Rhodes is a popular tourist resort and one of the largest Greek islands. Its shores are washed by the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The airport is located in the north of the island, 16 km from Rhodes Town.
Rhodes is divided into several resorts. Young people go to Faliraki – there are a lot of discos and nightclubs, this resort is also popular with couples with children because of its clean sandy beaches; surfers choose Ialissos; lovers of quiet and comfortable rest – Ixia and Kalithea.
Climate and weather of Rhodes
Rhodes, like almost all of Greece, has a Mediterranean climate. The summer months are hot and the winters are mild. The heat is easily tolerated thanks to the fresh breeze. Bathing season begins in May and lasts until the end of October. The best time for a vacation in Rhodes is from the end of May to September.
Beaches and sea of Rhodes
Rhodes is washed by the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. The “Kiss of the Two Seas” excursions are organized to Prasonisi, where the waters merge. The Mediterranean Sea is calmer than the Aegean Sea. The Mediterranean coast (west of the island) has sandy beaches, while the Aegean coast (east) is mostly pebbly.
The sea warms up quickly and you can swim as early as May. From the end of June to the beginning of July, a moderate wind blows in the west, which makes the summer heat easier to bear.
Rhodes Resorts
Most often tourists going on vacation to Rhodes choose the resorts of Faliraki, Ixia and Kalithea. Prices for accommodation, as well as for services, entirely depend on the season and location of the hotel. Before booking, read tourist reviews of Rhodes hotels, study their position on the map of Rhodes.
Faliraki is the most “party” place on the whole island. During the day, the resort life flows here – tourists relax on the spacious sandy beaches and children frolic in the water. Faliraki is often chosen by couples with children – there is a smooth entrance to the water, there are no strong waves.
Hotels in Faliraki have different categories, all of them – comfortable and cozy. In Faliraki there are a lot of stores and restaurants. In the evening on the main streets of the night life is booming – open the doors of dozens of bars, discos and nightclubs. Most of the hotels are located at a remote distance, so the sounds of nightlife do not bother anyone. From Faliraki you can reach Lindos and Rhodes by bus.
Ixia is a quiet and peaceful place for a vacation. There are many upscale comfortable hotels, bars, restaurants and stores. Parasailing and windsurfing enthusiasts come here.
Ialissos offers excellent conditions for kitesurfing and windsurfing. The beaches in Ialissos are pebbly.
Kalithea is a cozy place almost “by the side” of the capital of the island – the city of Rhodes. No hustle and bustle, only quiet beaches and cozy restaurants.
Attractions
According to legend, Rhodes was home to a giant statue of Zeus, the Colossus of Rhodes, recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Colossus was destroyed by an earthquake, but many ancient architectural monuments have survived to this day. For example, the acropolis in Lindos, ancient churches and chapels, and the medieval fortress in Rhodes.
Lindos and Rhodes are the main cities where tourists go “on the hunt” for attractions.
Lindos is home to a magnificent acropolis with a wonderful view of St. Peter’s Bay from its observation deck. The acropolis is located on a hill, which can be reached by donkey. The town of Lindos itself consists of snow-white buildings, streets paved with pebbles – there is a national mosaic of Hoklakia, decorated with fountains.
In ancient Rhodes, which is also called “the city of knights”, you should definitely see the beautiful Rhodes Fortress. The main building is the Palace of the Grand Masters of the Order of Ioannites. Harsh walls with towers, moats, spacious halls for feasts – all this is worth your attention. Take a look at the photos of Rhodes to set yourself up in advance to get acquainted with the island.
Greece is an Orthodox country, so there are many temples and chapels. In Rhodes there is the monastery of St. Panteleimon, where a part of the healer’s relics is kept. The second place where pilgrims go is the Seven Springs near Kolymbia.
Seven icy springs flow among emerald greenery and coolness. It is believed that one can be forgiven of all sins by walking through a dark tunnel where all seven springs merge into one stream. The brook flows into a small lake with peacocks walking along its banks.
Another magical place in Rhodes is the Valley of Butterflies, Petaloudes, near the village of Theologos. In summer, thousands of four-spot moths flock to the shade of the trees – the trunks and bushes are carpeted with them.
Sea cruises along the coast are very popular. You can save a substantial amount of money if you book your ticket in advance on the website of the carrier, Dodekanisos Seaways. You can ride catamarans or yachts along the coast, and take a ferry to the beautiful island of Symi (travel time is 2 hours). Simi is famous for its colorful colored houses.
With children you can go to the Rhodes Aquarium or the amusement park in Faliraki. There is a lunapark and water park in Faliraki and an aquarium in Rhodes.
Rhodes cuisine
In Rhodes you can try traditional Greek dishes: the famous Greek salad (“choryatiki salata”), souvlaki, moussaka. We recommend you to look in one of the “psarotaveren” – no, dogs are not served here, but fish and seafood are. Meat lovers will like kapamas – lamb with beans and chickpeas or rifikki – lamb meat in a pot.
Vegetarians will be pleased with dolmatous – rice in grape leaves. Portions are very generous, take this into account when ordering. Before serving the main courses, the cafe serves freshly baked bread and olive oil.
Greeks like to drink coffee, both hot and cold, with ice. A rich dinner or lunch is often accompanied by retsina (white wine), ouzo (aniseed vodka) or Greek beer “Mythos”.
