Beach Resort Guide
Afandou
Afandou Beach Resort Guide
Introduction
Afandou, on the island of Rhodes in Greece, is a village lying 2km (1.25 miles) inland from the coast. In Greek, ‘afanto' means ‘invisible', and in the past it was strategically placed so that marauding pirates could not see it from the sea. Today it is a bustling, workaday Greek village with a permanent local population of 7,500, offering a good selection of bars, taverns, restaurants and supermarkets. Since the 1980s it has also turned into a popular holiday resort, thanks to its impressive 4km (2.5 mile) stretch of beach. Through high season, a miniature train makes regular runs from Afandou's main square, shunting visitors 2km (1.25 miles) between the village and the beach, and using a flyover to pass over the busy main road. For many visitors, Afandou's main draw is its 18-hole golf course, overlooking the sea.
Who goes there?
From Easter to late-October, Afandou is popular with European holidaymakers, predominantly Brits and Germans, plus a notable number of Greeks and Russians. It is ideal for families and couples who want a relaxing, low-key seaside holiday. It is a notoriously friendly village and many loyal visitors return each year.
Where in the world?
Afandou lies on the east coast of the Greek island of Rhodes, on the Aegean Sea. It is located 18km (12 miles) south of Rhodes Town, the capital. Rhodes Town has an airport and is the island's main ferry port, lying 250km (135 nautical miles) east of the mainland port of Piraeus, Athens.
Afandou lies on a narrow, flat coastal plain, backed by low-lying, green hills.
Afandou lies on a narrow, flat coastal plain, backed by low-lying, green hills.
When to go?
Afandou has a warm Mediterranean climate. In summer, dry hot days are often relieved by stiff breezes. Winters are mild. November to March is the rainy season. The best months to visit are between May and September when rainfall is at a minimum and temperatures average 27°C (80°F).
Beach
One of the less-developed beaches on Rhodes, Afandou beach is a 4km (2.5 mile) stretch of fine pebble and sand giving way to a clear, shallow, calm sea. Several sections of the beach have been awarded a Blue Flag for cleanliness, and are equipped with sun beds and umbrellas, watersports' facilities, and overlooked by a handful of informal tavernas and snack kiosks. Other sections of the beach remain untouched by development. The local council have initiated a scheme to plant more palm trees along the beach.
Beyond the beach
The old village of Afandou, lying 2km (1 mile) inland from the beach, is a typical Greek settlement with its own workaday atmosphere. Although there are no buildings of great architectural importance here, visitors might check out the 16th-century frescoed church of Pagagia Katholiki, built on the site of an early Christian basilica on the road down to the beach, or walk up to the hilltop church of Profitis Ilias, offering impressive sea views.
Family fun
Afandou beach is perfect for kids, being a safe distance from busy traffic and offering calm, shallow water. The miniature train running between the village and the beach is bound to appeal to kids too. Just 5km (3 miles) south of Afandou lies 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. There is also a Luna Park funfair and go-kart track in Faliraki.
Retail therapy
Afandou has several small supermarkets providing everyday necessities, plus the usual souvenir shops selling tourist tat - postcards, beach gear and T-shirts. For a more sophisticated shopping experience, make a trip to Rhodes Town, where typical mementoes include leather belts, bags and sandals, furs, Turkish-inspired carpets, ceramics (notably painted plates bearing a deer, the symbol of Rhodes), and gold and silver jewellery.
A night on the town
Afandou nightlife is low-key, with little more than drinking and people-watching on the open-air terraces of the bars lining the main square. Those in search of more action might head for the rowdy party resort of Faliraki, which lies just 5km (3 miles) north of Afandou, and is packed with late-night bars and clubs.
Eating out
Concentrated along the main road running though the village of Afandou is a good selection of traditional Greek tavernas (many of which also offer some children's dishes based on English favourites), plus several Italian and Chinese restaurants. In addition, along the beach there are several tavernas and kiosks offering snacks.
Getting around
The island is well served by bus. Through summer, 10 buses per day run along the east coast from Afandou to Rhodes Town. There are also regular local buses between Afandou and Kolimbia. Taxis are cheap by European standards. It is possible to hire cars, mopeds and bicycles. A miniature train plies the route between the old village and the beach, departing from the main square.
Exploring further afield
The island's elegant capital, Rhodes Town, is contained within impressive medieval fortifications and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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. From mid-June to late-September, the green valley of Petaloudes (Butterfly Valley), located 25km (16 miles) southwest of Rhodes Town, is worth checking out for its black-and-white striped butterflies. There are also organised one-day boat trips departing from Rhodes Town. These take visitors to either the unspoilt island of Symi, northwest of Rhodes, or to Marmaris in Turkey to explore the bustling bazaar and the Marmaris Castle Museum above the harbour.
Splashing out
Play a round of golf at Afandou Golf Club (www.afandougolfcourse.com). This 18-hole, 72-par course was designed by Donald Harradine and overlooks the sea. Carts, clubs and trolleys can be hired, there is a clubhouse with a bar and the golf course is open all year.
Flying in
Rhodes Airport (RHO)
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