There is something troubling about the familiar chronology of the typical family vacation one cheap deal two nights minimum three meals a day four mandatory tanning hours daily five stars if possible.
Troubling not to say boring. But you know what it really does not have to be that way.
If you have already made it through the stressed travel agents convinced your partner to give up half the luggage and managed to distract the kids from the chocolate kingdom at the duty free a gate opens to a truly dreamy vacation.
Now that family vacation prices in Rhodes have dropped to the level of the nearest sunbed this is the time to enjoy a Mediterranean holiday that does not end with repetitive kids activities and soft drinks by the pool.
With the Crusaders in the Old City
Most of the interest on the island which is only 80 kilometers long is found in the capital city also called Rhodes.
There the Old City awaits a remnant of the Crusades and the knights who once controlled one of the most beautiful ports in Europe.
In the city surrounded by massive stone walls a reenactment of the battle between the Crusaders and the Ottomans takes place on Sundays an entertaining experience especially since the Turkish cast resembles a Bollywood ensemble.
How to get there It is recommended to enter the Old City through the Freedom Gate and through the ancient courtyards reach the Palace of the Knights a huge museum with more than 158 rooms which served as the home of the Crusaders.
Twenty four rooms are open to the public and accurately recreate their way of life including a close look at the famous metal armor.
And there is shopping The main street is home to luxury brand stores alongside souvenir shops all housed in restored buildings.
The most successful purchase of the trip was without doubt olive oil soap. The fragrant bar cost just one euro and worked wonders on sunburned skin.
And if we are talking about shopping the nearby new city is an attraction in itself.
Contrary to common associations the new part of Rhodes is completely western including a strong presence of European fashion chains.
End of summer sales are well known here and discounts can now be found that include shirts for two euros leather boots for ten and jeans for eleven.
The lake at the end of the tunnel
One of the main attractions in Rhodes is Seven Springs a nature site on the eastern side of the island. Sounds promising The most accurate description of the place is a puddle.
It is a small spring with seven even smaller waterfalls all inhabited by a family of plump geese.
So why go Because of the disappearing lake.
Nearby is an entrance to a tunnel carved into the heart of the mountain with a length of 200 meters.
Mobile phones are useless here and a flashlight is mandatory.
The light at the end of the tunnel reveals a truly stunning spot a turquoise blue lake surrounded by fruit trees and weeping willows with cool drinkable water.
For those who love adventure the route to the tunnel begins three kilometers earlier in an old family vineyard continues with a challenging climb a short walk through pine plains and finally a descent into the center of the tunnel via a hidden ladder.
How to get there It is worthwhile to reach Seven Springs by rented quad bike or motorcycle.
The daily price ranges between 12 and 25 euros and is worth it if only for the mandatory stops along the way.
Taverns and self picking
One of the must stops is a beach area known for lively taverns and excellent grill and seafood restaurants.
A local tip do not sit at a restaurant next to its trash bins or where cats do not roam between the tables.
A furry brush against your legs is a sign of food quality.
The second stop depends on your hidden pioneer spirit.
Along the winding road on the eastern coast you will notice elderly women wrapped in white scarves holding signs that read one point five euros equals half an hour. Believe it or not this is the fee they charge for half an hour of fruit picking in family vineyards fields and orchards.
Half an hour of intensive teamwork boosts family morale and yields an appetizing kilogram.
At the supermarket it would cost more.
One hour from Rhodes the clear sea
Most vacation packages include accommodation in a hotel area close to the capital. Its main advantage is proximity to the city but its drawback is that the beach is relatively rocky and rough.
To enjoy clear turquoise water it is necessary to travel to Lindos a beautiful bay town only one hour from Rhodes.
The sand in Lindos is white gold and the water is so transparent that shells can be clearly seen even at a depth of two meters.
How to get there Buses depart from the central station in Rhodes.
A temple and a goat race
The municipality operates a free shuttle bus between the beach and the Acropolis fortress a vast complex rising above the town containing the remains of the famous Doric temple of the goddess Athena Lindia. On the way down it is worth strolling between the white rectangular houses. Pay attention to the courtyards between the homes if you are lucky you may witness a goat race the local children version of a traditional game.
To finish beer snacks and dancing
After a day of stretching out on the beach nothing soothes the soul like a good beer. In the new city of Rhodes you will find Pub Street a long avenue lined with dozens of pubs each with its own concept including an Irish pub a LGBTQ pub and an eighties pub complete with authentic mohawk haircuts and studded outfits for the waiters. At the center of the street stands the highlight a massive three story dance club that hosts leading DJs during the summer months.
How to get there Five minutes by car from the hotel area. It is recommended to take a bus on the way there and a taxi back.
And there is food If you are in the mood for snacks do not eat at the restaurants along the harbor. The food you see in the display case is exactly what will reach your table after drying all day in the sun. Do not be lazy go into the city enjoy the night deals and expect furry touches on your calves.
