of a mix of sand and gravel and stretches for many kilometres on either side, even in the height of summer the beach is never packed.   The best time to visit is very early in the morning, when you can enjoy a dip whilst watching the sun rise.  You might even have the entire place to yourself. The seas and beach here enjoy the distinct reputation of being one of the cleanest on the island, and all the necessary tourist facilities are adequately provided for. This long beach, extending from Gennadi right down to Prasonissi, has several beaches which are as yet unexplored by the masses and which explains its pristine condition.