Rhodes Town, on the northern tip of the island, is a wonderful combination of the old and the new. As you step through the gates of the medieval town into the maze of narrow streets it is easy to forget that you are holidaying in the twenty-first century. Step outside the walls and you have every modern convenience and leisure activity that tourists have come to expect. In addition to all of this, a Rhodes Town holiday offers guaranteed summer sunshine and beaches with crystal clear waters. It is a combination that is hard to resist.
A visit to Rhodes Town is an essential part of any holiday to the island, so why not make your base there. The medieval citadel is a magnificent sight and once inside its walls it is easy to get lost in its labyrinth of alleyways and tiny squares. The modern town has numerous restaurants, bars and shops to satisfy the most ardent of shoppers while the long shingle beach invites sun bathers and swimmers as well as offering many opportunities for water sports.
A Rhodes Town holiday appeals to a wide variety of people. Families can enjoy the shingle beach that shelves gently into the warm Mediterranean water. People of all ages are impressed by the preservation of the medieval town and its ancient remains.
The most popular time to visit Rhodes Town is in the summer although the season does extend from March to November when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Rhodes is much more than an island where sun, sand and sea can be enjoyed. It has many ancient remains and old towns and Rhodes Town itself is one of its most interesting. 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.
Rhodes Town has a long shingle beach with good swimming conditions. There is a range of water sports including diving and snorkelling.
The gardens of Andhronikou have a Son et Lumiere each evening during the summer months as well as folk dancing.
Three kilometres from the centre of town, on the road to Lindos, is the Rondini Park. It is a pleasant change from the beach and sightseeing as there are many trees offering welcome shade. It is home to many peacocks giving an exotic touch to the garden and the ponds have a splendid array of water lilies. It is in these gardens that you will find the Tomb of Ptolemies which was restored in 1924.
The modern town has everything that the twenty-first century tourist looks for in a holiday, namely, shops, bars, discos and restaurants.
There are two harbours, one for the ferries and the other for the pleasure boats where many luxury yachts are moored. Ferry trips to the small island of Simi and to Turkey are very popular.
There are many bars, pubs and discos offering a lively nightlife for those who like to party through to the early hours of the morning. Those looking for a more mellow or romantic evening will find it in the old town where bars and restaurants play traditional music. There is even a casino for those who like a holiday flutter.
Rhodes Town 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.
Rhodes Town has a large number of restaurants serving a wide variety of food which caters for most tastes. The seafood restaurants in the walled town are particularly good while the waterfront tavernas in the harbour area are the place to go for traditional island food. The local wines are very pleasant and are excellent value. Children are always very welcome even in the more exclusive restaurants and their tastes and portion size are accommodated.
