Rhodes is a popular summer destination for so many reasons, and after a long, sunny day at one of the island’s breathtaking beaches, there’s nothing better than a fresh scoop of gelato from Dream Cream.
From the moment you step into this chic gelateria, you will see you are in for a treat. Event stylist Lia Mylona’s passion for all things pretty is evident in every corner of the space, which has been so carefully thought out.
“Dream Cream is a family business but mostly it was a family dream. Ice cream has always been a bonding experience for us, having it as a treat on Sundays, going to gelaterias after a busy day to enjoy some good gelato together. But we didn’t have a proper gelateria in our neighbourhood and thought why don’t we open our own?” says Lia.
“We started brainstorming everything from the name, logo, flavours, interior and obviously the most boring part, logistics. We sat down and after hours and days and months of planning, Dream Cream emerged!”
“We wanted something different. Something so Pinterest-worthy that everybody would want to take a picture of. And we pretty much did it in no time! Everybody loves the pink aesthetic – even men!” adds Lia.
Beneath the colourful countertop, there are rotating specials that include Oreo, cheesecake, Bueno, lotus biscoff and a small selection of vegan options. Made fresh from a variety of natural ingredients, every flavour tastes exactly like it should; with a delightful range of gelato flavours that can be served in a cone or cup.
The pistachio is arguably one of the most popular flavours and that’s not surprising, given it’s made with pistachios from Aegina Island, known as the best in the world; another local fave is the chocolate pot ice cream dessert, which is layer upon layer of deliciousness.
And if you are looking to add more sweetness to your gelato, try the signature mini ice cream pancakes that feature the perfect balance between texture and smoothness; or the choux ice cream- soft pastry buns with a luxurious ice-cream filling!
The menu changes seasonally depending on availability, so there are plenty of reasons to keep going back, which will be even easier soon; due to the store’s popularity amongst both locals and international visitors, a second Dream Cream gelateria is opening shortly- right in the centre of Rhodes!
Rhodes, the largest Dodecanese island, officially launched the tourism season for 2022 on Sunday March 27, with the first charter flights landing at Rhodes International Airport “Diagoras” and hotels opening their doors to welcome international visitors.
Nine flights were scheduled for Sunday bringing tourists from Frankfurt (Germany), Bristol (UK), Bergamo (Italy), Stansted (UK), Charleroi (Belgium), Manchester and East Midlands (UK) and finally, the last charter arrived from Bologna (Italy).
A total of 38 charter flights are expected to arrive on Rhodes in the last few days of March while many flights are scheduled to arrive in the month of April.
Rhodes is one of Greece’s most popular all-year-round destinations thanks to its beautiful beaches, clear waters, castles and ancient civilisations, as well as its gourmet restaurants and traditional tavernas serving local delicacies.
Home to one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in the world, the Old Town of Rhodes has been declared a Unesco World Heritage Site; as well as the Colossus of Rhodes- a statue of the Greek sun god Helios, erected in the city of Rhodes in 280 BC- it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Greece’s leading carrier Aegean Airlines currently has three direct flights from Athens per day to Rhodes, and there is one overnight ferry route from Athens to Rhodes, which is a 16.5-hour trip.
The Medieval City of Rhodes was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It is one of the best-preserved and largest inhabited medieval towns in Europe. When you approach the walls of Medieval Old Town of Rhodes keep in mind you are about to enter the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe.
Today roughly 6,000 people live within the walls, and driving through the old town is restricted to residents only. Boasting incredible Gothic architecture and historical importance, walking around the Medieval City is a must when visiting Rhodes island!
History of the Medieval Old Town of Rhodes
Walking through the Old Town
The medieval city is located within a 4 km-long wall and is divided with the high town to the north and the lower town to the south. Originally separated from the lower town by a fortified wall, the high town was entirely built by the Knights. The Order was organised into seven “tongues”, each having its own seat, or “inn”. The inns of the tongues of Italy, France, Spain and Provence lined the main east-west axis, the famous Street of the Knights. To the north, close to the site of the Knights’ first hospice, stands the Inn of Auvergne. The original hospice was replaced in the 15th century by the Great Hospital, which was built between 1440 and 1489.
The town has never been abandoned and when exploring the medieval streets of Rhodes, it seems time has stopped in the middle ages; the magical atmosphere is highlighted by its knightly past.
Strolling the streets of Old Town Rhodes
Boasting cobbled streets and Gothic towers, this wonderful UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with mosaic-covered alleyways, and historical streets that are home to the Palace of the Grand Master with its towered, majestic entrance and large courtyard; Ottoman buildings such as the Suleymanie Mosque and Byzantine temples, medieval buildings, traditional fountains, Byzantine and Gothic churches, shops, taverns, cafes and bars that are all scattered throughout the Old Town, all blending together to create a unique and picturesque whole.
There are roughly 200 streets or alleys – some of them have no name and getting “lost” here is part of the excitement as every little corner has a piece of rich history to be told. And remember the name “Sokratous Street” as a point of reference, as this is the closest the Medieval City comes to having a main street.
What to see in the Old Town of Rhodes
Age of Chivalry
With gates all around the Old Town, you can start your tour from wherever you wish and while wandering around, we recommend you check out the following…
-The Palace of the Grand Master, which has an imposing entrance and well-preserved towers and battlements. The interiors of the buildings, decorated with ancient ornamental objects and artifacts are also a must-see.
-After entering through the Liberty Gate, make your way through to Symi Square and Argyrokastrou Square next to it. Here you will discover the ruins of a Temple of Aphrodite.
-The Street of the Knights; here you will discover more about the Order of Knights and the seven different buildings that were built for each of the tongues, or countries the Knights of Saint John were made up of.
-Knights Street leads to the Palace of the Grand Master that has different exhibits as you walk around the halls of this historic castle.
-Make sure you visit the clocktower (dates back to 1852 and is the highest point in Rhodes Old Town), the synagogue and the mosques of the Suleyman and Recep Pasha.
-It is also worth visiting the churches of Panagia tou Kastrou and the Panagia tou Bourgou.
-Visit the Museum Square where you’ll find the Archaeological Museum located in the former hospital building of the Knights of St. John, here you’ll find artifacts, sculptures, and other items that date back to over 2,000 years ago. Also worth visiting is the Museum of Modern Greek Art, Decorative Arts Collection Museum, Museum of Our Lady of the Castle Museum, the Byzantine Museum and the Jewish Museum of Rhodes.
-While here, we suggest brunch or lunch at the lovely courtyard of the Cafe Auvergne, which is just a step away from Knights Street; or head to Marco Polo Mansion for an unforgettable dinner.
Cafe Auvergne
-Have a drink at the Cellar of the Knights- located in Hippocrates Square, it’s one of the most unique places to have a drink. Hippocrates’ Square or Platia Ippokratous is a charming town square in the heart of the UNESCO Old Town with a majestic staircase, a wonderful fountain, and a range of cafes and shops filled with locally made sandals, jewellery and other products. The square can be reached by coming into the Old Town through the Marine Gate.
– Once you’ve walked through the inner streets of the Old Town, make sure you make the most of the views from the historic part of town from up high- you’ll be able to take some spectacular photos from above.
Getting there
From Rhodes Airport it’s around a 35-minute drive, you can catch a taxi or a bus from the airport to the Old Town.
Caesars Gardens Hotel & Spa in Rhodes is an internationally recognised boutique hotel. Winning prestigious awards including Best Luxury Boutique Hotel in Europe 2020 and Best Boutique Honeymoon Hotel in Europe 2020- it offers guests privacy and tranquility.
Set in a peaceful environment and surrounded by exotic gardens and the Krana Hills- Caesars Gardens Hotel & Spa on the island of Rhodes is an idyllic adults-only getaway that you will never forget.
Where & Why?
Found on a village in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands and boasting a real Cycladic aura; this area features an Acropolis, built 500 years BC (dedicated to the goddess Athena), and a picturesque bay where you can swim almost all year long. This beautiful spot is called Lindos and it’s where Caesar’s Gardens Hotel & Spa is located. Here you will be welcomed by a picturesque landscape with a steep and inaccessible vertical rock, a surrounding vast sea, and a whitewashed settlement, with narrow alleys and bougainvillea. A stone-throw away from the vibrant village, is where you will find this oasis.
Style & Feel
The interiors are unmistakably Aegean-inspired. With a warm and inviting modern-bohemian style, it is effortlessly chic and sophisticated, where locally crafted furnishings adorn elegantly rustic rooms and suites (had us at hello). We were gazing at the Mediterranean gardens, with botanical flowers, trees, and the rocky landscape, while sipping our welcome cocktail in the hotel’s restaurant Tárate in front of the pool. This sanctuary gives you a feeling that time has stopped, there is only the magical “now”, a present moment of tranquility, freedom, euphoria, and self-rejuvenation.
Food & Drinks
Caesars Gardens Hotel & Spa offers a journey across the finest delicacies of Mediterranean cuisine with a fine-dining experience and distinguished local wines on offer at Tárate Restaurant. The Mediterranean flavours are inspired by the surrounding terrain and the hotel’s on-site farm. The hotel also has an eatery located in Lindos town, César Meze Bar, which is an amusement for our palate as well.
Rooms
The hotel features 23 elegant rooms with boho vibes that are centered around the pool and are enclosed by greenery; whether you choose the Garden or Sea Views, all King & Deluxe rooms have private balconies. The highlight is the four Executive Bungalows, each one with a private pool, located within the gardens of The Magnolia Spa and the two exclusive Mediterranean Suites with private pools as well, located amid the hotel’s olive garden.
Ideal for…
Lovers. Caesars Gardens Hotel & Spa is an oasis for strictly adults-only tranquility.
Facilities & Services
As a 5-star hotel, it has unparalleled facilities and tailor-made services. Indulge your state of mind and body at the outdoor swimming pool, the outdoor heated jacuzzi with the soft sun loungers and gazebos around them, and the Magnolia Spa, an immaculate outdoor wellness centre where locally sourced ingredients and local wisdom come together to create life-enhancing treatments in the fragrant, peaceful gardens.
Rhodes is a place many people have fallen in love with and it has become the perfect destination for lovers of love.
Honeymooners, newlyweds and wedding parties are now discovering the unique experiences that Rhodes can offer, as getting married on this gorgeous island on the Dodecanese provides you with the opportunity to combine your wedding celebrations with a great time away with family and friends.
Destination weddings require lots of planning, so we spoke to Greece’s leading wedding event specialists Lia and Stelios from White Events, to share their tips on saying “I do” in Rhodes.
Why do you think Rhodes is a great wedding destination?
Any Greek island would be the right decision for a couple seeking a Mediterranean theme for their wedding day. But Rhodes will always be our number one suggestion as there is so much variety across the island, making it easy to cover all preferences. There are sea and mountains, rocks and sand, simple venues and churches, as well as more luxurious places where you can tie the knot. Plus, the sun is always shining- but it’s not extremely hot like other islands.
What are your favourite wedding spots on the island?
Too many to choose from but we do have a list of favourites. For churches: Saint Paul’s in Lindos, Prophit Elias in Faliraki, and Agioi Apostoloi in Faliraki. The best venues are the Springs of Kalithea with the beautiful historical baths, and Lindos village for the Acropolis and ancient ruins.
What is the best time of year for a wedding in Rhodes?
June and September would be the best time since the weather is literally perfect, with just the right amount of sun.
What do couples need to know about planning a wedding in Rhodes?
No need to panic. Couples should see their wedding day as a trip to a beautiful island and not as a stressful event. The wedding will last only a few hours but the preparation starts way before. That’s why we recommend researching as early as you can and enjoy each step along the way. Since we are experts in what we do, couples can leave it up to us and peacefully enjoy their time on the island.
How far in advance should couples contact you to help them plan their dream wedding?
Start planning the event early. A year in advance would be ideal for smooth communication between us and the couple to plan everything in a timely manner.
Tell us some of the most romantic things to see & do in Rhodes?
A nice evening stroll along the streets of the Old Town while observing the majestic castle and small boutique stores. And if people think Santorini has the best sunset that’s only because they haven’t seen the one in Monte Smith- simply sit on the bench and enjoy the breathtaking moment.
What are some traditional delicacies/sweets from Rhodes that couples should think about including on the menu?
Greece is known for its Mediterranean cuisine, using pure and fresh ingredients such as olive oil, fresh spices, and seeds is a must. We recommend a platter with our traditional starters such as dolmadakia, pitaroudia which are basically little balls made of chickpeas and a variety of dips such as tzatziki and melitzanosalata (eggplant dip).
Melekouni would be our top favourite sweet option, which is a traditional Rhodian treat served at weddings and christenings. Made of sesame seeds and honey it’s known for its nutritional value.
What has been the most popular wedding theme over the last year?
Boho has by far been the most preferred. Couples tend to want more of a sophisticated and simple theme nowadays, which we have to admit is our favourite too.
What colours and decor do you love working with most?
Natural and nude colours compliment the Greek islands most. Wooden, linen and cotton materials will always look stunning. While plants such as echeveria add that perfect final touch.
Having planned over 200 weddings in Greece, tell us more about the services you offer?
There’s no limit to what we can achieve, as the client comes to us with a vision and we sculpt their idea using our expertise to turn it into a reality. We start from finding the perfect venue and church as well as the theme and aesthetic of the event according to the clients’ needs. We work alongside the best of the best photographers, caterers, florists, and other suppliers to offer a complete and unique wedding experience.
Rhodes has so many spectacular beaches that are definitely worth exploring, but if you only have a few days on this stunning island in the Dodecanese, we suggest you head to these amazing spots that guarantee a memorable swim every time!
Kallithea Springs
This is one of Rhodes’ most visited areas and for a good reason. Famous for its therapeutic properties, the ancient healing powers of Kallithea’s natural hot springs attract thousands of international visitors who come to enjoy the majestic spaces that have been wonderfully renovated. You can spend an entire day relaxing on the sun lounges, snorkelling around the rocks, as well as exploring the ancient spas, lush gardens and pebblestone mosaics. When you are done, sit down at the chic beach bar and have a late lunch while enjoying the gorgeous views.
Address: Kallithea Avenue 80, East Rhodes
Distance from Rhodes Town: 13km, 15 minute drive
Parking: Free car park
Organised: With sunbeds and beach bar
Fee: 3 € per adult, 2 € for 12-18 years, kids under 12 are free
St Paul’s Bay
This picturesque beach in Lindos is located on the southeast coast of Rhodes. St Paul is said to have stayed here in 51 AD and a small church has been built in his honour. The bay is both shallow and protected from winds, making it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. Sunbeds and cabanas are available and waiters walk by taking orders. On the beach menu, you will find a list of cocktails, beers, wines, and juices, as well as light snacks, salads and burgers. If you prefer table seating, Tambakio Restaurant is set on the edge of the water and open for lunch between 12 noon – 4 pm, and later on for dinner.
Address: St Paul’s Bay, Lindos
Distance from Rhodes Town: 48 km, 1 hour drive
Parking: Free car park at the top of the beach, otherwise there is street parking
Organised: With sunbeds and beach bar/restaurant
Anthony Quinn Bay
Named after one of the world’s most famous actors, the water here is a deep emerald thanks to the lush green vegetation which surrounds it. On the natural stone surfaces, you will find scattered sunbeds and umbrellas, with many set up underneath pine trees. At the top of the rocks is a kiosk serving sandwiches, snacks, coffee, fresh juice, ice cream and salads. The gorgeous underwater scenery makes Anthony Quinn one of the best areas in Rhodes for snorkelling. Just make sure you get here early as it packs out quickly.
Address: Kallithea
Distance from Rhodes Town: 15 km, 20 minute drive
Parking: Free car park at the top of the beach
Organised: With sunbeds and kiosk at the top
Tsambika
If you are looking for a long coastline that offers a great choice of watersports and beach volleyball, this one’s for you. Tsambika is one of the most beautiful places in Rhodes and the beach has been named after the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika, which is known to protect the island. With plenty of facilities, and lots of space to make sandcastles and calm waters, Tsambika is the perfect spot for those with young kids.
Address: In between Kolymbia and Archangelos
Distance from Rhodes Town: 25 kms south of Rhodes Town Parking: Free car parking right outside
Organised: With sunbeds, beach bars, taverns, mini market
