Rhodes is Greece’s most visited island — and it earns that status. The combination of an extraordinary UNESCO-listed medieval city, consistently excellent beaches, a strong all inclusive hotel offer and reliable summer sunshine makes Rhodes one of the most complete Greek island holiday destinations available from the UK. It is the island Eleni most often recommends to guests visiting Greece for the first time, and the one she considers the safest choice for guests who want both beach and genuine cultural interest in the same holiday.
Rhodes Town is the island’s defining feature and one of the finest medieval cities in Europe. The old town — entirely enclosed within 4-kilometre fortified walls built by the Knights of St John in the 14th century — is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of extraordinary preservation. The Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, the Byzantine churches and the working market within the walls make Rhodes Town worth a full day regardless of where you are staying on the island. Eleni recommends arriving early morning before the cruise ship crowds arrive and staying for dinner on the waterfront as the evening light hits the harbour walls — it is one of the most beautiful views in Greece.
The resort areas of Rhodes are varied and suit different types of holiday. Faliraki, on the north-east coast approximately 15 kilometres from Rhodes Town, is the island’s main resort area — a long sandy beach, a good selection of all inclusive hotels, easy transfer from the airport and a lively atmosphere that suits families and younger guests particularly well. Ixia, just west of Rhodes Town, is a quieter and more wind-exposed alternative that attracts windsurfers and guests who want easy access to the old city. Rhodes Town itself has hotels directly in and around the old city — a very different experience from the beach resort areas, but an exceptional one for guests who want to be immersed in the history of the island.
The south of the island is a different world from the busy north. Kiotari, on the east coast in the far south, is one of Eleni’s personal recommendations for couples seeking a quieter, more upmarket Rhodes experience. The beach here is long, pebbly and very clear — the water in this part of the island is among the most beautiful on the Aegean coast. The atmosphere is considerably more relaxed than Faliraki and the hotel quality at the top end is exceptional. Lindos, further north on the east coast, is the island’s most picturesque village — white-washed houses climbing the hillside above a beautiful bay, with the ancient Acropolis of Lindos looking down over everything. It is worth a full day from anywhere on the island.
The all inclusive offer in Rhodes is one of the strongest in Greece. The north coast hotels in particular — in Faliraki, Ixia and the resort strip between Rhodes Town and the airport — include some genuinely impressive five-star properties. Rhodes does not yet match the very top end of what Crete offers in terms of ultra all inclusive luxury, but the range and consistency of the all inclusive offer here is better than Kos and comparable with the best of the Cretan north coast.
One honest note: Rhodes is a windier island than most UK guests expect. The meltemi wind blows strongly from the north throughout July and August, and the west coast of the island — including Ixia and the resort areas immediately west of Rhodes Town — can be very exposed. Guests who specifically want flat calm sea for swimming should choose hotels on the east coast (Faliraki, Kiotari, Lindos area) rather than the west. Eleni always asks guests about their sea swimming expectations before recommending a specific area — it is one of the most practically important pieces of advice for a Rhodes holiday.
Rhodes International Airport (RHO) is one of the busiest in Greece, served by direct charter and scheduled flights from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh and many other UK regional airports throughout the summer season. Flight time is approximately 3.5–4 hours from London.
For all inclusive holidays in Rhodes, luxury Rhodes hotels, cheap Rhodes holidays from the UK or family holidays in Greece — book through GotoBeach with full ATOL protection under licence #11211, low deposits from £30 per person and the honest advice of a team that knows the Greek islands properly.
