In a world that prioritises sustainability more every year, many people want to take the sustainability that they practice in their daily lives into their holidays. However, many people think that sustainable travel means that they need to travel by boat to their destination or even walk everywhere on holiday; however, it doesn't have to be that drastic and can just consist of small but impactful changes to the way that you explore and travel that can help the local environment, the local people and the world overall.
Rhodes is one of the more overlooked islands in Greece, overshadowed by islands such as Mykonos and Crete. Despite this, thousands of visitors flock to this beautiful and history-filled island to holiday in the sun, with its many stunning beaches and ancient historical sites, which give a glimpse into the past.
So, if you want to make your next holiday to the beautiful island of Rhodes for the first time in a way that's both great for you and the environment, here is how to holiday in Rhodes from responsible sightseeing to supporting the local community.
Getting to Rhodes responsibly
Getting to Rhodes can be one of the most unsustainable parts of your trip, as flying emits 90kg of CO2 per hour. Those travelling from countries such as the UK or Ireland can expect to emit four times this on their way to Rhodes. This is where choosing lower-impact flights and airlines can help, as this can lower your carbon footprint, even just slightly. In addition to this, those flying to Rhodes can try to offset their footprint by walking to work or even switching to a more plant-based diet for a month. Tess's small but powerful change helps to lower your carbon footprint in general and make a change for good
Responsible sightseeing
Responsive sightseeing should be at the centre of every visit to a country, but especially in Rhodes. Rhodes vast amount of historical sites, including the medieval town of Rhodes, the palace of the grand master and the ruins of the colossus of Rhodes. Ensuring that these ruins are persevere dis not just the job of the country but also the tourists that visit. You can do this by ensuring that you do not touch or climb historical sites that are instructed not to, as well as ensuring that you are not overcrowding places during peak times, as this can lead to structures breaking. In addition to this, paying to enter museums and donating to conservation efforts further helps to support the upkeep of historical monuments and helps the local people.
Eating sustainably
Choosing to eat and shop locally when in Rhodes is one way to support sustainable tourism. Many tourists visit countries and opt to eat at global food chains rather than in local restaurants, which not only doesn't support the local people but also supports unsustainable food practices. Most of the time, local restaurants obtain food from local suppliers such as fishermen and local farms, which is suitable and better for our health. This is another benefit of eating local; it is more beneficial for your health and allows you to not only explore Rhodes visually but also through taste, trying dishes such as Vlita or Kolokoudi.
Supporting local communities
Supporting local communities through purchasing local goods, such as handmade souvenirs and buying from local clothing shops, is a way to be sustainable and support the local community. This includes buying locally made bracelets and traditional pottery, as well as the locally made olive oila nd flower honey, which is famous in the region. The best place to shop in Rhodes is the city centre itself of Rhodes, as well as towns such as Kolymbuia and Lindow.
Sustainable public transport
In such a small island as Rhodes, it can be tempting to drive everywhere; however, it presents a great opportunity to explore the landscape through walking and cycling around the island or even taking public transport if things are further away. Rhode Island has a great transport system, which means that you can travel from one side of the island to the other in less than and horu and a half. This means that you can stay in the main town of Rhodes and do excursions to lidos for a few hours, and explore what Rhodes has to offer. Alternatively, most of the towns are walkable, especially Rhodes, with no need for cars, meaning you can explore the towns and cities on foot and truly immerse yourself in Greek culture.
Travel tips for beginners
- As well as your official documents, such as a British citizenship, ensure that you pack comfortable shoes for walking around and exploring.
- Visit between May and June to avoid crowds.
- Ensure that you stay for around 5-7 days so you can explore the UNESCO-listed sites and the beautiful local towns and beaches.