DODECANESE

Rhodes

Size: 100km x 50km
Martian Risk: extreme, but only in well defined areas.

First impressions

Although one of Greece’s best-known island, and under siege in some areas by Martians, Rhodes is so large that you can still enjoy touring round the mountainous centre, the beaches of the south and some splendid archaeological sites. In high season it’s hard to avoid the Martians in the Old Town and down the east coast as far as Lindos & Pefkos, but otherwise it’s a surprisingly rewarding island and virtually the whole west coast is untouched.

Getting there

There are charter flights (mostly Weds) from almost all UK regional airports. Alternatively there are scheduled Olympic Airlines services from Heathrow, Manchester and Gatwick via Athens; and two other scheduled services a week direct to Rhodes from Gatwick.

Activities

Wandering through the Old Town with its mix of mediaeval buildings and with strong Turkish influence reflecting the long period of Ottoman occupation. Sites outside the city include the monastery of Philerimos, the classical remains at Kamiros (wonderful drains – better than many in Greece today), the Valley of the Butterflies and the famous acropolis at Lindos. You can circumnavigate the whole island by car in a day, but there are nice places to stay in if you can spare, say, three nights. Ferries allow day trips to Symi, Tilos, Halki and Kastellorizon in Greece and to Marmaris in Turkey.

Plus points

The easy access from the UK, the wide choice of first class (and lower graded) hotels, the abundance of good sandy beaches, the attractions of the ancient sites and the excursions possibilities make it an ideal location for a short break – or one component of an island-hopping holiday in the south Dodecanese.

Minus points

Whilst the hilly interior and most of the west coast is beautifully remote, the island has the trappings of any modern Mediterranean hot spot and therefore genuine Greek life is harder to find here than on most other islands. But it’s worth putting up with a few Martians just to see the Old Town and sites.

Rhodes Town

Famous for its knight life, Crusader castle, the Palace of the Knights and the charming little harbour of Mandraki. The town is a good centre for seeing the whole island – use the excellent buses if you prefer not to hire a car.

Lindos

Visually, Lindos is the same idyllic village of white houses as it was in 1968, since planningisstrict;but its character and clientele have changed. The shops are as picturesque as ever, but their wares are aimed at Martians and the bars and restaurants dispense music for morons until the small hours. So why is Hidden Greece featuring it? Simply because of a unique boutique hotel in a superb position overlooking the bay round the last corner of the village.

Rhodes: no shortage of tavernas in the Old Town

Rhodes: no shortage of Martians in the Old Town

Rhodes: Street of the Knights

Rhodes: just possible to find something to take home

Rhodes: near the top of the Old Town

Rhodes: approaching the harbour from the Old Town

Rhodes - Lindos: beach view from Melenos Hotel

Price Guide

ACCOMMODATION

Rodos Park Hotel, Rhodes Town

This is real rus in urbe territory - a luxury hotel in verdant vegetation overlooking the old town. The huge pool and its terraces offer an oasis of calm after a day's sight-seeing. The hotel's highly praised cuisine offers a change from taverna dining. Cat. Luxe. Air-con, TV, minibar, safe-box, phone. Various options available - superior rooms, suites, half board, long-stay reductions-please ask.
B&B.

Seasons
Peak 30/7-19/8
High 27/6-29/7
Mid 20/5-24/6
Low 1/4-31/10

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Ramparts Hotel, Rhodes Old Town

The hotel is 800 years old, but refurbishment more recent with excellent bathrooms and island style furniture. It is the only hotel in the old town accessible by road. From it you can climb on to the town walls and walk right round to the Palace! Nice patio and breakfast room. There is an annexe 100 metres down the street.
Cat. C: phones; TV; air-con (fans in annexe). B&B.

Seasons
High 1/7-30/9
Mid 1/6-31/10
Low 1/4-31/10

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Milenos-Lindos

14 rooms ("suites") on diferent levels, each decorated with antiques and each spaciously luxurious with huge double beds. The Lindian owner, Michailis Melenos, has devoted his extensive artistic expertise (and money) into creating something special. Roof top terrace for drinks and all meals with stunning view over Lindos Bay.
Air-con, massage, internet connection, phone, safe, sat TV. NB: the hotel has no pool. RO.

Seasons
High 1/7-30/9; Mid 1/6-30/9: Low 1/4-31/10: rates vary from room to room - prices on request.

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Avalon Boutique Hotel

Just six luxury suites, all individually designed, created within the  mediaeval walls of the Old City immediately opposite the Grand Master’s Palace on the Street of the Knights – a traffic-free area, so quiet despite being as central as it is possible to be.
Vaulted restaurant, hidden patios, balconies with distant sea views, large courtyard. Every room is different, each equipped with all modern facilities. Not just a hotel, but an experience.

Seasons
Low  1/4*31/10
High 16/6-30/9

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Hotel Atha, Old City

The Atha is a small overflow hotel for the Ramparts Hotel, in a quiet street a few moments away.

Seasons
High 1/7-30/9
Mid 1/6-31/10
Low 1/4-31/10

Hotel Paris

A relaxed, economical hotel inside the walls of the old town set round a quiet garden full of flowers and shrubs a mere five minutes on foot away. Friendly owners; bar open for evening drinks in the garden where breakfast is also served. Rooms are attractively simple, but all with own sh/ec. Small supplememt for shorter stay than 3 Knights. Mandraki Harbour to Symi & Tilos.
B&B

Seasons
High  1/7-20/9
Mid 1/4-31/10
Low  1/4-31/10
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Hotel Hermes

Medium grade hotel next door to our agent's office and a stone’s throw from the ferries and catamarans sailing from Mandraki Harbour to Symi & Tilos. Used mainly for overnight stays.

Seasons
High  1/7-30/9
Mid/Low  1/1*31/10