Tour
Operator Kosmar. We found Kosmar
offered the best choice of affordable accommodation and liked the idea
that they specialised in holidays to Greece. The reps were helpful and
there to meet us at the airport and arrange transfers. Visit their website
at www.kosmar.co.uk.
You'll notice they have been winners of the British Travel Awards 2002.
Airline Air 2000. Flights travelled
from Gatwick, UK in the evening and our flight took 3 hours 15 minutes
to Rhodes airport. Rhodes is 2 hours ahead and although we arrived late
evening our hotel bar was open for a refreshing drink.
Stayed
at Hotel Esperia
This is a class B hotel (A being the highest category preceded only by
L for deluxe) that provides en suite twin bedded and family rooms on a
bed and breakfast only basis. The hotel was clean and well maintained
and we had a balcony with a pleasant view over palm trees down to the
sea. Breakfast, served between 7.30am until 11.00am, consisted of a generous
"help yourself to as much as you like" style buffet laid out
on a long table. Choices included a selection of cold meats, cheeses,
breads, fruit, vegetables, cereals and biscuits, boiled eggs, tea and
coffee. Brilliant! Staff were really friendly and hospitable and we slept
well at night. The hotel is popular with Danes, Finns and Germans as well
as the British. There is a small swimming pool, children's play area,lifts
and a bar. Rooms have a hairdryer, air conditioning, a balcony and a mini
bar/fridge. We found it conveniently situated for the beach close to the
main resort area.Travelogue
Rhodes town has two parts - the
new town which is the commercial centre and the walled old city. The old
town is very picturesque and steeped in history. 
Both
can be easily explored on foot and buses or taxis are plentiful (local
buses leave from Mandraki). 
The
harbour makes a great place for a photo or two and you can take a look
at fashionable yachts and enjoy a leisurely stroll. If you love history,
sun, sand and sea then all your needs can be met. This is a popular destination
for families as the beaches are clean and, while we were there, we found
no evidence of noisy water sports thus making the beach sunbathing a peaceful
experience. We travelled in May just before the UK school half term and
avoided the crowds while still enjoying perfect weather with temperatures
around 34c. The resort is about half an hour away from the airport so
we didn't have long transfers or travelling. Scuba diving is available
for those so inclined.
Both
can be easily explored on foot and buses or taxis are plentiful (local
buses leave from Mandraki). The
harbour makes a great place for a photo or two and you can take a look
at fashionable yachts and enjoy a leisurely stroll. If you love history,
sun, sand and sea then all your needs can be met. This is a popular destination
for families as the beaches are clean and, while we were there, we found
no evidence of noisy water sports thus making the beach sunbathing a peaceful
experience. We travelled in May just before the UK school half term and
avoided the crowds while still enjoying perfect weather with temperatures
around 34c. The resort is about half an hour away from the airport so
we didn't have long transfers or travelling. Scuba diving is available
for those so inclined.
Must
See Attractions 1) Old Rhodes
Town. Take a walk around the moat and walls. Inside the walls you'll find
narrow interesting alleys with shops, cafes and bars. We found a few places
where we could enjoy a reasonably priced drink together. The history of
Rhodes town is well documented in the guide books and you can enjoy guided
walks starting at the courtyard of the Palace of the grand Masters. Within
the 15th century knight's hospital is the archaelogocal museum and farther
north is the Museum of the Decorative Arts. 2) There are many pleasant
boat trips available from the harbour sailing around the islands and we
suggest you book direct rather than via the tour reps in the hotels. You'll
save money quite a few euros booking direct and get some exercise walking
around the harbour. 3) Rhodes has plenty of interesting shops inside the
old town - take a look around for ideas and then buy outside the walls
for cheaper deals. 4) Beaches consist of sand and light shingle and you
can hire a sun bed with cushions and shade for €4 a day.Eating
Out Plenty of places - the cheapest
are outside the old town. You can try Greek salads, fish dishes, pork
dishes, mousakas or play it safe with a nice steak.
Fab
Tips 1) Restaurants. Look for
where the locals eat - you can be fairly certain you'll get a good deal
and avoid the tourist traps. 2) Remember temperatures get hot - wear sandals
when walking on the hot sand unless you can run fast! 3) Hygiene.
When on the beach, buy drinks and snacks from the huts rather
than from the beach service boys. 4) Best deals for shopping are outside
the old town walls. 5) Book tours, transport and trips directly wherever
possible - it will save you money.
- 120 easy-to-read maps
- latest information on inter-island ferry services
- the best locations for diving, trekking and sailing
- hundreds of places to kick back once the sun goes down
- accommodation options, from mountain refuges to beach resorts