Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Greece / 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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| | Available rental properties in Rhodes |
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| |  | | Medieval Center of the Old Town in Rhodes
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE CITY medieval Old Town, within the old town wall 13th century,wireless,150 m Synagogue/Museeum/Phone/Supermarket, 500 m Seehorse fountain,Restaurants ,Shopping,Beach ,Diving
|  | | Villa Medieval Old Town Rhodes Center
within inside the wall of 13th century Old Town Rhodes ,Villa full equiped,Kitchen,Centralheating,Fireplace,Aircondition ,TV Satelite,PC,ADSL, 500 sqm Garden, invisible from outside
|  | | Rhodes Koskinou Village
Rhodes Koskinou Village,1 km to Kalithea Termal Bath ,new build House,Groundfloor Apartment,suitable for wheelchair,elderly Persons,Car necassary
|  | | House Andrea
200 m from the Grandmaster Palace ,55 sqm on different levels,all open with terrace and view to the inner garden of a Church 13 th century (not open for public).
|  | | Villa Afandou in Rhodes
Villa Afandou is located in Afandou, one of the newest and upcoming resort areas of Rhodes island. Only 500m from the beautiful pebbly beach of Afando
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