One of Greece's most sought-after travel destinations today, Rhodes is the first and last stop for legions of visitors to Greece, seeking to see where the ancient Byzantines, Greeks, Turks and Venetians left their mark over the millennia.
Come discover a rich mosaic of cultures and legends at one of the most important Dodecanese islands inhabited since Neolithic times. Your flight to and hotel in Rhodes await!
Rhodes is served by Rhodes International Airport (RHO), which is well connected to the Greek cities of Crete, Thessaloniki and Athens. A flight from London or Manchester to Rhodes is quick and easy. The currency in use is the euro, and the island has ample foreign exchange kiosks and ATMs.
Rhodes is two hours ahead of the United Kingdom. The official language is Greek, though English and German are widely spoken at most local attractions. While buses are available, the island's natural beauty and endless archaeological sites are best explored with a rental car or moped.
Rhodes enjoys more than 300 days of annual sunshine, making it a sun worshipper's playground. The lengthy peak season, which lasts from April until November, is best enjoyed with well-crafted Rhodes package holidays. The hottest months – July, August and September – are opportune for swimming and diving. Winter, from December to March, is equally nice, and room rates are slashed considerably. A flight to Rhodes at this time will likely be cheaper, too.
Rhodes's festival calendar is alive and kicking almost year round. The highly awaited Medieval Rose Festival in June transports revellers to medieval times, with witch and fairy dance sequences, jesters, fire eaters and jugglers. June also features the Ecofilms Rhodes International Film and Visual Arts Festival. A flight to and hotel in Rhodes are best booked in advance in summer. Religious festivals such as the Assumption of the Virgin in August, the festival of Saint Paul in June, Easter and Christmas are celebrated with much fervour by islanders. Meanwhile, in the island's main city, also called Rhodes, the Sound and Light Show in the Old Fortress in not to be missed – it's a thoroughly scintillating affair.
Rhodes's primary beach resort, Faliraki, is where the action is, with rows of beach bars, umbrellas and hotspots. There's also an official naturist beach, Mandomata, to the southern end. The resort is home to Faliraki Water Park, a maze of giant kamikaze slides, wave pools, lazy rivers and cafés. Come unwind during your weekend in Rhodes.
Rhodes is also a great spot to try your hand at deep-sea diving, snorkelling, surfing and kite surfing. For those who prefer quiet relaxation, sunbathing and swimming opportunities abound at the island's idyllic beaches. Once you've recharged your batteries, take a boat excursion to the other Dodecanese islands of Kos, Symi, Tilos, Halki, Leros and Kalymnos. Boats leave from the Rhodes city harbour at regular intervals.
The island is the ideal place to surrender to the simplicity and magic of true island life. Architectural, natural and cultural legacies abound.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Rhodes.
Rhodes brims over with dining options, with plenty of classic beachside tavernas, British pubs and fast food chains. Take your pick from traditional Greek fare, fish and chips and Chinese and Italian cuisine. Topping the list of must-try dishes is ever-popular baked moussaka, cooked with aubergines and potatoes, and delicious hilopites pasta cooked with tomatoes and meat. There's also seafood ravioli, and classic Greek kleftiko, marinated lamb.
For desserts, tuck into local sweets baklava, kataifi and belekounia, all served with honey. Syrupy ravani cake and Greek coffee mousse are recommended, too. Finally, city breaks in Rhodes are quite incomplete without savouring the island's wines.
High-street shopping and designer labels keep seasoned shopaholics busy in Rhodes. For something more rustic, pick up some local wine, dried mountain herbs, nuts, olive oil or religious icons. Old Town Rhodes, particularly Aristotelous and Sokratous streets, is lined with shops selling colourful umbrellas, carpets, ceramics, classic antiques and jewellery – all excellent souvenirs of your weekend in Rhodes.
Local street markets (laiki agora) are recommended for clothing, upholstery, shoes and cheeses. Make the most of your visit with package holidays in Rhodes!
Planning on flying to Greece? If a city break in Rhodes doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Greece ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!