Visit An Alternative Greek Island In The Fall By Heading To Rhodes

With its idyllic beaches, crystal-clear waters and cute villages, Greece is hugely popular with American travelers right now. However, this isn’t always a good thing, as Athens sees huge crowds and soaring prices. Even the most popular Cycladic islands have been overly popular this summer, with locals complaining of overtourism. However, Rhodes is the perfect alternative to the most popular destinations with its Mediterranean beaches and ancient history.

Spend the fall of 2024 in Rhodes, Greece

One of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is gradually becoming a popular alternative for American travelers seeking sun and history at more affordable prices. One of the easternmost islands in Greece, and the fourth largest, Rhodes offers warm sunny weather well into October each year.

However, this idyllic island is nothing like Mykonos, Santorini or other islands in the Cyclades. Visitors shouldn’t expect the white, hilly villages and blue domes normally associated with Greek islands. This is due to the fact that Rhodes has Byzantine and Ottoman influences, with a touch of Italian.

With Rhodes nestling just 25 miles off the coast of Turkey, visitors will see influences like mosques and hammams on the island. In its streets, Art Deco and Neoclassical buildings stand tall with hardly any homes painted white.

Why you should choose this island during the fall of 2024

According to TUI, Rhodes is currently trending one of the top three bestselling locations for vacation packages, along with Kos and Crete close by. Meanwhile, its capital, Rhodes Town, is a port town with many monuments from its past to explore. The citadel here was built by the Knights Hospitallier, and features cobbled streets, historical ramparts and the Grand Master’s Palace, making it the best-maintained medieval locations in Europe, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Moreover, the island is well known for its Colossus, a monumental statue of the Greek sun god that used to stand over the port and has been proclaimed one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

For more history, Lindos is the place to be, with the most beautiful acropolis of Greece, even rivaling that in Athens. This includes the now-ruined Temple of Athena Lindia, standing overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Other towns on Rhodes include the traditional town of Archangelos, with its olive oil shops, typical ouzo bars and the remains of a 15th-century castle. Meanwhile, Kritinia is a popular tourist destination with its scenic fortress and family-owned mezze tavernas, nestling on a craggy hill. Moreover, visitors can explore 28 Rhodes villages, each with its own particular charms.

What about the weather?

Thanks to its proximity to the Middle East, Rhodes features warm temperatures all year round. However, it can get particularly hot in summer, making the fall the best time to visit, with temperatures from 70°F to 77°F as late as October. Moreover, the water is still warm enough to swim in, and it is so much better without the summer crowds.

Beaches and nature on the island of Rhodes

Rhodes is 49.5 miles long and around 24 miles across the island at its widest and boats 137 miles of coastline to explore. Anthony Quinn Bay is renowned for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, as well as the Valley of the Butterflies, a location boasting many waterfalls. Travelers seeking a spa experience should head to Kallithea Springs.

Meanwhile, one place that is a must-visit is Prasonisi on the southern tip of Rhodes, a narrow sand bank marking the division of the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. During low tide, visitors can walk to the islet and find their own idyllic private cove.

Dining out in Rhodes

Foodies are spoiled for choice on this island with a huge range of choices, including affordable street food, casual eateries and seafront restaurants. Even better, dining here costs an average of $51 per day on meals, according to Budget Your Trip.

Visitors can expect to pay $25 to $40 for a meal in a tourist restaurant. However, for those on a budget, Thassos Greek Cuisine, in the heart of the island serves those popular traditional meals at much better prices.

Find more information about Rhodes on the island’s official tourism website.