Here's Why You Should Visit Rhodes!

Rhodes is the ideal location for those of you looking for a relaxing escape, combined with an activity packed adventure! With miles of beaches, mountainous surroundings, medieval towns and beautiful resorts, Rhodes can’t help but top the list of destination choices. It remains the most popular Greek Island, attracting 270,000 British tourists each year! Below we've explored why it’s such a favourite for holidaymakers every year.

Rhodes Town

Situated North of the island, the islands capital compromises a hotspot for history and a beautiful tourist resort.  The town is split into two sections; there is the old medieval  town, and a  modern day town which balances Rhodes with fascinating architecture and great tourist facilities. Both sides are packed with stylish boutiques, traditional tavernas, top-end restaurants and those much loved chic cocktail lounges and bars.

The old town documents the comings and goings of Knights over two whole centuries. The cobblestoned street of the knights is one of the best preserved medieval streets in Europe, home to many medieval inns and an archaeological museum.  There is much to see around the old town, even if you’re not a history enthusiast, the town gives a fascinating insight into the past and is a total throwback to the Middle Ages.

Outside the walls of the Old Town lies the new city which has many beautiful Venetian and modern buildings. Packed with everything you could possibly want whilst enjoying a relaxing and fun filled holiday, the new town has a  pleasant nightlife which comes alive and offers you a taste of the traditional Greek ambience.

                                                       (Picture courtesy of The Telegraph)

The Beaches

Many tourists are attracted to Rhodes for its spectacular range of beautiful beaches. The east coast of the island has many unspoilt beaches with golden sands, and it's where many of the popular holiday resorts are situated.  The beach Lindos is looked over by the ruins of Faliraki, and the acropolis, and surrounded by beautiful warm waters.  Pefkos is another unspoilt beach and is also one for relaxing and taking in the stunning scenery. If you’re looking to escape the tourism and have an afternoon of peace and tranquillity, the secluded coves in  Kalithea and Kolymbia can offer you just that.    

                                                        (Picture courtesy of Lindosmare)

History

The ancient ruins scattered across Rhodes date back to the time of the Trojan war. There are ottoman minarets which recall the time the island spent under Turkish rule, and dramatic painted churches which portray the old Byzantine years.  Rhodes main harbour area was once dominated by one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the great colossus. The Lindos acropolis is the most stunningr, with views along nearly 40 miles of coast, and the Athena temple.

                                                    (Picture courtesy of Cruising Excursions)

The Cuisine

Rhodes will have a selection of everything you could possibly want.  From traditional Greek cuisine, to French, Italian, Chinese and English - there will always be something to impress your taste buds. Whether you prefer meat, fish or vegetarian dishes, Rhodes will cater for all with their very own delicious recipes. 

 Not forgetting the authentic Rhodian wine to accompany your meal. The wines in Rhodes are famous for their great taste and quality - made from the islands best vineyards.

                                               (Picture courtesy of Frankie In Kitchen)

So, what are you waiting for? Treat yourself to a break and explore the beautiful island of Rhodes! Visit www.comparediscountholidays.com to grab yourself a cheap deal! Happy Traveling! 

Here’s Why You Should Visit Kefalonia!

When it comes to choosing the perfect holiday location, you really are spoilt for choice! If you are looking to head a little further out to Greece, we highly recommend looking into lovely cheap holidays to Kefalonia!

This beautiful island has so much to see and do - the splendid towns and dreamy blue sea-scapes will definitely keep you coming back!

Calling all Captain Corelli’s Mandolin fans! This beautiful island was the chosen location to shoot this famous film - no surprise there as Kefalonia is home to many picturesque towns and spectacular scenery! The famous locations are dotted around Kefalonia, making them the tourist hotspots.

Whether you are looking into a relaxed family holiday, a romantic retreat, or an adventurous and more active time with a group of friends, Kefalonia can accommodate for all!

Myrtos Beach

Backed by sheer cliffs and noted for its crystal clear waters – Myrtos Beach is one of the world's most photographed stretches of sand, and we can see why! It is one of the most dramatic beaches located on the Ionian islands.

It was the chosen location for the famous mine explosion in Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, and visiting this beach for the first time is a truly memorable experience for all.

Being exposed to the sun all day can be a little draining, so spend the afternoon here and catch the sunset before you leave!

Travelling down to Myrtos beach is an incredible experience in itself, as the views boast its outstanding beauty!  If you’re visiting Kefalonia this year, this beach is a must see before leaving!

Argostoli

The beautiful Capital of the island was severely damaged after it was hit by an earthquake in 1953, losing most of its Venetian architecture. However, the town was soon rebuilt and continues to boast its natural beauty.

Argostoli has a delightful main square called the Platia Vallianou. There are plenty of bars and tavernas to visit to keep refreshed throughout the day. This area is very lively in the day but also fab to visit in the evening if you want a taste of the nightlife!

There are many shops to visit, plus plenty of cafes and tavernas to enjoy! The shops stay open late on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. In the high season, Argostoli gets busier by night and delivers an exciting and fun atmosphere.

There is also a large port with a natural harbour, where loggerhead turtles can be often spotted swimming around!

Sami 

The resort village of Sami stands on the eastern coast of Kefalonia . Sami has a long strip of lively coffee shops and tavernas, which are perfect for refreshments throughout the day. Visit Sami at night and engage with its lively atmosphere and picturesque walks through the town.

There are also beautiful hillsides and natural attractions based all around the bay, perfect for exploring and getting away from the busier areas!  There are a number of delightful monasteries, remains of an ancient fortress, and many caves to explore.

Melissani Cave, Cave of Nymphs

Known as the Cave of Nymphs, thousands travel to this very intriguing tourist attraction every year. The cave was named after an excavation took place in the early 1960s.The entrance is located on the Lake Melissani, which holds elements of mystery, and its beauty makes it a very popular attraction. Make sure you take a boat trip to explore the beautiful caves located in this fascinating lake!

Fiskardo

Fiskardo was the only town in Kefalonia not to be affected by the 1953 earthquake. The village is situated on the northeast coast line of the island and offers many spectacular sights.  There are also many historical ancient ruins and Venetian buildings to view and explore!

The waters here are very calm and clear, making it the perfect location for swimming and snorkelling. Behind the white sands lies a taverna, which serves up the meat pies for which Kefalonia is famous for!

The harbour is filled with beautiful yachts, and many A-list celebrities have been spotted here over the years!

So what are you waiting for? Treat yourself and family with a holiday to this beautiful Ionian island and explore all of these fabulous attractions! Get comparing the best deals to this location now by clicking here!

(Picture courtesy of  trip and travel)

Top 5 Things To Do And See

With Summer just around the corner, now is the best time to bag yourself a great deal, by visiting an online centre for discount holidays or a travel comparison website. With so many destinations to visit worldwide, it can be hard to pick just one, as there is just too much choice. 

Most holiday makers, especially families with small children, choose to stick to Europe. This is down to the many, cheap, all inclusive offers available and short associated flights – obviously among other factors too. This year, many holidaymakers are looking into cheap holidays to Greece, as this seems the place to be! It is no wonder seeing as there are over sixty inhabited islands, historic landmarks that have a history of up to four millennia, stunning beaches and impressive mountain ranges.

Are you now toying with the idea to visit Greece?  Well read on, as we explore the top 5 things to do whilst on holiday here.

Mount Athos

Cheap holidays to Greece aren’t complete without visiting Mount Athos. Located north of the island, Mount Athos is both a mountain and peninsula. This peninsula is home to over 1,400 monks. Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to visit this unique and interesting place, as there is a strict men only policy. However, for you ladies, who love to shop, why not use this to your advantage. If the men and boys you are on holiday with groan as soon as they hear the word; ‘shopping’, suggest that they visit Mount Athos. This gives you can excuse to hit the shops and markets! This will surely keep everyone happy!

Mystras

Mystras is located near ancient Sparta and was once the capital of the Pelopnnesus, back in the 14^th and 15^th centuries. Throughout the Ottoman period the area remained inhabited but was unfortunately abandoned back in 1832. This is fortunate for us today, as there are now breath-taking medieval ruins, which are located in stunning and beautiful surroundings.

Lindos

Lindos should be included in your itinerary when going on cheap holidays to Greece. It is a medieval village in Rhodes, made up of quaint cobbled streets and houses that are whitewashed. The acropolis of Lindos rises around the town, which treats you to stunning views of the surrounding harbours and coastline. After a morning of exploring this wonderful town, why not hit a beach to sit back and relax? Lindos beach and Saint Pauls are idyllic, which are only a short distance from where you are.

Meteora

Meteora means ‘suspended in the air’. So, as the name suggests, there are 6 monasteries situated on top of several rock pillars, in central Greece. First founded in the 14^th century, these monasteries were notoriously hard to get to, as technology back then was very limited. Simple nets or rope ladders were used and these methods were only replaced ‘when the Lord let them break’. 

Santorini

Anyone going on cheap holidays to Greece should include a visit to Santorini. The volcanic island is renowned for its dramatic views, jaw dropping sunsets, white washed houses and the fact that there is still an active volcano on site. The capital of Santorini is Fira and here you can enjoy the beautiful mixture of Venetian and Cycladic architecture. Wander the cobbled streets and be spoilt for choice when it comes to shops, tavernas, hotels and cafes. What is even more impressive about this site is that the town clings on the edge of cliffs, which are as high as 400 meters!  

So what are you waiting for, use a centre for discount holidays and book cheap holidays to Greece today!

 

(Photo courtesy of Elaine)