Pastida Holidays

In a quiet corner of northern Rhodes, Pastida's a modest village with a cluster of tavernas around its pretty main square. Its very narrow streets are closed to cars, giving the place an olden-days feeling. The pace here's deliciously slow, and locals tend to spend warm afternoons relaxing beneath Greek vines and citrus trees.

Although Pastida itself is a bit inland, a five-minute drive will bring you to the nearest beach at Kremasti. Its wide expanse of sand and shingle's lined with a lively row of bars and tavernas. Sunloungers and umbrellas are available to hire, so you can sit back for stress-free sunbathing.

For a dose of local culture, Pastida's annual festival takes place each year over a week in September. Highlights include folk dancing in colourful costumes, traditional music and theatre performances. Another attraction is Pastida's fascinating bee museum, open all year. Watch real working bees buzzing about their business and get involved with interactive exhibitions.

A trip to the capital of Rhodes Town takes just a 20-minute drive. Explore the old town's maze of Medieval streets lined with artisan shops and quirky cafés. As the sun sets, the city springs to life with cool cocktail bars and a couple of popular nightclubs along the waterfront.