It didn't take much conviving for me to completely fall in love with Rhodes.
I fell hard and fast like a teenage girl with an all-consuming crush.
As soon as I stepped off my Jet2 flight from Liverpool John Lennon Airport and was hugged by that soft warm Grecian air, I knew I was done for.
Now, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands is not a secret gem or undiscovered treasure.
You likely have visited the holiday hotspot before or even plan to go sometime soon. In fact, over 2 million people visited the breathtaking island in 2023 alone.
It's been a particular favourite with UK holidaymakers ever since the package holiday's triumphant rise. Rhodes guarantees desperate Brits (who've been broken down by annual false promises of summer) almost year-round sunshine, beautiful beaches and all-around stunning scenery.
But as you will come to learn - and what I hope you will get to experience yourself soon - that's only the beginning. So that my love letter to this gorgeous Greek island doesn't drag on for 27 pages, here are my highlights to inspire your own trip.
The journey
I've never flown Jet2 before so I had no idea what to expect but I have to say I was suitably impressed. With my downloaded podcasts and plenty of legroom, I hardly felt the four-and-a-half-hour flight time. We all enjoyed the range of in-flight meals - they were tasty and kept us going over the long journey. Once we arrived at a heaving Rhodes airport, we were met with our wonderful local guide Alex and driver Kostas from the Savaidis Group. Special shout out to them for going above and beyond (and answering our incessant questions!) during our trip.
The hotel
We stayed at the Mayia Exclusive Resort and Spa in Kiotari, in southern Rhodes during our trip. It's about an hour's drive from the airport but is very conveniently located near the beautiful town of Lindos which I will tell you more about later.
There are simply not enough words to do this place justice. Mayia Exclusive is one of Jet2Holidays's Indulgent Escapes and it's no word of a lie. The all-inclusive hotel is truly five stars with nine bars ( including a disco, pool and beach bar) and five restaurants serving everything from Italian to traditional Greek cuisine. We tried the Greek restaurant - Thymari - on our first night and it was divine.
If you're looking to fully unwind, you can lounge by one of the outdoor freshwater pools or hop inside the indoor pool or spa (which comes with a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and more).
I never wanted to leave. In fact, I moved into the hotel in my head before the day's end. I really had no reason to leave either with the mountain of entertainment on offer from an air-conditioned gym and various sports activities like tennis, yoga and more.
If you did feel the need to venture out ( and I stress again that I really saw no need at all), there is direct access to the beach from the hotel.
@uktoday_ Can you guess the holiday hotspot beloved by the UK? Let us know in the comments. #jet2holidays #jet2 #traveltiktok #holidays #tourist ♬ Rock and Roll Session - Canal Records JP
You can even do watersports there if you're feeling adventurous with options to go canoeing and kayaking as well as have fun with giant inflatables and pedalos.
Every member of staff was unbelievably attentive - nothing was too much and too inconvenient.
My favourite part - without question - was my hotel room itself. So much so, that I giggled like incredulously when I walked in. The room was pristine and very spacious - with a bed designed to be leapt at. The star of the show though was the fact it was a swim-up room. I largely had it to myself leaving me convinced that I was probably the last - and happiest - person on the planet.
The sights
Somehow, I managed to pry myself away from my swim-up room long enough to enjoy all the delights that Rhodes had to offer.
Our itinerary took us all over the island from the stunning scenery of the southern coastline to the hidden gems of central Rhodes.
What became clear to me in my three days exploring the island was that there was something for everyone.
If you love culture, look no further than Lindos. The town is famous for its clifftop Acropolis - which is older than the one in Athens and dates back to the 10th century BC. It was a fairly steep walk up to the top - so bring those hiking shoes because the views are worth it! You may even spot a donkey or two on your way up since this is a traditional mode of transport in the area. Lindos is overflowing with charm - with swirling streets filled with boutiques, cafes and touristy shops for those all-important souvenirs. No trip to Lindos is complete without a visit to the magical St Paul's Bay. We spent the perfect afternoon eating and drinking and eating even more at the stunning seaside Tambakio. Believe me when I tell you, it's a must-visit on your trip to Rhodes.
If you love history, you have to go to Rhodes city. You can step back in time by wandering around the city's Medieval Old Town or within the impressive palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. Those bringing their kids - or if you're a giant kid like me - will adore an interactive cinematic experience called The Throne of Helios: The History of Rhodes 9D Experience. It's the first of its kind in Europe and it will allow you and your senses to experience the full scale of Rhodes' rich history from the comfort of your seat.
If you love a hidden gem...Seven Springs should be on your list. So often when Brits go to Rhodes, we stick to the historic towns or the beaches. And there is nothing wrong with that! However, if you want to see more of the island during your visit, you cannot go wrong with the pure oasis that is the Seven Springs. The area gets its name from the - funnily enough - seven springs that flow into the Loutanis River. The stunning springs flow into an artificial lake which was created by the Italians in the 1920s. Not only is the spot an unmatched area of natural beauty, but it is also home to a 150-metre-long tunnel. It was such an eery but exciting experience to walk through - and the view at the end made it a completely unforgettable experience.
If you like a drink...you'll love Empona's View. ( Newsquest) (Image: Newsquest)
If you like a drink...you need to make the trip to Empona's View. The traditional restaurant is found just outside the mountain village of Emponas. The village is famous for its vineyards on the side of the mountain Attaviros. The distillery follows a traditional wine-making process which has been passed down the generations. The panoramic view is enough for a reason to stop but pair it with a few glasses of red...well, then you've found heaven on earth. And if wine isn't your thing don't worry! Located in the heart of Lindos, you'll find La Presidenta. This atmospheric bar specialises in Rum and cocktails but there's something for everyone on their menu.
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Is Rhodes, Greece worth seeing?
This wonderful island has battled its way through a difficult few years following the COVID-19 pandemic and last year's devastating fires.
But Rhodes is no stranger to a battle. It's been occupied multiple times by one group or another.
So whether it's the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem or its wildfires, Rhodes sees itself through.
This tight-knit community has banded together, rebuilt, and grown stronger and now, it's welcoming you.
From sun and sea to culture and cuisine, it's the Greek island that does it all.
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