Find information on Pastida in our Travel Guide covering sights, foods and nightlife plus more...
Pastida is situated a short distance inland in the north of Rhodes, seven kilometres from the coastal resort of Trianta and fifteen kilometres from Rhodes Town. It benefits from a short transfer time from the airport. Unlike many of the busier coastal resorts, Pastida allows holidaymakers to experience an authentic island atmosphere. The village lies in a fertile area surrounded by olive groves and citrus orchards and has many old buildings. It is a quiet spot offering a relaxing holiday away from the crowds. It has a small number of restaurants, tavernas and shops.
A Pastida holiday offers a tranquil break in a charming village within easy reach of the coast and the capital Rhodes Town.
Sun seekers who like to get away from crowds, will enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a Pastida holiday. The village has easy access to the coast, but it is far enough away to avoid the noise and bustle that is part of the beach scene. Pastida lies in an area surrounded by agricultural crops and citrus and orange groves, where life is lived at a gentle pace and where holidaymakers bask in the warmth and welcome of the locals as well as the sunshine.
A Pastida holiday is popular with couples and those looking for a quiet place to relax by a pool in the sun. It also attracts ramblers. Families with small children would probably prefer being closer to the beach.
The most popular time to visit Pastida is in the summer, although the season does extend from March to November when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
A Pastida holiday offers a relaxed atmosphere in a quiet traditional village away from the crowds that are usually found on the beach. Situated a short distance inland it has easy access to the resorts of Trianta and Kremasti which have good shingle beaches washed by clear blue seas. Pastida invites relaxation in its calm, unhurried atmosphere, where locals and holidaymakers alike wander the streets and its central square, partaking of refreshments in the pavement cafes.
There are local bus services to the coastal resorts as well as to Rhodes Town. Rhodes town is well worth a visit. Rhodes Town is the oldest inhabited medieval walled town in Europe. There are several gates going into the town and once inside it is very easy to get lost. Many of the cobbled alleyways are unnamed so go armed with a map that at least shows the names of the squares and where the most important historic sites are found.
Other excursions include boat trips to the small island of Simi and to the Turkish mainland. Bus tours visit the many ancient sites on the island and also the beautiful village of Lindos.
Pastida nightlife is very low-key with hotels providing in-house entertainment. The restaurants and tavernas in the village offer quiet evenings where you can dine under the stars in a relaxed atmosphere. Those looking for a livelier nightlife can take a taxi to Rhodes Town where they can party until dawn. It even has a casino for those who like a holiday flutter.
Pastida has limited shopping with mini-markets providing holiday essentials as well as the usual gift and souvenir shops. A bus will take more ardent shoppers to Rhodes Town which has the best shopping on the island. Within the walls, in the Turkish quarter, is Sokratous Street where you will find luxury goods, fashion boutiques and jewellers. Outside the walls are numerous craft, gift and souvenir shops where holiday mementoes can be purchased.
Pastida has a small number of restaurants and tavernas serving a variety of food from traditional island fare to international cuisine. Situated on a small island, fish plays an important part in the diet and small fried fish, shellfish and kalimari are firm favourites. Lamb and chicken are used most commonly in meat dishes. Local wines are very pleasant and good value. Fast food stalls such as Souvlatzidiki sell takeaway souvlakis, a type of kebab. For a more substantial snack these are sometimes wrapped in pita bread and called gyros.
Eating in Rhodes is meant to be an unhurried pleasure, so please don’t mistake the relaxed attitude of waiters for tardy service.
