The largest Dodecanese island is a cultural crossroad, with a medieval town protected as a Cultural Heritage Site since 1988. Rhodes combines natural beauty with excellent touristic infrastructure.
What to see
Start off at Lindos which is the island's most demanding (since you have to go high up) but also most wonderful place. You should definitely go up to the Acropolis either on foot or on a donkey because the view will be compensating. Take a dive, you must be tired. Don't miss Kameiros archaeological site which is really very interesting. You shouldn't be lazy here either and climb up to the ancient town's Acropolis (easier climb than Lindos) where the view may bring tears to your eyes. If you haven't been there on a school trip, go to the Butterfly Valley because there are butterflies there, running waters and its cool. There is also some walking and climbing there as well. Ladikos bay is close by, one of the island's beautiful, enclosed beaches where Anthony Quinn's “The guns of Navarone” were filmed. Take a stroll at Filerimos and Profiti Ilia. Attaviros, the highest mountain in Rhodes, is worth a climb. You will see several traditional mountainside villages. Emponas and Sianna are traditional agricultural villages famous for their honey. You will walk inside the Medieval Castle every day you are in town because it is worth it. You should definitely visit the Grand Magister Palace. Finally go to Rodini and Monte Smith hill but take your car or a taxi.
Where to swim
The north side seas (Rhodes zona hotelera) like Ixia and Ialyssos, are perfectly blue with white seabeds but you will have to be prepared for a bit of wind. Unless you enjoy the cool breeze or you are a surfer, in which case you will have lots of fun. If you are looking for sandy beaches easily accessible don't bother going beyond Kameiros (there is no seafront road anyway). You better turn towards Kallithea or even better to Anthony Quinn where you can dive off rocks and have some privacy when skinny dipping. Don't miss Faliraki no matter what you hear about it. During the day it is a fine beach with calm seas, golden sand, people selling fruits, water sports and super burgers at the canteens. Even more great beaches: Ladiko, Afantou which is huge and Tsampika. The sea at Lindos is wonderful resembling a pool while things quiet down at Pefkous, Glystra, Kiotari, Gennadi and the best Prassonisi. The right side with huge waves is the surfer's paradise while the left is windless and secluded. Go after three since it is less crowded.
Where to stay
In the Old Town: Spirit of the Knights Boutique Hotel (Alexandridou 14, +30 39765). The ambiance, the decoration, the furniture, the objects and the services do absolute justice to its name. In Rhodes town: Best Western Plaza Hotel (Ierou Lochou 7, +30 22501). Quiet, four star hotel next to everything, such as the market, the casino, the sea, the Old Town plus an excellent breakfast. La vita Hotel (G. Papanikolaou 28, +30 24911) part of the well known Mitsis chain hotel, is renovated, very near the sea and the throbbing nightlife. Popis Aparts (Markou Malliaraki 21, +30 23749). Elegant apartments and studios, a mixture of tradition and pop art. It is a quiet family environment making you feel really at home.
At Ialyssos: The Ocean Blue Full Summer Resort and Spa (+30 94265). Five star with a spa, saunas, jacuzzi, restaurants, private pools, all the luxuries!
At Faliraki: Apollo Beach (+30 85513). This is an extravagant hotel especially in the pool and breakfast buffet area. Ladiko is next to Faliraki where you will find 47 appealing rooms named Ano Kampos Studios (+30 86628) overlooking either the sea or the pool or the mountain.
Where to eat
In the Medieval Town: The Sea Star (+30 31844), also known as Pizania's restaurant, serves nice fresh fish in a shady yard and fava for €3.
At Nea Poli: Elia (Charitou 7, +30 38511) is a simple Greek food restaurant with excellent stuffed tomatoes, pastitsio, Greek salads and yummy garlicky tzatziki. Koukos (Mandilara 20-26, +30 73022) is a meze place where you will taste quality, traditional small dishes. Greek coffee with homemade desserts made from fresh fruit, wine or ouzo with top quality meze. Finally there is a pastry shop chain called Stani, all around the island, with excellent tsoureki, custard creams and ice creams. One thing you will definitely taste is the traditional melekouni, delicious and nourishing, made of thyme honey, natural sesame seed, almonds, orange slivers and spices.
Nightlife
You never get bored in Rhodes – especially at Faliraki, which is extremely touristic and preferred by younger crowds. When in the Medieval Town you must visit Fuego and Soho. In new town: Swedco cafe. It is a chain with branches in other parts of Rhodes . 100% Scandinavian with northern Europe cold dishes and desserts. Beach Bar & Club Elli. You can go there in the morning and leave the next morning. You will swim at Elli beach, have a coffee, have a light snack and then go dancing in the club where famous guest Djs are usually playing. The massive Colorado Entertainment Center, on busy Orfanidou str., has three stages for every taste: live shows to dancing. On the road to Kallithea you will find Paradiso (Nikiforou Lytra, Kallithea Ave.), a club where everyone, Greek or foreigner goes for years.
Area Code: +30 22410
Police: +30 46200
Port Authority: +30 23849
Town Hall: +30 22220
First Aid: +30 80000
