Rhodes, Greece.
Why wouldn’t I want to explore this Greek Isle?
Yes, it’s during the “off-season” period, so fewer shops and attractions are open. And, there aren’t any direct flights, so I’d have to connect via Athens.
So with all that, why would I even consider this island to host my 2024 Thanksgiving Adventure?
The answer is simple.
I wanted to explore the place known as “The Island of the Knights!”
Planning this adventure was a bit more complicated than my other 2024 Adventures. First, November is considered the beginning of the “off-season” for the Greek Islands.
Rhodes is one of the few islands still mostly open, though on an extremely slimmed scale.
My coworkers even questioned my decision because of this fact. They wondered why I would visit an island during the off-season period.
“There won’t be many people there or much to do,” they said.
My response?
“PERFECT!”
I love my adventures. Some are strictly touristy in nature; others are more for special occasions.
This adventure was geared toward enjoying the island as local residents do every day. I wasn’t interested in the touristy attractions, island-hopping or hanging out at the touristy pubs.
Heck, I wasn’t even interested in shopping.
No, this adventure was about peace and quiet. During this adventure, I would write and outline the wacky stories and characters that have wreaked havoc on my brain since the New Year.
GETTING HERE
Flying to Rhodes wasn’t as straightforward. The flight involved a connection via Athens. Also, it wasn’t the first flight of the day. The first flight of the day left my departure city at 8 a.m. That was good, except I would only have 20 minutes to connect to the flight to Rhodes.
Travel experience has taught me never to select a connecting flight with a layover of less than 90 minutes. Yes, the 8 a.m. flight may arrive on time, but that doesn’t factor in taxiing to the gate, off-loading and transferring luggage, and sprinting to the connecting gate.
Thus, I chose the second flight of the day with a two-hour layover. My travel day would be longer, but my stress level wouldn’t increase. This plan was better since I had access to the Business Class lounge. I took advantage, had a lite breakfast and relaxed before my flight.
The flights were smooth, and I have to applaud Aegean Airlines. We departed and arrived on time for both segments.
Upon arrival, I collected my luggage, met my driver and enjoyed the ride to Avalon Boutique Suites Hotel. My driver gave me a few tips during the ride, including suggesting a day trip to Lindos.
AVALON BOUTIQUE SUITES HOTEL
The Avalon Boutique Suites Hotel provided accommodations for my four-night stay. The boutique hotel is in the heart of the Old Town, near the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes on the Street of the Knights of Rhodes.
Okay, I chose this hotel because it was on the Street of the Knight. They also had lovely, spacious suites at reasonable prices, with breakfast and a home-cooked dinner included in the final tally.
The ‘Eros Suite’ was my choice of accommodation. This 48-square meters suite was described as “spacious and comfortable, consisting of a living room, dining area, a cozy double bed with a boudoir, an outdoor private balcony with a view, a deluxe Jacuzzi bathroom with a bathtub and hydromassage column, and a 27-inch television for entertainment.”
Sounds nice right? Well, it was nice and comfortable, but it was far from 5-star.
The suite had a lot of noticeable wear and tear. The bed was comfy, but that was the high point. The bathroom was roomy, but the “deluxe Jacuzzi bathroom with a bathtub and hydromassage column” was a supreme letdown. There was no hot water on my first night. This was fixed, but not the best first impression.
The breakfast, although not as lavish as I expected, was a decent start to the day. It typically included a selection of bread, fresh fruits like chopped bananas, and yogurt. While a new item was presented each day, the breakfast was not a dazzling experience.
THE PALACE OF THE GRAND MASTER OF THE KNIGHTS OF RHODES
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes was the ‘must-see’ attraction on my list. For €4, it was not a bad place to explore. I was intrigued to learn more about the Knights of Rhodes.
As it was “winter season,” the palace wasn’t crowded. This gave me plenty of time to gaze upon the historic objects and rooms.
The palace dates back to the 14th century, serving as a citadel for the Knights Hospitaller.
During the 20th century, it was a holiday residence for Fascist dictator Benito Mussolini.
I enjoyed the quietness of the palace as there were only a few visitors inside. Exploring the palace, I learned some of the history of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of Saint John of Jerusalem.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF RHODES
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes was next on my exploration list. Despite not being as intrigued with visiting the museum as I had been for the palace, I found the museum quite interesting. The €3 entry fee was reasonable for the extensive and spacious museum.
Housed in the medieval building that was once the Hospital of the Knights, the museum holds a remarkable collection of statues, many showing the damage of wars and battles.
The great hall was my favorite room. It was huge and contained many items that highlighted the history of the building. The decorative arts and pottery exhibits were informative. Overall, very educational.
STREET OF THE KNIGHTS OF RHODES
One of the main attractions of Rhodes is the Street of the Knights of Rhodes, which served as the residential area for the Knights Hospitaller.
The 7 ‘inns’ once located on the street represented the Knights of St. John’s countries of origin. The knights were divided into seven ‘tongues’ – Aragon, Auvergne, England, France, Germany, Italy and Provence. Each inn was responsible for a specific section of the fortifications.
COLOSSUS OF RHODES
During my writing breaks, I walked the city capturing city life. One place I made sure to explore was the area where the Colossus of Rhodes statue is said to have stood.
The Colossus of Rhodes was a gigantic statue of the sun god Helios that stood watched over a harbor at the entryway of Rhodes. The statue is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
I wandered through the vibrant streets, capturing the city’s essence with my camera. Each click of the shutter immortalized the charming architecture and the bustling energy of the locals.
As I strolled, I also found time to indulge in some holiday shopping, browsing through quaint shops filled with unique treasures and festive decorations. The air was filled with the scent of seasonal delights, and the cheerful atmosphere heightened my excitement for the season.
SUNSET ON THE ISLAND OF THE KNIGHTS
My 2024 Thanksgiving Adventure wrapped up with a delightful meal in my suite, where I enjoyed the heartwarming Hallmark movie, The Wedding Veil Journey.
This film inspired my unforgettable Rhodes Adventure, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end the holiday!
Although others may dismiss the idea of exploring Rhodes in the off-season, I found immense joy in seizing that opportunity. The experience was nothing short of enchanting.
My adventure was an incredible experience filled with joy and discovery. I delved deep into the island’s rich history, uncovering stories from the enticing museums and warm-hearted residents who shared their personal tales.
Wandering through the hidden nooks and crannies of the island, away from the bustling crowds, felt like stepping into a different world. The serene landscapes and tranquil atmosphere allowed my creativity to flow freely. I managed to draft several chapters of my novel, completely immersed in my thoughts and free from distractions.
I am forever ‘thankful’ to the Island of the Knights for allowing me to embrace the beauty of their city.
Until the next adventure …
HAVE PASSPORT, WILL TRAVEL!
Candy Knight's Stories 
One comment