I love Greece. It is one of my most favorite countries in Europe, and exotic Rhodes, located on the southern Aegean just off the western coast of Turkey is my favorite Greek island. Two summers ago, we went to Rhodes for the last part of our six week European vacation, and it was the perfect end to the trip. Dazzling Rhodes Town enchants with its medieval Old Town, beautiful beaches, romantic tavernas, and welcoming Greek charm.
To Do:
Rent a scooter: This is by far the best way to get around Rhodes Town, and the most fun. We rented a scooter in town, at Thomas Rentals and had a wonderful time driving along the coast to beaches. Note: it can be very warm in August. but I will say I got one of the best tans of my life 😊
Explore the Old Town: Stroll around the gorgeous medieval Old Town and lose yourself in the labyrinthine cobblestone streets. Explore the Street of the Knights, and the castle ruins. Choose one of the many, wildly romantic restaurants for your meals. We spent many leisurely meals sitting at outside cafes, enjoying the sultry evening weather, sipping Greek wines, and sampling garlic prawns, spanikopita, Greek salads with salty blocks of feta and luscious, rich baklava.
Visit Mandraki Harbour
The harbor at twilight was absolutely magical. Strolling around the Rhodes Old Town harbour, felt like I was in another time, another world. The castles ruins have almost a middle eastern feel. Old Town Rhodes is known to be one of the best preserved, most extensive medieval towns in all of Europe. Wander the maze of alleyways and allow yourself to be transported to medieval Greece.
Kalithea Springs
We hopped on our scooter and headed to this gorgeous thermal springs early one morning for a bite and a refreshing swim. Advice: Get there early and reserve a sunbed with shade. Though this was a beautiful, peaceful place we didn’t arrive early enough to snag a chair, so we headed to the main beach for the rest of the day.
Beach time:
Our fav beach was Tsambiki – an epic swathe of white sand, dotted by umbrellas, surrounded by beautiful beach tavernas. We spent several languorous afternoons swimming in the sea, reading, lounging in our sun chairs, gobbling Greek salads and sipping mojitos. There’s also a huge diving board that Brad had a great time leaping off.
Of course, we headed to the Rhodes Old Town beach to catch the sunset over the water, but as you can note from the pictures it was insanely windy! I almost didn’t make it. My advice would be to stroll the harbor at sunset for some breathing taking pictures, the light just glows. And then head to Lindos for the most exquisite sunsets.
Where to eat:
Mama Sofias: Our friend Evren suggested this place emphatically. We had the shrimp saganaki (shrimp in tomato, onion, & garlic sauce), moussaka, Greek salad and baklava. Sipped a crisp Greek white. This place has a lovely view of the old town clocktower. Was fun and immensely romantic.
Hermes: Relaxed place, with a local vibe. This place served huge portions and was very budget friendly. We had chicken pita wraps, served with all the fixings – tomatoes, onions, lettuce, fries and tzakiki, plus Greek white wines and baklava, of course 😊 Enjoyed it so much we went twice!
After dinner we went for hookah and cocktails at Senses. The setting was incredibly picturesque with a view of the old ruins, and we loved the balmy weather.
Where to Stay: We stayed at Minos Pension. Great location in the old town about a five minute walk to shops, restaurants and sights. Our favorite part was the pretty rooftop bar. Had our breakfasts there every morning – frothy cappuccinos and a goblet full of creamy, Greek yogurt topped with toasted pecans, drizzled with Greek honey infused with vanilla and sprinkled with cinnamon. We ate this each morning on our rooftop terrace overlooking the Old Town. Typically I rather hate Greek yogurt and force myself to eat it for the probiotics and protein. However, this was delicious and I could not stop thinking about it. Note: Bar staff does not speak English, but we managed to get along fine. Stepping off the airplane at the Rhodes airport, we saw one of the most fabulous sunsets, setting over the Aegean. I think Rhodes was giving us a welcome show!
This market is smaller and more intimate then the ones that I am used to, and the backdrop is an absolute showstopper. Also, this market lasts until New Year’s Eve, which is a very fun and festive way to the spend the evening. We stopped by the market before our NYE’s party.
