Arrived on Rhodes 20th Sept to an overcast windy day but still very warm temperatures in the low 30`s. After that the weather was sunny with temperatures during the day in the 30`s and a nice comfortable 20 at night. Upon arrival at the Ziakis hotel which overlooks the town of Pefkos we ventured out onto the balcony to find our "wow" view, we could see right around the bay and down the coast as far Plimiri about 30 miles away.

The first few days were spent around the pool and investigating the hotel which was built in 2005. Due to it`s location overlooking the village it does have a steep hill to climb to get back after an evening out, not recommended for visitors with walking difficulties. We did relent a few times and jump a taxi back from town which only cost 4 euros. Â* As you would expect everything was nice and clean with daily maid service and linen change twice weekly. The rooms were of the usual Greek standard sparse but comfortable. As we were self catering this time I was a little surprised to find we only had a kettle and two ring electric burner. Perhaps we had been a little spoilt over the years when we have had either a Small table top oven or small microwave oven to heat things up in.

Made two visits to Rhodes town on the bus. First visit was to walk the old town which we didn’t complete on our last visit three years ago and the second was to climb the clock tower and take in the view of the whole town. I must say this trip up to the top of the tower is not for the faint hearted, the open wooden steps are very steep and when you reach Â*the top platform the floor does tend to give and you get a sensation of the whole tower moving very slightly ( or was it the after effects of the previous night Mythos) I don`t know but I found the view very rewarding and took photos from all four sides, the Â*cost of two euros to include a drink of your`e choice at the bar after was well worth it. Later that day we walked the top of the wall around the old town, again we missed doing this on our last visit. You can walk the wall only on Tuesdays and Saturdays at 2.30 pm it takes around 45 minutes for 2 euros, the views are spectacular over the town as you are well above rooftop level. The wall in places is over 39 feet thick which is just as well as they were literally hundreds of us walking at the same time. It truly is a magnificent work of construction and would recommend this walk as the income is used to maintain the palace and the wall.
The only other trip we did was the Glass bottom boat 2 hour three bay cruise from Pefkos inc a swim at Navarone bay ( yep where part of the film back in the 60`s was made) ending up at Lindos bay, then a visit to bird island where a colony of Herons live and a high speed ride back to Pefkos with feet dangling over the edge of the boat and the captain made sure we all got a soaking as he turned and twisted the boat when we shouted for more. Very exhilarating and worth the 16 euros.

Got out and about by hiring a small Hyundai Assos which was only 75 euros for three days and with petrol at only .88 of a euro it`s very cheap driving. Visited Prassonissi at the southernmost tip of the island where the Aegean and the med meet. Had a nice walk up over the cliffs where the views were stunning. One word of warning if parking on the large expanse of sand between the small car park and the trail Â*do not park in the middle area as we saw loads of cars getting stuck in the deep soft sand!! While we had the car we visited Monolithos castle and on the drive back found a little taverna in the small village of Vati where we had probably the best meze ever served with drinks and locally made ouzo for only 28 euros. We spent over four hours in the company of the 78 year old owner who made our time on the island very special. Went to seven springs and the valley of the butterflies too, we easily covered all we wanted to do on the island in the three days with the car. Thanks to Graham at Lindos cars for the wonderful service we received.

We do like our food and found that our favourites in Pefkos were Tsambikas, good food a little dearer than some. Greek House which serve multi national dishes, If you can’t find what you want here then don`t bother to eat? Spitaki (the little house) this was our favourite 3 years ago not quite the same now that Alexandra has sold up but still good, had a 9 dish meze which with a litre of wine cost the two of us 37 euros. While we had the car we drove to Lardos old town and had an enjoyable evening on the rooftop garden at the Old House Restaurant right on the square quite a few locals eat here. Â*Visited Lindos for an evening out at the Symposio on the rooftop looking out to the Acropolis which is lit up during the evening, what a wonderful way to spend a romantic evening and great food too. While in Lindos during the day do have an ice cream at Gelo Blu 3 very large scoops with flavours to suit all tastes for 4 euros. Our favourite taverna which we visited several times inc our last evening was Philosophia which serves up trad Greek food with a twist of locally grown spices and herbs. Average price of a two course meal Inc a litre of wine was 45 euros but worth every cent and with stunning views over the beach and the bay a wonderful experience. Our day time refuge for drinks and lunch was always Lee’s beach bar where Kelly, Viola and Kostas were a bundle of laughs and when they could, would always have a chat about things back home and what we had been up to during our stay.

The beach at Pefkos is very good with fine soft sand, clean clear water. It very gently slopes out. You can be over 50 yards out and still only be up to the waist, ideal for children and non swimmers alike. Loungers and parasols are available for 8 euros a day or a reduced rate after 4.00pm. Â*


Overall the best holiday we have had in years. Made some new friends, met up with some old ones, ate and drank merrily and took over 100 photos. Thankyou to the people of Rhodes and Pefkos for making our stay Â*a memorable one.

Mr and Mrs monty




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