Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands and offers a dynamic mixture of medieval history and beach life, with beach clubs, lively bars, gourmet restaurants, and traditional tavernas lining the seafront. If you are thinking of visiting the island, why not choose from one of our Rhodes villas? You won't be disappointed. They ooze luxury, give you the privacy you don't get in a hotel, and offer benefits, such as your own private swimming pool and a fully equipped kitchen. You even have the option of a personal chef who will prepare delicious Greek dishes and cater to your dietary requirements.
Staying in luxury villas in Rhodes gives you the freedom to arrange your days as you wish. You aren't tied to set meal times or sharing the pool with other people, as you would in a hotel.
Rhodes villas for rent are perfect for large groups, families, and honeymooners alike. They are particularly cost-effective for large parties, as if you stayed in a hotel, you would have to book several rooms. Some are close to the hectic pace of the capital, Rhodes Town, and others are near the beach. If you find that the beaches are too crowded or you can't find a sunbed, luxury Rhodes villas with a pool will appeal to you.Rhodes has a rich history going back to the Neolithic age, around 7000 B.C. In 1500 B.C., there began a long history of occupation, starting with the Mycenaeans and then the Dorians, who established three cities, Lindos, Ialyssos, and Kameiros, all three becoming the city of Rhodes in 408 B.C. Rhodes became a centre of commerce and an important maritime power. The Golden Age of Rhodes started at the end of the 3rd century B.C.
Between 304 and 293 B.C., the famous statue, the Colossus of Rhodes, was built. Made of bronze, it measured a massive 33 metres (108ft). It was built to honour the sun god, Helion, and it became one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Unfortunately, it collapsed in 225 B.C., so you can only imagine how magnificent it was.
In the 1st century B.C., the Roman Empire conquered Rhodes, and on its split, Rhodes became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, also called the Byzantine Empire.
The Crusaders took over Rhodes in 1309 and ruled until 1522. They changed Rhodes Town into an enormous fortress containing the Palace of the Grand Master.
The Ottoman Empire, under the rule of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, conquered Rhodes in 1522. During this time, many churches were changed into mosques.
Italy took Rhodes in 1912 and ruled until 1943, when the Germans captured the island. Finally, in 1947, Rhodes and the other Dodecanese islands became part of Greece.
This guide will give you extensive information about the island of Rhodes, as well as show you how to manage the booking of a holiday villa on the island.
Why Choose a Villa Holiday in Rhodes?
Deciding to choose a villa in Rhodes over a hotel allows you to take life at your own pace. Eat when you want, have a pool to yourself, and watch the sunset without the crowds.
Holiday villas in Rhodes have everything you need for a comfortable stay. They have air conditioning, fully-equipped kitchens and barbecue areas. It won't take you long to settle into your temporary home and enter a world where everything goes slowly. The Greeks are famous for saying 'siga siga', which means 'slowly, slowly'.
Some luxury villas in Rhodes offer spa treatments, and many have a host who will help you book excursions, restaurants, and taxis. Why not take a walking tour of Rhodes town, visit one of the archaeological sites, or marvel at the Jersey moths in the Valley of the Butterflies in the summer?
Private villas in Rhodes have traditional, local characteristics, but still offer high-end features, such as premium technology, climate control, and infinity pools. Many have seaside views, so you can relax away from the crowds amid beautiful scenery. For the finest properties on the island, our Luxe Collection is worth a look.
Choosing the Perfect Area for Your Rhodes Villa Holiday
Rhodes covers 540 square miles (1400 square km), is 50 miles (80 km) long, and 22 - 24 miles (35 - 38 km) wide. Its coastline is 137 miles (220 km) long. The island is hilly, with the highest peak being in the Ataviros Mountains (3937 feet, 1200 metres) high.
The north coast of Rhodes is more developed than the south. The south is laid back, rustic, and agricultural, offering a traditional Greek experience. In the north of the island, you will see busy resorts, and there is plenty of nightlife.
The island has many beaches, such as the busy Faliraki and the attractive Anthony Quinn beach. There are some quiet and secluded beaches as well, and windsurfing spots on the south coast.
Choosing where to stay can make your holiday, but also break it. Rhodes offers both historical sites and beaches, so there should be something for everyone.
Rhodes Town is at the northern tip of the island. If you are interested in history, stay close to the capital. It is divided into two: the Old Town and the New Town. The Old Town is a well-preserved Medieval area, featuring the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights.
On the west coast, 5 miles (3.1 km) south of Rhodes Town, is Ixia, which has high-end hotels. This side of the island is windier than the east coast, so it is popular for windsurfing.
Close to Ixia are some traditional villages, Kremasti, Kritinia, and Kamiros, where you can see medieval ruins and a fabulous sunset. Monoliths is famous for a castle which was built by the Knights. It is perched on a high rock, surrounded by stunning scenery.
If you are looking for a quiet holiday, the south of the island will suit you. It has long, peaceful beaches and a traditional feel. Prassonisi, at the southern tip of the island, is heaven for kite and windsurfers. Our beachfront villas in Rhodes are particularly well suited to those wanting to be close to the sea.
When is the Best Time for a Rhodes Villa Holiday?
Summer
If you like hot weather, then summer is the time to have a Rhodes villa holiday. The average temperature is between 29 and 31°C (84 - 89F), but it can get hotter. The sea is perfect for swimming and watersports as it is around 25°C (77F). This time of year is, however, crowded, particularly in the north.
Shoulder Seasons
The shoulder seasons, which are mid-April to mid-June and September - October, can be the best time to rent a luxury villa in Rhodes, as it is warm, but not too hot. It is also less crowded and cheaper to stay in a villa and to buy flights. The weather is also suitable for hiking and visiting archaeological sites.
Winter
Winter in Rhodes is mild, but wet. The tourist resorts shut down, but there are hotels and tavernas open in Rhodes Town. If you enjoy museums and archaeological sites, this is the time to go, as there won't be crowds.
Essential Planning Tips for Your Rhodes Villa Holiday
- Book your Rhodes villa holiday early, as they get booked up quickly. Aim to book at least six months in advance, earlier if you want to visit Rhodes in the summer.
- Rhodes has an international airport and, during the holiday season, there are flights from both Athens and major European cities. In the winter, you can only fly to Rhodes from mainland Greece. You can also get to Rhodes by ferry from Piraeus, near Athens. In the summer, you can also connect to Kos, Patmos, Symi, Karpathos, and Turkey by ferry.
- To get around Rhodes, you can hire a car, get a taxi, or use the efficient and cheap bus service. There are also sea buses which connect popular coastal spots, such as Lindos and Faliraki.
- Ensure that your Rhodes vacation villa has an EOT licence. This is a permit from the Greek National Tourism Organisation allowing owners to legally rent out their property.
Curating the Experience: Food and Activities in Rhodes
Gastronomy
The Mediterranean diet is important, but the food has also been influenced by the neighbouring continents, Africa and Asia.
Basic ingredients used in cooking are wheat and olives. Traditional recipes often include bulgar wheat, pasta, egg noodles, and vegetables, including wild greens, red pumpkin, green beans, and onions. Herbs play an important part in many recipes.
Delicious starters include pitaroudia, which are fried chickpea balls with chopped mint, onions, and tomatoes, courgette balls, and stuffed cyclamen leaves filled with a lentil mixture.
Traditional main dishes from Rhodes include a stew made with wild greens, purslane, which are stuffed vegetables, green beans with tomatoes and peppers, snails cooked in a tomato sauce with onions and cumin, goat cooked in a narrow, tall ceramic pot, spetzofai, which are baked sausages with peppers and onions, and, being an island, fresh fish.
Activities
Wander around the medieval city of Rhodes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the 14th-century well-preserved Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, which later became a residence for Italian rulers. Take a walk down the Street of the Knights, where you will find inns which the Knights would use.
2 miles (3.2km) south of the Old Town is the Acropolis of Rhodes, which was built during the Hellenistic period (325 B.C.- 31 A.D.) It was an important cultural and religious centre.
Lindos also has an Acropolis, which houses both the temple of Athena Lindia and the Temple of Athena. It is a hike to get to it, but the views are worth it.
The Valley of the Butterflies, 16 miles (25.7 km) south of Rhodes Town, is well worth a visit. Every summer, thousands of Jersey moths come here, which is an amazing sight. The Valley is beautiful as well, with cypress and plane trees, wooden bridges, waterfalls, and trails.
For those celebrating a special occasion, our wedding and celebration villas in Rhodes offer a spectacular setting. And for couples and honeymooners, Rhodes is one of the most romantic destinations in the Mediterranean.
Ready to Find Your Dream Rhodes Villa?
Holiday villas in Rhodes offer an extraordinary experience. Immerse yourself in luxury and local culture, marvel at the stunning scenery, and enjoy traditional food cooked by your private chef. Take a look at our collection of Bnbstay Rhodes villas to rent.
FAQ
Is it better to stay in a hotel or a villa in Rhodes?
Luxury villas in Rhodes have an advantage over hotels because they offer privacy, your own facilities, such as a private pool, and are cost-effective, especially for a large group.
How much does it cost to rent a villa in Rhodes?
Villas cost between £80 and £300 a night, although they can go above £500 a night in July and August.
Do I need to hire a car in Rhodes?
There is a good bus service, but if you want to explore inland, you will need a car.
Are you interested in visiting this beautiful Greek island? If so, plan your Rhodes villa holiday with us. You will have privacy, luxury, excellent amenities, such as an infinity pool, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and the option of a private chef. Whether you want to stay in a quiet, traditional area or join the party scene, there will be a villa for you.
