Ideally placed in the picturesque area of Gennadi, in the south of Rhodes, this villa is tucked away on a hillside with a local atmosphere. Rhodes is the largest and most well known of the Dodecanese Islands - it is so alluring for visitors and enjoys 300 days of sunshine a year!
The most famous attraction in Gennadi is the beach, a seemingly endless 6km stretch of golden sand - you'll have no trouble finding a great peaceful spot for a swim in the impossibly blue sea. Take a stroll or catch a sunset here with a drink from one of the beach bars. For a more lively beach with watersports aplenty, try nearby Kiotari beach and try out a pedalo or even a jet ski!
There are traditional Greek tavernas around Gennadi, where guests can tuck into some tasty moussaka - layers of minced meat and tomato sauce with aubergine and creamy bechamel sauce, baked like a lasagne. Another dish to try is souvlaki, which is skewered meat and sometimes vegetables, grilled to perfection.
A beautiful church to visit is Church of St. Anastasia the Roman - white and steepled on the outside, with countless religious imagery on the arched ceiling and walls, colourful and intricate. Grand chandeliers dangle gracefully from the magnificent ceiling inside.
The villa is just a short drive from Lindos, where the narrow winding streets contain handicrafts, jewellers and charming boutiques. The main highlight is the Lindos Acropolis, also known as the ancient citadel, perched high on a clifftop. From here, take in the captivating views of traditional houses and pebbled courtyards. In this area, you'll find the ruins of the Knight's Lodge as well as the Temple of Athena Lindia and a 20 column walkway. Many of the houses and monuments in this area are protected as Hellenic cultural heritage sites. For souvenirs, why not pick up some local honey, olive oil or wine?
A lovely day trip is to the famous Seven Springs nature park, a magical landscape wrapped in dense greenery. The clear springs cascade gently into a small lake, where water flows all year round, and visitors can swim in the lake. If you don't mind small spaces, you can navigate a narrow tunnel in the park - though the hill route is beautiful - and families can enjoy a gentle walk through the park together surrounded by flocks of peacocks, ducks and geese.
Rhodes is sometimes known as the 'Island of the Knights' as it was occupied by the Roman Empire, then the Byzantine, followed by the Ottomans. Therefore, the island is a melting pot of culture and architecture to this day, especially in the Old Town. Surrounded by fortified walls, the Old Town entrance is guarded through seven gates.
Through the Freedom Gate, you'll discover the Palace of the Grand Master, which also has captivating views and a museum of Rhodian history. The New Town showcases gorgeous Art Deco architecture, particularly the Evangelismos Cathedral, with its intricate frescoes.
A quirky fact about Rhodes is that lots of cute and friendly cats roam the island freely - see how many you can count!