RHODES TOWN
Situated at the north end of the island, Rhodes Town is split between the new town and the old town.
Overlooking the harbour, the Old Town is surrounded by ancient walls built by the Knights of St. John. The old city retains many of its magnificent medieval buildings and has been designated a World Heritage Site. With its labyrinth of cobbled streets and hidden squares housing all types of craft shops, restaurants and bars, hours can be spent browsing around this part of Rhodes Town. Step outside the city walls and take a stroll past one of the many luxury boats anchored in Mandraki harbour where you'll find boats to Symi or Turkey.
The new town has a lively and cosmopolitan air with its splendid array of boutiques, excellent restaurants and nightclubs.
Mandraki Harbour is lined with boats of all shapes and sizes, luxury yachts to wooden caiques that offer trips along the eastern coastline to Lindos and the sandy beaches of Stegna and Tsambika. The entrance to the harbour is now guarded by a bronze doe on one side and a stag on the other, however it is believed that this where the huge Colossus of Rhodes once stood, a gigantic statue of Helios the god of the sun which is one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world.
The new market is well worth a visit and is easily recognized from Mandraki by the domed centre piece which houses one of the entrances where you’ll find the bustling courtyard containing stalls, shops and plenty of cafes.
Browse local markets and shops at Rhodes Town for local handicrafts, particularly traditional woven carpets, gold and silver jewellery, ceramics and pottery as well as leather goods. Upmarket boutiques offer a great selection of clothing, and local department stores offer plenty for browsing. When shopping gets too much, head off to visit the largest Aquarium in Greece with it’s 40 tanks of fish, enjoy the peace of the beautiful church of Evangelisimos (Annunciation) or take a drive to the hill of Monty Smith to take panoramic photos over Rhodes Town.
FALIRAKI
Faliraki is one the most popular holiday resorts on the island, on the very water's edge and bathed in sunlight. The pleasures of the place are not confined to the morning hours: the night life at Faliraki offers a great variety of choices - the pleasure of a good meal in one of the many little tavernas along the beach, the exciting rhythms of the bars and discos, the serenity of a walk by night beside the unruffled sea.
During the day, life centres along the long sandy beach, more than 5 kilometers wide, undoubtedly one of the best on the island. Awarded the Blue Flag for excellence, the gentle sloping sands of the beach make this resort a favourite with families. There are so many watersports here, including every one involving a speedboat, rope and inflatable fruit or kite. Kids and adults can all join in the fun.
At the impressive Faliraki Water Park, which is currently the biggest in the whole of Europe, you can enjoy water slides, a lazy river, black holes, rafting slides, the giant slide (about 140m long), kamikaze slides, a huge wave pool, an aqua-gym, poll-cafes and much, much more. A part of the water park is especially designed for children. 35 fully trained and certified lifeguards guarantee for your safety.
Click here for more details on Faliraki Water Park
A place suitable for all ages, the beach resort of Faliraki is the most developed of the island and one of the most cosmopolitan spots of Rhodes.
It is situated on the north-eastern part of Rhodes, 14 kilometres from the capital of the island and 10 kilometres from the airport. The beach of Faliraki is one of the most organised beaches of Rhodes, offering sun beds, umbrellas, many water sports (water skiing, wind surfing and much more), taverns, restaurants and beach bars.
For those who wish to be in a more quite and less crowded environment, the bay of Kathara is just the right place. It is next to Faliraki Beach, near the small fishing harbour.
By night there is the excitement of Bar Street, for those who like lively entertainment, but also a vast array of tavernas to choose somewhere a bit quieter to enjoy an evening meal.
And there is also the opportunity for a moonlit stroll along the shoreline to truly appreciate the beauty of this part of the Island.
TSAMBIKA
Tsambika (or Tsampika) is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rhodes. A long, broad beach with fine, golden sand and dozens of colourful little flags marking out the various eating establishments and beach sports centre. Apart from these, and a mini-market next to the bus stop, there is absolutely nothing else here - nothing except crowds of people of all ages and nationalities, who come to swim in the emerald crystal-clear water and admire the imposing rock with the Monastery of the Virgin of Tsambika (or Tsampika), from which the beach has taken its name. The virgin of Tsampika is said to work miracles and young women having difficulty in conceiving often pray for her aid. If their prayers are answered, they name the child after the Virgin.
The road to Tsambika monastery turns off the main road, some meters before the road to Tsambika beach. The road leads half of the way up on the hill. From this point you will have to walk up the hill, following the 350 steps, but the views at the top make it all worthwhile.
VALLEY OF BUTTERFLIES
In the western side of the island of Rhodes, approximately five kilometers south east of the village of Theologos (or Tholos), lies the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes). This is one of the most beautiful natural spots on the island of Rhodes.
Petaloudes attracts thousands of visitors during the summer months to see the swarms of Jersey Tiger moths, which settle there each summer in order to breed.
The breathtaking wooded valley with small flowing streams and waterfalls running throughout the valley, is home to liquid amber trees, which from June-September are covered with the yellow and black wings of the moths. Landscaped paths, bridges and stairways guide you through the enthralling valley, where you can enjoy a beautiful, peaceful walk even when there are few or no moths.
SEVEN SPRINGS
Epta piges (seven springs in Greek) lies on the way to Archipolis Village at a distance of about 3km before the church of Agios Nectarios. It is one of the most charming destinations on Rhodes. Seven Springs offers a cool, magical landscape, a real oasis, even in the heat of high summer, swamped in greenery. Waters come out from the springs all year around, which end up in a small lake. You get to the lake walking through a narrow tunnel of 186m. The area of Seven Springs and the nearby forests are suitable for walking.
AFANDOU
The village of Afandou is one of the largest and oldest villages on the Island of Rhodes. Filled with fruit-bearing and olive trees, the village is famous for its carpets. There is a small number of small restaurants, beach sports centres and fish tavernas.
If you visit the village, it is essential to visit the church of Our Lady, which can be found right next to the village's main square.
During the summer a small road train connects the village to the beach. The beach of Afandou is huge! Over 3Km long,with crystal clear waters. A sandy beach with some pebbles, and sea that deepens quite abruptly. On the far left side of the beach, where the shore ends, you will find areas with rocks and caves.
You should also visit the unique church of Our Lady Katholiki. The church is decorated with wall paintings originating from the 17th Century. In August the church celebrates and a big religious festival is held.
Afandou is also famous for Golf. It has an 18-hole golf course situated very close to the village.
Click here for more details on Afandou Golf Course
ANTHONY QUINNS BAY
Natural stone surfaces ideal for reclining under the sun, pine trees reaching down to the water's edge, emerald green water - Anthony Quinn certainly showed impeccable taste when he fell in love with its miniature bay. The beach is known today by the actor's name since he bought this part of the island when filming "The Guns of Navarone" here.
The waters owe their deep emerald colour to the kush green vegetation which surrounds the beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rhodes. It's mostly popular with young people - especially Italians - since the sharp rocks both in and out of the water are not ideal for families with young children or elderly people.
A beach taverna can be found on top of the bay and sun beds are available to hire.
CHARAKI
The small pleasant village of Charaki can be found at the southeastern part of Rhodes Island about 8km from the ancient town of Lindos.
The village is situated in a small bay with a clean, shingle beach lined with traditional cafes and tavernas. Charaki is overlooked by the ruins of the ancient castle of Feraklos, the first of Rhodes’ fortresses to fall to the Knights of St. John.
Over the past few years, Charaki has been developed into a popular resort for holidaymakers, appealing to those who enjoy a peaceful, relaxing holiday in a tranquil clean and friendly village steeped in history.
PRASONISI
At the most southern tip of the island of Rhodes you will find the cape of Akra Praso at Prasonisi.
Prasonisi is the Greek word for "green island". During summer time, and when water levels are low enough, this island is a pensinsula attached to Rhodes. During the winter time, and when water levels are high enough, Prasonisi becomes an island. The southern-most tip of Prasonisi contains a lighthouse.
Prasonisi is noted to be a good place for windsurfing and kitesurfing due to the strong winds. From one side of the cape there is the Mediterranean Sea with good waves and views for advanced surfers. From the other side, there is the Aegean Sea with flat water which is better suited for beginners. The area has its high season for tourists in July and August.
Prasonisi has a range of tavernas, restaurants and cafe bars making it a great place for a day out whether you are looking for surf or a relaxing day in the sun.
