Villa Vasilef

Villa Vasilef enjoys a fabulous position on the island of Rhodes. It sits just outside of the Old Town of Rhodes with access to several wonderful beaches. The splendid Ialyssos Beach and Kremasti Beach are just moments away and Ixia is just a little further. Where Ialyssos finishes, Ixia starts. Paradisi Beach and Akti Kanari Beach are also wonderful and within very easy reach.

Ialyssos offers laid back beaches, excellent restaurants and tavernas and plenty of culture. It enjoys a fascinating history that goes back to prehistoric times. Remains from the Minoan, Mycenaean (1700-1400BC), Archaic and Byzantine periods have all been found around the ancient city. The Temple of Athena Polias which was built in the second and third centuries BC stood where an even older classical temple stood.

Ixia Beach is a wonderful cosmopolitan resort that is very popular, especially with windsurfers. There are plenty of waterfront bars, restaurants and shops. It is also popular for its magnificent sunsets.

The gorgeous Old Town of Rhodes is an intricate warren of busy commercial streets and delightful, quiet alleys. It is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe and has UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status. Walking through one of the ten gates along the walls of Rhodes Old Town is like taking a step back in time. The Old Town is full of Byzantine and Gothic churches, medieval buildings, mosques, traditional fountains, oriental motifs and many boutique shops, bars and restaurants. Though the island has been inhabited for thousands of years, it wasn’t until the Knights of St John arrived in 1309 that the walls were put up. The city fell to the Ottomans in 1522. The highlights of the Old Town are the ten beautiful entrances to the walled city, The Palace of the Grand Master, the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes housed in the Gothic building of the Great Hospital of the Knights, The Street of the Knights and some of the mosques. There are over two hundred streets and alleyways so you can easily get lost in the maze and the atmosphere. This magical medieval city offers much entertainment and you will get a real sense of its history and culture. The city is very lively with over six thousand people living and working inside the walls. The main roads that connect its warren of alleyways and narrow roads are Orfeos Street and Socratous Street. The most important building is The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights. It towers over the city walls. The palace was destroyed in 1856 and then restored by the Italians in the early 20th century. Leading up to the palace is the famous Street of the Knights where seven buildings were constructed. The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes showcases artifacts, jewellery, sculptures and mosaics that date back over 2000 years. It is very popular to enjoy the city from above by walking the walls. Having a drink at the Cellar of the Knights is also excellent. With your wine order you will be given two cushions to sit on in Hippocrates Square.

Villa Vasilef is also close to the wonderful Kallithea Springs, Kallithea Beach and Koskinou. The super-sized Kallithea Beach sits minutes from the colourful, pretty village of Koskinou. The beach is famous for its hot medicinal springs which were built by the Italians though no longer function. The village is beautiful, lined with palm and pine trees and sprinkled with beautifully renovated buildings and mosaics, all influenced by the Arabic architecture. Koskinou is incredibly picturesque, famous for its unique mosaic of colours and carries an air of sophistication. Its wood and iron house doors are all painted in vivid colours and enjoy carved or etched designs. The little cobbled gardens are so pretty behind the courtyard doors. The village boasts charming narrow streets, beautiful churches and chapels and a wonderful array of traditional taverns and cafes. There are countless paths that lead from the newer, coastal part to the old village with its cobbled streets and whitewashed squares full of vibrant flowers. The Kallithea Spa was built in 1920 by the Italians. Following its restoration, the spa is a top sight.

Faliraki is buzzy and vibrant with many hotels, bars, restaurants and an enormous sandy beach. The beach starts at the small harbour and spreads for nearly 5km so it’s a great spot to head for if you want a day of watersports and lazing in the sun. There is even an inflatable park for the young ones. Just about every watersport imaginable is offered as well as bungee jumping. The nightlife is incredible with fabulous restaurants, bars and nightclubs. The Faliraki Water Park is fantastic fun and a very popular excursion for families.

Read more about Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands of Greece. It’s got a lot of history as it’s been invaded a lot by the Persians, Carians, Ottomans, Italians, and Germans.

Average temperatures go from 20’c in April up to 30’c in July/ August and down to 20’c in November. With an average of 85 rainy days a year they get sunshine for around 280 days.

The island is 90km long with Rhodes town at the northern tip. The airport (Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras") is also in the North (15km from Rhodes Town). Charter flights and Easyjet operate direct from the UK all season and out of season (Nov-March) you’d need to fly via Athens.

The Acropolis – The Acropolis that sits high above the town of Lindos is absolutely amazing and is a must see if you’re looking for some of the best views in all of Rhodes. One thing I should mention is that the climb up to the acropolis requires you to be somewhat active and able to climb stairs, lots of them. The trail begins through town and slowly but surely starts to get steeper as you climb the hill towards the acropolis. Once there, you’re rewarded with historical buildings dating back to 300 BC. Our Villa Corteau sit just underneath the ruins.

Rhodes has over 40 beaches, here are a few: 

• Anthony Quinn’s Bay – Anthony Quinn’s bay is one of the most beautiful bays. The bay is located 17km (10 mi) south of Old Town Rhodes and offers some incredible photo opportunities to say the least.
• The beach at Anthony Quinn’s bay is one of the best beaches in Rhodes. Get there early if you want to snag a sunbed and umbrella and enjoy wading around the bright blue and green water. Amazing!
• For the best views of Anthony Quinn’s Bay from above, head on up to the windy road that leads up the hill just north of the bay and you’ll find a spot where you can sit and enjoy the virtually 180 degree views of Rhodes and its coastline.
• Tsambika Beach (or Tsampika) –  Tsampika beach is located 30km (18 mi) south of Old Town Rhodes and is a great place to spend the day in the sun.  Note: Beware there is a small section where nudists congregate on Tsampika beach 
• Lakido Beach – Just opposite Anthony Quinn’s Bay is Lakido beach. It’s literally 3 minutes walking distance from Anthony Quinn’s bay so visiting both beaches in a day is totally doable. As a matter of fact, I would highly recommend visiting both if you get the chance
• Faliraki Beach – One of the most popular tourist spots on the island of Rhodes. It was known for 18-30’s holiday in the 90-2000’s but I don’t think there is that market so much now. It is quite commercialised now there are water sports and a few diving schools.

How to reach Rhodes island 

There are two ways to reach Rhodes Island: either by flight or by ferry.

By plane: If you don’t want to lose time you can fly to Rhodes (RHO) from Athens. The flight lasts 1 hour. Many direct flights also operate from many European countries, so it will not be difficult to arrive there.

By ferry: If you choose to travel from Piraeus to Rhodes with a ferry, it will surely take you much longer but travelling with a ferry in the summer nights can be pretty enticing! The port of Rhodes is located in the southern part of the island and offers bus services to the town centre. You can easily book your ferry tickets using the link below or the booking engine.

Book your ferry tickets to Rhodes here >>