Holidays in Rhodes

The most popular Greek island, and the largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes has long been visited by tourists, maybe because it sees the sun for more days a year than any of the others! It's well known for its package resorts, but holidays in Rhodes can offer so much more: it's home to many Greek myths and a wealth of culture, with many historic mountain towns and villages, deserted stretches of sand and hidden coves.

How to get there
The major tour operators are usually the best bet for a cheap holiday to Rhodes, as the major budget airlines don't fly there. You can fly from Manchester, London and Glasgow and some smaller regional airports such as Belfast, Birmingham, Newcastle and Bristol. There are many operators offering complete package holiday to Rhodes including flights and a hotel bargain in Rhodes. Alternatively, you can fly with British Airways, Olympic Airlines and many other scheduled airlines for your holidays in Rhodes - flights to Rhodes take approximately four hours from London.

When to go
For really cheap holidays in Rhodes, it's probably best to avoid July and August: this island is extremely popular and prices will definitely not be at their lowest in the midsummer months. The temperature can be sweltering then too, at around 33C or above, and this can sometimes continue into September. Often, the best time for Rhodes holidays, if you like it a little cooler, is in spring when all the flowers are in full bloom and the temperatures are more comfortable, at around 20 to 25 degrees C. April, May and October are usually the most pleasant, during which you can find plenty of cheap holidays in Rhodes.

What to do
Rhodes holidays can be all about beaches, as there are certainly plenty of different types to choose from. The island has a load of almost hidden small sandy coves, such as Kopria, Paliochora and Glyfada to name a few: even better than heading straight to these, why not hire a car and try finding your own, then keep the secret it to yourself? Or, for something a little more exotic, try Prasonisi. The north-west and south-east of the island are the two corners where there are large concentrated areas of very developed tourist resorts, but their limited location means they are easy to avoid if that's not what you're after. And if you want a cheap holiday to Rhodes for the excellent windsurfing, head to the windier west coast, well known for its ideal conditions for this exhilarating sport.

Cheap holidays in Rhodes don't have to be all about beaches: there are lots of castles and churches to be explored, which reveal the real ancient Greece of the island. Head for Lindhos to see the Hellenestic remains which unlock a vital part of Rhodes' history. For the gastronomes and oenophiles, Rhodes holds a wealth of surprises. Have fun stumbling across the little tavernas which serve traditional local dishes, and various wine cellars found nestling in the many mountain villages inland: Kritinia, Profilia and Laerma, to name but a few. It's really up to you whether you stick to the well-beaten track, or make your own discoveries during your holiday to Rhodes.