Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile of the Greek Islands, and a premier travel destination because of its combination of beaches, archaeological sites, and extensive medieval town, is one of the most visited. The climate is particularly good, with the weather typically sunny and mild. The island is usually counted as one of the Dodecanese, but due to its importance for travelers is considered separately here.
The rock-rose is so prolific here that it has been named the 'Island of Roses,' though modern scholars doubt the ancient theory that the island's name comes from the Greek word for rose. While the northern coast is renowned for its lively tourist resorts the south offers tranquil beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.
Rhodes is a major travel attraction for the seekers of sunny beaches. While many of its beaches are gravel, not sand; the island can boast 300+ sun days in a year. Consequently, you will stumble into tourists and hotels and beaches full of deck chairs for rent, into shops and restaurants that cater to these tourists.
PLACE TO VISIT
Filerimos Hill - Medieval remains, a monastery and chapel. Good views over the north of the island.
Valley of the Butterflies - Since the butterflies - which are actually coloured moths - in this area need quietude for their procreation and since the area is visited by many tourists, the population of the Petaloudes "butterflies" is constantly on the decline; even to a degree that it does not make any sense anymore to go there, as you will hardly see any of the moths.
Epta Piges - (Seven springs) and that is literally all there is to see there except for a short forest walking trail. In the hot summer months, the cool shade provides a pleasant respite from the sun.
Cape Prasonisi - The southern-most tip of Rhodes. There is a peninsular connected to the main island by a sand bar. Unless you have a 4x4, think twice before driving your car across the sand bar: it becomes progressively less solid and it is easy to get stuck.
Climb Mt Attavyros - A challenging 2-3 hour climb to the island's highest point (1215m). On leaving Embonas on the road towards Siana, drive up one of the agricultural roads on the left and find a place to park. On foot, you continue up through the wine growing area in the obvious direction. There is no explicit marked path but red paint on rocks towards the top marks the best route. It is a steep climb with many large loose rocks. The descent can be especially tricky. It is also possible to drive up the mountain: the approach road comes from the South.
Lindos - The stunningly beautiful town beach on the bay. Very
Lindos Beach, as seen from Lindos village trendy, so wear your thong bikini here if you want to fit in.
Kalithea - Just north of Faliraki, this was originally an Italian built spa. It is very pleasant spot but can be crowded. Currently building work is ongoing to build what looks like it will be a modern spa adjacent to the original buildings. A number of separate beaches, each seemingly with their own taverna lie just south of the spa.
Faliraki - A long sandy beach with plenty of tavernas to choose from. There is also no shortage of people to rent jet skis from or to organise other activities. At the southern end, there is a quiter, more rocky beach but the sea there is inconveniently shallow for swimmers. The only legal nudist beach on the island which has excellent facilities including sunbed hire, toilets and food and drink outlets is also found to the south of Faliraki.
Ladiko Beach - This is a very scenic spot. On one side of the bay is a relatively small beach. The other side is rocky but a man made platform provides further space for sunbathing and access to the sea.
Tsambika Beach - on the far right of the beach near the rocks nude sunbathing is tolerated.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - The island is served by Diagoras International Airport with the IATA code RHO. The airport is situated on the west coast about 14km from Rhodes Town. There are regular flights to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete; charter airlines connect Rhodes with many major cities all over Europe. In 2006 a new wing was built at Diagoras Airport, that opened in 2007 to service only the charter flights, which during high season can reach 150-180 per day! Notice that the airport parking is small.
By boat - Rhodes is accessable via ferry from Symi, Tilos, and Bodrum, as well as Datca and Marmaris in Turkey. Cruise ships dock at the Commercial Port, east of Rhodes (city)'s Old Town.
