About Rhodes
Why Rhodes?
Rhodes is the largest island of the Dodecanese and one of the most popular in the Aegean - a UNESCO medieval town (defended by the Knights of St. John), ancient ruins of Hellenic civilization, and 220 km of coastline with sandy and pebble beaches. A Rhodes holiday in 2026 is for travellers who want history + beach + developed tourist infrastructure on a single island.
The character is varied. The city of Rhodes is densely urban with medieval walls; the east coast (Faliraki, Lindos, Pefkos) is touristically developed with hotel complexes; the west coast (Kremasti, Ialissos) is windier but with attractive beaches; the south is quiet with authentic villages.
Position: 18 km from the Turkish coast (Bodrum), 250 nautical miles from Piraeus, 13 km north of Diagoras airport.
Beaches and the sea
Rhodes has over 200 km of coastline. The east has calmer waters (sheltered from wind); the west is windier (popular for sailing).
Top beaches:
- Faliraki - a long sandy beach by a hotel resort, organised
- Tsambika - a sandy beach in a bay with the eponymous mountain behind, exceptionally scenic
- Lindos and St. Paul's Bay - a small turquoise bay under the Lindos acropolis
- Prasonisi - the southern tip of the island, a sandy isthmus between two seas, popular for windsurfing
- Anthony Quinn Bay - where "The Guns of Navarone" was filmed
Blue Flag on 25+ beaches. The Aegean water is clean with variable temperatures (24 to 26 °C at peak).
Where to stay
Rhodes town and Old Town - boutique hotels in medieval buildings, restaurants in narrow lanes. For atmosphere.
Faliraki and Pefkos (east coast, 15 to 30 km from the city) - family all-inclusive hotels with sandy beaches.
Lindos (50 km south) - luxury boutique stays in traditional white houses.
Ialissos and Kremasti (west coast) - apartments near the airport, economical.
Browse all current Rhodes listings.
Getting there
Rhodes airport (RHO):
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Flight from Belgrade - seasonal direct flights (Wizz Air, charters), 2 hours 30 minutes. Return fare 220 to 380 €.
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Ferry from Athens (Piraeus) - 16 to 18 hours overnight, cabins from 60 €. For travellers with cars.
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Ferry from Crete or Sitia - 6 to 10 hours depending on the route.
Best time to visit
May–June - cool, sea 19–22 °C, wildflowers in Lindos.
July–August - peak, sea 24–26 °C, land 30–35 °C. The Old Town is busy in the evening.
September - excellent, sea 24 °C, fewer crowds.
October - first half still warm, the season gradually closes.
Things to see and do
Rhodes Old Town - UNESCO site, the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, medieval walls.
Lindos acropolis - the island's best-known ancient ruin, on the hill above the village, with views of St. Paul's Bay.
Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) - a natural park with millions of golden butterflies (July–August).
Kalithea thermal baths - 1930s Italian architecture with thermal springs.
Ancient Kameiros - well-preserved Hellenic ruins on the west coast.
Prasonisi and windsurfing - the southern tip, a combination of two beaches (sandy isthmus).
Pricing - what to expect
Accommodation: a four-person apartment is 50 to 115 € per night in shoulder, 75 to 170 € at peak. Four-star hotels with half-board from 95 € per person shoulder, 140 € peak. Villas 120 to 250 €.
Weekly cost per person: 380 to 600 € shoulder, 560 to 820 € peak.
Restaurant prices: main course 9 to 16 €, fresh fish 15 to 25 €, glass of wine 3 to 6 €. The Old Town and Lindos are more expensive than beach villages.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rhodes suitable for families? Yes. Faliraki and Pefkos have developed family resorts. Shallow water entries, animation, children's pools.
What is the difference between Rhodes and Kos? Rhodes is larger (220 km of coast vs Kos's 80 km), with richer cultural heritage (Lindos, Old Town). Kos is smaller, focused on cycling and the Hippocrates ruins. Rhodes for history + beaches; Kos for simplicity and cycling tours.
Is renting a car worth it? Absolutely. Rhodes is 80 km long - without a car you stay tied to one place. Local buses cover the main destinations but are infrequent off the main routes.
Is the wind a problem in July–August? Yes, on the west coast (meltemi). The east coast is significantly calmer. For sailing and windsurfing - the west is ideal; for families - the east.
Are there direct flights from Belgrade? Seasonally. Wizz Air and charters operate in summer. Fare 220 to 380 €, best booked 2 to 3 months ahead.