Rhodes

Glamorous beach resorts, affordable poolside apartments and convenient city hotels can be enjoyed on the island of Rhodes. Discover contemporary lodgings at Afántou Bay Resort Suites (Afántou), with its views over Afántou Bay and a sweeping pool. Along Kiotari’s seafront is Boutique 5 (Kiotari), a super luxurious, adults-only option where some rooms even come with their own private pool. In atmospheric Rhodes Town, 7 Palms (Proektasi Denthrinou 1B) houses comfortable and convenient air-conditioned apartments; while over in lively Faliraki, Anelia Boutique Studios & Apartments (Faliraki) provides self-catering options close to the action.

For a laid-back island where lazing in the sunshine is the top priority, Rhodes has surprisingly good and varied shopping options. With a mix of island culture and influences from the mainland, there are plenty of interesting buys, from intricate Turkish rugs and handmade ceramics to local wines, olive oil and gold and silver jewellery. Rhodes Town has a large array of shops, including some seriously glamorous boutiques filled with high-end beachwear and knockout party dresses. Alternatively, pick up souvenirs in the former bazaar area along Sokratous Street in the Old Town. Lindos, further south, also has some good clothes and gift shops in its narrow streets.

Plates piled high with fresh, simply prepared seafood, sizzling and grilled meat dishes and tabletops covered with delectable Greek meze make eating out in Rhodes an absolute pleasure if you know where to head. Rhodes Town is where the largest concentration of delightful eateries resides. Indulge in a spot of alfresco dining at Megiston (Sofokleous 9), where seafood is the highlight of the menu. For low-key dishes in a local atmosphere, there’s To Steki tou Tsima (Peloponisou 22); while for a special occasion, tuck into a luxurious fresh fish feast at Hatzikelis (Alhathef 9).

Independence Day

25 March

Military events and parades mark this public holiday that commemorates the start of the 1821 uprising against Turkish rule.

Greek Orthodox Easter

April/May

As on the Greek mainland, Easter is celebrated with gusto by many on Rhodes, with festivities taking place all around the island. Easter Sunday is when the crowds, events and processions reach their peak.

Rhodes Flower Festival

May

The beautiful environs around Mandraki Harbour come alive with spring colour in late May, as the Rhodes Flower Festival comes into bloom. As well as flower-decked floats and dazzling floral displays, the festival is a great opportunity to sample a tasty selection of local cuisine and wine.

Medieval Rose Festival

May/June

The medieval times are brought to life at this annual festival that has been going since 2006. The Medieval Rose Festival takes place in late spring, and sees the Old Town of Rhodes transformed into a mass of colourful scenes featuring costumed performers, re-enactments and skilled craftsmen.

Festival of the Honourable Cross

September

This lively festival takes place in the village of Kalithies, 15km south of Rhodes Town. Celebrating the village’s patron saint, Stavros, visitors to this popular event will mingle with the locals, who take part in traditional Greek dance, music and feasts.