Villa Ianassa

You'll find this charming villa in Afantou, on the east coast of Rhodes. The largest and most famous of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes gets 300 days of sunshine a year and has a fantastic, lively atmosphere.

Afantou was founded in the days of Mediterranean pirates - in Greek, the name means 'invisible' as the island cannot be seen from the sea. It was particularly handy for those looking to escape the pirates! In the village square, the Church of Our Lady is spectacular. White with pillars and archways, three layers high, it's a lovely atmospheric church to discover. There is also a permanent folk art exhibition, linked by a tram to the beach in the summertime.

Afantou's beach is perfect for those who like their beaches serene and quiet, with stunning turquoise waters and a 3km stretch of golden sand. On the left side, there are caves and rocks for adventurers to climb and explore. The area is also famous for creating carpets, and the landscape is dotted with olive groves and fruit trees - why not pick up some fragrant olive oil to take home as a souvenir?

Anthony Quinn Bay is just two miles from the area and definitely deserves a visit. This mesmerising beach gets its name from the actor who starred in The Guns of Navarone, a movie partly shot at this beach. He fell in love with Rhodes and ended up purchasing part of it! Dramatic rocky peaks rise from the swirling azure and jade waters - the view from the top is incredible.

Just 11km is the fabled resort of Faliraki, which has been hosting holidaymakers for many years. With a superb beach and plenty of nightlife including Bar Street and Club Street where international DJs play, you certainly won't be short of a cocktail here! In the town, hunt for souvenirs like leather bags and various handicrafts. Faliraki is also famous for its brilliant array of traditional Greek tavernas on the beach.
 
A lovely day trip is to the famous Seven Springs nature park, a magical landscape wrapped in dense greenery. The clear springs cascade gently into a small lake, where water flows all year round and visitors can swim in the lake. If you don't mind small spaces, you can navigate a narrow tunnel in the park - though the hill route is beautiful - and families can enjoy a gentle walk through the park together surrounded by flocks of peacocks, ducks and geese.

Rhodes is sometimes known as the 'Island of the Knights' as it was occupied by the Roman Empire, then the Byzantine, followed by the Ottomans. Therefore, the island is a melting pot of culture and architecture to this day, especially in the Old Town. Surrounded by fortified walls, the Old Town entrance is guarded through seven gates.

Through the Freedom Gate, you'll discover the Palace of the Grand Master, which also has captivating views and a museum of Rhodian history. The New Town showcases gorgeous Art Deco architecture, particularly the Evangelismos Cathedral, with its intricate frescoes.

The villa is just a 30 minute drive to Lindos, where the narrow winding streets contain handicrafts, jewellers and charming boutiques. The main highlight is the Lindos Acropolis, also known as the ancient citadel, perched high on a clifftop

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