Greek islands such as Rhodes have always been highly selected destinations for wealthy tourists due to the possibility of reaching them by private jet, a travel solution that allows them to enjoy very high standards of comfort, flexibility, privacy and reduced timelines, as well as a large number of premium privileges thanks to which charter passengers can customize their travel experience according to their needs.
Rhodes, without a doubt, stands out in the panorama of Greek islands because of its scenic beauty, the archaeological charm it possesses and the history it hides behind it, as well as the many world-renowned tourist attractions.
In addition to culture, Rhodes is also able to offer some healthy relaxation: before or after the booked charter flight, in fact, it is possible to enjoy the presence of several beaches that invite the tourist to have fun and spend the day in total carefree enjoyment.
In short, chartering a private jet to Rhodes is definitely a great solution; but what are other advantages and what about its cost?
We analyze that and more in this guide!
Historical and geographical background on Rhodes
Rhodes is an island that is part of the Dodecanese, a Greek archipelago located in a territory between Asia Minor, Crete, the Cyclades Islands and Samos, all of which serve as natural boundaries. It is the island located furthest east of those bathed by the Aegean Sea, as well as the fourth largest island in the whole of Greece; the distance separating it from the nearest mainland landmass, Turkey, is only 17 km. The city of Rhodes, its capital, lies on the northern end of the island and has always been an important trading port. In any case, the earliest traces of urban settlements on Rhodes date as far back as the Neolithic period, although very little evidence of this remains; in the 16th century, the island was settled first by the Mycenaeans and then by the Dorians, who initiated the actual development of the island. From early on, given its strategic location, Rhodes played a crucial role in Mediterranean trade, joining the Athenian League after the Greek capital defeated the Persians. During the Peloponnesian War, Rhodes was the only entity to remain totally neutral and non-belligerent.It was during this period that the island forged strong cultural and commercial ties with Egypt, becoming an incredibly thriving maritime, commercial and cultural center. In medieval times, Rhodes became part of the lands controlled by the Knights Hospitallers who rebuilt its capital by encircling it with massive walls to enable it to resist invading attacks led by the sultans of Egypt. During World War I, Rhodes was annexed to Italian territory, while in World War II it was the scene of very violent wars; in any case, following the 1947 Treaties of Paris, Italy ceded Rhodes to Greece, which, to this day, administers the island.
What to do and see in Rhodes
Kalithea Spa
One of the most charming and exquisite attractions on the entire island of Rhodes is the Kalithea Baths, a monumental complex totally built in art deco that abounds with halls, corridors, pavilions, mosaics and colonnades, all in a breathtaking natural setting. Contrary to what one might ever think, the Kalithea Spa is not a real spa, but it is a bay hemmed in by an incredibly turquoise and emerald green sea where, especially during the summer season, the island's most glamorous events, from concerts to art exhibitions, are organized, attracting a very large parterre of VIPs to it. Exclusive beach establishments and beach clubs abound in this cove, giving VIP tourists the chance to relax while sipping fine cocktails in total privacy.
The archaeological sites of Rhodes
In addition to the scenic and natural beauty, passengers on private flights can take a close look at a large number of archaeological sites scattered throughout the island of Rhodes, starting with the Old Town where it is possible to visit the still perfectly intact Acropolis, the Agios Nikolas Lighthouse, the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, the Palace of the Grand Master, and a great many villages located in the island's hinterland. Because of this, there are plenty of pickup and jeep tours that are organized, options that allow the more affluent tourist to travel to areas farther from the coast to soak in Rhodes' traditional atmosphere.
The beaches of Rhodes
Among Rhodes' most iconic, private and exclusive beaches is surely Anthony Quinn Bay, which is named after the eponymous actor and star who fell in love with the island to the point that he bought a luxurious villa. How could we not also mention Faliraki Beach, a sandy strip washed by crystal clear sea and populated by several nightclubs, as well as the Two Seas Beach, a tongue of sand that divides the Aegean and the Mediterranean, effectively creating two bays. Most beaches offer opportunities for wealthy tourists to enjoy water sports such as surfing, snorkeling, swimming or windsurfing. However, the undoubtedly the most exclusive way to visit the most hidden coves and inlets is by chartering a yacht or private boat available at the port of Rhodes town with which to set off to the sea and the most inaccessible places by land with the possibility even to have lunch on board.
The most luxurious resorts in Rhodes
There are many options for accommodation on the island of Rhodes, each perfectly suited to meet the needs of private flight passengers in the best possible way. Among them is the Sheraton Rhodes Resort, an exclusive hotel set in a large green area equipped with a private beach, ultra-elegant suites, and extra amenities. Also worth mentioning is the Club La Marquise with its private pool and spa, as well as the Elite Suites Rhodes, a boutique hotel with spa facilities, private hot tubs, and stunning sea views that can be enjoyed from the suites' balconies.
Climate and best time to visit Rhodes
The climate prevailing on the island of Rhodes is Mediterranean, with rather hot summers and winters with mild but very rainy temperatures. In spring, the weather is entirely mild and gets warmer and warmer as the weeks pass between it and the summer period; temperatures average around 20°C, while rainfall persists but with reduced frequency. Summer is undoubtedly the peak tourist season for the island: temperatures rise considerably, the air becomes muggy, and intense heat waves capable of exceeding 35°C may occur at times. The weather only cools down from mid-September, but it still remains very mild even though it is rainier. In winter, average temperatures range from 15 to 17°C: days are quite rainy, although there is no shortage of sunny ones. Cold weather is mainly felt from December onward, but snow is very rare. The best time to charter a private jet to Rhodes is definitely spring if you plan to visit the island and its tourist attractions or, alternatively, summer if you want to explore the island's most beautiful beach locations.
How and why to fly by private jet to Rhodes
Rhodes International Airport (ICAO code LGRP) is a popular hub for businessmen and businesswomen who use private flights to get to the island very quickly. To date, the airport operates numerous routes by landing and taking off more than 30,000 flights a year, numbers achieved only through expansion and renovation work that took place from 1977 onward. Passengers on charter flights heading to Rhodes for business or vacation can thus count on a number of exclusive services designed for them, starting with a free WiFi connection available throughout the airport so they can stay in touch with business colleagues or friends. Also dotted around the airport are numerous ATMs, money changers, restaurants and bars, and baggage wrapping services. Not only that, the airport is also equipped with no less than two VIP Lounges: the Skyserv Airport Lounge, a very capacious relaxation area in which laptops with Internet access, stores, refreshments, toilets, TVs and newspapers are available, as well as the Filoxenia Lounge, also open during the summer and equipped with the same services with the addition of air conditioning, telephone and some meeting rooms. The distance separating the airport with the city center of Rhodes is about 15 km: it can be covered by making use of the cabs located at the terminal exit and available 24 hours a day, but also through the various car rental services with or without a driver that can accompany the passenger of the private flight anywhere.
How much does it cost to fly on a private jet to Rhodes
Among the most important routes that Rhodes Airport operates is the one that connects it with London, a European capital about 3 hours and 40 minutes away; however, given the small size of the Greek airport's runway, it is only possible to charter a Light Jet or Medium Jet at respective costs of about €21,000 and €40,000. About 3 1/2 hours of flight time also separate Rhodes from Palma de Mallorca, another undisputed destination on the European scene.The rental cost of a Light Jet is about €18,000, while that of a Medium Jet is around €33,000. Much closer is Istanbul, the Turkish capital just 1 hour and 15 minutes away from Rhodes: traveling by light jet involves an expense of about €7,000, a figure that rises to about €14,000 with a medium jet.
The best jet to fly to Rhodes
The particularly short runway length that Rhodes Airport uses makes it perfect to charter a Beechcraft King Air 200, a turboprop aircraft capable of accommodating up to 7 passengers. The excellent performance-to-consumption ratio allows this aircraft to configure itself among the best performing aircraft in its class, giving passengers truly remarkable speed, cabin comfort and range. Among the Light Jets, it is worth mentioning the Nextant 400: with its 750 km/h attainable speed, 7 cabin seats and more than 3,000 km of range on a single tank, it is able to travel great distances while giving passengers very high levels of comfort thanks to its spacious cabin. The Learjet 60XR is a Medium Jet capable of high cruising speeds while accommodating up to 8 passengers in the cabin; the area it provides them with is very roomy and allows for plenty of shoulder and elbow room. Its range of more than 5,000 km makes it an ideal aircraft for traveling sidereal distances rather quickly.
The most frequent flights to and from Rhodes
Below of the most frequent connections to Rhodes:
