A very unplanned spontaneous trip to Rhodes happened. It’s been a tough month or so. Work has been mental, life’s been busy and my brain has lost any kind of emotional capacity to manage. I really needed a break, a proper break. I really needed to get away from everything so about two weeks ago I booked a trip to Rhodes for five days to escape and have some me time. I know that I’m happiest when I’m travelling and exploring so was hoping that this would help me find a way back to feeling a bit more me.

Off to Rhodes I headed. Day one pretty much consisted of sipping cocktails by the pool. My flight was really early in the morning so by the time I landed and got to my hotel I was well and truly ready to relax. My hotel was lush, it felt like a real treat as normally I’d stay in a hostel when I travel solo so I can meet others and adventure with different people when I feel up to it, but because of how I was feeling I genuinely just wanted some relaxation and down time. There was an outdoor gym, the lushest pool and lounging area, yoga sessions each day and just the nicest, most chilled vibe, which is totally what I needed.

Day two started in a similar way to day one. I was actually really enjoying just switching off and doing nothing. I took some bits with me to keep me entertained; some books, my iPad so I could do some drawing and writing, and some art bits so I made a few bracelets and stuff. I have never felt so at peace just sitting on a beanbag and occasionally dipping in the pool. In the afternoon I knew I wanted to venture out somewhere, I had spent a lot of time in one place and as much as I was enjoying the chilled vibes I wanted to get out and check out the local area. I headed into Ialysos and chilled at the beach for a little bit which was lovely, white pebbles and crystal clear blue sea. Hearing the waves really started to bring me back to myself. I kept walking and before I knew it I’d walked about 4 miles so turned around and started walking back towards my hotel, and found somewhere to grab some dinner en route.

By day three I had started to find my spark again. I chilled in the morning by the pool and went for a swim and then in the afternoon got ready and got the bus into Rhodes main town. I’ve never experienced public transport like it, I think I waited over an hour for a bus! Anyway, I finally got there and I had a wander around and found somewhere to stop for gyros which were amazing! I also found somewhere to stop for a tattoo but just couldn’t decide and there was a bit of a wait so I abandoned that idea. It was really nice to walk around the old town, see the port, and some of the beaches which surrounded. I really was on such a stunning island.

In the late afternoon I headed off on a 15 mile bike ride around Rhodes Old Town, New Town, and past the port and along the beach to the most perfect spot to watch the sunset. It was beautiful. I cried when I saw the sunset and finally felt myself coming back. I haven’t riden a bike in a few years so thought I might have been a bit rusty but I actually picked it up quite quikcly again! When I got going I was really enjoying the rush of being able to see so many places I wanted to explore but quicker than walking.

Rhodes Old Town was incredible, it was really traditional and is where a lot of the locals live. It is surrounded by walls and has different entrances to be able to access. Riding around the small streets and seeing some of the local houses in pretty colours, little village shops and restaurants really made me feel somewhat at home and comforted, I was having the best time.

My fourth day was a planned adventure to Lindos. When I was researching Rhodes and some of the highlights and must see’s, this was up there as one of the top things to do. As much as I wanted a break I also wanted to make the most of seeing a new place (and country!) so I could tick it off my list. The journey to Lindos was about an hour as it is right near the bottom of the island. When I got here the views were sensational. There was a lot of walking up and down hills to get to the main village and it really was picturesque. White buildings, cobbled streets and blue seas surrounding.

I was keen to visit the Acropolis of Lindos so I hiked up the mountain to the top of the village to the most stunning views ever. The ruins were incredible to see and really did look like what you see online, but in real life. I spent some time wandering around and looking at the different pieces and taking some snaps before heading back down to the main village. When I got back down to the main village I was in search of the coldest drink I could find, my water had got so warm whilst I was exploring the Acropolis so it really wasn’t making the cut anymore. I found the cutest rooftop restaurant which looked over some of the village and sat here just taking everything in for a little bit. I had a wander around some of the quaint little shops which were all locally owned and were selling some of the most beautiful items, it really did remind me of how incredible different parts of the world are. After spending the day here and exploring the different elements it was time to jump back on a bus and head back, what a day.

Day five was my final day in this gorgeous place, and I was back to lounging by the pool trying to get as much tanning time as possible before heading back to the airport to come home in the evening. Sitting writing this at the airport waiting for my flight and already getting the holiday blues and back home feels before even getting there. Next adventure is in almost a month exactly, see you there x