Mediterranean Beaches

Heading to Rhodes for a Truly Stellar Holiday Experience Is Easy – Check It Out

A guide to all things in the Mediterranean wouldn’t be complete without a brief pause for the island of Rhodes. This is truly one of the largest Greek Islands around, and it’s a very popular holiday destination. Holidaymakers love that there’s so many different historical sites, plenty of beaches to sunbathe on, and tons of different food to try. There are even roses that grow directly from the rocks. The soil is incredibly fertile, which leads to produce that has to be tasted directly to believe its supreme quality.

Interested in traveling to Rhodes? Here’s what you really need to know!

traveling to RhodesPlanning your holiday means thinking about where you’re going to stay while you’re on the island. There are plenty of little villages to call home while you’re away on holiday. We like Faliraki because it’s very family friendly, and it even has a little bit of nightlife too. So if your children are old enough, you can always get in some adult time when they’re asleep and still have fun on the island all day with them. See, it’s really the best of both worlds!

There’s markets just about all over the island, so be ready to barter — bring plenty of extra cash if you’re a true shopping hound.

Did you know that there are castles on the island? It’s true — there’s plenty of medieval scenery to be found here! If you’re looking for a beach to sunbathe on, realize that these are gravel beaches. It can be a bit overwhelming to look at the commercialization of the island, but hey, look at it from a positive point of view — at least you’re going to be getting the best service that you can find! Most of the people that call Rhodes home speak English, which means that it’s virtually impossible to get lost. You also won’t lack for conveniences, as there’s always something for sale. Tourists pour into the island, so you can’t blame the locals for taking advantage of that. It’s capitalism at its finest, but it definitely keeps the island itself afloat. The island gets well over three hundred sunny days every year, so there’s always a travel deal for going to Rhodes.

If you want to get around like a seasoned tourist, you can take the bus system. There’s really no need to rent a car unless you utterly want to. Generally speaking, driving in Greece as a whole can be problematic, with plenty of reckless drivers to be found.

You also have a fine taxi service that will get you just about anywhere that you want to go. Booking ahead of time will let you get to your destination faster. Don’t forget that if you need a taxicab late night, you’re going to pay a lot more — nearly double! Yikes!

Mopeds are extremely cost effective if you want to tour the island on your own. Make sure that you are going to be able to find a gas station …or you will be agitated. Renting a helmet is a wise move, considering the way some of the Rodians drive.

Don’t leave your camera at home if you’re headed to Rhodes. You’ll be surrounded by castles, chapels, big sweeping churches, and plenty of archeological ruins. This is an island with a history that goes very far back, so you don’t want to miss anything.

One highlight that we have to share: Epta Piges, the Seven Springs — it’s not an area with a lot going for it, but the views are truly stunning.

Epta PigesYou can go hiking, cycling, sightseeing, or check out one of the many little resorts that are all over Rhodes. If you want to swim, this is the island to go with. You can even go kitesurfing — just how many places can you do that back home, huh? Since Rhodes relies on tourism so much, you’ll find plenty of tour operators trying to make a living. If you do decide to hire one, make sure that you tip them well.

If you’re going to go sunbathing, be aware that there is just one nude beach. It’s slightly south of Faliraki, and nobody will bother you if you go out there. There’s sunbeds for hire if you’re going to really work on your tan. It’s up to you.

Some beaches are quieter than others. Make sure that you’re looking at the general environment around you. There are a lot of gravel beaches, but this shouldn’t bother you. There are still some sandy beaches if you would prefer those. If it’s a quiet beach, try to keep your group as quiet as possible.

If you’re going to be a shopper, you have plenty of things to buy. Take your girlfriend back some jewelry, and a bottle of Rhodes-style wine. Olive oil is a given — after all, you’re in Greece for crying out loud. There are also beautiful ceramic pieces. Wrap them well before you put them in your suitcase, and they should survive the plane ride home.

Avoid the sea shells that you see in souvenir shops, because they’re usually not from around Rhodes. What a drag!

Food is going to be all over the place, and it really depends on your budget. You’ll have Greek staples like baklava and stuffed grape leaves, but you’ll also have plenty of meat. If you’re a vegetarian, there are plenty of fresh salads to be had as well. The menus will be in English, so you can see what’s in everything. If you’re in doubt, ask — they will be more than happy to serve your needs.

What about the accommodations on the island? Well, it’s Rhodes where tourism is the thing to do — so there are hotels for all budgets. If you’re young enough, you can check out the hostel — but if you’re looking for a budget, you’ll have to go with a small hotel run by a family. Some hotel operators will negotiate, but usually the price is what the price is.

Rhodes is a great place for families. The entire island really does thrive on tourism, so you really can feel comfortable going here. The police are in full force, making sure that there aren’t any troublemakers. So if you’re looking for a place to party, you can find it — but you’re going to have to have a little self control. We’re not saying that you won’t get a chance to party, but you still need to be aware of your boundaries. Getting out of control can definitely cause you problems.

Overall, we can’t recommend Rhodes enough — check it out for yourself today!