Museum of Modern Greek Art🏛 museum
Museum of modern Greek art in Rhodes, collection of paintings and sculptures.
Plizio Visual Lab
Rhodes Aquarium
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
The Rhodes Aquarium, officially known as the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, was constructed between 1934 and 1936 during the Italian administration of the Dodecanese Islands. Designed by architect Armando Bernabiti, the building is a prime example of Italian Art Deco architecture and is strategically located at the northernmost tip of Rhodes. The interior was uniquely designed to resemble a natural underwater cave system, providing an immersive experience for viewing the marine life of the Eastern Mediterranean. Since 1963, the facility has been operated by the National Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), functioning as both a public aquarium and a key scientific research center. It houses a diverse range of species, including sea turtles, rays, and various crustaceans, within its circular tank system. The station also includes a museum section dedicated to preserved marine specimens, making it a significant educational landmark for regional marine biology.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Museum of Modern Greek Art · Windy Beach · Diving boards
- Nearby: Ialysos (7 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 167 | 112 | 63 | 41 | 22 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 18 | 52 | 95 | 161 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The aquarium is open to visitors daily, featuring tanks with Mediterranean marine life and a small museum section. You can explore the building's Art Deco architecture both inside and out.
Typical hours
Typical opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM in summer and shorter in winter. It's best to check the official website for current times, as they change seasonally.
Photography
Photography is allowed inside the aquarium, but flash may disturb the animals and is usually not allowed. The building's exterior is a popular photo spot for its elegant design.
Time needed
Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to see the tanks and exhibits. If you are interested in marine biology, you might spend an extra 30 minutes reading the informative panels.
Combine with
Combine with a walk along the northern tip of Rhodes town, visiting the nearby Mandraki harbor and the old town. The Palace of the Grand Master is within walking distance.
Getting there
The aquarium is located at the northernmost point of Rhodes town, easily reached on foot from the old town or by local bus. Parking is limited in the area, so walking or biking is recommended.
Insider tip
Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds, as weekends can be busy with families. The aquarium is small; combine it with other attractions to fill a half-day.
Geography
Facts
- The station officially opened on August 1, 1936, as the 'Reale Istituto di Ricerca Biologica'.
- The building features distinctive maritime motifs and porthole windows characteristic of its era.
- The underground aquarium gallery contains 40 tanks arranged in a circular formation.
- Since 1963, it has been a key department of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR).
- It serves as a primary rehabilitation center for injured sea turtles in the Dodecanese.
- The tanks are maintained with a constant flow of natural seawater directly from the coast.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Rhodes Aquarium (3)
Windy Beach
Pebble beach on Rhodes' east coast, often windy, with basic facilities.
Diving boards
Diving platforms along the Rhodes city coast, used for swimming and jumping into the sea.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Rhodes Aquarium located?
At the northernmost tip of Rhodes Town.
What kind of building is it in?
A historic Art Deco building from the 1930s.
Is there a museum inside?
Yes, it combines an aquarium with a marine museum.
How long does a visit take?
About 30 to 60 minutes are sufficient.
When is it open?
Daily from 09:00 AM to 04:30 PM (longer in summer).
Rhodes Aquarium: where is it located?
Rhodes Aquarium is located in Greece.
Rhodes Aquarium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of Modern Greek Art, Windy Beach, Diving boards.
Rhodes Aquarium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Rhodes Aquarium: why is it worth visiting?
The Rhodes Aquarium, officially known as the Hydrobiological Station of Rhodes, was constructed between 1934 and 1936 during the Italian administration of the Dodecanese Islands.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Greece →
Nearby cities
Rhodes
Rhodes is a stunning Greek island city known for its incredibly well-preserved medieval Old Town and beautiful Mediterranean beaches.
Ierapetra
Ierapetra is the southernmost city in Greece and one of the warmest areas in Europe.
Vathys
Vathys is a picturesque coastal village on Kalymnos island, known for its deep, fjord-like harbor.
Kalymnos Town
Kalymnos Town is the main town of the island of Kalymnos.
Mykonos Town
Mykonos Town (Chora) is the main town on the island of Mykonos.
Lekka
Lekka is a charming traditional village on Samos island, located near the coast with access to beautiful natural beaches like Potami.
Sitia
Sitia is a coastal city in the east of the island of Crete.
Aperi
A historic and wealthy mountain village on Karpathos island, close to beautiful pristine beaches.
Volada
Volada is a beautiful mountain village on Karpathos island with stunning sea views.
Karpathos Town
Karpathos Town (Pigadia) is the main town of the island of Karpathos.
Ammoopi
Ammoopi is a popular and picturesque coastal resort on the island of Karpathos, known for its crystal-clear, shallow waters and beautiful…
Archangelos
Archangelos is one of the largest villages in Rhodes, celebrated for its rich traditions, vibrant local culture, and beautiful coastal co…
Charaki
Charaki is a quiet, picturesque fishing village on the eastern coast of Rhodes, known for its semi-circular bay and the ruins of Feraklos…
Nea Poli
A modern coastal settlement on Samos Island, located in close proximity to the historic area of Pythagorio.
Engares
Engares is a lush, traditional village on Naxos, boasting fertile valleys, historic watermills, and proximity to quiet Aegean beaches.
