Vinicius Costa, a staff writer for the travel outlet Travel Off Path, has visited more than 25 Greek islands and named Rhodes his clear favourite. He said his choice came down to the island's combination of beach holidays, ancient heritage and a well-preserved medieval town.
According to Costa, he keeps coming back to Rhodes because he considers it one of the best options for a complete holiday rather than a short stop between other islands.
Size and location
Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece and one of the main tourist hubs of the Dodecanese island group in the southeastern Aegean Sea. Costa pointed out that its length, roughly 77 kilometres from north to south, makes it a destination in its own right, with beaches, mountains, fertile valleys, villages and numerous historic sites all within its borders.
The old town of Rhodes
The article gives particular attention to the city of Rhodes, whose historic centre is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Costa rated it one of Europe's best-preserved medieval complexes. Its old streets, archways, defensive walls and the Palace of the Grand Masters recall the era of the Knights of St John, who controlled the island until their defeat in 1522.
After the knights fell, Rhodes spent nearly four centuries under Ottoman rule, a period that left a visible mark on the city in the form of mosques, minarets and bathhouses. Costa noted that, unlike some popular resorts, the historic centre of Rhodes has not become purely a backdrop for tourists and still looks lived in by local residents.
Lindos and the beaches
Another key stop on Costa's route is Lindos, about an hour's drive from the island's capital. White houses climbing the hillside lead up to an acropolis topped by the Temple of Athena Lindia, which overlooks the sea. Nearby beaches and traditional taverns mean a visit to Lindos can combine historic sites with time spent relaxing by the water.
Costa also highlighted several of the island's beaches, including Prasonisi, Faliraki, Ixia, Elli beach, the thermal springs at Kalithea and Anthony Quinn Bay. He described the latter as one of the most convenient spots for those wanting to see turquoise water close to either Rhodes town or Lindos.
A long swimming season
Costa named the island's long swimming season as another advantage. In October, he said, the average daytime temperature is around 24 degrees Celsius and the sea temperature is about 23 degrees Celsius. Most tourist areas stay open until mid-October, though the chance of rain rises toward the end of the month.
Other islands considered
Costa acknowledged that other Greek islands, including Folegandros, Kalymnos, Symi, Corfu, Kos and Chios, also have their own strengths. Even so, he concluded that Rhodes offers the best combination of different types of holiday. He summed up his view by calling Rhodes the finest pearl of the Aegean Sea.
