Kolymbia
Outside of the resort, the nearest village is Kolymbia, The village itself is halfway between Rhodes Town and Lindos, Kolymbia is a small sleepy village and is reached by passing along a cypress lined avenue a couple of miles from the main east coast road.
Kolymbia started off as a fishing village, hence a small harbour. Tourism didn’t start to develop until the 1980s and it is now a low profile smart, purpose-built seaside resort retaining a true Greek feel despite the development.
Eucalyptus trees shade the main avenue of Kolymbia while the beach consists of a long stretch of fine golden sand ending at Vagia Point, a small cove ringed by volcanic rock. The village has a lovely atmosphere, chilled and tranquil by day, a perfect place for a quiet family holiday and for those looking for peace and relaxation. At night although relaxed there is more of a buzzy atmosphere with an assortment of shops, bars and restaurants.
Faliraki
Slightly further afield is Faliraki (just a 20-minute taxi drive). Faliraki is like one big funfair, with a vast, multi-ethnic crowd tirelessly in pursuit of pleasure, day and night. At night in the narrow streets garish neon lights and loud noise come from the restaurants, bars and clubs.
Here you can find everything you can possibly ask for from night clubs and restaurants to bungee-jumping and places for shopping.
The Water Park, which is currently the biggest in Europe offers water slides, a lazy river, black holes, rafting slides, the giant slide (about 140m long), kamikaze slides, a huge wave pool, an aqua-gym, pool cafes and much more.
Aside from its nightlife Faliraki during the day has lots to offer, from beautiful churches, scenic walks and the old fishing habour of St Apostolos.
Lindos
Lindos for most visitors is the most impressive archaeological site on Rhodes. Here the dramatic natural landscape is enhanced by the picturesque quality of the more modern town. You will find the most important archaeological monuments at the acropolis, but interesting ruins are scattered at various points within the town and just outside too.
A road leads high up to the acropolis, and if you wish to avoid the tiring climb you can hire a donkey at the entrance of the town. The medieval walls are the first ruins you will encounter, fortifications built by the Crusaders (early 14th century) on the remains of earlier defences, both Byzantine and ancient. There are a few towers along the medieval walls, which follow the natural contours of the high ground.
Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town is situation at the northern tip of the island. Rhodes Town offers a range of historic sights as well as excellent shopping, nightlife, a good selection of places to eat and some decent beaches. It presents a dual face - the Old and the New Town.
Old ‘Medieval’ Town
In the Medieval Town of Rhodes (or Old Town) enjoy interesting walks. When you approach the inner and outer walls of the Old Town, you are about to enter the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. The fascinating mix of cobbled streets, squares and
courtyards, Byzantine and Gothic churches, mosques and massive fortifications is all dominated by the Palace of the Grand Masters and is surrounded by massive walls and a dry moat.
Rhodes was once the site of the ancient Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, a huge statue that dominated the city for 66 years before an earthquake toppled it.
Traditional shops and cafeterias are scattered throughout the Old Town of Rhodes, all blending together to create a unique and picturesque setting.
New ‘Modern’ Town
In the Modern Town of Rhodes (or New Town) centred on the most picturesque of the three ports of the city, the yacht harbour of Mandraki, you’re welcomed by two bronze deer, which have become the modern emblem of the town.
The modern island capital is a cosmopolitan district of tree-lined boulevards, New Market, Archbishops Palace, Annunciation church, imposing public buildings, international restaurants, nightlife and dazzling array of shops and casino.
The impressive walls of the Medieval Town and the numerous monumental buildings that surround Mandraki add to its majestic air. At the north end of the town, and the most northern point of the island, stands the Institute of Marine Biology (Aquarium).