This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel.
Rhodes Island originated from the sea, according to Greek mythology. Poseidon was guarding the island and when he was not there, his beautiful daughter, the nymph Rhode, was responsible for it. Later, Helios, the sun god, received the island as a gift from Zeus and he renamed it Rhodes after Rhode, who became his wife. The couple is said to have had seven sons, the oldest of which had three sons who were the founding fathers of the island of Rhodes -- Kameiros, Ialysos, and Lindos.
The island has a spectacular history as a very important island in ancient Greek times; it has been populated since the twenty-eighth century BC. Here, there were settements of the Minoan, and then of the Mycenaean civilization many centuries before Christ. The island had one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World -- the Colossus of Rhodes, which was destroyed in the Middle Ages.
Today, you can enjoy Rhodes' enormous cultural heritage together with its amazing sandy beaches. The most famous place is the Acropolis -- a well-preserved ancient town with references to different epochs and cultures. Worth visiting are also the ruins of Ialysos and Kameiros, Kallithea Springs, and the region of Faliraki. In fact, there are so many things to do that you can easily spend a month in the summer exploring the island.
There are many Rhodes Island hostels, but most of them operate only during the summer season; finding an open Rhodes Island hostel during the winter can be very hard. Even if you do, do not expect that it would be cheap. Most Rhodes Island hostels are situated very close to the beaches but there is no specific area where hostels in Rhodes Island are concentrated. In the summer, the competition is huge so hostels in Rhodes Island offer great conditions at moderate prices. You can find a good deal if you book ahead.
Rhodes Town
If you were to visit only one Greek island, make it Rhodes, home to Rhodes Town. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and is situated just off the western coast of Turkey. The island of Rhodes literally has something for everyone and it all comes to a climax in Rhodes Town, and what's more, getting around is a breeze thanks to an extensive inter-town bus system.
Rhodes Town is situated on the northern tip of Rhodes island. There is the old part of town and the new part. Old Town is picture perfect; located inside the walls of a medieval castle, it will leave visitors breathless. Here you can wander through the beautiful, cobblestoned streets gazing up at gorgeous Medieval architecture. Rhodes Town is famed because of its castle, which was built by the Knights of St. John along with its fifteenth-century hospital. Apart from the brilliant and well-preserved knights quarters, there are also some ancient Greek ruins located outside of the city walls, including the legendary and controversial Colossus statue, which was supposedly once located at the entrance of the ancient city.
If history is not for you, do not despair. Rhodes Town is filled with boutique shopping stores and delicious seafood restaurants. In addition to all this a short walk outside of the old town, there are some fantastic beaches. Complete with fine yellow sand and warm crystal-blue water, the beach fills up quickly, so go early to avoid crowds.
Inside of the Old Town, you will find nothing but expensive, luxury hotels; a short walk outside of the city walls, it is possible to find some budget options. There are not many hostels in Rhodes Town, Greece, but they do exist; book ahead as budget options fill up fast. Head toward 28is Oktovriou, as this area is your best chance of finding an affordable hostel in Rhodes Town, Greece.
A bit further away outside of Rhodes Town, it is possible to rent a studio apartment. This is another affordable accommodation option, however you will have to take a bus into Rhodes Town. The bonus is, however, that it is easy to get to other towns on the island of Rhodes.
Despite its ultra touristy reputation, Rhodes Town is well worth the trip. It is a magical place that will ignite the imagination.
Faliraki
A cosmopolitan seaside resort village, Faliraki is located on the northeastern coast of the Greek island of Rhodes – situated along Faliraki Bay. With 5km of sandy beach, recognized by the Foundation for Environmental Education’s prestigious Blue Flag certification standards, this tourist destination is perfect choice for anyone looking to enjoy a holiday filled with sun and sea.
Faliraki also has a vibrant city life. Home to Greece’s largest water park, a state-of-the-art bowling park, and a history park, there is no shortage of things to see within this thriving community. St Apostolos, the city’s fishing harbour, is a great stop first thing in the morning, to watch the fishing boat unload their haul.
Staying at a hotel or hostel in Faliraki also gives tourists the chance to enjoy this city’s active nightlife. Along Ermou Street, or Bar Street, as it is known by locals, visitors can stop in any number of pubs and taverns to find drink specials, live music, and excellent food. Traditional Greek cuisine is popular, but tourists can sample Chinese, Mexican, British, and Italian foods, as well.
This resort town does get busy in the summer months – July and August are particularly popular with young families. A stay at a hostel or hotel then will be exciting, but tourists are advised to book in advance to ensure accommodations. Summer activities are plentiful – watersports, hiking, biking, and boating. Even just lounging on the expansive beach, with its striped umbrellas and sparkling waters, is a fantastic way to spend the afternoon enjoying the pleasant Mediterranean climate.
A ferry is available to bring visitors to Rhodes from the Greek mainland, and taxis and buses will bring you to your local hostel or hotel. More adventurous travelers can also rent a car or a motorbike, to cruise around the island on their own.
Written by local expertz for Rhodes Island
George Traveller
