I very rarely move away from Formula 1 and motorsport when it comes to coverage on this blog, but a recent trip to Rhodes really inspired me to write about something different.
With the absence of the German Grand Prix creating a long gap in the 2015 F1 calendar, it was the perfect time to go on holiday with my family, relax and take some time off.
We are big fans of the Greek islands and this year opted for Rhodes, nicknamed ‘The island of the Knights’ and located off the south west coast of Turkey.
I didn’t really know too much about Rhodes before jumping on the plane and heading there, so I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning, undulating scenery and beautiful beaches, coves and cliff-side towns.
However, two experiences from the holiday were particularly special – exploring some of the most popular locations on the island, the medieval Rhodes Old Town and Lindos.
Both are very different, but do contain a few small similarities. For example, the old part of the city of Rhodes is bordered by tall walls, featuring turrets, a moat and lovely old Gothic and Ottoman buildings. It also includes the Grand Master’s Palace, which dates back to the 15th century and Street of the Knights.
I’ve always found history quite boring, but exploring the old town really was fascinating. The main street mixes old buildings with typical tourist shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques – plenty to discover. However, it is also well worth walking around the side streets, which are narrow, dotted with small stores, flowers and archways.
During the day, there is a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, and it is a wonderful environment to be in – very different to the world of F1! At night, the place comes alive and the medieval architecture looks even more stunning in dim lighting. The old harbour and water front is also worth exploring, with great views. I’d never been anywhere like it and really loved its character, charm and chilled out feel.
Not everything is still standing in the town though, so there are also some ruins to see as well. It really is a place packed with history. Rhodes Old Town is located on the northern tip of the island, but the next day we travelled in the opposite direction, to the south east and the small town of Lindos.
It is also famous for its narrow, flower and plant-covered streets, but has a more typical Greek feel, with white-washed buildings, cobbled streets and a wonderful position on top of a cliff, overlooking the sea and with the Acropolis looming overhead. Due to the hilly nature of Lindos, it features many steps – not the easiest way to negotiate the town in the searing summer heat.
We did decide to brave the scorching temperatures and head uphill to see the Acropolis. Parts of the ruins date back to 300 BC and it is also the location of the Castle of the Knights of St John. Not only was the view quite special from the top of the Acropolis, but the ruins were stunning too and I was amazed at just how old they are – and how parts of the buildings are still standing.
It also has a great outlook over both the sea and the town, which looks much smaller from above and is very tightly packed. The pictures featured in this post really don’t do the two towns justice, and I really would recommend trips to both if you are ever in Rhodes – they are both very special places, full of history.
I know this is very off topic for my blog, but I really wanted to share my experiences and explain just why they inspired me so much. Have you been to any places that have sparked a similar reaction in you? Let me know!
We are big fans of the Greek islands and this year opted for Rhodes, nicknamed ‘The island of the Knights’ and located off the south west coast of Turkey.
I didn’t really know too much about Rhodes before jumping on the plane and heading there, so I was pleasantly surprised by the stunning, undulating scenery and beautiful beaches, coves and cliff-side towns.
However, two experiences from the holiday were particularly special – exploring some of the most popular locations on the island, the medieval Rhodes Old Town and Lindos.
Both are very different, but do contain a few small similarities. For example, the old part of the city of Rhodes is bordered by tall walls, featuring turrets, a moat and lovely old Gothic and Ottoman buildings. It also includes the Grand Master’s Palace, which dates back to the 15th century and Street of the Knights.
I’ve always found history quite boring, but exploring the old town really was fascinating. The main street mixes old buildings with typical tourist shops, restaurants, bars and boutiques – plenty to discover. However, it is also well worth walking around the side streets, which are narrow, dotted with small stores, flowers and archways.
During the day, there is a very relaxed and laid-back atmosphere, and it is a wonderful environment to be in – very different to the world of F1! At night, the place comes alive and the medieval architecture looks even more stunning in dim lighting. The old harbour and water front is also worth exploring, with great views. I’d never been anywhere like it and really loved its character, charm and chilled out feel.
Not everything is still standing in the town though, so there are also some ruins to see as well. It really is a place packed with history. Rhodes Old Town is located on the northern tip of the island, but the next day we travelled in the opposite direction, to the south east and the small town of Lindos.
It is also famous for its narrow, flower and plant-covered streets, but has a more typical Greek feel, with white-washed buildings, cobbled streets and a wonderful position on top of a cliff, overlooking the sea and with the Acropolis looming overhead. Due to the hilly nature of Lindos, it features many steps – not the easiest way to negotiate the town in the searing summer heat.
We did decide to brave the scorching temperatures and head uphill to see the Acropolis. Parts of the ruins date back to 300 BC and it is also the location of the Castle of the Knights of St John. Not only was the view quite special from the top of the Acropolis, but the ruins were stunning too and I was amazed at just how old they are – and how parts of the buildings are still standing.
It also has a great outlook over both the sea and the town, which looks much smaller from above and is very tightly packed. The pictures featured in this post really don’t do the two towns justice, and I really would recommend trips to both if you are ever in Rhodes – they are both very special places, full of history.
I know this is very off topic for my blog, but I really wanted to share my experiences and explain just why they inspired me so much. Have you been to any places that have sparked a similar reaction in you? Let me know!
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