This summer I had an opportunity to spend a relaxing week on Rhodes island. My goal was to rest and reenergize, which includes lying on the beach, swimming, and reading books, but after 3 days I gave it up. I couldn’t stay still anymore (how typical of me) and so I had to go and explore the marvelous Greek island.

Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese and the 4th largest island in Greece. It is most famous for its beautiful beaches, and they are – marvelous sandy beaches with crystal clear water. It’s coast actually extends 253 km in length, which is pretty impressing. Especially for me being from Slovenia, a country with around 40 km of coast alltogether :).

Faliraki city

I was staying near the city called Faliraki, and it turned out that the city is basically one street full of shops for the tourists, bars, and restaurants. Perfect place for those who are looking for some party and everyone with a shopping fever. There you can also buy local products such as olive oil, olive oil soups, herbs, and their tradition drinks. Although I was a bit disappointed with the city (I found it soul-less) the Faliraki beach is just marvelous.

Since I wanted to go around the island a bit (and you should!), I went for the rent-a-car, but as it could be expected during the main season, the prices were very well rounded up, from 50-80 EUR per day. So I hopped on a local transport, which turned out to be the best possible option, cheap and cozy. Yes, the local buses are waiting quite often (almost at every second hotel) but are still bearable, since the bus picked me up on the main road near my hotel and took me to Rhodos city for 2,40 EUR. Rhodos city is 15 km away from the Faliraki city center, and the drive took us about 30 min.

Rhodes old city center

Rhodos old city center is a very beautiful medieval city, completely surrounded by the wall which protected the city in the past. I was positively impressed by the city vibe. Small tip when going there: mentally prepare yourself for high temperatures, crowd, and spicy prices. There are many of tourists in the city. Every day there are boats from Turkey full of tourists coming to the Rhodos city and vice versa. When I was there, a massive oceanic cruiser ship “Queen Vicotria” was docked in the marine next to the city door gates, so you can imagine the crowds.

Since there are many tourists, there are also higher prices. When you will walk around the city you will notice, a lot of “Turkish” souvenirs like the eyes, and the lamps. You have to know that the Rhodos city is only 18 km away from the Turkey cost, plus the island was once under Turkey occupation. Overall I really like the city because you can see how a many different cultures mixed there, and live in synergy together. There are churches, Mosques, and Orthodox churches, and also the temple of Aphrodite. At “Jewish martyrs square” you can even take pictures with beautiful parrots. The Rhodos old city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. I didn’t go into any of the museums, but there are plenty of them.

Lindos city

I did another trip on the island, this time to a city a bit farther away, called Lindos. The city Lindos is 40 km aways from Faliraki city center and I got there with a local bus for 4,40 EUR. The ride took me about 50 minutes. From the bus station, you have to go down the street to get to the city, or you can wait for the bus, which gets you there for 0,5 EUR. I walked down, but used the bus for going back, since the heat was terrible. If you are going to Lindos with the car, I highly recommend you to leave the car at the top parking lot, as driving down to the city center can be painful. The road is very steep and narrow, and you can’t actually go into the city but have to leave the car on one of the parking lots outside the city.

Lindos is a very small city full of white houses. From the history, the city was known for its excellent seafarers.

On the top of the city stands an Acropolis of Lindos, you can get there through the city streets up the stairs or hire a donkey. The entering fee for the Lindos Acropolis is 12 EUR, and prepare for standing in line to get in. I finally decided not to go in, but instead, wander around the Lindos for some more time.

Under the Lindos city, there are walking paths to get to the beautiful sandy beach.

Few more things before going to Rhodes island, Greece

All of the beaches in Greece are free of charge and accessible to everyone, however, you will need to pay for the deckchair and sunshade. The daily prices for sunshade rents and one deck chair are around 5 EUR and for sunshade rents and two deck chairs 10 EUR.

The water on the Rhodes island is drinkable, which is perfect because you will need a lot of water, the heat can be quite tiring, so drink plenty of water. And don’t forget the sunscreen and something to protect you head from the strong sun.

Have you ever been to Rhodes island, what was your impression? Let us know in the comment below.

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