If you want a spa with a difference try the Hammam in the heart of Rhodes Old Town.

This huge Turkish bath is a relic from the Ottoman empire, and has cavernous steam rooms and plunge pools. The building is completely authentic, you are welcome to just sit and relax, or have a fantastic massage which leaves you wobbly when you stand.

Locals go regularly, and it is said to be a great cure for acne.

There are rooms for one person, two or the communal area. It is worth going simply to admire this beautiful old building!

If you are not too relaxed to walk, enjoy a coffee or a drink at one of the cafe bars opposite when you leave.

It's a 5 minute walk from Socrates Street, ask at one of the restaurants at the fountain.

Entrance fee is E2 and a massage costs E5 - bring towels and swimming costumes. It is open all year.

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This incredible castle is perched on a rock high on the west coast of the island. Half the fun is the drive there, which takes you along a winding coastline with stunning views of Turkey, Halki and other small islands.

The landscape on the west is not commercial or developed, and you can stop in small villages like Embonas (famous for their wine) and Sianna (great for carpets) on the way.

Keep a look out for a caravan parked on the side of the road (before you get to Sianna) which looks as if its going to slide down the mountain. Stop here and have a coffee (or a suma) sit and contemplate the breathtaking view.

Just follow the road east from the airport - you dont have to turn off anywhere. It's about 2 hours from Rhodes Town.

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This is one of my most favourite beaches in the world. A long stretch of lovely white sand, little cantinas dotted along the beach and clear, warm sea. Great for snorkling around the rocks.

After a strenuous day relaxing try the Panorama restaurant, a 5 minute drive away. Enjoy their authentic, fresh food (cheesy flowers a must) sitting under vines with a view of the beach.

They also have loads of huge dried gourds hanging everywhere and squid stretched out to dry. The waiters are great and the service excellent.

Tsampika beach is on the east coast roughly half way between Rhodes Town and Lindos.

To get to The Panorama, turn left out of the beach entrance, drive up the hill, it's on the left-hand side, and has a gravelled parking area out front.

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This is a coffee shop that serves excellent coffee and the best cakes on the island. The cakes range from traditional Greek to chocolate cakes covered in chocolate!

It's heaven for cake lovers!

There's one in Rhodes Town about a 2minute walk from the bus station, down the road from Mothercare. There's also a branch on the main street in Pefkos.

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Melani is a glass bottom boat that offers tours from Lindos. Great trips, great prices, friendly crew.

On the main beach from the pontoon - its called the Melani.

Here's a photo: www.erosweddings.co.uk/html/services/boat.htm

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This is a great Greek coffee shop, in the heart of Kremasti village. Thomas and Mikhlais will give you a really warm welcome. You can enjoy cocktails, a latte or traditional Greek coffee, they also serve freshly prepared snacks.

Come and play tavli (backgammon) or take a rest in the shade if you are travelling around. It's worth coming to see the mad murals they have painted on the walls inside.

The prices are cheap and children are very welcome.

It's on the left hand side as you come from Rhodes Town, after Melody Palace. Park at the side of the church and it's a 2 minute walk.

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The Walk Inn is a bar/restaurant in the heart of the Old Town, a 5 minute walk from Socrates Street. It's set in a very pretty square and you can spend hours watching the world wander by.

There is a fantastic atmosphere, the food is all freshly prepared (pizzas and meze a speciality) children are very welcome and the prices are ridiculously reasonable.

There's no web site, but if you want directions call them on 22410 74293, and someone will come to meet you! How's that for service!

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If you are going on a day out, head for the hills and the stunning Hotel Elafos on Profitis Ilias Mountain. The drive there is beautiful through little villages and olive groves. The hotel is completely unique, set deep in the woods and a great location for walkers.

Orginially built as a HQ for Mussolini it has been restored by local craftsmen and offers a complete change from the beach.

You can have lunch (food is excellent), stay the night or even get married here - there's even a childrens play area. It's relaxing, peaceful and well worth the visit.

The drive is about an hour from Rhodes Town or Lindos.

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