Rhodes holidays - travel guide - activities & sights

Set in a beautiful rocky bay on the west coast, this now unused Italian-style Spa is a cluster of pretty, 1920's pink domed pavilions, cobbled walkways, marbled pillars and Moorish arches, where people came to benefit from the local natural spring waters which were reputed to have healing powers. Although the springs have now dried up, the palm-tree shaded ensemble is an enchanting sight - there's the added attraction of a cluster of idyllic rocky inlets all around, each perfect for a lazy day's sunbathing. The waters are sparkling blue and crystal clear too, so snorkellers and swimmers will be in their element.

Water skiing and jet skiing is available in almost every beach resort area. The prime areas for windsurfers are Faliraki, Ixia, Afandou, Tsambika Beach and Kolymbia, as well as Prassonisi (which is known as 'Surfer's Paradise'). You can also explore the undersea world by scuba diving at Mandraki Harbour.

You'll find a good water park near Faliraki with plenty of scary rides, a huge wave pool and plenty of places to chill out.

You'll find a gorgeous sandy beach at Faliraki that stretches over 3 kms. Shallow and safe for the kids, it's been awarded the coveted blue flag. Tsambika Beach, which is situated between Faliraki and Lindos, is rated the best on the island with its fine sands, plentiful watersports and atmospheric local tavernas where you can enjoy a hearty fish lunch. Prassonisi is another good beach which you'll find at the southern tip of the Island where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.

Wildlife lovers will adore this magical area, situated south of Rhodes Town and near the village of Kalamonas. A spectacularly lush gorge filled with cool, running waterfalls and wooden bridges spanning little brooks, the valley becomes home to millions of rare and colourful Kalimorfa butterflies - otherwise known as Jersey Tiger Moths - every year between June and September. These beautiful creatures are attracted by the scented amber resin that seeps from the valley's storax trees, as well as the humid shade. They make an entrancing sight with their white, brown, black and red wings flickering as they fly. It's easy to spend a day here and there's a pretty picnic area and souvenir shop to enjoy too.

Lindos is one of Rhodes' top attractions, and as well as admiring its delightful sugar-cube houses and lanes, there's a superb ancient Acropolis to explore too. Perched on a steep precipice 400 feet above the sea, the 3rd century ruins here are surrounded by medieval walls built by the Knights of St. John, and include a magnificent reconstructed temple together with grand stairways, porticos and monuments. The views over the Aegean have to be seen to be believed and to the south you can see St. Paul's Bay where St. Paul is said to have been shipwrecked on his journey to Turkey. There's even the chance to climb up to the site on a donkey in traditional Greek style.

If you fancy changing the scenery and taking some time out on the blue Aegean, a day trip to Symi will oblige big time. The journey takes around an hour, and you'll arrive in the island's main port of Gialos, a stunningly beautiful collection of Venetian mansions and houses cupped into a breathtaking, fjord-like bay. Here, you'll find a multitude of pretty waterfront tavernas, colourful harbour stalls selling the island's prized natural sponges and spices, as well as oodles of little souvenir shops and cafes. With its steep little streets, the old town of Chorio typifies old Greece and you can also visit the huge 18th century monastery at Panormitis, with its beautiful bell tower and art collection.