Backroads of Greece - Rhodes & Crete
While Mykonos and Santorini (along with Athens on the mainland) have gained popularity as quintessential mediterranean vacation destinations, two of the less visited islands of Greece – namely Rhodes & Crete – offer equally fascinating experiences. Ancient archeological sites, sparkling blue water beaches, superb wines & local food and some unique experiences packed into a single holiday. Easy access to Athens via ferry or short flight makes them a welcome alternative to the crowded mainland.
Trip Highlights
- Unwind on some of the most famous beaches or Greece, with a backdrop of mountains rising over 2400 feet. Elafonissi, known for its white and pink sand, and Balos Lagoon are a must-see
- Go off the beaten track to visit the Merry Cemetery in the town of Sapanta – a unique folk art gallery, with colorful tombstones, crosses and statuary celebrating the lives of the deceased
- Take a trip back in history at the Palace of the Grand Masters in Rhodes, constructed by the Knights of St. John back in the middle ages
- Get a glimpse of the Ottoman influence on Rhodes at the Süleyman Mosque – built in 1522 to commemorate the Ottoman conquest of Rhodes
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Greece.Â
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 12 days for this itinerary. There are no direct flights to Greece, so almost a full day is spent in getting there and back.
Best time to visit
The Greek islands are a year-round destination, however, some ferry services wok on short schedules during winter.
warm beaches & lagoons, greek & roman history, trekking, culture, gastronomy
Did you know
- Rhodes is known as the Emerald Island due to the 37% coverage of pine and cypress. The islands ’emblem’ is the deer. This is because a very rare and protected deer called Dama-Dama lives in the Rhodes forest.Â
- Crete is the birthplace of the modern European civilization. The history of of the island can be traced as far back as the 7th millennium BC, more than four millennia before the Minoan civilization appearing on Crete. As a matter of fact, the history of Crete is older than the history of the continent itself!
- The most important god in the Greek pantheon, Zeus, was born on the island. According to the legend he was born in a Cretan cave.
- There are different musical instruments that originated on the island of Crete, including the laouto (or Cretan lute), the Cretan Lyra, and – some say – even the violin! Other popular instruments on the island include the mandolin and the unique askomandoura, a kind of bagpipe extremely popular on Crete.
- One of the finest and most expensive cannabis sold in Amsterdam comes from Crete? This cannabis variety is from the area of Mylopotamos, in Rethymnon.
