Things You'll Need:
- A computer with internet connection
- Paypal account or credit card
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Step 1
Avoid to travel on weekends period. You will avoid traffic congestion, long waiting cues and you will benefit from lower fares in non-peak times.
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Step 2
Choose your holiday dates wisely. Rhodes has a 5 months of excellent weather from May 15 to October. The best weather conditions are in September when the temperatures are a bit cooler than in mid summer. I would suggest you to consider May, June and October for your holidays. You will get much lower prices, better service and you'll avoid overcrowded beaches, sites, museums and streets.
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Step 3
Buy your air tickets early to get discounts. Now-days it is much easier to buy tickets online. There is a number of companies that offer connections to Rhodes. If you're flying from the UK check Monarch, EasyJet and Jet2 sites (find the links below).
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Step 4
Search for an accommodation as soon you have fixed your dates and bought your airline tickets but not before. My suggestion would be to avoid the big hotels and instead look for an apartments or a holiday villa. Apartments cost less, you're free to cook your meal and generally be more close to the local lifestyle, experiencing the island as if it was your home. For larger groups or families a villa is the ideal solution as you'll be able to have a more laid back, relaxed vacation, allowing the family to spread out, practicing any activity while having full privacy.
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Step 5
There is a number of sites that are offering self catering accommodation. Many of the offers are, so called, direct from the owner. You must pay attention what is included in the rates and particularly how much the air condition costs, how often is the cleaning and if there is an extra charge for it. If you plan to stay for 2 weeks or more, consider renting in 2 different locations to enjoy more of the island. If you are a long termer ask for a monthly rate which it will be substantially lower.
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Step 6
Getting around the island is easy. There are fit schedules of public service busses to all main resorts and towns, the harbor and airport, but always keep in mind that during the peak season, the island doubles its population. So expect traffic congestion and occasional delays. The most Northern point of the island where the capital is located, is about 110 km (68 mi) distant from the most Southern tip, the beach of Prassonisi. You can hire a car a motorcycle or even a bicycle and plan your excursions independently.
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Step 7
Rhodes is a relatively small island but there a lot of places to visit. Lindos and its Acropolis, the Medieval Town (a UNESCO Heritage Town) and in particular its Museums, Kalithea, the valley of Butterflies, the Monastery on the hill of Filerimos, the castle of Monolithos and many many more. There are a lot of stunning beaches of any type with crystal clear waters, mainly on the east coast which is less windy.
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Step 8
What most does not seem to know is that from Rhodes you easily visit one of the neighboring islands. There are daily cruises to the tiny picturesque island of Symi. If you have more time at your disposal I encourage you to spend some days visiting the islands of Halki, Tilos or even Kastelorizo. They all have to offer a different, almost completely unspoiled, character. As they have not been reached by the mass tourism they will show you the real charms of the Greek islands. Rhodes harbor can also serve as a hub with connections to the islands of Karpathos and Crete and to Marmaris in Turkey.
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Step 9
Rhodes can be a gastronome's paradise, but as a rule of thumb, avoid places that are not favored by the locals. The island's cuisine offers a wealth of recipes and is renowned for its combination of fresh local products and ingredients, pure olive oil, fresh vegetables and sea food. There is a wide choice of places to eat, from traditional village tavernas to high-class sophisticated restaurants, offering local and international specialties.
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Step 10
In case of need, in Rhodes can have access to high quality medical care and treatment. There is a new, modern, well-equipped state owned Prefectural Hospital and 3 Medical Centers scattered around the island. In addition the new a private owned Euromedica Hospital was built in 2007 offering excellent medical services. There are also some small independent clinics, medical services and more than 200 doctors in private practice. All EU nationals, including British, are entitled to free medical care in the state owned Hospitals and Medical Centers.
