Rhodes

Rhodes offers a wide selection of accommodation that ranges from convenient city hotels to moderately-priced polished apartments and glamorous beach resorts. Afántou Bay Resort Suites (Afántou) is a contemporary choice offering a sweeping pool and views over Afántou Bay. Boutique 5 (Kiotari) is found along Kiotari’s seafront, an adults-only option that boasts high levels of luxury and even some rooms with their own private pool. The comfortable, air-conditioned apartments of 7 Palms (Proektasi Denthrinou 1B) are located in vibrant Rhodes Town, while those heading to lively Faliraki could do worse than staying at the self-catering Anelia Boutique Studios & Apartments (Faliraki).

There are some very good and varied shopping opportunities to be found in Rhodes, surprising perhaps for an island that is renowned for its laid-back culture and lounging around in the sun. Influences from the mainland combine with the island way of life to throw up plenty of interesting buys, ranging from handmade ceramics to local wines and intricate Turkish rugs. Upmarket boutiques make up some of the number when it comes to the multitude of shops in Rhodes Town, while the former bazaar area along Sokratous Street in the Old Town is great for souvenirs. Further south you will find Lindos, which is good for gift and clothing shops that line the narrow streets.

Rhodes can be an absolute pleasure when it comes to dining out, throwing up restaurants where delicious seafood, sizzling meat dishes and plentiful Greek meze can be enjoyed, with the highest concentration of foremost spots found in Rhodes Town. Head to Megiston (Sofokleous 9) for an alfresco meal and sumptuous seafood, while To Steki tou Tsima (Peloponisou 22) offers simple dishes in a local atmosphere. If you're celebrating then get a table at Hatzikelis (Alhathef 9) and look forward to a delightful feast of fresh fish.

Independence Day

25 March

This public holiday commemorates the beginning of the uprising against Turkish rule in 1821, with parades and military events marking the occasion.

Greek Orthodox Easter

April/May

Festivities permeate all parts of Rhodes as the island celebrates Easter with gusto akin to the folk on the Greek mainland. The peak of the festivities is Easter Sunday, which sees the best of the events, processions and crowds.

Rhodes Flower Festival

May

The Rhodes Flower Festival comes into bloom in late May each year, painting the attractive environs around Mandraki Harbour with beautiful spring colour. There are opportunities to sample local foods and wines, in addition to taking in the dazzling floral displays and flower-decked floats.

Medieval Rose Festival

May/June

This festival has been running each year since 2006, and brings medieval times back to life. Rhodes’ Old Town is transformed in late spring as colour takes over and re-enactments, costumed performers and skilled craftsmen rule the roost.

Festival of the Honourable Cross

September

This festival celebrates Stavros, the patron saint of the village of Kalithies, which lies 15km south of Rhodes Town. The lively event includes traditional music, dance and feasts, providing the opportunity to mix with the locals.