Πάρκο Πλατανάκια

Located at Rhodes 851 00, Greece, Πάρκο Πλατανάκια, also known as Platanakia Park, is a compact yet strategically positioned green space that serves as both a park and a point of interest on Rhodes Island. Situated directly opposite the iconic D'Amboise Gate, it offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical proximity.

📍 Location & Accessibility

This charming park is centrally located, making it an easily accessible spot for those exploring the city of Rhodes. Its position directly across from the D'Amboise Gate of the Old Town means it often acts as a natural stopping point for tourists heading into or out of the medieval castle. Reviewers note that it's a frequent starting point for tour groups, particularly those from cruise ships.

🏰 Breathtaking Views & Photo Opportunities

One of the most compelling reasons to visit Πάρκο Πλατανάκια is the stunning panoramic views it affords. From various vantage points within the park, especially the corner between Gate D’ Amboise and the Sound and Light area, visitors can capture breathtaking vistas of the medieval Rhodes Castle and the ancient city walls. It's an ideal location for photography, providing a picturesque backdrop of history.

🌳 Natural Charm & Atmosphere

The park boasts a variety of greenery, contributing to its pleasant ambiance. Visitors can find shade under plane trees, pines, and cypresses. The park also features beautiful flowers and even some cacti, adding to its Mediterranean charm. While it can be a popular spot, especially for families with strollers due to its shaded areas, some visitors have reported it to be quite empty and peaceful during the off-season (e.g., February).

⚠️ Areas for Improvement

Despite its many positives, recent reviews highlight some significant concerns regarding the park's maintenance and cleanliness:

1. 🛣️ Poorly Maintained Pathways: Several visitors have noted that the pathways within the park are unevenly paved and full of chuckholes, making them quite treacherous. This could pose a challenge for mobility and overall safety.
2. 🗑️ Cleanliness Issues: Unfortunately, some reviews mention an "amount of garbage" and an "odor of feces" in certain areas. This indicates a need for more consistent upkeep to ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.

🛒 Nearby Amenities

On the first tier, near the exit from the D'Amboise Gate, there is a mini-market. This establishment offers a standard selection of items such as fresh juice, ice cream, cold coffee, and tourist souvenirs. However, visitors should be aware that prices here tend to be on the higher side, catering primarily to the immediate needs of passing tourists.

✨ Overall Impression

Πάρκο Πλατανάκια holds significant potential as a beautiful urban green space offering unparalleled views of Rhodes' historic treasures. Its central location and scenic outlook make it a worthwhile stop for a quick photo or a moment of relaxation. However, prospective visitors should be mindful of the reported maintenance and cleanliness issues, which can detract from the overall experience. With improved upkeep, this park could truly shine as a top attraction in Rhodes.

A beautiful small park with nice views of Rhodes castle. I visited it in February and it was almost empty.

Lovely location but this park is rather poorly maintained and looked after (especially the corner between gate D’ Amboise and Sound and light area, which offers breathtaking view of the medieval castle). Pathways are quite treacherous as they’re not evenly paved and full of chuckholes.

A small park opposite the D'Amboise gate of the old town. From here you can take nice photos with the old town as a background. The park is located in the center of the city.

A small park opposite the city gate d'Amboise. The park itself is located on the second tier. Plane trees, pines, cypresses (where would we be without them); strollers with sleeping babies stand in the shade; mothers hang out nearby. Clean, lots of flowers, some cacti. On the first tier at the exit from the gate there is a mini-market with a standard set: fresh juice, ice cream, cold coffee, tourist souvenir consumer goods, etc. at high prices. This is where tourist groups from cruise ships go on an excursion to the fortress.

The park itself is very nice. Unfortunately, the amount of garbage and the stench of feces in some places can be overwhelming