The Greek dream island Rhodes is known for its countless hours of sunshine. At the coasts golden sandy beaches line up. Travellers enjoy relaxing hours there and there is no lack of activities: a variety of water sports are on the programme in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea. Refreshment can also be found at the pool landscapes of the hotels on Rhodes, which are usually standard. A lot of wine is produced on the island, so walks often lead through extensive vineyards. There is a vibrant nightlife and a wide range of entertainment for young and old, including recreation programmes, which attract holidaymakers to the coastal towns and cities.
A variety of destinations attract active holidaymakers to discover the island: the approximately 1.5-hour hike from the village of Salakos to the 798-metre-high Profiti Ilias mountain leads through a shady forest area. In spring, the landscape shines in rich green, interspersed with small, colourful wild flowers. From the summit there is a fantastic view over the island and the sea to the horizon. Lovers of culture and hiking will find the tour Grab of Cleobulos from the village of Lindos to their liking. It is a 1-hour walk through a flat, barren rock landscape, with an ever-present view of the beautiful coast. The destination is the grave from the Hellenic period of a wealthy citizen of the island. Families with children are recommended to stay at a hotel on Rhodes near the Faliraki Water Park in the holiday resort of the same name. Refreshing water fun is guaranteed with inflatable dinghy rides on the Lazy River, rapid slides and numerous pools. The Nea Agora district in Rhodes City invites you to stroll through romantic alleys with jewellery and souvenir shops. Here you can buy souvenirs typical to the island, such as the colourful enamel wall plates. For amateur photographers it is the perfect place to immortalize the attractive old town and the Mandraki Harbour in one picture.
One of the outstanding sights of the island is the entire old town of Rhodes, which has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The mighty, 4 km-long medieval protective wall, which is completely preserved, is impressive. On the way through the narrow, pebbled streets you can discover one attraction after another. Among these is the Archaeological Museum, housed in a 15th century building with several arcades. Highlights include a small marble statue, the so-called Crouching Aphrodite, dating from 100 B.C. and a tomb from the 5th century. Above the roofs of the old town rises the symbol of Rhodes, the Grandmaster's Palace with roots in the 14th century. With impressive antique altars and remains of a columned hall from the Hellenistic period, the Fortress of St. John in the Acropolis of Lindo awaits those interested in history. On the way up the steep stone staircase there are other attractions such as a Byzantine tower and some column bases with inscriptions. The white bell tower of the Archangel Michael Church in the region of Archangelos, with its glittering decoration, presents itself with a magnificent exterior. Furthermore, travellers encounter an elaborately designed, fascinating black and white mosaic in the inner courtyard.
Travellers on the island can enjoy numerous traditional dishes, refined by French and Italian influences. It is customary among the Greek population to order many different dishes that are then shared among everyone at the table. If you want to get to know as many different dishes as possible during your holiday on Rhodes, you should do the same. It is common throughout Greece to order a Greek farmer's salad made of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, sheep's cheese and olive oil – called Choriatiki. Among the most famous starters are the delicious Dolmatakia: vine leaves stuffed with rice, which in Rhodes are usually served with an egg-lemon sauce. Tsatsiki, a yoghurt with a lot of garlic, and baked sheep's cheese, called saganaki, also convince with their delicious taste. Fish and meat are grilled in the typical way of the country. In addition, there is bread, which is served at every table without being asked. If guests wish a different side dish, there are usually French fries and rice on offer. Fresh fruit from the region, such as peach and honeydew melon, are a tasty dessert. Full-bodied island wines such as those from the CAIR and Emery winery round off a meal perfectly. Ouzo, an aniseed schnapps, is a drink that the locals like to drink before eating. However, it is also ideal for digestion.
Enjoy #3,000 hours of sunshine a year
Due to the many hours of sunshine, hotels on Rhodes entice you to stay in a Mediterranean climate all year round. The months from May to October are considered the best time to travel, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C, and rain is hardly to be expected. With water temperatures of 19°C to 23°C, endless bathing pleasures are possible. On the west coast, holidaymakers can cool off in summer with a constant light breeze. Pleasant temperatures also prevail in winter: The coldest month is January with a low of 8°C and a maximum daily temperature of 14°C. In December the thermometer shows up to 17°C, in March 18°C. If you want to immerse yourself in the lively carnival activity on Rhodes, the best time to visit the island is during the carnival season. In the capital there is an annual festive procession and a large social programme. Music bands, flamenco dancers, fire-eaters and knights on their nobly decorated horses provide a colourful overall picture. The same can be found in many other towns on the island, including Archangelos, Afandou and Kremasti.
From Germany, it is recommended to travel by air: on average, travellers need about 3 hours. Another option is to take the ferries, which operate regularly from Piraeus port in Athens. Most ships carry passengers and vehicles. Holidaymakers should allow between 13h and 15h for the crossing.
