Rhodes
Rhodes is the main island of the Greek Dodecanese archipelago and is located near the Turkish coast. More than half of the almost 120,000 inhabitants live in the city of Rhodes. The tourist areas are mainly in the (north) east and west.
Why is a vacation to Rhodes worthwhile?
Rhodes not only offers many hours of sunshine per day, but also some beautiful sandy beaches, such as the beach of Kalithea in the northeast, the Pefkos Pefki beach in the east or the beach of Kamiros in the west. Often water sports are also offered on the beaches. Those who like it quieter (not so touristy) will also find beautiful bathing bays in the south – and the beach of Prasonisi, where people often meet to fly kites or surf.
The historic old town of Rhodes City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its old buildings, such as the castle-like Grand Master’s Palace, and the beautiful squares is a real sight. There are also mosques and a Turkish quarter here. The picturesque town of Lindos with its many white houses and narrow, quaint streets is also worth seeing. Here you should especially visit the great acropolis and the theater from the 4th century BC. The places Monolithos with its fortress in the west and Kameiros, where people lived long before Christ, are also steeped in history.
Hikers who want to go a little higher will get their money’s worth in the mountains on the west coast.
Climate and the best travel time
Many tourists come to Rhodes, especially in spring, summer and autumn. The island can boast 300 sunny days a year. A holiday is less recommended in winter, as it rains the most with an average of between 8 and 15 degrees Celsius.
In spring the island turns wonderfully green and the temperatures climb. In summer it can get very hot (with a pleasant wind always blowing), the water temperatures are a wonderful 25/26 degrees. And the months of September and October are also ideal for a beach holiday with 22 to 27 degrees air and 23 to 24 degrees water temperature.
Crete
Millions of holidaymakers are drawn to the Mediterranean island of Crete every year. No wonder: After all, the largest Greek island has not only wonderful beaches but also numerous historical sights.
Crete as a beach paradise
The elongated bay of Balos on the west coast of Crete is extremely popular with beach holidaymakers. If you like it a little quieter, the somewhat remote Préveli Beach is the right place for you. And relaxation seekers from all over the world will also get their money’s worth on the offshore island of Elafonisi in the south of Crete. Water sports enthusiasts, divers and snorkelers will also find perfect conditions on the coasts of the popular Greek island.
Ancient landmarks all over the island
But Crete is much more than a bathing paradise. There are also many archaeological sites to discover across the island. In the ancient city of Knossos in the north of the island you should visit the numerous ruins from the 4th century BC. Do not miss Christ – including the preserved remains of the legendary palace of Knossos. One of the biggest attractions in Crete is the Arkádi Monastery, which is one of the most famous national monuments. Belongs to Greece. If you want to experience the native plants and animals of the island in their natural habitat, you should take a trip to the botanical garden near the port city of Chania, the second largest city on the island. The largest city on the island of Crete, Heraklion, is always worth a visit because of its many buildings worth seeing.
Santorini
Santorini has long been more than an insider tip for tourists, especially in the summer months. Known as the sunniest region in Greece, the main island of the Cyclades is considered to be one of the most beautiful islands in the entire country. The volcanic landscapes on Santorini are mainly characterized by rugged rocks, protected red and black stone beaches and a still active volcano as well as a unique nature.
Ancient archaeological sites of Thera and Akrotiri
Whoever visits the island of Santorini cannot ignore the numerous testimonies of the past. The world-famous ancient archaeological sites of Thera and Akrotiri attract thousands of tourists every year. If you want to find out more about the eventful history of the entire region, the various archaeological museums in the island’s capital, Fira, are exactly the right place for you. In the city center of Fira you should not miss the large Greek Orthodox cathedral, among other things. Another popular attraction is the small lighthouse at Cape Akrotiri in the southwest of the island. If you want to discover the species-rich flora and fauna as well as the fascinating crater landscape of Santorini, you can explore the island from the numerous natural hiking trails. Numerous cultural events take place throughout the island every year. One of the most famous is the Santorini Jazz Festival in Kamari’s open-air cinema.