The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, once stood, 100 feet tall, across the main harbour of the beautiful Greek island. The statue was fitting: the huge representation was of the Helios, the Greek god of the sun. Though the statue has long since fallen and exists today only in paintings, the island still enjoys the gift of its patron and is blessed with more than 300 day of sunshine every year.
Today, the popular resorts of Faliraki and Lindos evoke the image of hedonistic 18-30 holidays, rather than the gods of antiquity, but away from the large resort towns it’s easy to find a slice of genuine Greek culture. Sun-lovers book flights to Rhodes to laze on the beaches by day and explore the many clubs and restaurants by night. Away from the sandy beaches of the southeast coast there is much to explore. Most tourists visit the island’s medieval capital, Rhodes Town, which is the point of arrival for all Rhodes flights and ferries. This beautiful city is very well preserved, though full of tourists in the summer months. Inland, those with a car can explore castles and churches set among lush green hills in a little more peace.
With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, Rhodes is a sun worshipper’s paradise.From June through August, temperatures pass 40C on the Dodecanese Islands. September to October and April through mid-June are warm without the intense heat of summer. Winters are cooler, with temperatures ranging from the 60s to 70s, but the sea is warm by early May.Summer also brings the meltemi, a cool wind from the Aegean. The force of the wind can cancel sea transport, but it is a windsurfer’s delight. The wind is at its strongest in mid-summer.
Buses are cheap and taxis have set fares, not meters. Renting a motorcycle, car or moped is a favourite way to get around the island.