Rhodes voted top destination by Tripadvisor

Rhodes has been named Europe’s top destination and the fifth favourite in the world by users of the online travel site - TripAdvisor. One reviewer on the online travel community summed up the island’s charm: “Rhodes is just fabulous – long winding roads, some many lovely little coastal villages to see. The locals make you feel very welcome.”

Rhodes is the only short haul destination in the top ten of the 2008 Traveller’s Choice Destinations Awards.

To experience the very best of Rhodes, why not check out some of its top five highlights?

1. Lindos
Lindos has over 3,000 years of history and with sights including the Acropolis - with views of the Temple of Athena Lindia and the Old Theatre carved from rock - it is known as one of the most beautiful towns on the island of Rhodes. Lindos’ distinctive white buildings and pebbled mosaic floors are famous across Rhodes. With narrow winding lanes it is easy to get lost but this is all part of the fun.

2. Rhodes Medieval Old Town and the Grand Masters Palace
Europe’s largest inhabited Medieval Town was founded by the Knights of Saint John in 1309 and is now a UNESCO World heritage centre. Strong walls built to protect the city from danger surround it. Walking along the Street of the Knights towards the imposing Palace of the Grand Masters details the history of Rhodes and its international influences.

Full of little squares and winding cobbled streets of shops and restaurants, like Lindos it is very easy to get lost but this will take you on an adventure of the unknown.

3. Valley of the Butterflies
Near the village of Kalamonas, Petaloudes is a scenic gorge which from June until September each year is home to the Kalimorfa butterfly. This unique natural park offers shady walks through pretty woodland surrounded by thousands of butterflies.

4. Embona Winery Tour
Just an hour’s drive from Rhodes Town the Embona Winery is located just outside the village of Embona. Take a winery tour and uncover the secrets of Rhodian wine and liqueurs. After a visit to the winery, it is recommended that you stop and see the local village. Embona combines folklore and good food and is one of the most popular excursions in the mainland of Rhodes. Emery.gr/en

5. The Water Park, Faliraki
This is the largest water park in Europe and has rides suitable for all the family. Located in the lively resort of Faliraki it is one of the most popular family attractions and is staffed by 35 fully qualified lifeguards. A free daily bus runs from Rhodes Town for visitors to the park. Water-park.gr

For more information about Rhodes visit Rodosisland.gr.