Business as usual in lively Lindos

It’s us again, checking in from lively Lindos on the beautiful Greek island of Rhodes – a long-standing favourite for singles holidays.   Rumour has it the UK media is full of negative publicity about Greece and holidaying here, but we can tell you – straight from the front line – that it’s business as usual here – that is the ‘business’ of holidays.

This week is Rhodes Rock 2012: it’s a very important week here in Lindos because it attracts lots of tourists each year and whether you’re a rock chick or not, the atmosphere is fantastic, the bars are buzzing, the locals are in great form and there is just so much going on.  Friday Night kicks off the start of the main festival with tribute bands including Think Floyd, Stonewire, the Bohemiams & Live Wire. If that’s not your thing, you can join us in Yannis Bar for some Latino music and dancing along with some great cocktails.

Last week Lindos was host to the annual Medieval Moonlight festival, where all the locals got involved.  The streets were transformed to 1400AD  and did it look great: restaurant and bar staff all dressed up in suitable medieval-style clothes, traditional music played and lots of food stalls were dotted around the village. The wine and Ouzo flowed freely…  not bad for a country supposed to be going bust!

Back at Friendship Travel’s hotels for single travellers,  we have been kept busy as well, with groups at both Caesars Gardens and the upmarket Lindos Memories Hotel.   Everyone came together in Lindos town on the second night for our infamous Nightshift evening fun.   Somehow someone always ends up dancing on the bar (not us, you understand!), and it was extra-special this week because we were celebrating the birthday of Kirsty, one of our guests.  All the bars we  visited seemed determined to make it a birthday to remember!

To end the week, we arranged a private boat excursion, again for all guests from both hotels to enjoy.  It was really great day out that Julie and I were able to enjoy as well (I love my job).  There were plenty of swim-stops during the day, in waters that were unbelievably clear.  The scenery was wonderful, the crew were superb and quite a few commented on the bargain prices of drinks and snacks on board.

We have also been in contact with our colleague Jo who is currently in Paros, with our single travellers at the Villa Aeolos.  Her guests are having a great time in this beautiful spot on Golden Beach, enjoying the sunshine and Greek hospitality.

So there you have it: mid-June in Greece.   The weather is fantastic, the beaches are superb, the locals are friendly and the prices are lower than they’ve been for years.

Don’t believe what you see on TV – that’s Athens – or read in the papers.   The elections are over, Greece is still in the euro and ATMs are still working!  As to rumours that you shouldn’t bring €50 notes, that is rubbish!  It’s probably the most common note in circulation and bar owners and shop keepers are just glad to see you here spending them.  I might also add that while some small shops and bars will prefer cash to a credit card, that’s normal in Greece.

So come on over….  The sun is hot, The water’s blue, Lindos nightlife is ready for you!

Your poets on Rhodes,

Andrea and Julie