Rhodes (or other sun holiday destinations)

Ah_Yeah

Myself and the OH are looking at holiday destinations for a relaxing week in the sun in late July. We've stumbled upon Rhodes which seems nice, but have read it's a bit quiet and slightly expensive? Wondered if any boardsies had been here and could share reviews. We are looking at Pefkos as an area to stay in.

We are looking for a nice resort with a pool, walking distance to a beach as well as walking distance to decent restaurants and some bars. While we won't be looking to stay out partying all night, it would be nice to have some bars with life in them should we want to stay out for a few drinks. Ideally a place that isn't swarming with kids/families!

We've been to the Algarve, Lanzarote and Tenerife (Adeje & Las Americas) a few times in the past but thought we would branch out and try somewhere new this year. Any recommendations also welcome!

Equium

Ah_Yeah wrote: »

Myself and the OH are looking at holiday destinations for a relaxing week in the sun in late July. We've stumbled upon Rhodes which seems nice, but have read it's a bit quiet and slightly expensive? Wondered if any boardsies had been here and could share reviews. We are looking at Pefkos as an area to stay in.

We are looking for a nice resort with a pool, walking distance to a beach as well as walking distance to decent restaurants and some bars. While we won't be looking to stay out partying all night, it would be nice to have some bars with life in them should we want to stay out for a few drinks. Ideally a place that isn't swarming with kids/families!

We've been to the Algarve, Lanzarote and Tenerife (Adeje & Las Americas) a few times in the past but thought we would branch out and try somewhere new this year. Any recommendations also welcome!

I went to Rhodes last July after stumbling upon an incredible last minute deal (€120 all in for a week). My hotel was in Faliraki, which is towards the north east of the island. It is supposedly the liveliest resort and is home to a long, sandy beach. Tourism in Rhodes has been hit significantly in recent years due to apprehension about the migrant crisis, instability in nearby Turkey and the economic woes in Greece itself dissuading visitors. As a result, the island was relatively quiet when I was there.

I didn't mind, however, as I just fancied a week in the sun. The temperature was regularly in the mid to high 30s so that wasn't an issue. I also enjoyed that there wasn't any difficulty in finding a seat in any of the local restaurants and bars. The few stag and hen parties that I came across tended to stick to a handful of the livelier nightspots.

I didn't visit Pefkos, but took day trips to Rhodes town and Lindos. Both are definitely worth visiting if you do go to Rhodes, as is the spectacular Anthony Quinn Bay. You can also take a ferry to Turkey or surrounding Greek islands.

pjproby

just wondering which site or agency did you find such a great bargain?

Unshelved

We stayed in Rhodes Town and in Lindos about five years ago. We really liked Lindos. It's very low-rise, lovely whitewashed buildings and two beautiful beaches. It attracts a LOT of tourists - especially from the UK and from Germany. There are also quite a few daytrippers from cruise ships.

Restaurants are excellent - most have roof-top terraces so you can watch the sun go down as you eat. However, it is pricey - we paid much the same as what you'd pay in Dublin for our meals.

Most of the tourists tend to be either families or older couples. For this reason, I suppose, there isn't a lot to do in the evenings after your meal. There are very few bars that open late, and we didn't find them all that great.

Having said all that if you're looking for a relaxing, laid-back holiday it's a lovely spot. I'd recommend staying a couple of nights in Rhodes town too - it is spectacular, especially in the evenings when the daytrippers are gone.

Equium

pjproby wrote: »

just wondering which site or agency did you find such a great bargain?

I went with Thomson UK. Their Last Minute Holidays page often have fantastic deals. My deal was from Birmingham, so it required quick €20 return flights to and from there as well. You can occasionally find flights from Belfast either.