Pefkos holidays

Speaking of days out, Lindos is just up the road, where the donkeys, whitewashed houses and twinkling night vistas that grace thousands of postcards can found. You’ll be glad to leave behind the swarms of visitors after a day of sightseeing, though – charming Pefkos is ideal for a quiet night out.

When the sun goes down, there’s a good selection of bars and restaurants in town, often with a sea view. Try local dishes such as moussaka or lamb kleftiko (roast lamb). Perfect for families or couples, nights out here aren’t about wild parties but about chilled-out drinks, sometimes with live music, after dinner.

September is a lovely time to visit as the summer crowds depart and temperatures peak at around 27C. The sea is also deliciously warm in September (at around 24C) and the chance of rain is minimal. Out of the peak summer months, crowds in other towns and villages around the island are likely to be thinner too.

Families and couples will enjoy lazy days on Pefkos’ Lee Beach where golden sand gently slopes into the twinkling azure Aegean Sea. The water is shallow enough for little ones to paddle in and there are plenty of sun-loungers to relax on as well as pedalos to hire.

With a number of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance, as well as facilities such as showers and toilets, you can spend the whole day here.

Snorkelling and diving

The crystal clear waters at Pefkos’ beaches will lure in many, but snorkelling or diving enthusiasts will have a field day here. And even if you didn’t come prepared, there are places to hire masks or shops to buy them from to help you watch the darting schools of fish below the surface.

There are also a couple of local dive schools that offer a range of packages for all abilities and who will guide you to the best spots to discover colourful sea life.

Lindos

The picturesque hillside village of Lindos is around 10 minutes away from Pefkos by taxi. Climb up to its acropolis, an important ancient site, and admire the view from the top. Or, explore Lindos’ winding lanes lined with whitewashed houses before treating yourself to a cool drink in one of the village’s many bars and cafes.

Lindos can get extremely busy in peak season so aim to visit early in the morning or mid to late afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Boat trips

Want to spend some time on the water? Take the scenic route to Lindos on board a glass-bottomed boat instead. Trips leave from Pefkos Harbour in the morning and take around an hour.

If you’d prefer to spend longer at sea, there are also trips available to take in local bays, with plenty of swimming, sightseeing as well as a couple of drinks included. All trips sail past the cliffs featured in the 1960’s film The Guns of Navarone.

Rhodes Town

Around an hour’s drive north of Pefkos, Rhodes Town is a fantastic place for a day trip. The walled medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is crammed with historic ruins and winding alleys. The Palace of the Grand Master, which dates back to the 14th century, is a must-see here.

The new town, meanwhile, feels more like a holiday resort on the sea and is perfect for an afternoon relaxing on the beach. Both areas are great for shopping and eating out.