As published on Thomas Cook website: www.thomascook.com
There’s more to this Greek Island than fresh feta salads and cheerful traditional dancing –
As the in-house Photographer for Thomas Cook, here I captured seven surprising wonders that I discovered whilst on a photo-shoot here:
1. Enlightening Lindos
Bright whitewashed houses on the East coast are huddled across the hilltop and lead the way to the most magnificent view with ruins of the acropolis in Lindos. It’s the most stunning backdrop, that still impresses the locals here to stop in their tracks and soak up the picture. It reminds me of the white patches found on the brown coat of the famous deer, which is a beloved symbol here in Rhodes, the Dama-dama deer of the Dodecanese.
2. Striking St Paul’s
On the South side of Lindos, St Paul’s beach boasts a breath-taking bay that has a story behind it that during a terrible storm lightning struck the rocks open to reveal the bay. There really is a charming feel at every turn due to the Island’s rich history. You can hardly imagine any stormy weather, with the bay soaking up the warm sun.
3. Mysterious Mandraki
Mandraki, the island’s oldest harbour in Rhodes Town will surprise you, especially if you make the effort to watch the sunrise there.
Standing with pride at the entrance of the harbour are two fallow deer – a male and female, and silhouetted against a dramatic sky is a sight to see. Not only do they stand significantly here, they have stood the test of time in many legends of the island. It’s heart-warming to think the Colossus of Rhodes once stood here many millennia earlier. It was here the huge statue of the Greek god of the sun stood, Helios, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
Rhodes Town actually has two harbours, the Mandraki one with the deer and a larger one where ships anchor. You’ll spot three bold and beautiful disused windmills there to admire. To add to that view, there’s even a sleek statue of three dolphins, too.
4. Calming Kalithea
Kalithea Springs was once a Thermal Spa but is still open as an attraction today due to its stunning architecture and lush pine tree scenery. I never imagined enjoying an afternoon at a Spa without a dip in the pool or booking a back massage, but at Kalithea Springs, even this is possible! It was so laid-back and relaxing just meandering along its mosaics. Kalithea offers the perfect balance of gentle chatter from inviting tavernas amongst peaceful surroundings and a private mini-beach, for only a few euro. An extraordinary spa experience.
5. Sweet Honey
Not only is Rhodes an idyllic place to holiday in with buckets of sunshine and stunning scenery, it also means the mountains are flourishing with wild herbs and flowers, as well as brimming with pine forests. It may not be such a surprising wonder to hear that the honey made here is prized as some of the best in the world, especially thyme, which I couldn’t resist buying jars of to bring a taste of Rhodes home with me. Talagoutes is a popular local specialty where you can taste just how mouth-watering the honey is here – pancakes dripping with glowing honey with cinnamon and sesame seeds too.
6. Shopper’s Paradise
You’re spoilt with the familiar brand names of modern shops as well as the traditional markets with their handmade souvenirs to take presents back to your friends and family. For me, Rhodes ticks the boxes for holiday destinations; there’s no wonder the Greek Goddess of Victory, called Nike, was the inspiration behind the Nike brand!
7. Fused Flavours
There’s no end of choice for even the fussiest and healthiest of eaters here with many unforeseen flavours on offer such as cinnamon and cumin spices. The flavours of Rhodes cooking have adapted a blend of cultures due to its rich past of invaders and settlers. I found Rhodian herbs outside the restaurants and within the Spa scene too. I indulged in a relaxing Rhodian massage that uses the natural goodness of local herbs, such as fresh chamomile, calendula, hibiscus, orange and mallow blossoms. If you’re looking for an authentic Greek holiday that is that little bit extraordinary, then Rhodes offers the perfect balance.
You now have seven more reasons to discover the wonderful Greek island of Rhodes! (You may uncover even more breathtaking moments yourself, so remember your camera!) As you can see, with such a rich history of mesmerising mystery, here you’ll be happily surprised at every twist and turn.