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News and Events For Rhodes
The island of Rhodes has enticed artists, poets, musicians and writers for centuries. Seasonal visitors have been exploring this beautiful island for generations and continue to return year on year and it is easy to see why.
Perhaps one of the reasons visitors return so regularly is the generous hospitality offered by the locals; perhaps it is the climate with temperatures rarely dipping below 30°C in the summer months. Rhodes is an island of contrasts. where exploration of island delights is easy. All our villas in Rhodes have private pools.
Perhaps one of the reasons visitors return so regularly is the generous hospitality offered by the locals; perhaps it is the climate with temperatures rarely dipping below 30°C in the summer months. Rhodes is an island of contrasts. where exploration of island delights is easy. All our villas in Rhodes have private pools.
Celebrating Easter in Rhodes
Easter is often more celebrated than Christmas in the Greek Orthodox church and this year, Greek Easter falls on the week of 29th April. Usually there is a five week difference between western and eastern Christian celebrations of Easter, whilst once every four years it falls on the same date.
Easter is a joyous time to holiday in Rhodes; spring brings flowers and fauna in abundance and the people enjoy the release from the winter hibernation. Even if you are not a devout Christian you cannot help but be moved by the ceremonies and way of life that begin on Easter Sunday after 40 days of fasting. During “Megali Evdomada” or “Holy week”, fasting is taken seriously and many traditional tavernas delight in producing delicious vegetarian and seafood dishes. Church services are held throughout the week.
Holy Week traditionally goes as follows:
• Monday – This is the day to go to church and kiss the icon of Christ.
• Tuesday – A day of mourning.
• Wednesday – All household chores must be finished on this day.
• Thursday – Communion services are held all day and churchgoers bow before Christ on the cross.
• Friday – A day of mourning, marked by the church bells ringing the death knell all morning. The ‘Epitafo’ (funeral bier) is decorated and a service held for Christ’s funeral. It is a day of rest and card playing is forbidden. At dusk, the Epitafio is paraded in sombre fashion around the town or village. At midnight, the ‘Anastasi’ (the Resurrection) takes place and is the culmination of Holy week. The whole of Greece, it seems, attends the midnight mass, and the congregation each light a candle from the holy flame started by the priest. Hurrying home, they make the sign of the cross by the light of the candle in the doorway of each home before entering, to bring good luck for the year ahead. Boys of all ages delight in letting off firecrackers on the stroke of midnight so it is accompanied with the strong smell of cordite! The Lenten fast is broken with mageirista meat soup, red eggs and cheese pies.
• Saturday – Another service is held and the churches are filled with flowers. Lambs are killed in readiness for the Sunday feast.
• Sunday – Families and friends gather together to celebrate, roasting a lamb or goat on a spit, with music and dancing throughout the day.
Kalo Pasxa – Happy Easter!
Easter is a joyous time to holiday in Rhodes; spring brings flowers and fauna in abundance and the people enjoy the release from the winter hibernation. Even if you are not a devout Christian you cannot help but be moved by the ceremonies and way of life that begin on Easter Sunday after 40 days of fasting. During “Megali Evdomada” or “Holy week”, fasting is taken seriously and many traditional tavernas delight in producing delicious vegetarian and seafood dishes. Church services are held throughout the week.
Holy Week traditionally goes as follows:
• Monday – This is the day to go to church and kiss the icon of Christ.
• Tuesday – A day of mourning.
• Wednesday – All household chores must be finished on this day.
• Thursday – Communion services are held all day and churchgoers bow before Christ on the cross.
• Friday – A day of mourning, marked by the church bells ringing the death knell all morning. The ‘Epitafo’ (funeral bier) is decorated and a service held for Christ’s funeral. It is a day of rest and card playing is forbidden. At dusk, the Epitafio is paraded in sombre fashion around the town or village. At midnight, the ‘Anastasi’ (the Resurrection) takes place and is the culmination of Holy week. The whole of Greece, it seems, attends the midnight mass, and the congregation each light a candle from the holy flame started by the priest. Hurrying home, they make the sign of the cross by the light of the candle in the doorway of each home before entering, to bring good luck for the year ahead. Boys of all ages delight in letting off firecrackers on the stroke of midnight so it is accompanied with the strong smell of cordite! The Lenten fast is broken with mageirista meat soup, red eggs and cheese pies.
• Saturday – Another service is held and the churches are filled with flowers. Lambs are killed in readiness for the Sunday feast.
• Sunday – Families and friends gather together to celebrate, roasting a lamb or goat on a spit, with music and dancing throughout the day.
Kalo Pasxa – Happy Easter!
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Rhodes Area Information
The Greek island of Rhodes has enticed artists, poets, musicians and writers for centuries. Seasonal visitors have been exploring this beautiful island for generations and continue to return year on year and it is easy to see why.
Perhaps one of the reasons visitors return so regularly is the generous hospitality offered by the locals; perhaps it is the climate with temperatures rarely dipping below 30°C in the summer months.
Or perhaps it is simply because the island offers wonderful experiences for everyone, attracting independent travellers, water sports fanatics, history enthusiasts, photographers and family groups - Rhodes is an island of contrasts. And with its excellent infrastructure, exploration of island delights is easy.
Inland and along the western coast the climate is cooler and lush vegetation spreads the length of the coastline. Pine clad mountains, small communities and fishing villages make up the majority of these areas and it is perfect for walking tours or the discovery of isolated coves and beaches. Attractions include the Valley of the Butterflies at Petaloudes, a unique natural phenomenon at a lush natural park and breeding ground for thousands of butterflies, which take flight before settling on the ancient trees.
History enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the fascinating atmosphere at ancient Kamiros, a city abandoned around 142 B.C. after an earthquake. From the well preserved ruins at this ancient site to the medieval streets and mosques of the old town in Rhodes, the imprint of civilisations past can be observed in nearly every town and village.
Continuing south, a visit to the ruins of Monolithos castle on the south western coast is a must. Meaning 'single rock', the climb to the historic remains is worth the effort! Two15th century chapels can be found inside the remaining external walls and the views are breathtaking. Nearby the pretty village of Sianna clinging to the hillside is famous for its local honey and Suma.
The southernmost tip of the island is for the more active holiday maker. The beach at Prasonissi is a must for surfers. This is a unique landscape where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet at a sandy strip separating the mainland from the tiny peninsula of Leek. A handful of tavernas and bars can be found here. Exceptionally good, traditional food can be found at nearby Kattavia.
You will find a more cosmopolitan holiday environment along the eastern coast of Rhodes. Pefki has many family orientated amenities and a fine sandy beach; famous Lindos is home to an imposing acropolis, maze of narrow pedestrianised streets, a bustling nightlife, sophisticated restaurants, sandy beaches and stunning scenery. You are always assured a quiet section of beach for yourself at sleepy Kalathos and often at Zambika where the wide sweeping beach is overlooked by a tiny monastery perched high on the hill steeped in myth and legend.
And finally, to Rhodes Town itself, a sophisticated blend of ancient and modern, tranquil and lively, traditional and international - we suggest a day and an evening to fully discover the charms of this wonderful town with its own ancient acropolis, its museums, cobbled streets and enchanting Turkish quarter found inside the Medieval walls.
Many alluring restaurants and bars are scattered amongst the old and new towns.
Whether you are seeking a fun filled adventure at the excellent water sports facilities around the island's beautiful beaches, an opportunity to explore the many captivating villages and historical gems or just looking forward to a peaceful getaway relishing the simple pleasures of life in a jasmine scented patio beside your private pool, Rhodes will provide you with a holiday to remember.
Festivals and Saints' Days
The festival spirit is well and truly alive here on Rhodes with 'name days' providing the locals and visitors the chance to relax, eat, drink, dance and be merry! Official name day celebrations take place at the Churches named after the same Saint. A number of festivals take place during the summer months. A great way to observe what the Greeks do best!
Local Cuisine
If you are looking for the real Greek dining experience, head inland to the little villages where traditional tavernas off the beaten track offer simple, home cooked Greek dishes. Stuffed vine leaves, split pea puree (Fava), spit roasted lamb and pork
are just a few of the mouth watering temptations!
Climate
Being one of the southernmost islands in Greece the climate is hot and dry. The temperature on Rhodes remains above 25 degrees from May to October with the months of July and August reaching peaks of 40 degrees during the daytime.
Refreshing breezes often blow during these hotter months, and the sea is always a very pleasant temperature for bathing.
Getting there
There is a very good choice of direct charter flights to Rhodes international airport from many UK airports, including Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Stansted, Bournemouth, Glasgow, Cardiff and Newcastle.
Regular scheduled flights are also operated by Easyjet from both Gatwick and Manchester.
Book your villa holiday online or telephone: 00 44 1954 261 431