Hey there, lovely readers! We're back from our dreamy honeymoon in Rhodes, and let me tell you, it was pure magic! We explored so many incredible spots, and over the next few weeks, we're thrilled to share all the highlights with you. First up on our list of must-visit places is the enchanting Farma of Rhodes. Now, when you hear "petting zoo," you might imagine cuddly animals, but trust me, this place is so much more than that!

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Getting There:

Okay, so here's the scoop: getting to Farma of Rhodes was probably the trickiest part of our journey. Tucked away in what feels like the heart of nowhere, reaching it without your own wheels can be a bit of a challenge. But fear not! While Rhodes itself is pretty compact and blessed with fantastic public transportation, this gem isn't on the usual bus routes. We lucked out by renting a car for a day, a decision we wholeheartedly recommend! Our hotel hooked us up with a rental for just 30 Euros. Just a heads up, though: you'll need to top up the tank before returning the car, but it's a breeze. Oh, and a heads-up: fuel prices are a tad steeper than what we're used to back home in the UK.

Getting Tickets:

Now, onto the fun part—getting tickets! Trust me, it's a breeze. You can snag yours online for 14 Euros per adult or grab them at the entrance for around 17 Euros each, like we did. We initially thought about booking online, but with the uncertainty of our car rental plans, we opted for the on-the-spot purchase to play it safe.

Once you've got your tickets sorted, prepare to be charmed! They'll offer you cups of animal food—trust me, you'll want to get a few! At just 2 Euros each, it's a small price to pay for the joy of feeding the adorable residents. Pro tip: grab one of each type—they're tailored to suit different critters' tastes. There's another spot to pick up more food further along the trail, but why wait when you can start making furry friends right away?

Meeting the Animals:

Let me tell you about the highlight of our day—meeting the animals! As soon as you step into the zoo, you're handed a handy map. Our guide recommended starting on the left side and working our way around to the right, and boy, was that advice spot on!

As we followed the path, our first stop was the area housing the ostriches and emus. Initially, we thought we could only interact with them from outside the enclosure, which was already pretty cool. But just as we were about to move on, a friendly animal keeper invited us inside! Can you imagine our excitement? We eagerly accepted and spent a delightful 15 minutes petting and feeding these majestic birds. It was an experience we'll cherish forever.

But the surprises didn't end there! As we continued our stroll, we stumbled upon two adorable cows. And guess what? We were invited to enter their space too! Being up close and personal with these gentle creatures was simply heartwarming.

And would you believe it? That was just the beginning of our animal adventure at the zoo.

Our animal adventure continued as we met a whole menagerie of creatures—ostriches, cows, sheep, donkeys, ponies, goats, rabbits, warthogs, and, my personal favorite, lemurs! It was an absolute delight getting to know each and every one of them. Although we suspected there might have been even more animals lurking about, we couldn't help but feel utterly enchanted by the ones we did encounter.

But, I'll be honest, there was one tiny letdown amidst all the joy—the raccoons. Now, let me preface this by saying raccoons hold a special place in my heart. I had seen them on Instagram and was beyond excited to interact with them in a petting zoo setting. However, when we finally found them, my excitement turned to disappointment. Unlike the other animals with their spacious and inviting enclosures, the raccoons were housed in cages that left me feeling a bit downhearted. What's more, we weren't allowed to pet or feed them, supposedly for our safety.

I couldn't help but wonder why this was the case, especially considering raccoons are kept as pets in many parts of the world. It was a bit of a bummer that the main reason I had been looking forward to visiting didn't quite live up to expectations. Nonetheless, I'm pleased to report that this was the only hiccup in an otherwise fabulous experience!

Now, let me paint you a picture of pure magic—the lemurs! Picture this: as we strolled down the path, we noticed a crowd gathered in front of what looked like a giant, house-sized cage. Curiosity piqued, we joined them, and after a brief wait, a group emerged with looks of sheer joy plastered across their faces. We were next in line to enter this mysterious enclosure, and let me tell you, it felt like stepping into a hidden paradise.

After stashing our belongings in a cubby hole, we ventured inside to find ourselves surrounded by the most enchanting sight—ring-tailed lemurs frolicking about. We were instructed to find a spot on the grass and the real adventure began. After a quick safety briefing, we were handed some food, and let me tell you, it was like hitting the jackpot! Suddenly, these beautiful creatures were all around us, clamoring for treats. Lemurs on our laps, lemurs on our arms, lemurs even daring to perch atop our heads—it was an experience straight out of a dream!

As we reveled in this unforgettable encounter, the keeper regaled us with tales, including a heartwarming story about a surprise lemur birth just three weeks prior. Imagine waking up to find a brand-new baby lemur in your midst—it's the stuff of fairy tales! And guess what? We even had the honor of meeting the adorable newborn.

Though our time inside the lemurs' realm was fleeting due to the eager crowd awaiting their turn, we couldn't resist returning for a second round later in the day. Trust me when I say, Farma of Rhodes exceeded all our expectations! It was truly a day to remember, and I can only imagine the sheer magic it would hold for children.

Having Food:

After our delightful animal encounters, our stomachs were growling, so we made a beeline for the on-site restaurant. And let me tell you, it was a pleasant surprise! The menu boasted an array of tempting options, but what caught our eye was something rather unique. You see, earlier in the day, while visiting the ostriches, we learned that any eggs laid were transformed into delectable dishes right here in the restaurant.

We eagerly scanned the menu in search of this special treat and found not one, not two, but three tantalizing options featuring ostrich egg: scrambled ostrich egg, an ostrich egg omelette, and a whole fried ostrich egg. While the idea of indulging in a mammoth-sized egg was tempting, with a price tag of 75 Euros, it was a tad beyond our budget. Instead, we opted for the omelette—and let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Seasoned to perfection and boasting a creamy texture, it was a flavor explosion that left us craving more. And while the whole fried ostrich egg may have been a bit of a splurge, our omelette was the perfect combination of delicious and wallet-friendly. A culinary adventure we won't soon forget!

Our Final Thoughts:

As we wrapped up our day at Farma of Rhodes, filled with unforgettable animal encounters and culinary delights, we couldn't help but reflect on the sheer magic of it all. From the heartwarming moments spent with gentle giants like the ostriches and cows to the exhilarating experience of being surrounded by playful lemurs, every moment was a treasure.

And let's not forget the culinary journey we embarked on, with a special nod to the unique offering of ostrich egg dishes that left our taste buds dancing with delight. While we may have missed a few animals on the map and encountered a minor disappointment with the raccoons, the overall experience was nothing short of extraordinary.

Farma of Rhodes proved to be more than just a petting zoo—it was a sanctuary of wonder and joy, where each interaction left us with memories to cherish for a lifetime. So, if you ever find yourself on the enchanting island of Rhodes, be sure to carve out some time for this hidden gem. Trust us, it's an adventure you won't want to miss!

Stay tuned for more tales from our Rhodes adventure—there's plenty more where this came from!

Packing List:

Before embarking on your own adventure to Farma of Rhodes or any sunny destination, it's crucial to pack wisely. Here are some essentials we wouldn't dare leave home without:

Sunscreen: Trust us, Rhodes's sun is no joke. Even with SPF 50, we learned the hard way that protection is key. Slather on that sunscreen liberally and frequently to avoid those painful sunburns.
A Stylish Hat: While sunscreen protects your skin, don't forget about your scalp! A chic hat not only shields your head from the sun's rays but also keeps your hair looking fabulous without any sunscreen-induced greasiness.
Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is non-negotiable, especially in the scorching Rhodes heat. Since tap water isn't recommended for drinking, we opted for a refillable water bottle filled with our beverage of choice each morning. And of course, we packed plenty of bottled water to keep us quenched throughout the day.
Backpack: A trusty backpack is essential for carrying snacks, drinks, and other essentials. Just keep in mind that Rhodes, like many tourist destinations, has its share of pickpockets, so be cautious and avoid carrying valuables in your backpack.
Camera: Don't forget to capture every moment of your adventure! Whether it's a GoPro, smartphone, or DSLR camera, having a means to document your experiences is a must. For the zoo, in particular, a DSLR camera can capture those precious moments with crystal clarity—just be sure to keep it away from the sand if you're hitting the beach!

With these essentials in tow, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your Farma of Rhodes experience and create memories to last a lifetime. Safe travels, and don't forget your sunscreen!

Find our full travel packing list here