Villa Mandilaria

Hugely popular as a tourist destination, Rhodes is an island with more than its fair share of natural beauty and landmark sights. Easy to reach, with an international airport, Diagoras, about 20 minutes’ drive from the capital, it would be a shame to miss out on discovering its charms for yourself.

The town of Rhodes is as good a place to start as any and lies on the northern tip of the island. A walk along the medieval walls of the Old Town will offer you some beautiful views, accessible from the must-see Palace of the Grand Masters. Part of a World Heritage Site, this is also the location of a fine museum which offers the chance to familiarise yourself with Rhodian history, extending as far back as the 3rd century BC.

Another museum worth checking out is the Museum of Modern Greek Art, with an eclectic collection only rivalled by Athens. The New Town area is visually appealing itself, with an Art Deco influence present in much of its architecture. Mandráki harbour is the home of Evangelismós Cathedral, where you can find some impressive frescoes.

Along the coast, Lindos Acropolis is as spectacular as the coastal views it offers, and definitely worth seeing. Also down the coast, you also have resorts such as Ammoudes, Kolympia and, perhaps best-known, Faliraki. While its reputation may precede it, this is not the hedonism capital it once was. A children’s water-park and the beautiful Anthony Quinn Bay may tempt you there during the day, and an aquarium and scuba-diving school also embrace the aquatic theme.

At the very southern tip of the island, Prasonisi’s location – dividing the Aegean and the Mediterranean – is considered prime windsurfing territory. But if that sounds a little too exhilarating, Rhodes’ more sedate attractions like the Valley of the Butterflies, numerous wineries and the seven springs of the wonderfully scenic Epta Piges nature reserve, will provide just as pleasant a day out.

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. It’s got a lot of history as it’s been invaded a lot by the Persians, Carians, Ottomans, Italians, and Germans.

Average temperatures go from 20’c in April up to 30’c in July/ August and down to 20’c in November. With an average of 85 rainy days a year they get sunshine for around 280 days.

The island is 90km long with Rhodes town at the northern tip. The airport (Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras") is also in the North (15km from Rhodes Town). Charter flights and Easyjet operate direct from the UK all season and out of season (Nov-March) you’d need to fly via Athens.

The Acropolis – The Acropolis that sits high above the town of Lindos is absolutely amazing and is a must see if you’re looking for some of the best views in all of Rhodes. One thing I should mention is that the climb up to the acropolis requires you to be somewhat active and able to climb stairs, lots of them. The trail begins through town and slowly but surely starts to get steeper as you climb the hill towards the acropolis. Once there, you’re rewarded with historical buildings dating back to 300 BC. Our Villa Corteau sit just underneath the ruins.

Rhodes has over 40 beaches, here are a few: 

• Anthony Quinn’s Bay – Anthony Quinn’s bay is one of the most beautiful bays. The bay is located 17km (10 mi) south of Old Town Rhodes and offers some incredible photo opportunities to say the least.
• The beach at Anthony Quinn’s bay is one of the best beaches in Rhodes. Get there early if you want to snag a sunbed and umbrella and enjoy wading around the bright blue and green water. Amazing!
• For the best views of Anthony Quinn’s Bay from above, head on up to the windy road that leads up the hill just north of the bay and you’ll find a spot where you can sit and enjoy the virtually 180 degree views of Rhodes and its coastline.
• Tsambika Beach (or Tsampika) –  Tsampika beach is located 30km (18 mi) south of Old Town Rhodes and is a great place to spend the day in the sun.  Note: Beware there is a small section where nudists congregate on Tsampika beach 
• Lakido Beach – Just opposite Anthony Quinn’s Bay is Lakido beach. It’s literally 3 minutes walking distance from Anthony Quinn’s bay so visiting both beaches in a day is totally doable. As a matter of fact, I would highly recommend visiting both if you get the chance
• Faliraki Beach – One of the most popular tourist spots on the island of Rhodes. It was known for 18-30’s holiday in the 90-2000’s but I don’t think there is that market so much now. It is quite commercialised now there are water sports and a few diving schools.

How to reach Rhodes island 

There are two ways to reach Rhodes Island: either by flight or by ferry.

By plane: If you don’t want to lose time you can fly to Rhodes (RHO) from Athens. The flight lasts 1 hour. Many direct flights also operate from many European countries, so it will not be difficult to arrive there.

By ferry: If you choose to travel from Piraeus to Rhodes with a ferry, it will surely take you much longer but travelling with a ferry in the summer nights can be pretty enticing! The port of Rhodes is located in the southern part of the island and offers bus services to the town centre. You can easily book your ferry tickets using the link below or the booking engine.

Book your ferry tickets to Rhodes here >>