ABOUT RHODES
Some history & some facts and our personal choices of places to seek out on the island........
Rhodes lies approx 11 miles (18 km) to the west of the Turkish shores, situated between the Greek mainland & the island of Cyprus.
The island of Rhodes is shaped like a spearhead, 79.7 km long and 38 km wide with a total area of approximately 1,398 km² (540 square miles) and a coastline of approximately 220 km. You will have plenty to explore if you wish....?
The stunning city of Rhodes is located at the far northern end of the island, also includes the site of the ancient and modern commercial harbor (packed with expensive yachts and glorious views). Whilst the old town is steeped in history, with the magnificent Palace of the Grand Masters an essential visit. The new town boasts a vibrant and cosmopolitan way of life. The mix of the two make the city irresistible!
An often overlooked noteworthy fact is that Rhodes harbor was once one of the sites of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built 280 B.C, the Colossus of Rhodes was a magnificent statue (about the size of New York's`s Statue of Liberty) that stood proudly in the harbor in Rhodes Old Town. The statue stood only for 53 years until it was destroyed by an earthquake. The architect of the statue was named Charis, who is believed to have been from Lindos, very close to Villa Lindos Kalliopi.
One of our suggestions would also be to take afternoon tea at the 1927 built Casino Rodos, this is a real treat in lovely surroundings. The casino is also good for a flutter and also experience fine dining in one of the top class restaurants.
In terms of flora and fauna, Rhodes is closer to Asia Minor than to the rest of Greece and you will find the interior of the island mountainous, sparsely inhabited, with the occasional, unspoilt villages and covered with forests of Pine and Cypress.
The Aegean Sea & the Mediterranean Sea provide breathtaking coastline.
Known as "The Sunshine Island", Rhodes boasts & basks in more than 300 days of sunshine every year.
Villa Lindos Kalliopi is superbly positioned very close to Lindos, one of the key attractions of Rhodos. World famous and packed with history, tradition, charm, fine dining and an array of activities that cater for all tastes.
Many describe Vliha (or Vlicha) Bay as one of the best places to enjoy views of Rodos. Panoramic views wrap around one of the finest beaches you could hope to find. The beach, bay and cove is also famed on Rhodes for excellent water sports activities but remains sedate, breathtaking and really is hard to beat. And Vlicha Bay is, of course, the location for Villa Lindos Kalliopi!
Other nearby "secret beaches" like Vlicha include the nearby Plakia beach at Pefkos.
We also recommend a 15 minute drive to Glystra beach-another "secret" gem of a beach.
Rhodes is littered with charming Taverna`s. At Plimmiri beach you can enjoy a sensational fish menu and watch the sun set (see top picture, above).
At the southern end of the island of Rhodes is Prassonisi, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet. It is a lovely place to stop at, marvel at the views and enjoy the large beach area. Prassonisi is a paradise for surfers, especially in July and August when the Meltemi winds are blowing. One can surf with his/her own equipment but there is always equipment for hire and a windsurfing school.
The picture just above was taken from within the ruins of Monolithos Castle, perched on a rock 787 feet high and dating from before 1480,you will enjoy the most amazing panoramic views.
Climb towards Mount Profitis Ilias and the forest filled route will take you to sites many a tourist never ventures. One surprise, high up in the mountains, is a 1929 Italian built hotel, recently restored from derelict. Hotel "Elafos" is a charming stop for a drink, gazing down on the coastline far below.
The 14th Century Byzantine Chapel, named Nikolaos Foundoukli (Saint Nicholas of the Hazelnuts)is well worth a visit for the magnificent and ancient wall paintings inside.
The village of Sianna stands on the south side of the 823-m high Mount Akramytis and is famous for exquisite honey & the impressive church of Agios. The village is built at the foot of a rocky hill with a panoramic view over the coast and the little Greek islands around. Also try the local wine and the special drink of Suma at one of the local Kafenio(small cafes) and enjoy a Greek meal at a local taverna.
Hunt down the quaint water side "Paradise Taverna" when you drive down into the glorious Glyfada Bay. Our personal favourite place on Rhodes! The breathtaking rocky beach of Glyfada is situated 72 kilometers southwestern to the town of Rhodes, at the center of the western coast of the island. It is a beach ideal for those looking for a clean sea far from the big crowds. This is in a much more isolated position, not as populist or accessible as many of the beaches of the island but if you bored of the organized beaches, then here is your place! So this is more of a place for solitary souls or couples/families wanting peace in an area of glorious natural beauty. Recommended!
Another essential visit is Filerimos. This is a hill 15 km away from Rhodes-town. A beautiful drive to the upper part of Filerimos and you will find a large plateau and a selection of buildings. They include the foundations of a temple, an early Christian basilica, a monastery, a Byzantine church and a large cross monument that can be seen from miles around. The plateau is almost meadow like and is particularly charming at spring time. The plethora of buildings make for a fascinating exploration and the tree lined walkways offer pleasant shade on hot days.
At Kalithea bay you will find the stunningly restored Italian spa facilities, combined with exotic vegetation and magnificent sea views. The Kalithea spa complex is a distinguished cultural monument and should be near the top of any one's list on a trip out along the coast. It was also one of the many Rhodes locations for the movie "The Guns of Navarone" (1961). One the films stars, Anthony Quinn, fell in love with Rhodes so much he bought Vagis Bay and this is now better known as Anthony Quinn Bay - another place we suggest a visit to.
You could choose a Winery, one of the many Olive Groves, a sandy or a pebble beach, breathtaking archaeological sites, a quiet life or a vibrant night life! Rhodes really is the perfect place to find absolute balance.
And Villa Lindos Kallioppi with it`s position, design and views will also help inspire you on your Rhodes holiday...
Here is a small taste, in photographs, of some of the areas mentioned.......
The Acropolis at Lindos-5 minutes drive away
Kalithea- Cultural Monuments
The unspoilt and "secret" Glistra Beach- a short drive away
A Byzantine Chapel,14th Century
Hidden delights such as this charming Taverna at Glyfada Bay
Inland you find breathtaking mountain scapes
Lindos: A short distance from Villa Lindos Kalliopi
Rhodes-Old Town
High on Mount Profitis Ilias a 1929 Italian built hotel
Wineries in the mountains
The Palace of the Grand Masters, Rhodes Old Town
The mountain village of Sianna
Monastery on Filerimos Hil
...and, below, from times gone by - "The Colossus of Rhodes"
One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World!
(painting by Salvador Dali, 1954)
To experience all of the above on beautiful Rhodes CLICK HERE to book Villa Lindos Kalliopi
Useful Links:
CASINIO RODOS
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