Rhodes holidays

Beaches are a huge draw for summer holidays in the Dodecanese Islands. Sandy beaches lie west of Rhodes City while the west coast attracts breezier weather. Most beach holidays unfold along Rhodes’ sheltered east coast. Inland from the Aegean Sea, you’ll find family fun at Seven Springs, a complex of freshwater lakes and tunnels, and the lush Valley of the Butterflies, where fluttering insects take to the air each May.

When the sun sets, party hotspots flicker to life. Faliraki is famous for nightlife, particularly among under 30s looking for late nights and loud music. Clink glasses at a beach bar and hit laser-lit night clubs where big-name DJs keep things rocking until dawn.

Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive holiday in Rhodes, or a week of self-catering in the sun, this island won’t disappoint.

When is the cheapest time to visit?

Cheap holidays in Rhodes are easier to find in winter, but the island is quiet from October to March, with many restaurants and bars closing for the off-season. Temperatures remain mild (around 20C in October, and a few degrees lower in November, December, and January) but there are fewer direct flights and many businesses close, meaning a much more local vibe and less to do for tourists.

When to go for the best of both

The spring shoulder season has colourful events like May’s Medieval Rose Festival, which revives jousting and traditional dancing. If you’re travelling around the festivals, be sure to book in advance. Otherwise, April to early June and September to early October have great availability and lower hotel rates for Rhodes holidays.

The island of Rhodes has one of Europe’s best preserved fortified cities, a time-trapped tangle of cobbled streets and palatial ruins strung out along the island’s northernmost tip. Ramble through the UNESCO-listed old town, between tavernas and souvenir shops, crumbling churches and Ottoman mosques, to the 14th-century fortifications of the Knights’ Quarter. Here, be sure to visit the Palace of the Grand Masters, a fortress-like construction with a peculiar history as Mussolini’s holiday home.

Acropolis of Lindos

The most impressive ruin in Rhodes crowns a 116m (380ft) clifftop above pretty white-washed Lindos village. Tour the ancient Greek Temple of Athena and ancient theatre, gaze out at Aegean Sea views, and survey the ramparts (a later addition by the Knights of St John) and ruined Byzantine church. The Acropolis of Lindos is a muscle-stiffening walk from the village and an exposed site; wear sun protection and bring water.

Tsambika Beach

Tucked into a cove between Rhodes Town and Lindos, you’ll find one of Rhodes’ loveliest seaside spots: Tsambika Beach. It’s popular for sunbathing, jet-skiing, and the waterpark at its southern end.

Also on the east coast are sandy Agathi Beach and postcard-perfect Anthony Quinn Bay, another one of the island’s prettiest coves. For conditions suited to windsurfing, head to Cape Prasonisi and the shingle beaches of the windier west coast.

Symi island

A combination of brilliant beaches and ancient myths lure day-trippers across the Aegean Sea to little Symi. A period of Italian rule bestowed distinctive, pastel-hued architecture on the island. Travellers keen on local culture will want to tour antique mansions in Chorio, the hilltop village, and admire ornate Panormitis Monastery.

The true glory of underdeveloped Symi, however, is its crystalline coves; settle in at rocky Nanou Bay or swimmable Marathounda Beach. There are regular hour-long ferry connections in summer.

Mandraki

The Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, once loomed above the harbour of Mandraki. Spreading north of the Old Town, this modern city no longer boasts a gigantic statue of the ancient Greek sun god.

Now, buzzing Mandraki brims with Italian architecture, great shopping, and family attractions, such as the aquarium. Make the trip 2km (1.2 miles) out of Mandraki for the must-see Acropolis of Rhodes, which has an ancient theatre, temple, and stadium.

Kallithea is also great value, with plenty of hotels and self-catering accommodation within walking distance of the sand. Just north of Kallithea is Faliraki. Don’t let its nightlife reputation dissuade you from a family holiday here: the sandy beach is long and shallow, there’s a popular water park, and older teens will appreciate the lively atmosphere.

For travellers on a budget

For cheap holidays in Rhodes, look for package deals along the east coast in Faliraki, Kallithea, or Pefkos. There are also budget hotels and hostels west of Rhodes Town in Ialysos. Tourists tend to stay in the Old Town or Mandraki, whereas Ialyssos has more of a local vibe, with lower prices in the tavernas, and a good selection of budget hotels and apartments. Ialyssos is just 15 minutes by bus or taxi to the medieval quarter of Rhodes Town.

For food and drink

Menus in Rhodes offer familiar Greek favourites such as souvlaki, fish soups, and honeyed pastries. Rhodes Town has an impressive variety of places to eat, whether you’re craving moussaka at a family-owned taverna, grilled squid and swordfish served in a chandelier-strung dining room, or feta-laden Greek salads around the Knights Quarter.

Rhodes Town has accommodation to suit all budgets: understated two-star hotels, simple B&Bs and chain hotels, and more luxurious suites and apartments near its beaches. Some boutique hotels occupy former Ottoman mansions, creating an opulent, antique atmosphere.

For nightlife

Faliraki is known for raucous summer nightlife not only in Rhodes but across the Dodecanese Islands. There is plenty of accommodation within stumbling distance of Faliraki’s beach bars, pubs, and nightclubs.

Pick from beach-facing holiday resorts, hotels with pools, and self-catering apartments. The pricier hotels are only a quick shuffle from sandy Faliraki Beach. There are also mid-range hotels only a short walk from the bay, and more choices around Faliraki’s restaurant and nightlife strip.

For culture

Rhodes’ Old Town, with the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum, and Lindos are two of the best places for culture on Rhodes.

The Acropolis of Lindos, the island’s most immense cultural sight, overlooks this charming village from its cypress-speckled hill. Inland from its glorious blue bay, you’ll find former sailor’s houses, now home to traditional restaurants, and pleasant car-free streets. Lindos has great accommodation choices for midrange budgets, such as sweet family-owned three-star hotels, sleek studio apartments, and airy villas with private terraces.