Villa Constantine Rhodes

The cool good looks of this Kolympia beachfront villa make it an appealing choice if you’re visiting Rhodes’ north-eastern coast. Just over 20 km from the island’s eponymous capital, Villa Constantine has all that up to 12 guests could need – including the most magnificent 12m x 6m infinity pool.

Modern and elegant throughout, Villa Constantine is an impressive base for your island adventures. In addition to the pool with its incredible ocean outlook, there’s a spacious terrace with covered areas perfect for dining and chilling. You can enjoy a barbecue or lounge in the sun, and the large hot tub which faces the sea is yet another luxurious, and irresistible, feature.

Inside, the villa is just as welcoming, decorated largely in white and neutral tones with a few splashes of colour. There’s a fine sea view from the open-plan living area, which has ample seating, Smart TV and DVD, and opens out onto the veranda. There is also an indoor dining area with a perfect view, making meals together even more special. The kitchen is equipped with oven, microwave, fridge and dishwasher among other appliances, with the ground floor also home to an en-suite double bedroom, three bedrooms (two each with 2 sets of with bunk beds), and an additional bathroom.

Kolympia’s history as a holiday resort is quite short – there was little to see here until the late 1980s, apart from the beautiful beaches. Since then, its popularity has grown, and for good reason. It’s a relaxed place, with seafront tavernas and cafés offering a very pleasant way to enjoy the reliable sunshine. Water-sports and boat trips, perhaps to the Lindos Acropolis or the popular island of Symi, will give you a taste of the easy-going lifestyle.

Kolympia has a stunning mountain back drop and lovely shingle beaches, with crystal clear waters. It has a small centre with tavernas, bars and some souvenir shops. One of Kolympia’s highlights is the Eucalytus Road built during the Italian occupation. Kolympia is easy to reach, with an international airport, Diagoras, about 30 minutes’ drive and Rhodes Town a similar distance.

The town of Rhodes, and lies on the northern tip of the island, is as good a place to start exploring. A walk along the medieval walls of the Old Town will offer you some beautiful views, accessible from the must-see Palace of the Grand Masters. Part of a World Heritage Site, this is also the location of a fine museum which offers the chance to familiarise yourself with Rhodian history, extending as far back as the 3rd century BC.

Another museum worth checking out is the Museum of Modern Greek Art, with an eclectic collection only rivalled by Athens. The New Town area is visually appealing itself, with an Art Deco influence present in much of its architecture. Mandráki harbour is the home of Evangelismós Cathedral, where you can find some impressive frescoes.

The Lindos Acropolis is as spectacular as the coastal views it enjoys, and definitely worth seeing. Down the coast, you also have resorts such as Ammoudes, Kolympia and, perhaps best-known, Faliraki. While its reputation may precede it, this is not the hedonism capital it once was. A children’s water-park and the beautiful Anthony Quinn Bay may tempt you there during the day, and an aquarium and scuba-diving school also embrace the aquatic theme.

At the very southern tip of the island, Prasonisi’s location – dividing the Aegean and the Mediterranean – is considered prime wind-surfing territory. But if that sounds a little too exhilarating, Rhodes’ more sedate attractions like the Valley of the Butterflies, numerous wineries and the seven springs of the wonderfully scenic Epta Piges nature reserve, will provide just as pleasant a day out.