Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese. Dedokanez is a group of 15 larger and 150 smaller islands in the southeastern Aegean Sea, of which only 26 are inhabited. In the south they border with Crete and in the east with Turkey. The west coast of Rhodes is located on the Aegean Sea and is windier, cooler and suitable for windsurfing. The east coast is located on the Mediterranean with calm and transparent turquoise water and is more suitable for swimming and children.

Rhodes is located only 18 km from the Turkish border. The Turkish coast, especially the Marmaris peninsula can be seen across the water.

The most famous resorts on Rhodes are Faliraki, Kalithea and Lindos, where there are luxury hotels. We were located in Faliraki. In Faliraki you can find different accommodation, from luxury hotels for families, through hotels for adults to smaller and cheaper hotels and private accommodation. It is famous for its long sandy beach that stretches for 5 km in the distance. The sand is fine and yellow. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for a fee. There is a boat going from Falikari to the city of Rhodes.

Rhodes town is a mixture of the medieval old town, which is under the protection of UNESCO, and the new town. The old town of Rhodes is surrounded by a 4 km long wall. The streets are cobbled streets, characterized by Gothic and Ottoman architecture. Key sites include Knights Street, Grand Master’s Palace and Hippocrates Square. Rhodes new town was under the Italian occupation, which characterizes its architecture. The new town has various shops and is good for shopping. Likewise for lunch in one of the restaurants, it is cheaper than in the old town and good if you want to avoid the heat and crowds.

The most famous and popular beach in Rhodes town is called Elli. It is known as a cosmopolitan place with fancy sunbeds, central location and turquoise water. Entrance and sunbeds cost up to 60 euros. Other famous beaches are Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Beach, Tsambika and St. Paul’s Bay (Lindos).

From Rhodes you can go on a day trip to Lindos, Symi, Kalithea or Marmaris. The ferry ride to Marmaris takes about an hour.

Lindos is a white city topped by the Acropolis. It is characterized by whitewashed houses running down the hill, narrow cobbled streets and the dramatic hilltop Acropolis, making it a popular tourist destination known for both its archeology and beaches. You will love walking the streets of Lindos, they are very nicely decorated and full of souvenir shops. Due to the steep and narrow layout, cars are not allowed in the city center. Access is possible on foot or by “donkey taxi” to the Acropolis. At the top you can see the remains of the Acropolis, but don’t expect too much. Below the town is the main beach of Lindos and the quieter, nearby bay of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul).

Kalithea is an area known for its spas and quieter atmosphere. There is a restored thermal spa built by the Italians in the 1920s with impressive, unique architecture, pebble mosaics and beautiful gardens facing the sea. The springs are no longer active, but the area is popular for swimming and snorkeling in the small, sheltered bay.

The most beautiful excursion you can go on is Symi island. Symi is a stunning, mountainous Greek island in the Dodecanese, located about 41 km from Rhodes. Known for its colorful neoclassical houses, steep streets and deep harbors, it is a popular, picturesque day trip from Rhodes Town that offers authentic cuisine and a peaceful atmosphere away from the crowds of tourists. On Symi, you will be impressed by the shops of bathing sponges, from different depths of the sea, which determine the quality and softness of the sponges. You will reach Symi by fast ferry in an hour and a half from Rhodes from the port of Mandraki.

On the way back from Symi, the ship stops at the monastery of Saint Taxiarchis Michael of Panormitos. The monastery is in the Venetian style from the 18th century, located in a bay on the southern coast of the island of Symi. It is dedicated to Archangel Michael (protector of sailors), has a gilded church, a tall baroque bell tower, two small museums and is the main place of pilgrimage for health and protection. The tourist guides will also recommend a small bakery near the monastery that sells traditional bread, pastries and cakes.

We didn’t go to Marmaris.

I will remember Rhodes as the first destination in Greece where I vacationed. I will remember it for Rhodes Town and the beautifully landscaped promenade by the port of Madraki with Italian-style building facades. Not so much in the old town, which is just as beautiful, but in walking and having lunch in the new part of town. I will remember it for the sandy beach, warm water and nicely decorated cafes in Faliraki. The gin and tonic we drank every evening in the garden of the all-inclusive hotel and after the trip to Symi and Lindos. We still use the sponges we bought on Symi and the olive soaps we bought in Lindos.