A Trip To Rhodes

There aren''t too many places on earth that appear to have it all, but the Greek island of Rhodes seems to come pretty close. Under skies that are fair and sunny 300 days a year, you''ll find some postcard ready beaches, rocky, rugged mountains, UNESCO listed towns and ancient archaeological ruins; all this on an island smaller than Greater London.

Rhodes town is the main event history wise. It was here the Knight''s of St John set up base from 1309 to 1522. The city, with its twisting and turning medieval streets encased in strong-as-ever fortified walls, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and well worth a day''s exploration.

Just 35 miles from Rhodes town is Lindos. This small hilltop village is famous for its large 5th century Acropolis, which sits atop the peak accessed via a winding walk past 16th, 17th, 18th century white-washed town houses. The beach here is also stunning, and one of few sandy beaches on the island.

Asklipio is another sleepy hillside village that is noteworthy because of the ruins of the Knights'' castle and a Byzantine church, which dates back to 1060. Inside the church there are outstanding frescos, preserved by the regions dry climate. The frescos stretch around the entire interior of the church making them highly unusual.

Rhodes'' history is pinpricked with different religions. The oldest example of established religion can be found at the Monastery of Tharri. Like the church at Asklipio it has attractive frescos that date back to somewhere between 1300 and 1450. The setting of the monastery is also stunning, set amid pine forests and lemon groves.

Elsewhere, religious houses, monuments and remains include the Suleiman Mosque, the Minoan Temple of Athena Polias and the Kalopetra Monastery.

If you are less into culture and history and more into action in the great outdoors then Rhodes won''t disappoint on this level either. Cycling the peaceful roads of the interior is a joy and you''ll pass through charming villages such as Koskinou memorably for its pastel coloured houses and mosaic-filled courtyards. If you are a keen cyclist the ride up to the peak of pine-covered Mount Ataviros is well worth the effort.

Rhodes looks forward as much as back. If you like to party, head to Faliraki, a cheaper and smaller version of Ibiza. Daytime activities include bungee jumping, parasailing or banana boat rides around the bay or even get shot into the sky on the Sky Rocket ride. By night head to Bed, not to sleep, but to party the night away with 1,999 other clubbers.

By: Zenobia Vuturo

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Zenobia Vuturo is a freelance writer with 10 years travel experience. They recommend octopus Travel for Rhodes hotels.