Rhodes
Where Ancient History Meets Crystal-Clear Mediterranean Waters — Greece's Most Captivating Island for Couples, Families & Culture Lovers.
Deals from £459ppBest Deal of Rhodes
Overview
Things To Do
Deals
Travel Guide
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and one of Greece's most celebrated destinations — a place where three thousand years of history sit alongside some of the Mediterranean's most beautiful beaches. Located in the southeastern Aegean Sea, just 18 kilometres from the Turkish coast, Rhodes enjoys over 300 days of sunshine per year, a warm and gentle climate, and an extraordinary variety of landscapes: from forested mountain valleys and ancient ruins to crystalline turquoise bays and cosmopolitan resorts.
Holidays to Rhodes have been a staple of the UK travel market for decades, and for good reason. The island combines outstanding natural beauty with genuine cultural depth, excellent food and wine, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure that caters to every type of traveller — from families on a first beach break to couples seeking a romantic escape and history lovers exploring antiquity.
✨ Why Visit Rhodes
- UNESCO World Heritage Old Town — Rhodes Town's medieval city is one of the finest in the world, easily explored on foot with no entrance fee and a lifetime's worth of history in every alleyway
- Outstanding beaches for every preference — from the busy, party-ready sands of Faliraki to the sheltered turquoise coves of Lindos and the wind-whipped surf of Ixia
- Exceptional year-round sunshine — with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 30°C and mild, sunny winters, Rhodes is as reliable a sun destination as you'll find in Europe
- World-class water sports — Ixia and Prasonisi are internationally recognised windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations, while diving, snorkelling, and boat trips are available island-wide
- Gastronomy rooted in tradition — fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, Rhodian honey, and some of Greece's finest wines make eating out a genuine highlight
- Easy to reach from the UK — direct flights from most major UK airports with a flight time of just 3.5 to 4 hours make Rhodes one of the most accessible Greek island destinations
🌴 What Makes It Special
Rhodes occupies a singular position in the Mediterranean — nowhere else on a single island can you stand inside a perfectly preserved medieval city in the morning, lie on a turquoise beach at midday, and dine beneath the floodlit columns of an ancient acropolis at sunset. The island's history spans the Minoans, Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John, Ottomans, and Italians — all of whom left their mark on the landscape, architecture, and culture.
Beyond its history, Rhodes is defined by exceptional natural variety. The mountainous interior, including the pine-forested valleys around Profitis Ilias and the butterfly-filled Valley of the Butterflies, offers a lush, peaceful contrast to the busy coastal resorts. Strict conservation in villages like Lindos and Embonas has preserved an authenticity that gives Rhodes a depth many Greek islands simply cannot match.
📍 Key Areas to Explore
- Rhodes Town: The island's vibrant capital — home to the UNESCO medieval Old Town, a modern new town with beaches, and an excellent dining and nightlife scene
- Faliraki: Rhodes' most popular resort — long sandy beaches, a world-famous waterpark, and lively evening entertainment make it ideal for families and young couples
- Lindos: A picture-perfect whitewashed village crowned by an ancient acropolis, with beautiful twin bays and some of the island's finest boutique restaurants
- Ixia: A sophisticated resort just west of Rhodes Town, internationally renowned for windsurfing, with a long pebbly beach and upscale hotel options
- Prasonisi: The southernmost tip of Rhodes where two seas meet — a world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing destination
- Kallithea: Home to the restored Art Deco Kallithea Springs spa complex and excellent snorkelling in clear, shallow waters
- Pefkos: A quieter, charming resort south of Lindos — popular with couples and families seeking a more relaxed pace and genuinely clear water
🏞️ Nature & Outdoor Activities
- 🦋 Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) (Theologos, Western Rhodes) — Visit in July and August to witness thousands of Jersey tiger moths coating the trees and streams of this lush, shaded valley — a genuinely magical natural experience
- 🥾 Hiking to the summit of Mount Attavyros (Embonas, Central Rhodes) — Rhodes' highest peak at 1,215 metres offers panoramic views across the entire island and, on clear days, as far as Crete
- 🪁 Kitesurfing at Prasonisi Beach (Prasonisi, Southern Rhodes) — Where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas collide, creating ideal conditions for advanced kitesurfers and windsurfers year-round
- 🌊 Snorkelling at Kallithea Springs (Kallithea, Eastern Rhodes) — Crystal-clear shallow waters around the historic spa complex create one of the best snorkelling spots on the island, with excellent underwater visibility
- 🚵 Mountain biking through the Rhodian interior — Guided cycling routes through olive groves, medieval villages, and forested hills offer a completely different perspective of the island away from the coast
🏖️ Beaches
- 🏖️ Faliraki Beach (Faliraki, Eastern Rhodes) — A long, golden sandy beach with calm, shallow water — ideal for families, with sunbeds, watersports, and beach bars in abundance
- 🏝️ St Paul's Bay, Lindos (Lindos, Southern Rhodes) — A sheltered, near-circular cove of impossibly clear turquoise water framed by the acropolis above — one of the most beautiful and photographed beaches in Greece
- 🌅 Ixia Beach (Ixia, Northern Rhodes) — A long stretch of sand and pebble beach facing west — superb for watching the sunset and internationally famous for windsurfing conditions
- 🐠 Anthony Quinn Bay (Afandou, Eastern Rhodes) — A rocky, crystal-clear cove named after the actor who fell in love with it while filming The Guns of Navarone — excellent for snorkelling and swimming
- 🌊 Tsambika Beach (Archangelos, Eastern Rhodes) — One of Rhodes' finest sandy beaches — a deep golden crescent backed by a clifftop monastery, with calm, warm water ideal for families
🍽️ Food & Drink
- 🐙 Grilled octopus at a traditional Lindos rooftop taverna (Lindos) — Sun-dried and charcoal-grilled octopus served with local wine as the sun sets over the acropolis is quintessentially Rhodian dining at its finest
- 🍷 Wine tasting at CAIR Winery (Rhodes Town) — The island's largest winery produces sparkling wines and still whites from native Athiri grapes — tours and tastings available year-round
- 🥗 Pitaroudia and local mezze at Embonas tavernas (Embonas, Central Rhodes) — This mountain village is the culinary heart of Rhodes — try chickpea fritters, local cheese, and slow-roasted lamb prepared to generations-old recipes
- 🍦 Fresh loukoumades at the Old Town market stalls (Rhodes Town) — Warm honey-drenched Greek doughnuts from the street food stalls inside the medieval market are a must-try on any visit to the Old Town
- 🦞 Seafood dinner at Palia Istoria, Rhodes Town (Rhodes Town) — One of the most respected fish restaurants on the island, serving the morning's catch in a charming setting just outside the Old Town walls
🎉 Nightlife & Entertainment
- 🎶 Orfanidou Street (Bar Street), Rhodes Town (Rhodes Town) — The legendary strip of bars and clubs in Rhodes Town's New Town draws a mixed crowd of locals and visitors for cocktails, live music, and late-night dancing
- 🎭 Sound and Light Show, Palace of the Grand Master (Rhodes Town) — An atmospheric evening show projected onto the walls of the medieval palace — a brilliant introduction to the island's history for first-time visitors
- 🍸 Sundowner cocktails at Ixia's beachfront bars (Ixia) — West-facing Ixia is the island's best spot to watch the sun drop into the Aegean over a cocktail — sophisticated, unhurried, and spectacular
- 🎡 Faliraki evening entertainment strip (Faliraki) — Themed bars, live sports, foam parties, and entertainment venues make Faliraki's main strip one of the liveliest resort nightlife scenes in the Mediterranean
- 🎰 Casino Rodos, Rhodes Town (Rhodes Town) — Set inside the magnificent Art Deco Grande Albergo delle Rose hotel, Casino Rodos offers an elegant evening of gaming and entertainment in a genuinely stunning setting
📸 Instagram-Worthy Spots
- 📸 Lindos Acropolis at Golden Hour (Lindos, Southern Rhodes) — The floodlit columns of the acropolis reflected in the still waters of St Paul's Bay at dusk is arguably the most iconic image in all of Greece
- 🏛️ Street of Knights, Rhodes Old Town (Rhodes Town) — The perfectly preserved Gothic cobblestones and inns of the crusader knights create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Earth
- 🌺 Kallithea Springs Rotunda (Kallithea, Eastern Rhodes) — The beautifully restored Italian Art Deco spa complex, framed by palm trees and turquoise water, is one of the most photographed buildings in the Dodecanese
- 🌊 Anthony Quinn Bay at low tide (Afandou, Eastern Rhodes) — The vivid greens and blues of this rocky cove photograph stunningly in morning light
🏘️ Whitewashed rooftops of Lindos Village (Lindos, Southern Rhodes) — The labyrinth of narrow whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea-draped doorways, and captain's houses in Lindos Village are pure Aegean perfection
Best Value Deals
Whether you're planning a full-board family break, a luxury couples' retreat, or a spontaneous last-minute getaway, holidays to Rhodes offer outstanding value for UK travellers.
🏨 All Inclusive Holidays
All-inclusive resorts in Rhodes are concentrated around Faliraki, Ixia, and the Rhodes Town coastline. These packages deliver exceptional value — particularly for families — with meals, drinks, and entertainment all covered. Many all-inclusive properties feature waterparks, kids' clubs, and beachfront locations, making them ideal for stress-free family holidays.
👨👩👧👦 Family Holidays
Rhodes is one of Greece's finest family destinations. Faliraki offers a combination of calm, safe beaches and Europe's largest waterpark, while Lindos and Pefkos provide quieter, shallow-water alternatives for families with younger children. The island's mix of history, nature, and beach means teenagers and adults are equally well catered for.
💎 Luxury Holidays
For a premium Rhodes experience, look to the five-star properties along the Ixia coastline and the boutique hotels within Rhodes Old Town itself. Private villa rentals above Lindos with Acropolis views and infinity pools represent some of the finest luxury accommodation available anywhere in the Greek islands. Pair with a private yacht charter for a truly exceptional break.
⏰ Last-Minute Deals
Rhodes is one of the most popular Greek island destinations from the UK, with strong flight and hotel availability from May through October. Last-minute deals are most common in May, June, and late September — shoulder season offers excellent weather and significantly reduced prices.
Additional Booking Benefits:
- 💷 Low deposits available — Reserve your Rhodes holiday from as little as £49pp
- 🔄 Flexible booking — Book with confidence using our flexible amendment and cancellation options
🛡️ ATOL protected — Every package holiday is fully ATOL protected for complete financial peace of mind
📅 Best Time to Visit Rhodes
Peak Summer (July – August)
Hottest temperatures (30–35°C), busiest beaches, highest prices — book well in advance
Late Spring (May – June)
Warm (24–28°C), quieter resorts, sea warming up — excellent value and ideal for sightseeing
Early Autumn (September – October)
Still very warm (26–30°C), calmer seas, fewer crowds — arguably the best time to visit Rhodes
Winter / Spring (November – April)
Mild (15–20°C), very quiet — best for culture, hiking, and off-season exploration
🏨 Where to Stay
- Families — Faliraki is the undisputed family resort of choice, with safe sandy beaches, waterpark access, and a wide range of all-inclusive hotels. Pefkos is an excellent quieter alternative with calm, shallow water and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
- Couples — Lindos is the most romantic base on the island — stay in a converted captain's house in the village or a clifftop boutique hotel overlooking St Paul's Bay. Ixia suits couples wanting upscale hotels with easy access to Rhodes Town.
- Luxury Travellers — Private villa rentals above Lindos and five-star resorts along the Ixia coastline offer the highest standard of accommodation. Look for properties with private pools, sea views, and concierge services for the ultimate Rhodes experience.
- Budget Travellers — Faliraki has the widest range of apartment and self-catering accommodation at competitive prices. Rhodes Town also offers good-value guesthouses inside and around the Old Town for travellers prioritising culture over beach time.
🚗 Getting Around
- Hire Car — The best way to explore Rhodes independently. The island is well-signposted, roads are in good condition, and a hire car is essential for reaching Lindos, Prasonisi, and the island's interior villages. Book in advance for the best rates.
- Local Buses (KTEL) — A regular and affordable bus service connects Rhodes Town with Faliraki, Lindos, and most major resorts. Services are frequent in summer but reduce significantly outside peak season.
- Taxis — Readily available from the main resorts and Rhodes Town; metered and reasonably priced for shorter journeys. Negotiate fares for longer trips.
- Boat Trips — Regular excursion boats run from Rhodes Town harbour and Faliraki to Lindos, Anthony Quinn Bay, and the Turkish coast (Marmaris day trips available). Highly recommended.
- Scooter / Quad Hire — Available in all major resorts and popular for exploring coastal roads — ensure you hold the appropriate licence category and always wear a helmet.
💡 Travel Tips
- Visit the Old Town early or late — Rhodes Town's medieval city is magical in the morning before the day-trippers arrive, or in the evening when the day's heat fades and the floodlit streets come to life
- Book Lindos accommodation in advance — The village has limited rooms and prices are high; book early for the best choice and rates, particularly in July and August
- Carry cash in rural areas — While cards are accepted in most resorts and restaurants, smaller villages, roadside stalls, and local tavernas often operate cash only
- Hire a car for at least one day — Even if you're based in Faliraki or Ixia, a hire car for a day or two unlocks the Valley of the Butterflies, Embonas, and the wild southern tip of the island
- Respect the dress code at religious sites — Covered shoulders and knees are required at the Lindos Acropolis, churches, and monasteries — carry a wrap in your bag
- Try the local wine — Rhodian Athiri white wine is crisp, dry, and pairs beautifully with fresh seafood; look for bottles from CAIR or Emery wineries on restaurant menus
Map Of Rhodes
Top Experiences
Walking the Medieval Old Town Walls
Stroll along one of the best-preserved medieval fortifications in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where crusader castles, Byzantine churches, and Ottoman mosques sit side by side in extraordinary detail.
Clifftop Views & Acropolis of Lindos
Climb the ancient acropolis above the whitewashed village of Lindos for sweeping views over St Paul's Bay and the Aegean — one of the most photographed scenes in all of Greece.
Waterpark Day at Faliraki Water Park
over St Paul's Bay and the Aegean — one of the most photographed scenes in all of Greece. Waterpark Day at Faliraki Water Park (Faliraki, Eastern Rhodes)
Windsurfing at Ixia Beach
Consistently rated among Europe's top windsurfing and kitesurfing spots, Ixia's reliable Meltemi winds attract water sports enthusiasts from across the continent.
Sunset Dining in Lindos Village
Rooftop tavernas overlooking the Acropolis and St Paul's Bay serve fresh grilled octopus, local wine, and sunset views that make for one of the most memorable evenings in the Aegean.
Street of Knights & Palace of the Grand Master
Walk the ancient cobbled Street of Knights — one of the world's finest examples of Gothic medieval architecture — before exploring the Grand Master's Palace, a masterpiece of crusader history
Top Hotels In Rhodes
Travel Information
Everything You Need To Know Before You Jet Off To Rhodes.
Other Hotels In Rhodes
Browse Our Wider Selection Of Hotels
Estrella Villas
Lardos, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Evita Bay
Faliraki, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Evita Resort
Faliraki, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Evita Resort Hotel
Faliraki, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Filerimos Village
Ialysos, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel Apollo Beach
Faliraki, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel Athineon
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel Blue Sky City Beach Only Adults 18
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel Cyprotel Faliraki Resort
Faliraki, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel D'Andrea Mare Beach
Ialysos, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel Ibiscus
Rhodes Town, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
Hotel Olive Garden
Lardos, Rhodes
01 Nov - 08 Nov 2026
