all rhodes lead here.... (Holiday Resorts in Rhodes)

Member Name: kissy1

Product:	Holiday Resorts in Rhodes
Date:	10/05/09 (249 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: friendly people, lovely scenery, hot men....!

Disadvantages: poor exchange rate on Euros

Rhodes is a small Greek Island which lies about 11 miles off the southwest coast of Turkey. It is one of over 6000 islands which belong to Greece. It is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands, and has a population of around 110,000 people. It is home to the Colossus of Rhodes (which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World). Rhodes old town (which is actually a city!) is also a world heritage site. Rhodes is one of Greece's largest tourist destinations.

I can talk about Rhodes with some amount of authority, as I lived there for 3 years as a teenager, and went to school on the Island. I have since visited and have been amazed at how much it has changed. I lived in a small town called Lindos. Now a thriving tourist town, at the time I lived there Lindos was no more than a small fishing village.

One thing that strikes me about Rhodes every time I go back is how beautiful it is. There are golden beaches and towering mountains. Lush green forests and beautiful lakes. If you know where to look then Rhodes really does have it all. The only thing about Rhodes I don't like is how, now everyone knows its there, it's got crowded and overly touristy.

The north of the Island is where you should head for the forests. Although these were somewhat ruined during forest fires in 2008. Here you will also find the Valley of Butterflies, a beautiful walk through a lush valley; where you will find millions of butterflies every year. In my opinion the best beach on the Island is in Lindos, and there is a beautiful little chapel right beside the water which is well worth a look, and a few photos. Having said that the Island has many lovely beaches, Ixia, Kalathos and Pefkos to name a few. All are worth a day at, you'll have to decided for your self which to visit! For the climbers I would suggest Attaviros Mountain, simply because there is a vine yard at the top!

There are parts of Rhodes which are suitable for everyone. For the older ones among us I would suggest Kolymbia or Lindos, as these tend to be the quietist. For couples I would say head for the west coast as this is where it is most secluded, and for the party animals Afandou or Falaraki are a must. For families head for Prasonisi or Glyfada Bay. And everyone should visit Rhodes old Town, and check out the harbour. The harbour and the old Town are the biggest tourist attractions on the Island, and they are near each other. So you can't do one and miss the other!

The food on Rhodes is lovely, and always fresh. Seafood is huge there as it is such a small island. In most restaurants you will eat fish caught fresh that day, usually by the restaurant owner or his son. My favourite Greek dish is Saganaki Tiri, a hard cheese which is fried and served with lemon. Salad is also huge on Rhodes. Swordfish is another speciality. Expect the restaurateurs to be out on the pavements canvassing for your trade "Madame you look lovely tonight" is usually just a ploy to get you to stop (sorry ladies!)

The buses on Rhodes are ok, but not that practical if you want to go to places off the beaten track. I would suggest hiring your own car, that way you can explore the whole Island, and maybe find a privet beach to lay on. The roads on Rhodes are good, and they are working on improving them all the time. Rhodes airport is also modern, and is only about 15 years old. Although of all the times I've been through, I've never once seen the escalators working.......!

There are so many hotels on Rhodes to choose from, you are bound to find one you like. I have never used them, as I always stay with friends, so I can't claim to be an authority on accommodation. Do your research before you go and you should have no problems.

Rhodes is also relatively crime free. Be careful with your things and you should be fine. Pick pockets are a pain in the bum in Rhodes old town though, so be sure to do up your bags. And ladies please be careful when you go out drinking in Falaraki and Arandou. Rapes on British women have soared in recent years, mostly committed by British men, the Greek men are more likely to help you out than try and harm you. Buy your own drinks, and don't leave them unattended. You wouldn't do it here, so why do it there?

The main language on the Island is obviously Greek, but they all speak English too. In fact I am fluent in Greek, but every time I try and use it on Rhodes they just reply in English (maybe my Greek isn't as good as I thought!) The Greek people are all so friendly, if you have any problems just ask someone, and they will be more than happy to help.

Most of the traditional Greek customs are gone from Rhodes now. You will still see ladies working on lace, and a lot of the older ladies on the island still wear tradition black dresses. The other odd custom you may come across is empty milk bottles on the roofs. This is to signal to the men that a young lady is ready to be wed! Although this is only practiced by Greek Orthodox. My dad put one on our roof when I was 13, I'm still not speaking to him.......!

The climate on Rhodes is quite moderate. It tends to range between 5 and 35 degrees C, depending on the time of year, with August being hottest and Jan and Feb being coolest. October to March sees sporadic rain, but the rest of the year should be bone dry!

Its not as cheap to get to Rhodes now as it used to be, but you can still get great deals. A lot of package holiday companies cover Rhodes, so you can always find trips here. It can prove fussy to try and organise your own trip as flights, hotels etc can be a bit hit and miss. But it really is a lovely Island, and if you haven't been then I would recommend you go.

Summary: a lovely Island, and worth at least 1 trip, if not 2 or 3!