My husband and I (both senior citizens) are considering spending 10 days on Rhodes this spring and using the island as a springboard to visit one or two other islands on day trips. Should we stay in the old town - we do like a busy area. Or is it better to stay by the beach - we may go for a swim but who knows. I am not in the greatest of physical shape and have a problem with long walks so I like to stay close to public transit. We are also downmarket travellers so will be looking to rent an apartment as opposed to a pricey hotel. Could someone suggest areas I should look into for an apartment and also maybe make some suggestions for day trips on and off the island.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
First, for best advice give more specific dates -- "this Spring" = March April or May ... and conditions could be very different! March & much of April = fair amount of rain. For swims, not before May 10... even in Lindos Bay. famed "sun-trap". I successfully swam there about 10 years ago in early May after vain attempts to swim in more northerly isles. My 13 trips to Greece have mainly been between May 15-June 15, or in early September... and the 1st period has proved ideal.
LOCATION - Old Town is THE fascinating place to stay -- but away from port gates where cruise crowds flood in daily). I found a great place snuggled against ancient walls, very atmospheric, Medieval Inn -- http://www.medievalinn.com/# -- TA reviews excellent from many nationalities, rates are moderate. I do recommend looking at upper floor rooms w terrace/balcony; our street-level room was a bit musty. No self-catering, but I don't know if you'd find that in such a fab location, along an ancient lane. Perhaps split your time between M-I and a self-catering setup. It's an EASY walk to landmark sights, yet v. serene day & night. Also, right outside gate & across the street (ask host), you can catch the bus to LINDOS, without need to trek to New Town terminal.
DAY TRIPS/ISLAND - Lindos is the obvious one... either bus or (I hear it's fun & easy) a boat trip from town gates. Its a mob scene climbing up to Lindos' bluff-top ruins, but great view (overlook the fact that many temple colums were "restored" by El Duce architects). Also, don't miss the top-of-Wall walk in Old Town (tickets & entry by Grandmaster Palace). Monte Smith (= Acropolis of Ancient Rhodes) is about 3/4 mile outside Old Town Walls; you might hire a taxi over & back if walking's a problem. If u rent a car you can venture to the western coast, many small villages untouched by tourism.
OTHER TRIPS - The usual recommend is SYMI ... but it's mainly for its harbor vista of 19thC merchants mansions tiered up from the water -- charming but again, involves walk/climb; it didn't tempt me. The only other one is to a small island west of Rhodes -- Halki?? I gather its chief appeal is that it's possible as a day-trip; nothing special there. Frankly, I'd instead recommend that you shorten your Rhodes Stay to 4 days and instead "hop" to a 2nd Island up the dodecanese chain (Patmos?) or just beyond to Samos -- and from there fly/ferry back to ATH if that's your departure point. In order to give you the best advice, it would help if you could list your interests -- ancient history? Medieval? Mainly Landscapes? Shopping & nightlife? Please share more!
Posted by
11569 posts
Kid is an interesting island to visit with the history of Hippocrates and the ancient infirmary.
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
We visited Rhodes in May. After several days in Rhodes town we spent a couple of nights in (near?) Lindos. The area appears to be a summer beach destination, so accommodations are very cheap off season. We had a spacious room, really a studio apartmrnt, with self catering possibilities for around $75/ night, including a very nice breakfast. We had a car, so I can’t speak to public transport questions.