Situated about 2 mls inland, Lardos - once famous for its grey marble - is now a small, typically Greek village which has grown with tourism and has a small, lively square at its centre. It has a substantial and growing community of British ex-pats - attracted by its slow, peaceful pace of life - and subsequently a few British bars and restaurants have sprung up. Some tourist accommodation is clustered around Lothiarika Beach, roughly equidistant (2 mls) from Lardos and its sister resort of Pefkos.

Caters for the independent traveller, particularly budget and middle range, looking for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Mostly British visitors with some French and Scandinavian; English is widely spoken. Car hire is highly recommended.

Mainly small, low-rise, family-owned apartments and hotels. Properties sometimes charge for in-room fridge, air conditioning and fans, so it's advisable to check with the tour operator that these charges are included in their price; in-room TVs are mainly found only in the better class hotels, rarely in self-catering accommodation.

Small beaches are dotted all around the bay, with Lothiarika Beach the most immediate choice in the Lardos resort area. It is around 40 yds wide with coarse sand and pebbles; the water is shallow with a stony bed but it deepens quickly away from the beach. It is backed by scrubland with some olive trees and a couple of tavernas. Lardos Beach itself, which stretches westwards along the coast for some miles, has coarse grey sand and water-sports facilities. Probably the best beach in the area is at Pefkos, around 600 yds from the main road and accessed via steps and a ramp; it comprises a long, narrow strip of dark-coloured sand with shallow water and is backed by low rocks and bushes. Sunbeds and parasols are available, and there are a couple of beachfront tavernas.

Lardos has a bank and some reasonably substantial shops catering for most tourist needs. Nearby Pefkos offers a similar if slightly more basic range. More sophisticated choice is found in Lindos.

Daytime: beach and water-based activities; glass-bottomed boat trips; go-karting. Nightlife: a small selection of bars and tavernas; Greek folklore nights at the hotels. For more sophisticated nightclubs and bars, try Lindos.

Choice of tavernas offering Greek, British and international menus.

Bus service to Lindos and Rhodes Town. Boat service from Pefkos to Lindos twice daily. Taxis available but agree the price beforehand as some overcharging has been reported.

Half day: picturesque village of Lindos. Full day: island tour; boat to Symi island; water park at Faliraki; Marmaris on the Turkish mainland.

Midway down the E coast. 2½ mls NW of Pefkos. 2 mls SW of Lindos. 36 mls SW of Rhodes Town. 38 mls S of the airport.

A scattered development lining both sides of the main road leading inland to the old village of Lardos; backed by rocky hills dotted with olive trees, hardy foliage and goats.

Telephone Area Code: 22440
Post Code: 85109

Airport : Paradisi
Airport Code: RHO
Flight time from ther U.K.: 4 hrs