After the Rhodes Marathon: West Rhodes

The Route: Rhodes Town → Kamiros → Embonas → Rhodes Airport Logistics: Hire car or taxi along the west-coast road, about 45 to 75 minutes to the first sights. A car gives much more freedom here than the bus. Marathon Month: April Duration: 2 nights

Rhodes Town ──(45-75 mins by car)──> Kamiros ──(short drive)──> Embonas
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Rhodes Airport (RHO) ◄──(about 1 hr by car)──────────────────────────┘

The TUI Rhodes Marathon finishes in Eleftherias Square on a Sunday in April. The west coast of Rhodes is the windier, emptier side of the island, with the mountains close to the sea. It rewards a base that does not need repacking, and two nights in one place is enough.

April on the west coast. The sea here is rougher than on the east and the wind is common, so bring a layer. Daytime temperatures are usually around 20°C. Some seasonal hotels and tavernas open late, so confirm that your base is trading. Hellenic Heritage has recorded weather closures at Rhodes sites in early April, so check the sites' pages before driving out.

A hire car is the sensible choice. Collect it in the city or at the airport, and drive west along the coast road. The first sights are 45 to 75 minutes away, depending on traffic and stops. If you would rather not drive on tired legs, ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for each outing.

Nights one and two: the west coast

Choose one base on the coast and make the outings from there. The coast between the airport and Kamiros has hotels at the edge of small villages, and some have kitchens or restaurants open in April. Ask about parking and about breakfast times when booking.

Ancient Kamiros

Kamiros was one of three city states on the island, with Lindos and Ialysos, until they merged in 408 BC to found the city of Rhodes. The site is a hillside town excavated in the 1920s, with the foundations of houses laid out in terraces, an agora with the remains of a stoa, and a temple area on the upper terrace. The ground is stepped, uneven and exposed, and most of it is on a slope. There is little shade. A short walk along the lower terraces gives the layout without any climbing. Check the Hellenic Heritage page for the current hours and admission before you drive out.

Embonas

Embonas is a village on the slopes below Mount Attavyros, the island's highest peak. It is known for its vineyards, and the village has tavernas and a few wine producers. It makes a seated stop rather than a walk, which suits the legs. Do not try to climb Attavyros. The mountain is a proper ascent and not a recovery activity.

Where to eat

Village tavernas serve grilled meat, local cheese, wild greens and the island's wines. Ask which dishes are cooked that day, and book if you want a table at a place that opens only for dinner.

Getting to the airport