AT A GLANCE Rhodes is one of the largest islands in Greece and the largest in the Dodecanese, the archipelago to which

the island belongs. Known for its lively tourist resorts, such as the famous Faliraki, the south of Rhodes is far quieter than the north and known for its laidback pace of life and numerous archaeological sites. WHEN TO GO While many flock to Rhodes during the summer holidays, you can also visit either side of the summer season during March to May and October to November for fantastic temperatures and less crowded beaches. During December to March you may find most of the hotels and tourist attractions are closed for the off-season, and there can be rainy weather. Weather Winter: Youll probably have trouble finding a flight to the island during the winter months, but if you reached the island youd find frequent rain showers, which arent conducive to sunbathing! Spring: March to May sees tourists start to flock back to Rhodes, temperatures begin at 15C in March, creeping up to 21C at the latter end of the season Summer: Without a doubt, Rhodes most popular season. Daytime highs average around 33C so dont forget to slap on the sun cream. Autumn: As summer turns to autumn, tourist numbers start to dwindle. However, daytime averages of 18C and emptier beaches make it a great time to pick up holiday bargains.
Images: Rhodes by HilMil1 / Rhodes by Drdcuddy

THINGS TO DO Whether you want to grab your girlfriends and dance until dawn in one of Falirakis super clubs, make like Indiana Jones and explore crumbling Roman remains, or youre simply looking for something to entertain the children, the great thing about Rhodes is that it has it all. Attractions Acropolis of Lindos: The original site of a 4th century temple dedicated to Athena The Church of the Panagia: Contains intricate 18th century frescoes painted by Gregorios Archaeological Museum of Rhodes (Hospital of the Knights): Contains various historical artefacts

Water Park (Faliraki): Europes biggest water park features a collection of flumes Rhodes Jewish Museum: Celebrates the history of the Jews of Rhodes Monolithos Castle: The ruined castle was initially built to protect against pirate attacks The Acropolis of Rhodes: Third century acropolis built during the Hellenistic period Bee Museum: The history of beekeeping in the Dodecanese with an interesting gift shop Valley of the Butterflies: During August many butterflies flock here to reproduce

Nightlife Rhodes is a great island for nightlife and while the resort of Faliraki is renowned for its wild clubs and bars, nightlife throughout the rest of the island isnt on this scale. Whether its a relaxing drink in a medieval bar on the Old Town, or escaping the heat in Lindos ice bar, here are some great nightlife experiences: Colorado Club: Considered by many to be the best club on the island Sebastians Bar: Shows live sports and serves up delicious Greek food and cocktails Lindos Ice Bar: Escape the warm temperatures in a bar where everything is made from ice Liquid: A classic Faliraki nightclub which often throws raucous foam parties Ampitheatre Boutique Club: 2,000 people can dance the night away in this open-air club Eclipse Bar: Situated in Pefkos, this bar has a waterfall and a soft play area for kids

Day Trips from Rhodes: If you want to escape Rhodes and explore some of the neighbouring islands, there are several day trips that you could take. The Greek island is also located close to Turkey, so you could confuse your relatives by sending them a postcard from an entirely different country.

Symi The island of Symi, located just a short distance from Rhodes, is an ideal location to while away a lazy day. After docking in the picturesque harbour youll have the opportunity to explore attractions, such as the Greek Orthodox monastery or the Kastro, a Byzantine castle overlooking the Old Town.

Marmaris The seaside resort of Marmaris in Turkey has an entirely different culture to Greece and whether you choose to fully immerse yourself by haggling for goods in the souks, or simply stick to the safe option of the beach and a visit to watch a dolphin show at the dolphinarium, the choice is yours.

Karpathos The second largest of the Dodecanese, this lesser-known island was voted as having the best beaches in the whole of Greece. The beaches close to the airport have fine white sand, and the tavernas on Karpathos are also a great place to sample traditional Greek delicacies.

Tilos Tilos is one of the more natural Greek islands. Home to the 15th century monastery of Agios Pandeleimonas, it contains stunning views across over the Aegean Sea. Tilos is a great place to visit if you like hiking thanks to its mountainous walking trails and unique selection of flora and fauna.
Images: Archaeological Museum by JulieMacnam / Monolithos by Midom / Butterflies by wallygrom / Symi by Fiore S. Barbato / Marmaris by Yilmas Ovunc / Karpathos by Ufoncz / Tilos by Freddie Boy

SHOPPING Rhodes might be small, but when it comes to shopping its certainly well equipped. Youll recognise a lot of the brands on the high street, Marks and Spencers, Zara and BHS to name but a few. However, if its designer goods that youre after then youll find these in the high end department stores. Dont forget to pick up some souvenirs on your stay, Rhodes is known for its gold and silver jewellery and handmade leather goods. Shopping Areas: Rhodes Town: Home to the islands main high street, offering many recognisable brands Socratous: Famous for its shops selling jewellery and leather goods Old Town: Many souvenir stores can be found here, its also the place to pick up ceramics

Markets: Byronas Street: Mainly sells fruit and vegetables and takes place on Tuesday and Thursday Potelmeon Mitilinis St: Sells everything from clothing and leather to food on Fridays Taxiarxhis cemetery: The largest market in Rhodes takes place on Tuesday and Saturdays FOOD & DRINK Greek food is known throughout the world, but what many visitors wont realise is that differs from island to island. Rhodes cuisine features a lot of chickpeas, and kapamas is one of the islands most popular dishes basically consisting of goat baked in chickpeas. If youve got a sweet tooth youll be pleased to hear that Rhodes is famous for its desserts, try talagoutes which are pancakes with honey, walnuts, sesame and cinnamon. Popular Rhodes Hotspots: Rhodes Town: Features a range of traditional tavernas specialising in home cooked Greek favourites Ixia: Traditional Greek food and informal cafes can be found alongside sports bars in this resort Pefkos: Authentic Greek tavernas and open-air dining is on offer in this popular resort Faliraki: International restaurants selling English breakfasts sit alongside traditional Greek places
Image: Greek food by Rennett Stowe

CULTURE & ETIQUETTE Be careful when making gestures in Greece, the American sign for OK is considered to be a rude gesture, as is the talk to the hand gesture, which is known in Greek as a moutza. It is also considered rude to nod your head to signify yes, you should say yes instead. There is no legal drinking age in Greece, but the minimum age for buying alcohol is 17. Useful Phrases Hello Yia Sou Do you speak English? Milas anglika? How much does it cost? - Poso kani? Thank you efharisto

Dos and Donts Do make sure you are dressed appropriately when entering a church or monastery Dont smoke on the street, women who do are considered to be of low morale Do finish everything on your plate if you can. Not doing so can be considered rude Dont be afraid to join in with the Greek dancing in the restaurants Do negotiate a price with the driver before stepping into the taxi Dont think Greeks are constantly arguing! They just speak very loudly Do try traditional Greek food such as souvlaki, youll be impressed Dont mention the current Euro crisis and try to avoid talk of politics in general Do try ouzo in small doses; its not a drink you want to go overboard with!

Tipping Restaurant bills rarely include a service charge, and its common to simply round up the price, so if your bill comes to 17.20, you would leave 20.00. Taxi drivers should be tipped around 10%, you should tip your hotel chambermaid around 1 per day and the hotel porter a similar amount per bag. TRANSPORT Rhodes is a large island and it isnt possible to explore it all by foot. Luckily the transport infrastructure is great, with many bus and boat services running between the main resorts on the island. However, if youd rather explore the island at your pace then renting a car is a sensible option. Getting Around Buses: The main resorts on Rhodes are linked together by buses which run from Rhodes City Excursion Boats: Boats run daily between Faliraki, Mandraki and Lindos, and the water park Taxis: These are pretty inexpensive in Rhodes and a great way to get around Car hire: Renting a car is a good option, but be warned Greek drivers can be reckless Airport: Rhodes International Airport or Diagoras is located 14km south of the capital

Fare Information A 15 minute taxi ride in Rome costs 25

Image: Rhodes boats by Sisaphus

HEALTH & SAFETY British Embassy in Greece Foreign and Commonwealth Office Emergency number: 112 and 911