I recently returned to Rhodes for the second time to be Bridesmaid for my oldest friend, who was getting married in the picturesque Greek town of Pefkos!
A Greek getaway never disappoints – and this was no exception. From fantastically fresh food and drinks to meandering through the maze-like streets of Lindos, this idyllic island was the dream backdrop for my best friend’s big day.
Our hotel
The last time I was in Rhodes we stayed at the 5* TUI Sensatori Atlantica Dreams – a truly ‘wow’ hotel that we’d love to return to, but a little out of the way. This time we were staying in a smaller, but equally modern hotel – the White Olive Premium Lindos, which is walking distance to Pefkos’s bustling little centre, and only a 10 minute taxi ride into lovely Lindos. Ideal!
The hotel is decorated modern and minimalistic, with a good-sized pool (that was certainly very much needed!). We were All Inclusive, and did find the offering to be quite limited and basic – this didn’t bother us too much though, as we had planned to still eat out plenty and the unlimited drinks around the pool certainly made it worth it. A lovely iced coffee on a morning, quickly followed by Peach Fizz cocktails – and the house wine here was pretty good, too!
The pool area was such a relaxing place to be, and it was a nice change to be in a small hotel as opposed to the huge hotel complexes we usually go for. With views of the sea and the surrounding hills in the distance, we spent the days prior to the wedding topping up our tan and chilling out before the proper celebrations began.
The hotel is adorned with gorgeous greenery, from the palm trees around the pool to the stunning pink bougainvillea that twists its way above the outdoor seating area. These vibrant, tropical vines give off real ‘Mamma Mia!’ vibes, especially when added to the traditional Greek taverna tunes played by the pool bar’s sound system.
Pretty Pefkos
Having never stayed in Pefkos before, it’s with real ease that we can say we already can’t wait to go back! This cute Greek town is ideal for people looking to enjoy lovely little strolls, plenty of options for good food, a few chilled bars, and a beautiful beach just moments away.
Pefkos Beach is so picturesque, with soft sands and some of the clearest waters I’ve ever seen! There’s beach bars overlooking it too, if you’d rather ditch the sand and sip on cocktails with sea views instead. We couldn’t say no to a dip in the sea in 30 + degree heat though!
There are SO many stunning restaurants dotted along the main road – it was hard to choose between them! Add that to cosy cocktail bars where the servers greet you with that authentic Greek charm, and it’s easy to see why people love Pefkos so much.
Lovely Lindos
The beauty of staying in Pefkos is the proximity it has to lovely Lindos – arguably one of the most iconic areas in all of Rhodes. The curvy, wind-y, white-washed streets leading up to the clifftop acropolis make it a wonderful place to pop into if you fancy a change from Pefkos – it’s less than 10 minutes in a taxi.
Prices for food and drinks tend to be a little higher in Lindos – as a lot of the time, you’re paying for the view! Many of the bars and restaurants here are in situ with rooftop spaces, allowing you to tuck in and sip away all whilst staring up at the ancient clifftop ruins. It’s like a scene out of a movie!
There’s something for everyone in Lindos – from authentic Greek tavernas to cute little stores selling handmade trinkets, and even bougee bars further up within the streets for those who love a signature cocktail or two. To really experience it, you must visit by day and by night – by day it delivers gorgeous Greek vibes, with gyros stands on street corners and donkeys in the shade, whilst by night things turn a little more sophisticated, the ruins of the town illuminated for all to see as a beautiful backdrop no matter where you are.
St Paul’s Bay
An absolute must visit for anyone staying near Pefkos or Lindos, has to be St Paul’s Bay! This serene little bay has to be one of the most picturesque beaches I’ve ever been on – and yet it all feels so hidden away, you’re own little slice of Greek paradise.
We spent the day here with everyone from the wedding party, and what a setting it was to celebrate in the sun! There are plenty of comfortable double day beds for hire, bean bags in the sand, and the beach bar here has no shortage of fabulous food and drinks to keep you watered and fed in the heat.
With a steady flow of relaxing music and views looking out towards the Acropolis of Lindos, St Paul’s Bay is a sight of utter natural beauty. My friend had even considered having her wedding ceremony here, on the hillside overlooking the bay – it’s that dreamy!
The Wedding
We had the best time here in Greece being part of my oldest best friend’s wedding. The Grecian sun blazing down, stunning sea views as the backdrop to the ceremony – it really was like being on set of ‘Mamma Mia!’ the movie!
The ceremony was held in the ceremony area of the Lindia Thalassa hotel, with the reception at the nearby Elia Restaurant. I absolutely loved being a Bridesmaid, Laura (the bride) looked absolutely fabulous, and we made some magical memories together in the sun with all her family and friends. It made me incredibly excited for my own abroad wedding in September!
Food, glorious food
Let’s face it – everyone knows the food in Greece is to die for! We had sooo many delicious dining experiences whilst in Rhodes. We genuinely never had a bad meal!
There are so many fantastic restaurants to choose from in Pefkos itself, where our favourite find was a little Greek restaurant that served up THE BEST gyros and cheesy steak and pepper sandwiches we had ever eaten! With loads of chips and tzatziki piled on top, we tucked into these nearly every day as either our lunch, or a naughty evening snack! (Calories don’t count on holiday, right?)
We also had some marvellous meals upon heading down into Lindos, too. The restaurants here are traditionally Greek, some with a modern twist, and a lot of places are set up for you to dine whilst enjoying the views of the ruins above. If you’re looking for a place for a super romantic meal, this is your spot!
We found a gorgeous little restaurant tucked behind one of the many swirling streets, where my fiancé Micky tucked into delicious lamb kleftiko, whilst I opted for (another) steak. There are also plenty of creperies dotted throughout Lindos, offering the perfect treat if you fancy something sweet afterwards!
Delicious drinks
At both Pefkos and Lindos, you’re spoilt for choice for beautiful bars to enjoy a tipple (or two) in. Zig Zag Bar in Pefkos serves up THE BEST frozen cocktails, from ruby red strawberry daiquiris, to more creamy ones like a frozen Toblerone cocktail. It’s safe to say we tested out a good few from the drinks menu!
The lager lovers of our group put away many a pint of Mythos, the island’s local lager, whilst those of us who like a sweet cider opted for bottles of Milokleftis. Both went down a treat as we sat in a bar, watching the sun go down!
Swoon-worthy spots
If you’re looking for those insta-worthy spots to make all your family and friends jealous back home, then Rhodes has plenty of those in store for you!
One of our favourite places to grab a bite to eat, and watch the world go by with clifftop sea views was at Philosophia Beach Restaurant. During the day, the little blue and white tables are seemingly perched on the edge of a vast expanse of sea, and you can see shimmering blue waters for miles. You can also head down to the beach right next to the restaurant, if it’s too tempting to simply stare at it!
By night, it’s also an amazing place to watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand – my favourite was the espresso martini. The sunsets on the island are like nothing else!
We had such an amazing holiday from start to finish – it really is all the more special being abroad whilst also celebrating such a big occasion with some of your nearest and dearest. And Rhodes certainly didn’t disappoint – we will be back, it’s just a matter of time!
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