Thank goodness the wise people of Rhodes chose Helios, the Greek God of the sun, as their island front-man. The worshiping paid off; today, travelers booking flights to Rhodes can rest assured their swimsuit and suntan lotion will be put to good use. Rhodes receives on average 300 days of sunshine a year and is a paradise destination for sun-worshippers. Rhodes is so popular as a vacation spot, even Greeks visit this Greek island.
But there’s more to Rhodes than beaches and bikinis. Its location between Crete and the Aegean Ocean make it a beautiful destination for land-lubbers and nature-lovers. Mountain villages and quaint towns line the landscape of this island. What’s more, flights to Rhodes means visitors are within arm’s length of neighboring Greek islands and the coast of Turkey. Whether you’re in Rhodes for the entire trip or departing from Rhodes after a Greek island tour, you’ll enjoy the luxury this little island affords.
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With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Rhodes is a sun worshipper’s paradise.From June through August, temperatures pass 100F on the Dodecanese Islands. September to October and April through mid-June are warm without the intense heat of summer. Winters are cooler, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s, but the sea is warm by early May.Summer also brings the meltemi, a cool wind from the Aegean. The force of the wind can cancel sea transport, but it is a windsurfer’s delight. The wind is at its strongest in mid-summer.
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Peak Season:
The most popular months to visit Rhodes are April through September, and the busiest months are July and August. The summer season continues into November when a midday swim is still possible. Flights to Rhodes and hotel accommodations are the priciest from July to September, and you need to book ahead for a room and rental car or bike.
Visit at the beginning or end of the peak season for milder temperatures, less wind from the meltemi, and more opportunity to enjoy the Greek culture.
Off Season:
October has a stormy week, but the rest of the month is mild and sunny. For fishing enthusiasts, winter is the main netting season on Rhodes.
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In the city of Rhodes, walking is the best way to see the sights; in fact, most wheeled vehicles are not allowed within the walled area. Traveling outside the city does require a vehicle of some sort: bicycle, public bus, tour bus, taxi, or car.
Bike rentals are available, but take caution cycling on the highways. You can also rent mopeds and motorcycles. The public bus service is good throughout the island, and the city bus system offers tours. The city of Rhodes has many taxi stands, and the fares are posted. For longer jaunts, negotiate the fare with the driver. Rental cars are available on the island. Paved highways get you around the island, but if you are traveling to the interior, many of the roads are dirt paths.
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- The entrance to the ancient harbor - called Mandraki - is marked by a statue of a deer and fawn. The Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue and one of the ancient world's seven wonders, is said to have stood here. Daily cruises depart from the harbor to islands such as Lindos, Patmos and Nissiros.
- The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes occupies the 15th-century building of the Hospital of the Knights and has collections dating from the Geometric and Classical periods as well as sculptures dating from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras.
- About 10 miles from Rhodes city center is the Bay of Faliraki, a vibrant and buzzy tourist resort with sandy beaches to complement the almost guaranteed sun. Away from the beaches and the bars however, the Acropolis of Erimokastro dates from the Mycenean period (1500-1100 BC).
- Kalithies village is close to Faliraki and is a charming place to visit. Aside from the narrow streets with restaurants and cafes, the church (Timios Stavros) offers views of the village. See the murals in the Eleousa Monastery and the cave of St. George is said to be Rhodes’s the oldest-known Neolithic dwelling.
- Lindos on the east of Rhodes is very popular. Not only does the village have good beaches and lively nightlife, it is noted for its ruins. The acropolis of Lindos, which sits high above the village, contains the remains of the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia, the Hellenistic stoa, a covered walkway with 42 columns, and The Castle of the Knights of St John.
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