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Cosmopolitan
09-06-2025
- Cosmopolitan
Rhodes travel guide: Where to stay, what to do, and where to eat on the Greek island
It's no secret that Greece's waters are peppered with gorgeous islands that are home to sandy beaches and classic white stone building. In fact, one of the hardest parts about holidaying in Greece is knowing exactly where to go. As one of the biggest islands, Rhodes is an ideal choice for anyone looking to strike the perfect balance between sizzling on a sun lounger sipping Aperol Spritzes and putting on your cap and trainers for a bit of old-school exploring. From Rhodes Old Town, littered with quaint tavernas and old churches, to Faliraki, known for its high-octane nightlife, Rhodes is a Greek island which can, seemingly, do it all. Cook's Club Kolymbia has the typical perks of your standard all-inclusive, without the throngs of kids bagsying the best loungers or getting sand in your spicy marg. The five-star hotel is super luxe, with billowing fabric hanging from the ceiling of the bar, swimming pools that stretch for metres and metres (and metres!), and live DJ sets nearly every night. It's an ideal destination to feel well and truly spoilt, whilst also getting that 'value for money' feeling that so rarely comes with a summer holiday in peak season. The food at Cook's Club is also standout. With a range of different restaurants to try throughout the hotel, boredom of the same old all-inclusive buffet is out of the question. Hop from their Asian restaurant one night, to their alfresco pizza place the next, and of course, you'd be doing it all wrong if you missed out on dining at their classic Greek spot. It's not just dinner that'll lead to the happy food dance either, their breakfast buffet is extensive. Whether you're a sweet or savoury person first thing in the morning, Cook's Club have every preference catered to with meats, bread, yoghurts, pancakes, and eggs every way you can think of. The resort also boasts a tennis court, outdoor gym, and not one, but two swimming pools. And, if that's not enough, you can access Kolymbia beach on foot in just 5-10 minutes. The beach is fairly small, so probably not ideal for a long afternoon of sunbathing, but it's definitely worth wandering down to as you may spot a goat or two navigating the surrounding cliffs. Rooms start from £450, find out more here There is little you will be left wanting at the Mitsis. Much like Cook's Club, the resort offers a range of cuisines, allowing you to dine around the world during your stay. They have live entertainment most nights, so no matter whether you're on a family holiday or a much-needed girls' trip, the staff here will be sure to get you on your feet. They have plenty of room on their beachfront, so there's no dreaded rush to secure your sun lounger with a towel before the crack of dawn. Their beach bar is right next to a pizza oven too; ideal to sate the 4pm hunger sunbathing so easily brings on. Now, living in your swimwear, going from pool, to beach, to buffet all week might not be up everyone's alley, so if you're itching to get out and see some sights, the Mitsis team are also more than happy to arrange a tour or two for you. Lindos is only a short drive away and full of restaurants, bars, and hidden streets to get lost down... Rooms start from £177, find out more here Visiting a seafood restaurant when holidaying by the beach is a rite of passage, and the dishes being served up at Limanaki are definitely worth tasting for yourself. A special shout-out goes to the shrimp and scallop tomato risotto, a hearty, well-seasoned dish full of meaty and tender fish. Time your booking well and you can sit al fresco and watch the sun set behind the neighbouring mountainside - true holiday bliss. Ronda is the ideal lunch spot for chilling by the beach. The first impression of this restaurant is one of grandeur, as it's found a home in an old circular building with a vaulted ceiling, but if you continue outside and down the stairs it becomes the ultimate chill zone. The Japanese-inspired menu boasts great sushi with fish as fresh as they come, and what better setting to enjoy a few California rolls then chilling on the plush sofas listening to lo-fi hits? Holidaying in Rhodes and not visiting the Old Town is like going to M&S and *not* buying a pack of Percy Pigs… it would be rude not to. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town are full of history. Give yourself a couple of hours to meander through the lanes, admire the medieval architecture, pop into local shops, and hop from cafe, to bar, to restaurant. There are a few museums you can visit, or even walk the ancient walls yourself, to really immerse yourself in the history of the place. Kallithea Springs is a blend of remarkable architecture and natural beauty. The unique balance that has been struck between structure and scenery is well worth a visit, as you'll find yourself wandering through arched buildings and tiled walkways before you take a dip in the crystal clear waters around. A good holiday isn't complete without a little exploration. The hike up Tsambika Mountain promises astonishing views and a feeling of accomplishment. I'd head up early to avoid the heat, especially if you're travelling in the height of summer. You might even want to set you alarms for the small hours, so you can catch the sunrise over Rhodes mountain range. The hike is easy enough to find as it is to follow, but make sure you bring enough water and follow a guide, as it can get seriously hot! Pack a picnic for the summit (points if you nicked it from the hotel buffet) and bask in your physical accomplishments - honestly, you might be one of the few people who actually gets their 10,000 steps on holiday! In need of a good night out? Faliraki is the place to go. Full of young groups and vibrant bars, letting off some steam is an easy feat here. Bounce from bar to bar chasing happy hour and two-for-one cocktails, until you end up heading to the club, dancing on a stage and meeting your new bestie in the girls loo. Or, if day trips are more your style, Anthony Quinn's Bay is just round the corner. Hop on a short boat trip, soaking up the sunshine and listening to the waves lap as you venture out of the bay. The crystal clear waters are a sight to behold in and of themselves, but the narrow bay is a great view to look back on. Lindos is another town worth a trip to. It's home to the classic white-washed walls Greece has become so famous for as well as local restaurants and quaint market stalls. The mainstay though, is at the top of a winding path (I'd opt for the donkey up to avoid the sweat!): a 14th-century acropolis giving Athens a run for it's money. The best time to travel to Rhodes is between May & October. This is when their tourist season is in full swing, and coming at the start or very end of the year may mean that certain hotels, restaurants, and bars aren't open. May-October is also when the weather is best. Rhodes has typical Greek weather: think dry and *hot*. It's the perfect escape from the UK's typically disappointing summers. However, if you struggle in the heat, it might be best to avoid late July and August, as it can reach up to 40-50 degrees and becomes difficult even for the locals. No one wants to spend their summer holiday in the shelter of their air-conditioned room! Unlike other, smaller Greek islands, Rhodes has an international airport, so you can fly directly from the UK, which takes around 4 hours. If you're lucky enough to be island hopping, you can arrive in Rhodes by boat, or take a flight from Athens which is only around 1 hour. Browse flights from the UK to Rhodes here
The Sun
05-05-2025
- The Sun
‘It's an overlooked gem for cheap luxury' – the African lagoon island with four-star hotels for £50 a night
IN this week's Spotlight on column, we're shining the spotlight on El Gouna, near Egypt's most popular resorts. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the resort recently. 5 5 5 She said: "When I talk to friends about going to Egypt, they mainly head to Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. "But El Gouna - just 30 minutes from Hurghada - feels like a bargain place for some five-star luxury. "A man-made lagoon, the gated island offers safety for any nervous travellers, while the hotels are insanely cheap without scrimping/ "I spent my days chilling at Cook's Club, which is just £50 a night, and is right on the waterfront. "Live DJs, beach umbrellas and swings, and a huge pool as well meant it was one of the most relaxing holidays ever." Here are some of our other top picks. MUST SEE/DO This part of the world is home to some beautiful desert landscapes and the best way to take it all in is on an adrenaline-pumping quad bike tour. Alex Safari offers excellent excursions for £46pp, taking holidaymakers across the Wadi Billy (Dry Canyon), one of the world's largest canyons, before venturing to a Bedouin desert village for traditional Egyptian grub and tea. HIDDEN GEM Tandoor in Abu Tig Marina is loved by locals but you won't find many other tourists dining here. The fusion restaurant dishes up some of the best authentic north Indian cuisine with impressive views of the yacht marina. Visit on a Monday or Thursday, when you'll be able to enjoy live music with your dinner. BEST VIEW The golf tower at the Steigenberger Golf Resort really does have some of the best sweeping views of El Gouna's mountain range, winding lagoons and the Red Sea. Make sure to head there at sunset, when you will not only see the landscape bathed in an orange glow, but also get to enjoy celebrations that take place daily at the top of the tower. Sip on top-notch cocktails and listen to tunes from a DJ while soaking up the epic scenes. RATED RESTAURANT Nihon, a rooftop Japanese restaurant at The Chedi hotel, has foodies returning time and time again for its delicately crafted sushi. Diners can tuck into creative sushi rolls such as the Red Devil, a passion fruit, salmon and crab meat maki, rolled up with cream cheese and avocado. Or there are sashimi, gyozas and Asian salads. Make sure to stay for a cocktail, too, which you can sip while admiring views of the Red Sea. 5 BEST BAR You won't regret venturing a little further to the Tap South, right on the Abu Tig marina in Hurghada. It attracts a chic crowd, who come to watch the boats bobbing in the bay, but stay for the vast drinks menu and live music. Singers and bands perform throughout the week and it's a great spot to warm up before hitting El Gouna's largest nightclub, Aurora. It has locally produced wine, colourful cocktails and gastro-pub favourites. HOTEL PICK There's a reason the Casa Cook brand is popular among Brits. It offers trendy interiors, comfortable beds and great food at bargain prices - and the one in El Gouna is no exception. Surrounded by beach and desert, the 5H adults-only Casa Cook offers a traditional Nubian design, blending earthy grey tones with rustic wooden features and modern amenities. On site there is a spa with a pool, two saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools plus a hammam, beach club and even a kiteboarding centre. Double rooms cost from £85pp per night. See
The Irish Sun
05-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘It's an overlooked gem for cheap luxury' – the African lagoon island with four-star hotels for £50 a night
IN this week's Spotlight on column, we're shining the spotlight on El Gouna, near Egypt's most popular resorts. The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited the resort recently. 5 El Gouna is an overlooked destination for cheap luxury Credit: Getty 5 The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited El Gouna 5 The Sun's Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited El Gouna She said: "When I talk to friends about going to Egypt, they mainly head to Sharm el Sheikh or Hurghada. "But El Gouna - just 30 minutes from Hurghada - feels like a bargain place for some five-star luxury . "A man-made lagoon, the gated island offers safety for any nervous travellers , while the hotels are insanely cheap without scrimping/ "I spent my days chilling at Cook's Club, which is just £50 a night, and is right on the waterfront. Read more on African travel "Live DJs, beach umbrellas and swings, and a huge pool as well meant it was one of the most relaxing holidays ever." Here are some of our other top picks. MUST SEE/DO This part of the world is home to some beautiful desert landscapes and the best way to take it all in is on an adrenaline-pumping quad bike tour. Alex Safari offers excellent excursions for £46pp, taking holidaymakers across the Wadi Billy (Dry Canyon), one of the world's largest canyons, before venturing to a Bedouin desert village for traditional Egyptian grub and tea. Most read in Beach holidays HIDDEN GEM Tandoor in Abu Tig Marina is loved by locals but you won't find many other tourists dining here. The fusion restaurant dishes up some of the best authentic north Indian cuisine with impressive views of the yacht marina. El Gouna is a resort town in Egypt that's known for its beaches, lagoons, and water sports Visit on a Monday or Thursday, when you'll be able to enjoy live music with your dinner. BEST VIEW The golf tower at the Steigenberger Golf Resort really does have some of the best sweeping views of El Gouna's mountain range, winding lagoons and the Red Sea. Make sure to head there at sunset, when you will not only see the landscape bathed in an orange glow, but also get to enjoy celebrations that take place daily at the top of the tower . Sip on top-notch cocktails and listen to tunes from a DJ while soaking up the epic scenes. RATED RESTAURANT Nihon, a rooftop Japanese restaurant at The Chedi hotel, has foodies returning time and time again for its delicately crafted sushi. Diners can tuck into creative sushi rolls such as the Red Devil, a passion fruit, salmon and crab meat maki, rolled up with cream cheese and avocado. Or there are sashimi, gyozas and Asian salads. Make sure to stay for a cocktail, too, which you can sip while admiring views of the Red Sea. 5 Expect to see watersports across the lagoon Credit: Handout BEST BAR You won't regret venturing a little further to the Tap South, right on the Abu Tig marina in Hurghada. It attracts a chic crowd, who come to watch the boats bobbing in the bay, but stay for the vast drinks menu and live music. Singers and bands perform throughout the week and it's a great spot to warm up before hitting El Gouna's largest nightclub, Aurora. It has locally produced wine, colourful cocktails and gastro-pub favourites. HOTEL PICK There's a reason the Casa Cook brand is popular among Brits. It offers trendy interiors, comfortable beds and great food at bargain prices - and the one in El Gouna is no exception. Surrounded by beach and desert, the 5H adults-only Casa Cook offers a traditional Nubian design, blending earthy grey tones with rustic wooden features and modern amenities. On site there is a spa with a pool, two saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools plus a hammam, beach club and even a kiteboarding centre. Double rooms cost from £85pp per night. See 5 The hotels are five star but for a bargain Credit:
The Independent
14-03-2025
- The Independent
Best hotels in Crete, from family-friendly resorts to mountain retreats
Proper mountains, miles of beach, historic towns and a distinctive culture: you'll find it all in captivating Crete. The Minoan civilisation put the island on the map in the Bronze Age, leaving behind ancient palaces, temples and exquisite artworks (don't miss Heraklion's archaeological museum). Much later, colonising Venetians added fortresses and interesting architecture, which means the island is packed with things to see. Better still, as Greece 's southernmost isle, Crete has the longest tourist season and is pretty much the sunniest place in the country. What's not to like? From a natural perspective too, there are heaps of attractions. Massive gorges carve into the mountains at the heart of the island, and there are some truly impressive beaches - both built-up and beautifully wild. The north and east coasts are busiest, the south is much more sleepy; and whatever vibe you're seeking, these are the Crete hotels to know about. The best hotels in Crete for 2025 At a glance 1. Creta Maris hotel, Hersonissos There's no shortage of family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in Crete, but this Hersonissos behemoth is a long-standing favourite. By spreading its 680 rooms between a main block and village-style clusters of bungalows, the atmosphere here is way less crowded than you might imagine. Families will appreciate the abundance of activities (including an on-site water park) and the convenience of being just 20 minutes from Heraklion airport. For a more relaxed experience, the adults-only section has its own beach bar, pools and dedicated dining. Need more comforts still? Choose a sea-front room or pool villa for perks such as VIP lounge access and late checkout. 2. Cook's Club hotel, Hersonissos Hersonissos's waterfront is lined with touristy Irish pubs, making this a jarring choice for a credible brand such as Cook's Club. But don't be perturbed by its busy main-road location: once you step through the shipping container at the entrance to the property, you enter a secret world complete with spa, tattoo parlour and barber shop. As with other Cook's Club resorts, the central pool has a party atmosphere that appeals to a youthful audience. Plan ahead if you want to catch one of the occasional (and very popular) Cook's Club Sessions: DJ sets from established and up-and-coming musical talents. 3. The Tanneries Hotel & Spa, Chania Named for the four 19th-century tanneries from which it was transformed, this boutique beauty sits to the east of central Chania, directly on the rocky waterfront. The heritage buildings were painstakingly restored to retain their stone façades, tiled roofs, arched doorways and industrial history. The result - as befits a member of Design Hotels - is supremely stylish. There's a spa, a seaside restaurant specialising in Cretan cuisine and ingredients, and just 20 luxurious and spacious suites, all with King beds, a natural-tones colour scheme and marble bathrooms with walk-in showers, plus lovely views across the water to Chania's Venetian fortress. Address: Vivilaki 19, Chania, Crete 731 33 4. Tella Thera hotel, Kissamos Concerned about your carbon footprint? You'll love this super-sustainable hotel in Kissamos, 45 minutes from Chania. As well as a zero-waste kitchen, this nature-inspired boutique retreat is built from local stone, natural wood and other renewable materials. Buildings (including all 20 suites) are planted with green roofs to minimise heat absorption; and the resort is almost entirely powered by solar energy. Keeping with the theme is an on-site, farm-to-table restaurant featuring locally sourced ingredients. What's more, with Kissamos being the closest big resort to Balos Beach (one of Crete's best), guests can dash here to enjoy it before busloads of day-trippers arrive. 5. Milia Mountain Retreat hotel, Vlatos Holidays in Crete don't have to be all about the beach. In Western Crete's White Mountains, this small-scale, off-grid retreat is as far removed as you'll get from a gargantuan all-inclusive. Surrounded by forest and birdsong, the character-filled hideaway was crafted from the ruins of a medieval village that were carefully rebuilt, restored and brought back to life. Original elements such as spring-fed water supplies and vegetable gardens have been reinstated and enhanced with solar power and modern conveniences. The stone-built cottages are dressed traditionally but comfortably with period furniture; and the views across the peaks are out of this world. 6. Elia Hotel & Spa, Ano Vouves Another inland option is this super-cute hotel near the sleepy hillside village of Ano Vouves. Named after the ancient olive tree that is this village's claim to fame, Elia Hotel & Spa offers ten spacious, individually decorated rooms in a character-packed, 200-year-old building. The vibe here is one of relaxation coupled with strong eco-credentials thanks to the use of solar power and thoughtful procurement of every element, from local, organic ingredients in the kitchen to eco-friendly mattresses made from coconut fibres. For such a small property, the spa provides an impressive array of treatments that include masks, wraps, aromatherapy and sauna. 7. Grecotel LUXME White hotel, Kampos Back on the north coast, not far beyond Rethymnon, lies this classier-than-average all-inclusive with white-on-white décor. Situated on a prime beachfront plot, it has all you need for a fly-and-flop break: stacks of facilities, a seawater pool and a good-sized stretch of sandy shore. Seven restaurants offer a different option for each day of a week-long stay, and there's heaps to do too, from spa treatments and al fresco yoga to kids' club activities. Still not enough? Head off-site to Grecotel Marine Palace, a 15-minute drive away, for access to slides and all-day splashing at its Kingdom of Poseidon Aqua Park. 8. InterContinental Crete hotel, Agios Nikolaos International chain hotels aren't everybody's cup of ouzo, but this seaside property in east-coast Agios Nikolaos is a scene-stealer. Overlooking Mirabello Bay, it has ultra-modern architecture that gives it a sense of grandeur, plus state-of-the-art amenities for a truly indulgent stay. A standout here is Aegeo spa, whose treatments use natural ingredients such as olive oil and saffron. Local products also feature prominently in the restaurants, all three of which are in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef, Nikos Roussos. The 199 rooms and suites are suitably high-end, all with minimalist design, quality furnishings and private balconies for the (mostly) sea views. 9. Naiades Boutique Hotel, Elounda Elounda is perhaps Crete's most desirable summer address. There are some genuinely fancy hotels hereabouts (many with hefty price tags); but skip the big brands and aim instead for this chic gem by the beach. As an adults-only, design-friendly hideaway, it offers relaxed, upmarket stays made all the more enjoyable by the reasonable rates. Most rooms have at least a partial sea view, service is highly rated and, although the restaurant only serves breakfast, there are plenty of places to eat nearby. It's perfectly placed for day-trips to uninhabited Spinalonga islet, immortalised in Victoria Hislop's best-selling novel, The Island. 10. Hotel Neos Ikaros, Agia Galini Crete's south coast, being furthest from the airports, is generally bypassed by tourist hordes - so head here if you're looking for a simple, fuss-free break. A good bet is the village of Agia Galini, which tucks itself around a pretty harbour beneath a mountainous backdrop; it lives up to its name too, which translates as 'sacred calm'. At the top of town, furthest from the sea, you'll find Neos Ikaros, which has 31 basic-but-comfortable guestrooms (some of which can accommodate families). It's an ideal launch pad from which to explore the south coast's attractions, which include some truly dramatic limestone gorges.
The Independent
22-02-2025
- The Independent
The best holidays to go on this year that won't break the bank
The start of the year will often bring escalating prices, and these, in turn, will hit our travel plans. Moist of the country will want to save the pennies after an expensive January, but still have their eyes on a holiday this year. Savvy travellers can still find affordable escapes in lesser-known regions or countries with weaker currencies. Here we look at how to escape the price hikes with budget-friendly destinations. Swap popular, high-demand holiday spots for up-and-coming regions, or take advantage of places where currencies are weak. Fortunately, there are quite a few options to choose from if you want to save money without compromising on sunshine or the quality of experiences. Best for beach: El Gouna, Egypt Far cheaper than the Canary Islands but with even higher temperatures and more hours of sunshine, this purpose-built Red Sea beach destination has undergone a large amount of development since the first marinas and artificial islands were constructed in the early 1990s. Now there are 18 hotels and resorts and more than 100 restaurants and bars lining the 10km of coastline. Recently renovated, the five-star Steigenberger Golf Resort has rooms from £60 per person per night with breakfast – a bargain compared to most winter sun resorts. Due to favourable exchange rates, cocktails cost less than £2 while a meal for two is just over a tenner. How: A four-night B&B break at the adults only Cook's Club El Gouna from £309 per person including flights. Departs January 13. Visit Whether strolling through cobbled streets, gazing up at mountain peaks or swimming in sparkly blue waters, it's easy to mistake Albania for its chic neighbour across the Adriatic Sea. But compared to Italy, the beaches are quieter, hidden spots are more plentiful, and the prices are significantly cheaper. Specialising in trips for 18-35-year-olds, Contiki is the first youth tour operator to offer an escorted journey across the Balkan country. Learn about the past through capital city Tirana's Ottoman, Fascist and Soviet architecture, hike trails in Valbonë National Park and relax on the golden beaches of the Albanian Riviera. Best for families: Galicia, Spain While the mercury is rising to uncomfortable levels during summer in the southern Med, destinations along the north-western Iberian Peninsula are hotting-up in demand. Low-cost flights from the likes of Ryanair and Vueling have made it easier to access areas along Spain's Galician coast, where green hills roll into cool Atlantic waters. Specialising in villas with pools, Vintage Travel has added several new properties in the region. Head to cathedral city Santiago de Compostela to marvel at one of Europe's finest pieces of religious architecture, where dozens of pilgrims gather after multi-day walks. Alternatively, visit ancient fishing port Coruna, also famous for its Roman lighthouse known as the Tower of Hercules, and dine out on excellent seafood. How: Casa de Descanso, a newly restored three-bedroomed house in Galician village Mosende, costs from £798 for a week in May rising to £1150 in August. Visit A few years back, it would have been inconceivable to see Norway feature on a list of 'affordable' destinations. But a drop in the value of the Norwegian krone has made it a more economical and appealing destination to visit – at all times of the year. Winter tourism to the Nordic country has always been dominated by the northern lights, but glowing reports for the region's many ski resorts are attracting even more travellers. Located 100km from Bergen, Voss is one of the largest ski resorts in Western Norway with 40km of groomed alpine trails and 24 varied descents, including an international giant slalom course and a SuperG course. Yet it's far better value than many Alpine winter resorts and promises good powder with the support of snow cannons. Being so far north, snow tends to last longer in Norway and some resorts – including Trysil on the Swedish border – even promise a refund on your lift pass, accommodation, ski rental and tuition if the coverage isn't sufficient. How: A seven-night half board stay at Park Hotel, Voss, costs from £1,195 per person (two sharing), including flights and transfers. Departs March 16. Visit Best for nature: Bosnia and Herzegovina Born from a history as colourful and complex as its diverse landscapes, this relatively undiscovered Balkan nation only attracts 3.6 million tourists per year – almost six times less than Croatia. Yet the scenery, beaches, food and culture are equally attractive, while prices are much lower. According to flight aggregate site Skyscanner, capital city Sarajevo has seen the largest drop in airfares across Europe, with new routes recently launched from London Stanstead with Ryanair. Set along the Miljacka River and surrounded by the Dinaric Alps, the city features several museums and historical buildings from eras of Ottoman and Austro-Hungarian rule. Further afield, it's the country's natural beauty that shines – from the fairy-tale Kravica Waterfall to the never-ending Tara Canyon which runs into Montenegro.
