Family Holidays: Rhodes family holidays and breaks

Take the Family holiday rating 4 stars out of 5

Why

Rhodes is among the most visited of all the Greek Islands, and for good reason. Along the East coast are miles of sandy beaches, it has the sunniest climate in Greece and its capital city - Rhodes city - is a medieval gem. Rhodes has a fascinating history, it is situated in a very strategic spot across many of the ancient Mediterranean trade routes. The fabled Knights of St John settled here enroute back from the Crusades,extended Rhodes city and used it as a base for 200 years (1309-1522). It is a remarkably well-preserved place and a must for any trip, but be warned you will be sharing it with most of the inhabitants of the rest of Europe.

Boats and swimmers at the Anthony-Quinn-Bay, Rhodes

Above left: Old town square, Rhodes
Above right: Boats and swimmers at the Anthony-Quinn-Bay, Rhodes

When

Choose the right time to go - just before or after the main summer rush - and you will be able to truly experience the charm and fascination of the place. At any other time, you will have to plan carefully to avoid the hordes, unless of course you don't mind them...

How

The international airport on the Island is called 'Diagoras', and is located 17km from Rhodes words. Many regional UK airports now fly direct to Rhodes, but you may find it easier to go via Athens. Excel Airways operate from a number of regional airports and have great deals or try Expedia Flights who will search a number of airlines.

Stay

Rhodes has a wide range of accommodation to suit any budget or requirement. Stay in historic Rhodes Town if you are after an all-action bustling holiday; or go further afield to the traditional whitewashed village of Lindos, on the east coast, for picturesque views and pretty beaches.

Whether you would like a self catering apartment, hotel or secluded villa, check here for deals from Thomson, Expedia Holidays or James Villas. Note that you are unlikely to find late deals for the high season, but during the less busy months of May and September you will find it is the ideal time not only for a holiday but a great bargain too.

Do

Explore the old walled town of Rhodes City. It's narrow, quaint streets a

Eat

The island's restaurants and tavernas serve food for every taste. Rhodes town has a number of fast-food as well as souvlaki and pizza places. In the medieval town, one can taste traditional dishes such as casserole meat, cooked in earthenware pots with potatoes and onion. In the modern town, there are Chinese, French, Danish, and Cypriot restaurants. The quiet little tavernas serve local specialties like hilopites and mousaka or you can go to a cafe for juice, coffee, ouzo or wine with tidbits and play backgammon or cards. The pastry shops sell delicious traditional sweets like "kataifi" or "baklava" and the local "belekounia", a kind of sesame and honey sweet.

Cost

A 7 night hotel package costs from around £150 to £600, including flights. Bargains are to be had in May and September when temperatures are often still good. Try to be flexible with dates to get yourself the best deal.