A well-known destination throughout Europe for windsurfers and home to a wealth of stunning scenery and ancient sites, Rhodes is the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands. The island is enveloped by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and the Aegean Sea on the other, creating the perfect conditions for water sports enthusiasts of all abilities — head to the calmer Mediterranean side if you’re a beginner. The medieval Old Town of capital Rhodes Town is a charming mix of cobbled streets, ancient walls, and wooden shutters, and neighbouring Turkey is visible from the headland. Byzantine treasures and frescoed churches sit alongside dense woodland and rugged landscapes here, while the acropolis in picturesque Lindos provides a taste of the island’s rich history. Nature lovers won’t want to miss the Valley of the Butterflies in the north of the island. Between June and September, millions of breathtaking butterflies can be seen at every turn in this 600-acre site peppered with trickling streams and magical waterfalls.

The entry point for most visitors, Rhodes International Airport (RHO) is a 30-minute drive or ride from Rhodes Town and within an hour’s journey of most villas in Rhodes. Out on the water, ferry companies operate overnight services from Athens, Rhodes is connected to the islands of Santorini and Kos, and local boat companies offer sightseeing routes. Weekday bus services are a reliable way to get around, but be prepared for the fact that weekend routes are few and far between. Rental cars are key for flexible exploring, but the island’s Old Town is mostly a pedestrian-only zone, so cars and taxis have to stop outside the walls.

With 300 days of sunshine per year, Rhodes is a popular choice whatever the season. However, like a lot of Greece, temperatures on the island in high summer can be a challenge for the uninitiated — make sure you have plenty of sunscreen and water. Rain is more likely in the mild winter months; showers on summer days are an extreme rarity. Greek Orthodox Easter is a big event here, with feasting and absorbing religious ceremonies and parades lasting a week. Water sports aficionados can get out on the waves from late spring until mid-autumn, when most of the island’s visitors have headed home. Be aware that the end of the summer season brings closures of some coastal restaurants and services and some ferry routes are scaled back.

Taste local wine in Embonas

Nestled under the highest mountain on the island, the village of Embonas is home to a number of vineyards open for visits. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur or just interested in the island’s traditional industry, take a tour around the region and learn about the production of Athiri grapes, used to make a white wine called Restina, and other local wines from their makers in stunning surroundings.

Rhodes Toy Museum

Make your way through the fragrant pines and olive groves for a morning at the Rhodes Toy Museum. Greek-made toys and games from throughout the 20th century, (and for all ages, not just the children!), are featured in the permanent collection, while the basement is home to vintage arcade games and the chance to play.

Tsambika Monastery

Hop on a boat or bus from Rhodes Town or make the drive to scenic Tsambika for a leisurely afternoon by the waves and an awe-inspiring view. Set high on a hill above the beach, Tsambika Monastery is an unforgettable place to watch summer sunsets over the sea.