Places: Rhodes

Rhodes is the perfect Greek island. Well I have not done Crete or Mykonos or Santorini yet .... but knew Corfu, Poros and Hydra quite well 30 years ago, but Rhodes now seems a perfect destination. Our hotel was at the top tip of the island (above) with views of the beach on both sides from our balcony, and those Greek sunsets! It was just across the road to the beach, with Mandraki Harbour a short walk away - as seen above - where the large ships berth. Rhodes new town is nearby as is the heritage site of the medieval walled city, dating back to the 12th century. Shops and restaurants are in abundance.

Lindos is the perfect little Greek village, with 2 perfect beaches, and that amazing walled fortification at the top which also has a Greek temple dating back to the 3rd century. The view from the top over the Aegean is stupendous. There are donkeys (and taxis) available to transport people to the summit. Lindos can be approached by road - frequent coaches about 45 minutes from Rhodes town, but the best way is by boat from Mandraki harbour, this splendid outing takes almost 3 hours down the Rhodes coast past Fakiraki (where the holiday kids go) and 'Anthony Quinn beach' - THE GUNS OF NAVARONE was filmed here and its interesting seeing the locations used around the Harbour.

Rhodes is also near Turkey - one can do day trips to Marmaris - so there is that Turkish and Moorish influence in the architecture. Certainly a Greek island I would return to - perhaps based at Lindos.

Lindos Click to enlarge.