THE RHODES LESS TRAVELLED

 

IT’S A REINVENTION EVEN MADONNA WOULD BE PROUD OF AS THE GREEK ISLAND, ONCE FAMOUS FOR BOOZED-UP BRITISH TEENAGERS LETTING RIP IN FALIRAKI, UNVEILS A MORE SOPHISTICATED SIDE

 

 

There’s far more to the Mediterranean island of Rhodes than ouzo-sozzled clubbers and overcrowded beaches.

Granted, superclubs like Liquid and Q Club are still going strong and attracting their fair share of hedonistic tourists, but an invasion of five-star hotels means Rhodes is fast becoming one of Europe’s hottest luxury destinations.

Causing most excitement is the opening of Lindos Blu next month.

Boasting amphitheatre-style architecture, rooms with private pools and Jacuzzis, and a state-of-the-art spa, the hotel is built into cliffs overlooking Vlicha Bay.

Lindos Blu is the ultimate in grown-up indulgence as it’s child-free, so if you have the family in tow, check in to the pretty five-star Lindian Village in Lardos instead.

Built in traditional Aegean style, set among lovely landscaped gardens with a spa and pool complex and private beach, you’ll be tempted to spend your whole holiday on-site.

But there is more – lots more – beyond the boundaries of even Rhodes’ most luxurious resorts.

Local secrets are there to be discovered on foot – such as the secluded Glystra beach in Lardos – and pootling around the island in a hire car makes a fabulously relaxed way to see the sights.

En route, typical whitewashed Greek villages are ten a penny, but stop at Embona for a tour of its winery and a taste of the surprisingly good Rhodian wine.

The Lindos Acropolis is another must-see.

Reached either by Lindos Taxi (donkey) or on foot, it’s a scattering of ancient Greek ruins with an amazing view of the island that makes getting up there well worth the effort.

Back in Lindos town, seek out the Geloblu ice cream parlour which sells the traditional Greek New Year cake, Vasilopita, flavoured with almonds, orange and Greek brandy.

For dinner, Mavrikos in the main square offers endless traditional Greek dishes such as tiganita (deep fried vegetables) or dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice and vegetables), or take in the spectacular spotlit view of the Acropolis at night over a plate of moussaka on the balcony of Mythos Restaurant, Lindos Square (00 30 2244 031300).

Rhodes Old Town should also come near the top of your itinerary. If you’re in need of a culture fix, take a stroll along the Street of the Knights to the Palace of the Grand Masters (a restored museum) and climb the clock tower for £3, trading your ticket in for a cocktail on the way down.

The Old Town’s maze of sloping side streets is also home to hundreds of enchanting boutiques selling traditional Greek items such as olive wood carvings and cosmetics from £1.75.

For something a bit more bling, try Mariposa’s (36 Apellou Street, 00 30 22410 25988). Its handmade Swarovski crystal jewellery makes a fantastic souvenir.

Even Faliraki is worth a visit before you leave.

Happily, many of the tacky watering holes full of stag and hen parties have now closed, so head to the chichi Jamaica Bar by the beachfront for a cocktail and drink a toast to the new and improved Rhodes.

 

Words: Victoria Merrifield Photography: Getty, Corbis. All prices correct at time of going to press.