Cheap Flights To Rhodes

The largest island in the Greek Dodecanese also happens to be the most historically significant and vibrant. Rhodes has a long history that reaches over 3,000 years into the past and can be experienced at a number of sites including the Acropolis of Lindos. It was also a major medieval outpost for the Order of St John, who built many castles within a walled fortress on the island -- today this is the Old Town. The main town contains it's well-preserved older quarter and new upmarket area which includes a marina, boutique shops and smart bars. The rest of the island is home to numerous natural sites and many fabulous beaches.

Top events include the annual Medieval Rose fair and the summer Light and Sound show.

Things To Do

Both the island of Rhodes and the main town of the same name are packed with landmarks and attractions spanning over millennia of history. There's also plenty of beaches, mountains and forestry to explore as well as much fun to have when the sun sets.

• World Heritage History
  History comes alive on this large Greek island, where visitors can enjoy both ancient and medieval ruins. The walled old town of Rhodes enjoys UNESCO status and was built by the Order of St John and was later fortified by the Ottomans. The Old Town includes the Palace of the Grand Masters: a collection of palaces built by the St John Knights during the crusades. Rhodes is also home to numerous sites dating from Ancient times including the Acropolis of Rhodes, the Acropolis of Lindos and the impressive ruins of the city of Kamiros.

• Lush Island Nature
  The island may be famed for its beautiful beaches, but head inland and you'll find lush forest and mountainous areas. Nature lovers should head to Petaloudes: the Valley of the Butterflies. This place is an excellent location to spot lesser known butterfly breeds, but even out of butterfly season it's a lovely place to wander past streams and along forest paths.

• Buzzing nightlife
  The island has a reputation for being a bit of a party island, but there are evening entertainment options for all tastes. Young revellers head to the town of Faliriki on the south east coast whilst older holidaymakers may well prefer the more rustic bars and restaurants of the Old Town and the more grown up clubs in Platía Aríonos.

Calendar Of Events

As well as being a good place to party, Rhodes plays host to many festivals including holy celebrations and ones that take you back to medieval times.

• Medieval Rose Festival. Held during the last weekend in May, this fairly new annual event takes place in the Old Town and has become hugely popular. The event celebrates all aspects of medieval life including folklore, dancing, archery and street performances.

• Sound and Light Show. This spectacular demonstration of music and lights takes place in the Old Town Fortress every summer. The show tells the tale of the island's history. The week-long event takes place on changing dates in summer each year but is always sometime between July and September.

• Assumption of the Virgin. On 15th August, this important Greek orthodox holy mass takes place in churches across the islands and culminates in a panigiri festival in the afternoon in every town and village square.