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The low-key resort of Pefkos in Rhodes is perfect for a relaxing beach break
© Creative Commons / maciekSz
Pefkos beaches
Pefkos (Pefki), on the Greek island of Rhodes, began developing into a purpose-built resort in the late 1980s as a satellite of the exclusive destination of Lindos, 3km (2 miles) away, which is not allowed to construct new hotels and apartments due to its status as a National Heritage site. In Greek pefko means pine tree, and indeed this low-key seaside resort is scented by the pines that back its lovely, sandy beaches and overlook the sleepy bay. Built along a single street, running parallel to the beach, Pefkos is made up of modern, low-rise, concrete hotels and self-catering apartment complexes set in gardens with pools. As most buildings are no higher than three storeys, a village atmosphere has been retained in this small but expanding resort. Pefkos offers holidaymakers decent beaches and relaxation, while those in search of cultural attractions might visit nearby Lindos with its romantic acropolis and the island's capital, Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Overlooking a sleepy bay, Pefkos has several beaches of soft, golden sand, backed by pine trees. The main beach is wide enough to allow two rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, and also offers several beach bars for snacks, and watersport facilities such as pedalos. Some other stretches of beach are rather narrow, and are lined with single rows of sunbeds and umbrellas.
Just 3km (2 miles) northeast of Pefkos lies the stunningly beautiful hillside village of Lindos, made up of a cluster of whitewashed houses and churches. Above the village, perched up a 116m (380ft) hill, stands the Lindos acropolis. Ancient Greek monuments, including a fourth-century-BC Temple of Athina Lindia, are enclosed within the walls of an imposing 14th-century fortress, built by the Knights of St John to protect the island against the Turks. For many visitors, one of the most enjoyable features of their stay in Pefkos is an excursion to Lindos by a glass-bottom boat.
Pefkos is a low-key, family resort. The beach is great for kids, being of soft sand and safely isolated from traffic. The village offers very limited activities aimed specifically at children, but the back-to-nature atmosphere should appeal to most kids up to the age of 10. Lying 36km (22 miles) north of Pefkos is the infamous party resort of Faliraki, home to Faliraki Water Park (www.water-park.gr), a vast complex of pools, giant Jacuzzi and slides, said to be one of the biggest water parks in Europe.
Set in pinewoods, just 15km (9 miles) inland from Pefkos, Tharri Monastery with a church decorated with 14th-century frescoes makes a pleasant short excursion. For a day trip, visit the island's elegant capital, Rhodes Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site contained within impressive medieval fortifications. The cobbled streets of the atmospheric Old Town lead through a labyrinth of souvenir shops and tavernas, across leafy squares overlooked by mosques with proud minarets, and up to the monumental 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters. There are also organised one-day boat trips departing from Rhodes Town. These take visitors to either the unspoilt Greek island of Symi, northwest of Rhodes, or to Marmaris in Turkey to explore the bustling bazaar and the Marmaris Castle Museum above the harbour.
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