RODOS

Rhodes island/town

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Group of Greek Islands. In ancient times it was an important economic centre and has a coloured history being captured, regained and populated by many different races of people. Their influence can be seen in the many different examples of architecture, culture and art.

Rhodes Town is home to the Old Medieval Town a legacy of the Knights of St John whose headquarters were on the Island from 1309 until 1522. The walled Old Town is dominated by the magnificent Grand Masters Palace and within the walls are a maze of streets and alleyways which are home to many shops selling traditional Greek arts crafts, jewelry, coats, bags and shoes.

Alongside the Old Town is the cosmopolitan New Town with modern shops such as H&M Zara and Marks and Spencer, other designer outlets can also be found along the streets of the new town.Trendy cafés provide cool retreats in the heat of the day.There are many Museums in the Old Town and you can also walk the ancient walls around the Old Town. Art Galleries, Turkish Baths, Mosques and even an Aquarium are waiting to be discovered. On the outskirts of the town is Rodini Park a tranquil area with many paths, peacocks wander freely in the grounds.

Rhodes Town has three harbours with the famous Mandraki Harbour home to many ferry boats connecting other large and small islands. Delicious cake shops line the harbour making an ideal place for watching the world go by.

Rhodes Town was built in 408 BC and is the legendary home of the Colossus of Rhodes which allegedly stood astride the harbour for around 50 years. Rhodes Town was designated as a World Heritage site in 1988 and is home to the Old Medieval Town a legacy of the Knights of St John whose headquarters were on the Island from 1309 until 1522. The walled Old Town is dominated by the magnificent Grand Masters Palace and within the walls are a maze of streets and alleyways which are home to many shops selling traditional Greek arts crafts, jewelry, coats, bags and shoes.

Alongside the Old Town is the cosmopolitan New Town with modern shops such as H&M Zara and Marks and Spencer, other designer outlets can also be found along the streets of the new town.Trendy cafés provide cool retreats in the heat of the day.

Rhodes Town has three harbours with the famous Mandraki Harbour home to many ferry boats connecting other large and small islands. Delicious cake shops line the harbour making an ideal place for watching the world go by.

Lindos

Lindos is just 5 minutes along the road from Pefkos. 1000′s of tourists flock there every day to see the among other things the ancient acropolis. Lindos also offers a very lively night life. If your in Lindos make sure you pop into the family’s bar, Palsbar. Lindos village is classed as an architectural preservation site, most of the houses in Lindos are traditional Lindian houses which have their own unique style, some are ancient captains houses and are ornately decorated, Lindos has a stunning setting beneath the ancient acropolis, its white sugar cube houses clinging to the hillside form a picturesque scene against the turquoise blue Aegean Sea. It is a natural sun trap; probably the hottest spot on the island, three beautiful safe beaches, with convenient tavernas make it a magnet for sun worshipers. The maze of cobbled streets are lined with shops restaurants and coffee bars. At night rooftop restaurants, which serve excellent food, are the ideal place to savor the magical surroundings after which you can enjoy the night life in the excellent bars.

The Acropolis at Lindos is steeped in history, situated on a high outcrop of rock it has been occupied since Neolithic times. A visit to the Acropolis is essential not only to view the magnificent archaeological site but to also take in the breathtaking views over the village and St Paul’s Bay.

Monte Smith (Agios Stephanos)

A 2nd century B.C. site of an ancient acropolis, temple, amphitheatre and stadium. Magnificent views over Rhodes Town and across to Turkey. Close to Rhodes town, journey by Bus, Tourist train or a moderate to hard uphill walk. Free admission and permanently open.

Kallithea Spa

A beautifully restored ancient spa, with circular domed buildings of Moorish design. A large car park is available. This is a lovely site to wander through, in addition café/bars are available, and a small beach with sunbeds and umbrellas.

Ladiko Bay

A small picturesque bay and beach that is visited by some tourist boats. Beach tavernas are available. Adjacent is Anthony Quinn Bay, site of the filming of “The Guns of Navarone” Again a small bay with a rocky shoreline and beach with tavernas.

Faliraki Water Park

Full of various top quality water slides, wave pools etc. Lifeguards patrol the site which is open from May to October 9:30am to 7pm. Huge parking area available and some free buses are provided to the water park check nearby tourist offices for the schedule or at the major bus stops in Pefkos and Lindos. Lockers and life vests are available for hire at the water park and you will find various souvenir shops, snack bars and fast food bars around the site.

Afandou Village, Beach and Golf Course

Afandou has an 18hole (par 73) golf course with clubhouse. You can hire caddies, carts, clubs and balls, there is a nominal admission fee. The beach is very long and made of pebbles, a few tavernas are available. The inland village of Afandou is a busy traditional Greek village and is the second largest on the island. Absorb yourself in the Greek way of life.

Efta Piges (Seven Springs)

This is a pleasant woodland area with walks through its grounds passing streams, and bridges along the maze of pathways. The springs are found close to the Taverna and a path through a tunnel leads to a hidden gorge. Occasionally peacocks can be seen wandering the grounds.

Tsambika Monastery Church and beach.

The entrance road leading to the monastery is easily found off the main coast road however, to reach the tiny white church 300m up on the mountain you must resort to walking on foot. As well as the beautiful church there are stunning views to reward the walker. This is an area of legendary renown and religious importance.

Tsambika beach is one of the largest sandy beaches on the island and is reached via a steep road off the main coastal road. Beautiful swimming to reward you after the strenuous walk to the monastery.

Stegna Beach, Malona and Massari

Stegna Beach is accessed from a small road in the middle of Archangelos village and is a small coastal area with restaurants and tavernas. Malona and Massari are situated on the opposite side of the main coastal road from Archangelos, the villages are typical Greek villages which are famous for their orange groves and other produce from the fertile soil around this picturesque area.

Haraki and Agathi Beach

Haraki is a coastal village with a small bay. Tavernas and some accommodation line the bay and the imposing Feraklos castle adds to the beauty of this peaceful spot.

Agathi beach is situated close to Haraki and visitors should follow the signs from the main coastal road. The best beach on the island, golden sand, excellent tavernas and beautiful turquoise sea.
Villages close to Pefkos

Lardos

Ideal for a change of scenery at night time with restaurants serving not only traditional Greek cuisine but also English, other Mediterranean and sometime Asian food. Lardos is the place for Greek festivals which often take place throughout the summer. The highlights are the Traditional Greek Dancing festivals where local and visiting traditional Greek dancing groups perform in Lardos village Square on alternate Friday evenings. Most of the tavernas surround the village square so you can sit and enjoy the festivities and maybe join in the dancing.

Other Lardos festivals such as the Wine festival take place late in the season, the Olive festival takes place early in the year in nearby Laerma.

Filerimos

Approached from the town of Ialysos up a road which twists and turns through the pine clad slopes of Filerimos hill. The summit at 267m is the site of the ancient city of Ialysos. The Filerimos site has many beautiful attractions, the Church of Our Lady of Filerimos and monastery, an ancient temple, byzantine chapel, representations of the stations of the cross and magnificent views over the western side of the island. There is a large parking area, the site is closed on Monday but open daily from 08:30am until 3:00pm there is a small entrance fee.

Ancient Kamiros

Kamiros is again one of the ancient sites of Rhodes. At this site you are able to see one of the finest examples of an excavated residential area of an ancient city. This is a vast archaeological site needing a fair amount of time to enjoy. It is open daily from 08:30am until 3:00PM during the summer months.

Kamiros Skala

This is a small harbour surrounded by tavernas, it was the port of Ancient Kamiros and is now the departure point for the ferry to the nearby island of Halki

Monolithos Castle

Accessible by going cross country from the eastern side of the island. Stunning views can be seen from the road and there are many stopping points to sample and buy Souma and local Honey. The views from the road look down onto the castle which sits high upon a large rock. You may walk through the ruined castle up to the small white church of St Panteleimon. this is a site not to be missed.

Kritina Castle

Site of an old Cretan settlement, lovely village square, plateia and a small folk museum. The castle is perched 130m up on a rock. The climb, not to problematic, leads up to the former Crusader Castle

The resorts of Trianda, Ixia and Ialysos. Home of the giant luxury hotels with their own nightlife of many restaurants, and bright lights.