Rhodes Holidays

Knights once used Rhodes to protect the Christian West from the East. Today, the island remains subject to invasion, though from tourists rather than intruders. Said to be Greece's sunniest island, Rhodes has a well-preserved and picturesque old city. The legendary Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, guarded its harbour in antiquity; present-day visitors will find statues of deer. Nevertheless, the old city has plenty of wonders to offer. The rest of the relatively large island offers miles of beaches, interesting archaeological sites and natural beauty spots. The best beaches are on the east coast, and Lindos is especially attractive. Faliraki, on the other hand, is a developed resort area, bustling with young visitors.

Rhodes is a major port with sea links to Athens, the islands of the Aegean and Crete, as well as to international destinations such as Turkey, Cyprus and Israel. Most international and inter-island ferries dock at Rhodes Town's commercial harbour, where travellers will find high-speed catamarans, hydrofoils, car ferries or flights to other islands in the Dodecanese. Rhodes receives direct flights from some airports in the UK during summer, and it's easy to catch a connecting flight from Athens. Public buses service the coastal towns around the island, while bus tours cover island excursions. Shared taxis are available for shorter distances, though Rhodes taxi drivers have a bad reputation for overcharging or receiving payoffs from hotels. Visitors should always agree on a fare before setting off. Rental car agencies are readily available all over the island. Horses, donkeys and bicycles are fun ways to explore the more rural and scenic areas. Walking is also a good option in many parts of Rhodes.

Rhodes is one of the liveliest islands in Greece. Its varied nightlife comprises bouzouki clubs, Greek folk dance nights and dance clubs; the streets off Faliraki beach are home to many popular cafes, bars and clubs, and there's a casino next to Elli Beach. Old Town also has a number of good entertainment venues, such as the Alexis Taverna, which hosted Winston Churchill and Jackie Kennedy once upon a time. The Son et Lumiere (Sound and Light) show at the Palace of the Grand Masters is excellent. Visitors can see traditional Greek dancing at the Nelly Dimoglou Dance Theatre.

Rhodes offers a variety of night-time diversions, ranging from the cultural to the purely hedonistic. Visitors often find an atmospheric restaurant and enjoy a long, drawn-out supper, preferably with a lovely view and some locals around them. Many of the bigger hotels have their own restaurants, bars and entertainment programmes, and all the big resorts offer entertainment options.

Shoppers can choose from a vast selection of jewellery, ceramics, carpets and leather goods, as well as local wine, honey and olive oil. Old Town offers the best shopping on the island. Its outlets sell modern, classic and antique reproduction jewellery, as well as leather goods on Socrates Street. Shoppers can also purchase antique carpets, paintings and porcelain. Many shops close between November and March when tourists are scarce.

Regarding the village scene, visitors will find local thimati honey in Siana and Vathi, and hand-woven carpets in Lindos, Afandou and Archangelos, and in some monasteries. Lace and embroidery are available in various shops throughout the island. Souvenir hunters should visit the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes, which sells reproductions of ancient statues, friezes, tiles and vases. Rhodes Town outlets offer local wines, Greek olive oil, some uniquely-styled shoes, plus the usual book stores and clothing retailers. Numerous gift shops near the main beaches sell cheap souvenirs, T-shirts and beachwear.

While Rhodes' most popular 'modern' attractions are its beautiful beaches, this island's rich past has laden it with a wealth of cultural and religious sites. Visitors can wander Old Town's charming streets and experience an old-world way of life. Or, they can climb Filerimos Hill to visit the medieval ruins. There are interesting castles at Kastellos and Monolithos, and the 200 BC Acropolis of Rhodes is another must-see. Visitors can sun themselves at a number of terrific beaches, scuba dive or surf; options include Rhodes Town, Lindos, Faliraki, Tsambika and Ixia. There are also smaller and quieter beaches at Ladiko and Afandou. Children usually enjoy Rhodes' beaches and other attractions. The Valley of the Butterflies, the local aquarium and the Faliraki Water Park are excellent choices.