Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the largest and most beautiful Greek islands, with notable highlights including a choice of sandy (albeit crowded) beaches and well-preserved Crusader Knight settlements. Rhodos Town itself is a remarkable medieval showcase of Crusader and Ottoman architecture, and makes an excellent base for any visit.
The Old Town is a window into the Middle Ages, a time when Christian knights swept down from Europe to challenge the Muslim hordes in the Holy Land. Many stopped en route on Rhodes, which became a well-defended trading and military centre renowned throughout the Mediterranean.
The Old Town today is little-changed from those times, with high stone walls encircling a warren of pebble streets, the mighty Palace of the Grand Masters, and streets of busy boutiques and restaurants. Other highlights include the old Knights of St. John's Hospital - which has been converted into an interesting Archaeological Museum - and the nearby Avenue of the Knights (pictured below).
 |
Just a few miles south of Rhodos Town is the increasingly infamous package resort of Faliraki, overrun during summer by young Brits intent on sun-drenched debauchery. In fact, many of Rhodes' smaller towns now play host to package tourists that descend at the height of summer via the busy airport, so choose your holiday time carefully. It's not all bad news though - visit in spring or autumn and you're likely to enjoy this island all the more and avoid the worst excesses of the package tours.
 |
Lindhos is another popular destination on Rhodes, and like the capital features an imposing Knight's castle. While the pretty whitewashed streets have certainly sold their souls to tourist tat, the castle provides great views of the Aegean and surrounding countryside.
The interior of Rhodes is hilly and (in parts) wooded. Small villages have grasped the unholy tourist dollar to varying extents, but there are many quiet corners, local tavernas, and old ruins to stumble across. A car or moped is a must if you want to get off the beaten track.
Getting There
British Airways and Olympic are the key carriers to Rhodes via Athens, although there are also Cheap Airline deals. Flight time is approximately 4 hours from London.
More Information
Check out Go Greece, the Rhodes site, or (for ferry information) the useful Ferries portal.
Also visit our Greek Island guide.
|
