subject: Rhodes the jewel of the Greek Islands, lidos and getting there [print this page] Rhodes the jewel of the Greek Islands, lidos and getting there
Rhodes was voted 5th in the Trip AdvisorTravellers' Choice Most Popular Destination awards in 2008, and it is easy to see why. The island is the 3rd largest of the Dodecanese, part of the South Aegean Greek islands flanking the East coast of Turkey, and is locally known as 'Island of the Sun' as it boasts at least 300 days sunshine a year. Rhodes retainsa strong Greek influence, whilst openly encouraging visitors, particularly in the South and interior of the island. The pace of life is slow and relaxing, a perfect getawayfrom thestresses and strainsof normal working life. Crime rates on the islandare extremely low.
Greek culture is centered on family life, and children are warmly welcomed in bars and restaurants. There are many historical influences, including the remnants of the Colossus of Rhodes in Rhodes town, the capital of the island, and many archaeological sites from different eras found at manylocations on the island No matter what kind of holiday you prefer, Rhodes caters for all tastes, from relaxing on the beach, shopping, exploring historical sights, watersports and vibrant nightlife.
The North of the island, including Rhodes town, Faliraki, Ixia, Triandaand surrounding areas, is well populated by locals and tourists, and offers a wide choice of activities and attractions for couples and families. The lower end of the East coast, South and West coast are considerably more rural, and offer a wealth of quiet coves alongside more traditional Greek villages. Because of the small size of the island, all aspects are within easy reach by car. Bus and taxi services are also easily accessible and, on the whole, reliable - although the notorious 'Greek time' occasionally applies to the local bus services!
Lindos
Lindos Rhodes is a very popular destination and only five minutes from Olive Grove Villa, and many visitors find themselves returning year after year. From the affectionately known 'ooh-ah corner' on your approach to Lindos, arguably one of the mostbreathtaking views in Greece can be seen.Under the imposing 2nd centuryBC acropolis lies a maze of narrow, vibrant streets surrounded by whitewashed, sugar cube houses with elegant doorways and intricately pebbled courtyards. The4 beaches, all within easywalkingdistance of Lindos centre,are also diverse.A large, sandy, family friendlybeach with Blue Flag status shelves gently into the crystal clear waters. Several beachside tavernas and WCs are found here, and pedaloes, motorboats and other watersports for the more adventurous are offeredduring summer. An excellent glass bottom boat trip departs from here, and is amust-do during your stay! Pallas beach is more intimate, and is the home of several excellent tavernas, some of whom will serve you from your sunbed, such as Skala on Pallas beach. For complete tranquility, head to St Pauls bay, a quaint unspoilt cove, usually peaceful enough to relax while listening to the soothing sounds of the sea. This area is also fabulous for snorkellingamongst the surrounding rocks. The shelved sandy beach close to St Pauls chapel offers spectacular views of the acropolis and St Pauls bay, and a small taverna offers drinks and snacks - and champagne for celebratory drinks after wedding ceremonies, which popular at this location. All Rhodes beaches are kept very clean, and because of the sheer number available, noneis usually overcrowded. One of the unusual features of Lindos is that even though during the day the village thrives with visitors, the streets are totally pedestrianised, the only transport being the occasional moped or the traditional Lindos donkeys. Shops selling a wide range of cosmopolitan goods and gifts line the streets, along with a diverse range of tavernas and bars to suit every taste. One of the best ways to spend a lazy afternoon is with a cold frappe in Yiannis bar on the main street while people watching or listening to local chatter. The climb to the acropolis is arduous but worth it, for the views of Lindos, St Pauls bay and the neverending blue sea from the ancient castle walls are nothing short of spectacular. On the path towards the acropolis, Lindean ladies sell traditional, hand-embroidered tableware. If the walk is too strenuous, take a donkey (Lindos taxi) to the castle walls. Within theancient acropolis site is a relief of a ship, carved in 170 BC by the Lindeans. Walk through the Doric columns, up the "stairs to heaven" to the top level of the acropolis,where the part-renovated Temple of Athena stands, constructed during the 4th century AD. Directly below the acropolis, adjacent to the newly built town square, lies the ancient theatre. A good proportion of the seating area carved into the rock remains today. Also within the village are many chuches in different styles, often with intricate frescoes lining the walls. There are many 'Captain's houses', built the 16th to 18th century, whose exquisite architecture is unique to Greece. Many of these have been recently restored under the supervision of the Greek Archaeological Service, and several are now open to the public. Nightlife in Lindos is vibrant and friendly. The majority of visitors experiencing evening culture in Lindos are couples and families, and increasingly popular wedding parties.Choose from romantic evenings dining on one of the many rooftop tavernas, or relaxing in one of the many welcoming. All bars are English speaking, and make you feel like a local on your first visit. Local children often play in the streets in an evening, and children are welcomed in restaurants and bars until late at night. There are several nightclubs in Lindos, playing Greek, European and British popular dance music. By law, no loud music can be played after 12pm, so the nightclubs are soundproofed. Nightclubs are easy to find in the evening, yet unimposing on the traditional streets of the village. At the top of the village, at'ooh-ah corner',an outdoor all-night dance club, the Ampitheatre,can be found, with great views of the morning sunrise. Free taxis to this venue are available from the town square. Getting to Rhodes could not be easier, the flight time is justthree anda halftofour hours from most UK regional airports.
The main airlines offering flights to Rhodes Diagoras Airportare Easy Jet, Monarch, Thomson Fly, Thomas Cook Airlines, Viking, Aegean and Olympic Aiways, Jet2 also fly to Rhodes but only from the North of England.
Most services offered are direct flights with the exception of Aegean Airlines and Olympic Airlineswho only offer a direct service from London Heathrow to Athens and then aconnecting flight is required from Athens. The flight time to Athens is approximatelythree hours with the flight time between Athens and Rhodes beingone hour.
During the season lateMay to end of Octobermost airlines offer a direct service. Out of season you are restricted to the slightly longer journey between the two destinations.
The most popular day for flights is a Wednesday although flights are availble on a Saturday but more limited.
Easy Jet offer two flights on a Wednesday then a service on a Thursday Saturday and Sunday from London Gatwick. They have just added a sheduled service from Liverpool starting May 2010.
Jet 2 only offer a service on a Wednesday from Newcastle Manchester and Leeds Bradford Airports.
Thomas Cook, Thomson Fly, Monarch, Viking all offer a service on a Wednesday and Saturday from most UK London and regional airports.
Aegean and Olympic offer a daily service to Athens and there is a daily service between Rhodes and Athens.
Those travelling from mainland Europe can travel by road or rail. To Pireus just outside Athens where a ferry can be caught directly to Rhodes. The approximate ferry journey is 14 hours from athens to Rhodes.
