It’s no secret that Greece’s waters are peppered with gorgeous islands that are home to sandy beaches and classic white stone building. In fact, one of the hardest parts about holidaying in Greece is knowing exactly where to go.
As one of the biggest islands, Rhodes is an ideal choice for anyone looking to strike the perfect balance between sizzling on a sun lounger sipping Aperol Spritzes and putting on your cap and trainers for a bit of old-school exploring. From Rhodes Old Town, littered with quaint tavernas and old churches, to Faliraki, known for its high-octane nightlife, Rhodes is a Greek island which can, seemingly, do it all.
Where to stay
Cook’s Club Kolymbia
Cook’s Club Kolymbia has the typical perks of your standard all-inclusive, without the throngs of kids bagsying the best loungers or getting sand in your spicy marg. The five-star hotel is super luxe, with billowing fabric hanging from the ceiling of the bar, swimming pools that stretch for metres and metres (and metres!), and live DJ sets nearly every night. It’s an ideal destination to feel well and truly spoilt, whilst also getting that ‘value for money’ feeling that so rarely comes with a summer holiday in peak season.
The food at Cook’s Club is also standout. With a range of different restaurants to try throughout the hotel, boredom of the same old all-inclusive buffet is out of the question. Hop from their Asian restaurant one night, to their alfresco pizza place the next, and of course, you’d be doing it all wrong if you missed out on dining at their classic Greek spot. It’s not just dinner that’ll lead to the happy food dance either, their breakfast buffet is extensive. Whether you’re a sweet or savoury person first thing in the morning, Cook’s Club have every preference catered to with meats, bread, yoghurts, pancakes, and eggs every way you can think of.
The resort also boasts a tennis court, outdoor gym, and not one, but two swimming pools. And, if that’s not enough, you can access Kolymbia beach on foot in just 5-10 minutes. The beach is fairly small, so probably not ideal for a long afternoon of sunbathing, but it’s definitely worth wandering down to as you may spot a goat or two navigating the surrounding cliffs.
Rooms start from £450, find out more here
Mitsis Rodos Maris Resort and Spa
There is little you will be left wanting at the Mitsis. Much like Cook’s Club, the resort offers a range of cuisines, allowing you to dine around the world during your stay. They have live entertainment most nights, so no matter whether you’re on a family holiday or a much-needed girls' trip, the staff here will be sure to get you on your feet.
They have plenty of room on their beachfront, so there’s no dreaded rush to secure your sun lounger with a towel before the crack of dawn. Their beach bar is right next to a pizza oven too; ideal to sate the 4pm hunger sunbathing so easily brings on.
Now, living in your swimwear, going from pool, to beach, to buffet all week might not be up everyone’s alley, so if you’re itching to get out and see some sights, the Mitsis team are also more than happy to arrange a tour or two for you. Lindos is only a short drive away and full of restaurants, bars, and hidden streets to get lost down...
Rooms start from £177, find out more here
Where to eat
Seafood Limanaki Restaurant
Visiting a seafood restaurant when holidaying by the beach is a rite of passage, and the dishes being served up at Limanaki are definitely worth tasting for yourself. A special shout-out goes to the shrimp and scallop tomato risotto, a hearty, well-seasoned dish full of meaty and tender fish. Time your booking well and you can sit al fresco and watch the sun set behind the neighbouring mountainside - true holiday bliss.
RONDA
Ronda is the ideal lunch spot for chilling by the beach. The first impression of this restaurant is one of grandeur, as it’s found a home in an old circular building with a vaulted ceiling, but if you continue outside and down the stairs it becomes the ultimate chill zone. The Japanese-inspired menu boasts great sushi with fish as fresh as they come, and what better setting to enjoy a few California rolls then chilling on the plush sofas listening to lo-fi hits?
What to do
Visit the Old Town
Holidaying in Rhodes and not visiting the Old Town is like going to M&S and *not* buying a pack of Percy Pigs… it would be rude not to. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town are full of history. Give yourself a couple of hours to meander through the lanes, admire the medieval architecture, pop into local shops, and hop from cafe, to bar, to restaurant. There are a few museums you can visit, or even walk the ancient walls yourself, to really immerse yourself in the history of the place.
Visit Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Springs is a blend of remarkable architecture and natural beauty. The unique balance that has been struck between structure and scenery is well worth a visit, as you’ll find yourself wandering through arched buildings and tiled walkways before you take a dip in the crystal clear waters around.
Hike up Tsambika Mountain
A good holiday isn’t complete without a little exploration. The hike up Tsambika Mountain promises astonishing views and a feeling of accomplishment. I’d head up early to avoid the heat, especially if you’re travelling in the height of summer. You might even want to set you alarms for the small hours, so you can catch the sunrise over Rhodes mountain range. The hike is easy enough to find as it is to follow, but make sure you bring enough water and follow a guide, as it can get seriously hot! Pack a picnic for the summit (points if you nicked it from the hotel buffet) and bask in your physical accomplishments - honestly, you might be one of the few people who actually gets their 10,000 steps on holiday!
Go to Faliraki & visit Anthony Quinn’s Bay
In need of a good night out? Faliraki is the place to go. Full of young groups and vibrant bars, letting off some steam is an easy feat here. Bounce from bar to bar chasing happy hour and two-for-one cocktails, until you end up heading to the club, dancing on a stage and meeting your new bestie in the girls loo.
Or, if day trips are more your style, Anthony Quinn’s Bay is just round the corner. Hop on a short boat trip, soaking up the sunshine and listening to the waves lap as you venture out of the bay. The crystal clear waters are a sight to behold in and of themselves, but the narrow bay is a great view to look back on.
Go to Lindos
Lindos is another town worth a trip to. It’s home to the classic white-washed walls Greece has become so famous for as well as local restaurants and quaint market stalls. The mainstay though, is at the top of a winding path (I’d opt for the donkey up to avoid the sweat!): a 14th-century acropolis giving Athens a run for it’s money.
Best time to visit
The best time to travel to Rhodes is between May & October. This is when their tourist season is in full swing, and coming at the start or very end of the year may mean that certain hotels, restaurants, and bars aren't open.
May-October is also when the weather is best. Rhodes has typical Greek weather: think dry and *hot*. It's the perfect escape from the UK's typically disappointing summers. However, if you struggle in the heat, it might be best to avoid late July and August, as it can reach up to 40-50 degrees and becomes difficult even for the locals. No one wants to spend their summer holiday in the shelter of their air-conditioned room!
How to get to Rhodes
Unlike other, smaller Greek islands, Rhodes has an international airport, so you can fly directly from the UK, which takes around 4 hours. If you're lucky enough to be island hopping, you can arrive in Rhodes by boat, or take a flight from Athens which is only around 1 hour.
Browse flights from the UK to Rhodes here
Amy May Ellis (she/her) is the SEO Manager for Cosmopolitan UK, Women's Health UK, Men's Health UK, and Runner's World UK. Her love for all things beauty, fashion, and wellness is evident in her work with these lifestyle and fitness brands. Providing content recommendations for everything from new gut health supplements to the latest fashion trend, Amy has a keen eye for detail and loves to spot trends before they fully flourish.
