I think if you cut me in half I swear the Greek Flag runs through me. Throughout my working life as a Holiday Rep and Resort Manager working overseas, I was so lucky to work on many a Greek Island, and yes I do have a preference (but I’m keeping that one to myself!).
So imagine how lucky I felt when my daughter and soon to be son in law – who incidentally also met on a Greek Island, told me they were holding their forthcoming nuptials on another, yet to be discovered island, the island of Rhodes.
With over 50 guests, this could have been a logistical nightmare, but from start to finish, with the aid of amazing island based wedding planners, it all went off without one hitch.
I had the enormous honour of giving my daughter away, so once we had been primped and preened we were collected by our wedding car and taken to the Mamma Mia type Chapel of St Pauls in Lindos, beautifully set on a hillside above St Paul’s Bay and overlooking the Acropolis of Lindos, the boys arrived slightly more dramatically via a speedboat and I have to say they all looked amazing.
Following lots of happy tears we then boarded our very own boat and sailed around the Aegean Coast for an hour drinking bubbles and taking in the crystal blue waters and the Acropolis from the sea.
We then docked at a stunning taverna set on the water’s edge at Lindos and was entertained with a superb Greek Mezes, lots of Greek village wine, Greek dancers where we all joined in, and made so many happy memories.
After the main wedding guests had left the island, hiring a car, we were then free to explore the beauty of Rhodes, from the gorgeous family resort of Pefkos where we were based, to the infamous Faliraki, to the medieval city of Rhodes, every day we had a new adventure.
I also realised a long held dream of visiting the beautifully stunning island of Symi whilst in Rhodes, just a little over an hour’s ferry ride took us to the pretty harbour town of Symi, with it’s colourful postcard-like mansions popping up as soon as we approached the port. It’s not a busy island, it doesn’t have an airport, but if you like secluded beaches, breathtaking views of the sea, tiny chapels and total relaxation, I think Symi is the place to be.
Top Tips:
If you’re tempted to take part in the tourist tradition of drinking beer from a glass boot – ask the price first, they can come in at a staggering €50 if you don’t, and don’t be fooled by signs outside saying beer for €1 – if you don’t specify, you’ll be left with more pain than just a hangover.
Hire a car – it’s relatively cheap, the roads are good and well signposted, and lying around a pool or on a beach although tempting, doesn’t really give you a feel for the beauty of the island.
Avoid the better known beaches and drive south, the further south, the fewer the crowds.
Lindos is a must, day or night, a beautiful village of whitewashed buildings, historical ruins and great views. It’s also known for it’s nightlife, shopping and beaches.
