Rhodes: A Beautiful Greek Island

The Greek island of Rhodes has everything to offer for a perfect vacation. This great island that is steeped in history and mythology offers the traveler wonderful beaches nestling in craggy bays, delightful villages rising up the side of hills and mountains and a wide range of entertainment.

Here we are going to take a brief look at five of my favorite resorts on the island of Rhodes

Rhodes Town

Situated at the northern tip of the island Rhodes Town is one of the liveliest and busiest resorts in the whole of Greece. The town itself is captivating with a powerful impression being given by the great walls and dominant Palace of the Grand Masters.

Rhodes town is in fact divided in to two separate sections the Old Town and the New Town.

The Old Town offers 15^th century buildings, cobbled streets, alleys boasting ornamental arches, impressive museums and countless bars and shops. It is here that you will find the unique Street of the Knights, possibly the most medieval street in the world.

Whereas New Town is where you will find the beaches and restaurants, shops, cafés, bars and discotheques that are packed together creating an ambience that is cosmopolitan.

New Town also has much to interest the sightseer such as the bustling Mandraki Harbor where you will find floating gin palaces and the Nea Agora which has an inner courtyard that is alive with stalls, shops, cafes, bars and a fish market.

Rhodes Town is for those who enjoy hustle and bustle personally I prefer to visit Rhodes Town but to stay somewhere a little more quiet.

Lindos

35 miles down the east coast from Rhodes is Lidos the islands second most important tourist spot. Lindos is popular both as a day trip or as a place to stay.

Your first glimpse of Lindos is a cluster of small dazzlingly white houses that nestle on a hillside that overlooks a curving bay of sparkling blue water and golden sand. Crowning this remarkable scene is a magnificent fortress.

Even though thousands descent on Lindos each year it has managed to retain its charm with a delightful labyrinth of narrow alleyways that at times pass beneath canopies of vines.

Lindos is the ideal spot for lazing in the sun or swimming. And should you wish to learn to water-ski or windsurf this is the place for you.

The town of Lindos has been declared an official archaeological site and permission has to be granted for any repairs or even to paint window shutters on buildings.

All in all a delightful town.

Afantou

The meaning of Afantou is 'invisible' or 'hidden place' and is totally appropriate for this village. Afantou is set back from the coast and is a quiet and relaxed resort.

In Afantou you will find a traditional village atmosphere with locals sipping ouzo and playing back gammon outside the taverns.

The beach is a peaceful stretch of coarse sand and shingle, with secluded rocky inlets.

Golfers will find this resort particularly attractive as it does have an excellent 18-hole golf course.

For accommodation you could choose to stay at the Xenia Afandou which is a 52 bed hotel located in the golf course grounds or the Hotel Golden Days , a simple and unsophisticated family run hotel.

Faliraki

A far cry from the fishing village it used to be Faliraki is a lively and popular summer resort.

Beaches are great, swimming is safe and there are all manner of water sports to get involved with here in Faliraki including windsurfing and jet skiing.

Faliraki also offers a mini-golf course and a go-kart track for those who want a break from the beach.

There are innumerable large hotels (with more being built) in Faliraki plus many seaside amenities such as restaurants that have rooms to let, changing cabins, showers, deckchairs and parasols.

I think I should mention that the beach at Faliraki is one of the best on Rhodes Island.

Pefka

When travelling I like to find where the locals go for an escape from tourists and the locals from Lindos go to Pefka.

Pefka used to be a sleepy huddle of houses set amongst fig orchards and vineyards and the great thing is this smashing little hideaway has still not been spoiled by over development.

Of course with its popularity growing Pefka has seen a building influx but happily the new establishments are well designed studio and apartment blocks that do blend in well with the surroundings.

One of Pefka's main attractions is its long sandy beach that slopes gently to the sea (great for children). The beach is also dotted with numerous small secluded bays.

Should you stay in Pefka and are self catering then you will enjoy browsing the many small mini markets in the resort where all basic requirements can be found.

In Pefka you will find many good tavernas that offer varied menus from fresh fish and kalamari to spaghetti carbonara along with several bars and a discotheque for revellers (don't worry it is sound proofed).

This has just been a brief introduction to some of my favorite resorts that can be found on Rhodes Island

Source: Rhodes - The AA Essential