Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / Rhodes
 |  | Travel Reviews : Rhodes |
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| | | | A must-see destination
I have been to Rhodes Town four times and would go back every year if I could. Everyone is friendly and the sights are fantastic.
If you've never been, this destination is a must.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
Hire a car to explore
My partner and I have been to Rhodes on four separate occasions. Twice we stayed in Lindos and the other two in Pefkos.
Rhodes is a fantastic holiday island. I would recommend you hire a car and see the island - two days should be enough to travel the whole island.
There is lots to see and do. We took advantage of the day trips to Turkey although I would suggest you do this locally as it works out a lot cheaper than using the reps.
The weather was fantastic, even in September. I have never seen a cloud in the four years we went there, never mind rain.
The people are extremely friendly. Vist Lindos at night although be warned it can be very busy as it attracts alot of visitors.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
Head inland
We went to Lindos at the end ofJune 2005. It was lovely, friendly and very warm. We didn't have any bad weather and our self catering accommodation at Lindos View was great.
It was very clean and reasonably priced, with a lovely pool and plenty of sunbeds. I would go again definitely.
On the down side, the landscape is very dry and brown unless you travel to the interior of the island, which we did, and saw clouds of beautiful red butterflies. I thoroughly recommend this resort.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
Perfect from donkey rides to nightlife
Three years ago I had the pleasure of visiting Lindos with my partner. Although we had never heard of the resort before we were looking forward to a quite relaxing holiday.
The only information we had on the location was that there was a local shop, a doctors surgery a few bars and restaurants.
When we arrived we discovered there was a lot more to Lindos.
Beautiful beaches, no cars, breathtaking scenery, fantastic markets, bars and roof top restaurants.
All of the locals were very friendly and were very willing to help.
I have been quite lucky to have travelled around but I have to say that from the donkey rides to the nightlife, the location was perfect.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
Better than any Greek island.
Rhodes island is a beautiful and fascinating place, especially Rhodes Town.
It is very cosmopolitan, it has heaps of history and great traditional architecture. It also has a buzzing nightlife and attracts all different nationalities.
It is ideal for young / older couples who want to enjoy a great town, be in the middle of everything and still able to party all night on Orfanidou Street (Bar Street).
Better than any Greek island.
Lindos is also a beautiful place.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
You'll be seduced by the amazing views
I have been to Lindos three times now. The first time was to a wedding at St Paul's Bay - what a romantic place to get married.
Lindos is so relaxing, there are plenty of restaurants and bars. The views are amazing and the people are so friendly.
Last time I was there, I rescued a dog and I am pleased to say she is sitting next to me as I type this review.
I am looking forward to going back sometime this year and although I feel I should be exploring other countries, my heart keeps taking me back to Lindos.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
A must for beauty and weather
In May Rhodes is quite breezy, the winds seeming to be cold. However Lindos, which is were I stayed, was in the mid 30s (31c to 38c) for my entire stay.
After a few friendly chats with the locals, who make you very welcome indeed, I found out that the temperatures for this time of year were quite normal and that it was the mountains encasing Lindos which served to make it the hottest part of the island.
The sea is so clear and beautiful and warm and the sights both day and night are breathtaking.
Everyone takes life so easily on this island and in Lindos itself there are no roads so therefore no traffic to worry about.
In my opinion this island is a must for its beauty and weather.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
A stunning spot
Lindos is the most stunning place we have ever been to.The acropolis is lovely. You can take a ride on a donkey up to the top where the scenery is superb.
The Greek people are fantastic, so friendly and helpful. Rhodes's old and new town are great aswell.
There is plenty to do and see, lots of restaurants and cafes and great night life. We are going back next year.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
In the footsteps of the Knights
Walking round Rhodes Old Town is like being on a film set - except it's real.
There's so much history here. The castle (officially Palace of the Grand Masters) is really impressive - the children were overawed. In medieval times the Knights of St John lived here in the walled part of town and you can visit their quarters and see where they cared for the sick.
The only thing that spoils the town is the pressure from shop owners to buy, buy, buy - they practically dragged us in and we got a bit fed up with it at times. Away from the main streets, though, are some pretty squares with lovely old buildings where you can just sit and watch the world go by.
We'd heard Lindos was very picturesque and we weren't disappointed, although we were exhausted after climbing up the hot, narrow winding streets to the top of the town and the temple to Athena. You can take a donkey ride up, but the poor animals looked more worn out than we did, so we walked.
All the way up to the top are pretty, white-painted houses, many very old, with lots of interesting alleyways to explore. Back down at the bottom we flopped on the beach and enjoyed the view of the bay, looking up at the rock we'd just climbed - a very good day out.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
The novelty never wore off
I spent seven nights in Lindos last September with my partner. We arrived in the early hours of the morning, in almost total darkness. If I had been able to see how beautiful it was, I would never have slept that night!
When I woke up and looked out of the window I saw wild goats grazing on the hill right outside the front door. I went out onto the balcony and looked around and I just couldn't believe how spectacular the place looked.
There were dirt tracks leading down to the beach. Not a road or a car in sight. Although we were about half a mile from the beach, we could see it so clearly, it seemed like it was right outside.
The winding paths down onto the sand took us into a maze of shops, restaurants and bars. We were surprised that everything we needed and wanted was there because the town has the appearance of being so traditional and remote.
The novelty of just being there never wore off all week - I kept looking around in amazement at the sky, the sea, the beaches, the landscape and the architecture.
Small whitewashed flat-roofed buildings, cobbled narrow streets and the imposing acropolis. The sea was warm and clean (perfect for swimming) and there were many ruins on the hills which were hardly visible from the beach.
We set off to explore what turned out to be an old windmill and discovered lots of small secluded coves and beaches on the way. The weather was fantastic all week - about 27-30 degrees with not a cloud in the sky.
The air was warm and clean and although we did a lot of swimming, walking and climbing, we never got tired once. The acropolis is certainly worth a visit and we took some amazing photographs from there.
We visited Rhodes town (more touristy) by bus and walked along the coast a few miles to Pefkos, where the beach scenes from the film Shirley Valentine were filmed. We were easily able to flag down a taxi to take us back to Lindos that night.
We both have quite stressful jobs and live in a busy town centre so we chose a relaxing holiday as a means of escape. However, we would have been disapponted if there wasn't much to do in the evening as we like to eat out and go for a drink.
There were no shortage of bars and restaurants in Lindos and everything was good value for money. As the sun went down, the town lit up and became a new place for us to explore all over again.
Being vegetarian was also no problem at all, to my surprise and there was plenty of choice. I expected to live on Greek salad all week! We sampled some (well, a lot) of the cocktails from 'Lindos by Night' bar, which was our favourite haunt because of the roof-top view.
I know this is a silly thing to tell people, but I actually cried when it was time to leave. That's how good Lindos is.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
Great for island lovers
A must for all Greek island lovers. Rhodes Town is a lovely old cobbled place, steeped in history - one that we will always go back to as once is never enough.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
One of the best places in the world
I have been going to Rhodes for 16 years and will be going again in eight weeks time.
It is one of the best places in the world, there is something for everyone, discos, bars, tavernas for the young and old.
The old town is magnificent and if you are anywhere near Ixia go and say hello to Phillip - the oldest bar in Ixia
Travel Guide: Rhodes
A unique holiday
If you want a unique holiday experience, and a chance to catch a real sense of Greek history and present day lifestyle, then Lindos is an ideal choice.
There is plenty on offer in this location, from gorgeous beaches to lively nightlife.
Highlights include the Acropolis which is accessible either by foot or by donkey from the town centre, to the beautiful St. Pauls bay, with its fantastic beach.
The rest of Rhodes is easily accessible from Lindos, and many trips can be booked from the operators located in the town centre.
Faliraki is a taxi ride away, and you can even visit Marmaris in Turkey on a Hydofoil trip.
The weather from early June until late August is absolutely fantastic, although it does get extremely hot. When I visited, temperatures reached an amazing 93 degrees, in early August.
I would recommend this location to anyone looking for a break away from the usual holiday.
Travel Guide: Rhodes
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| | Destination Guide : Rhodes |
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| | | Action-packed or peaceful |  | Why go on holiday to Rhodes?
Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese, has some of the best weather in the Greek islands.
You can stay in historic Rhodes Town if you crave an all-action holiday; or go further afield to the traditional whitewashed village of Lindos, on the east coast, for picturesque views and pretty beaches.
How much does it cost?
A seven-day summer hotel package is from £350 and a return flight from £150 but there are some great bargains to be had in May and September when temperatures are often still good - if you're flexible it's worth checking for late deals for these months, but don't expect to find any in summer on this popular island.
When should I go?
Rhodes Town is crowded in the height of summer, when temperatures can soar to the 30Cs (90Fs), but the further you go from the town the less touristy it becomes. Go late spring or early autumn to avoid the crowds - temperatures are still generally good.
April averages are 70F (21C) and September still has temperatures in the 20Cs (70Fs). November to February have high rainfall, even though temperatures hover around 10C (50F) and above.
* Feeling inspired? Book a break to Greece.
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| | | Soak up the history |  | What should I do when I'm there?
Visit Rhodes old town and wander through the maze of quiet alleys, soaking up the medieval atmosphere.
The Palace of the Grand Masters, built in the 14th century, destroyed in the 19th and rebuilt in the 20th, was once a lavish holiday home for Mussolini. It's now a museum, housing a wealth of sculpture, mosaics and furniture.
The new town is the centre of beach life and nightlife. The Acropolis of Rhodes stands above the city and is a good place to catch the sunsets.
Where are the best beaches?
The east side of the island is best for beaches. Kalithea, Tsambika, Haraki, Faliraki and Agia Agathi are some of the best.
Faliraki is one of the island's tourist hotspots, so be prepared for crowds. Further south, Stegna beach is quieter and Agathi is a tranquil, sandy cove.
Where can I soak up the past?
The famous Aphrodite of Rhodes can be seen in the archeological museum in Rhodes old town. Walk down the cobbled Avenue of Knights, where the medieval knights of St John, who once ran the town, lived.
The town was heavily fortified; on Tuesday and Saturday there is a guided walk along the walls.
What's in Lindos?
Despite the booming tourist industry, Lindos maintains its traditional charm, with gleaming white-washed houses and a maze of streets. Shopping is good here, especially for crafts and jewellery.
The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most famous on the islands and receives 500,000 visitors a year. Get there early to savour the atmosphere of the place.
Where can I get away from it all?
Visit Butterfly Valley. Butterflies attracted to Petaloudes by the scent of resin in the trees gather in their thousands, creating an amazing spectacle.
Inland, visit Profitis Ilias with its monastery and panoramic sea views. Take a boat trip to nearby Symi Island, famous for its sponge trade.
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| | | Rhodes to nightlife | | Where's good for nightlife?
Rhodes New Town and Faliraki are buzzing at night, and Ixia has a pretty lively nightlife, too. If you prefer more sedate entertainment, try the son et lumiere in Rhodes Old Town, held at the Palace of the Grand Masters on selected summer evenings.
The Folk Dance Theatre in Rhodes OldTown offers a taste of traditional island entertainment.
What's the food like?
You can get chips with everything if you really want, but off the well-worn tourist track try traditional Greek dishes like tyropitta (cheese pie), dolmades (stuffed vine leaves), melitzanosalata (aubergine dip) or fasolada (bean soup).
Squid (calamari) and swordfish (xifias) are also tasty local options.
What should I buy?
Good buys in Rhodes old town include gold (usually nine-carat) and silver jewellery, leather goods and ceramics. Shop around and negotiate the price.
In Lindos you'll find lots of local crafts, including the needlework for which the town is famous. Paradisi is famed for its ceramics. Greek honey is delicious and makes an inexpensive gift.
What is there for children to do?
There are good beaches with clear water for paddling and swimming. Older children may enjoy windsurfing off Ixia or Trianda. Larger hotels organise plenty of activities for young visitors, so check with your travel agent.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London W1S 2DJ. Tel 020 7495 9300.
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| | Fact File : Rhodes |
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| | | Rhodes | | Did you know?
The Colossus of Rhodes, a 32m-high bronze statue, was thought to have straddled the harbour of Rhodes Town in ancient times.
Language
Greek
Visas
None required for EU citizens.
Getting there
There are direct flights from London to Rhodes airport. Regular buses shuttle the 16km between the airport and Rhodes Town.
Flying time from London
Four hours
Getting around
Ferries connect Rhodes to most of the nearby islands. For a reasonable price you can get to the islands of Kalymnos, Kos, Leros and Patmos. Once on the island there is a plethora of car and bike rental firms to help you explore the island, so bargain hard.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Litre of petrol 50p; bottle of beer £1; moderate restaurant meal £10; 24-exposure camera film £2.50; four-mile taxi ride about £3. Prices may vary.
Weather
In July and August temperatures can soar to the 30Cs (90Fs). April averages are 21C (70F) and September is still in the 20Cs (70Fs). November to February have high rainfall, even though temperatures hover around 10C (50F).
Time difference
Two hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 30 241
Voltage
220V, 50Hz. Plugs are the standard continental type with two round pins, so UK appliances will need an adaptor.
Opening hours
Banks open Monday to Thursday 8am-2pm, and 8am-1.30pm Friday. Larger banks also open in the late afternoon and on Saturday mornings during the tourist season (April to October). The main post office in Mandraki, Rhodes Town opens Mon-Fri 8am-8pm and Sat 8am-3pm but hotels and shops also sell stamps. Shops in the tourist areas can be open seven days a week, although most are closed during the heat of the afternoon and on Sundays. Most museums and archaeological sites are closed on Mondays.
Health - Before you go
No jabs required. The UK has reciprocal health arrangements with Greece but you'll need to take an EHIC form (available from any UK post office).
Health - When you are there
The tap water is safe to drink. Beware of the sun and pack an insect repellent.
Warnings
Book accommodation in advance during the high season as there are rarely any last-minute bargains to be had once you're out there.
Emergency
Dial 199. British Consulate, Amerikis 111. Tel 27 247.
Customs
Expect to take your time over a meal in Rhodes; service is usually friendly but rarely swift.
Pets
Greece qualifies for the pilot Pet Travel Scheme so you can take cats or dogs if you have all the necessary documentation. That can take some time to set up. See your vet for details.
Tipping
The service charge is included but a small tip is also customary.
Tourist office
Hellenic Tourism Organisation, 4 Conduit Street, London, W1R 0DJ. Tel. 020 7495 9300.
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| | Available rental properties in Rhodes |
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Beautiful stonebuilt house, 19th century, w. 3 roof terraces & romantic courtyard. sleeps 4-6. Free wireless h-speed internet. Sunbathe privately (n
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Picturesque Stonebuilt Country House in big Olive Yard. Peaceful Location, Free Wireless Internet
Make long walks, relax on the veranda, or make a bb
|  | | Villa Meltemi with private pool, free internet
beautiful stylish atmospheric lazy villa with private pool on the quiet edge of the picturesque traditional village. with fantastic panoramic sea- valley- and mountain views. free internet.
|  | | Medieval Center Maison
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITY Maisonette within the old town wall 13th century,wireless,150 m Synagogue/Museum/Phone/Supermarket, 500 m See horse fountain,Restaurants ,Shopping,Beach ,Diving
|  | | Villa Roxanne in the medieval City
inside the 13th century UNESCO World Heritage City,renovated with parts of the historical building,135 sq with 300 sq garden ,enclosed by a high wall,wireless Internet free ,800 m to the beach
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Holiday Rentals in Rhodes |
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 |  | Culture and history (1) | | | Beach (1) |
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