Rhodes, one of the most visited of the Greek islands, lies in the eastern Aegean Sea only eleven miles from the shores of Turkey. With an average of over three hundred days of sunshine a year, it has a long season lasting from March to November. Rhodes offers guaranteed sunshine, beautiful beaches, clear water, an extremely lively nightlife, quaint old towns and ancient monuments.
Rhodes has so much to offer the holidaymaker regardless of age and interests. Guaranteed sun and sandy beaches draw thousands of holidaymakers every year. There are resorts to suit all tastes from the tranquillity of those south of Lindos to the heaving nights of Faliraki with lots of variety in between. Facilities are available to the more sporty types from hiking to wind surfing. Rhodes has very many more amenities which will help you to enjoy the perfect holiday. In addition, you will find a wealth of ancient sites including the medieval town of Rhodes which is itself a World Heritage Site.
Rhodes has widespread appeal. Beautiful beaches with safe bathing for families with small children, water sports with varying degrees of excitement for adults, interesting historical sites, shops and markets, and with an extremely varied nightlife it is no surprise that so many people holiday there.
Although the most popular time to visit Rhodes is in the summer the season extends from March to November when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Resorts on Rhodes differ widely. From Faliraki, with its vibrant nightlife so popular with the young, to Pefkos and nearby Lardos, which have retained their old world appeal and offer peace and relaxation to holiday makers.
A wealth of activities exist including wind surfing, jet skiing, scuba diving and golfing to name but a few. There is also a water park in Kalithea.
The most popular beaches are on the east coast and are mostly sandy. In the wooded slopes and vineyards inland and on the wilder west coast you will find a more authentic flavour of Greece, undisturbed by mass tourism.
Rhodes Town demands to be explored with its ‘old town’ area, its fortified walls and medieval citadel. The walls were fortified by the Knights of St. John in the 14th and15th centuries. The Street of Knights leads to the Grand Master’s Palace which was rebuilt in the 1930s after being destroyed by the Turks .It is now a museum housing many of the archaeological finds from the ancient sites. Along the cobble streets and into Cyprus Square, are fashionable boutiques and jewellers.
Not far from here is the Acropolis of Rhodes dating back to the second century BC and concerts are held here.
During the summer months in Rhodes there are many cultural festivals. Most are related to the Greek Orthodox religious calendar.
Experience an open air concert in the ancient Acropolis where the acoustics are surprisingly good.
Archaeological museums, old churches, monasteries and ancient monuments are scattered across the island.
It is possible to take day excursions from Rhodes Harbour to some of the smaller islands such as Simi.
The nightlife in Rhodes has something for everyone. There are the tavernas along almost every beach where you can eat good wholesome local food. In resorts such as Faliraki the volume of the music rises with the moon in the many bars and clubs and continues until the early hours of the morning.
There are many restaurants which serve a wide variety of Greek and international cuisine.
Most resorts have the usual gift and souvenir shops where you can buy your holiday memorabilia, also known as tat! Among the local crafts are ceramics, leather goods, jewellery and embroidered linens. Markets are lively places, often with entertainment, and are well worth a visit.
More serious shoppers will find that Rhodes Town with its fashionable boutiques will more than suffice.
As in all Greek islands there are numerous tavernas, cafes, bars and restaurants which provide a wide range of food to accommodate most tastes. Traditional Greek food relies heavily on fish simply cooked and quite delicious. Moussaka is another Greek favourite made from minced lamb and aubergines.
The local wines are inexpensive and usually very palatable.
The family, including the extended family, is held in high regard in Greece. Children are always given a warm welcome and restaurants are usually very child friendly.
Over 90% of the people of Rhodes belong to the Greek Orthodox Church. When visiting Churches and monasteries, shoulders and legs should be covered to avoid offence.
Rhodes has a long summer season lasting from March to November and receives over 300 days of sunshine a year. Even despite this, you can find a cheap holiday to Rhodes in April, May or October meaning you won't miss out on any of the hot summer weather.
The resorts will also be quieter if you skip the busy summer period which can save you money on food and drink while you're over there. Bearing this in mind, you may also be better off booking room only or self catering accommodation and use the extra money you'll save to pay for your food in the many quality restaurants around the area.
The area is perfect for families and children or adults looking for varying degrees of excitement. It features many safe beaches good for catching a tan or relaxing in the warm weather, and beautiful clear blue waters which are great for water sports or snorkelling.
The night life is suitable for everybody too. There are quieter resorts where you can eat a romantic meal with your family or loved ones, or the all night partying of places like Faliraki where the music is louder and goes on well into the morning.
With all of this going on all throughout the year, the best time to book for a cheap Rhodes holiday is just outside of the summer season in April, May or October, especially if you're looking to pick up a great deal.
