Rhodes hotels

Hotels in Rhodes

The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is abundant in beaches, wooded valleys and ancient history. Whether you seek the buzz of nightlife, diving in crystal-clear water or a culture-filled journey through past civilisations, it's all here.

Beaches

One of our Rhodes hotels is the perfect base to explore spectacular beaches and sandy coves with amenities, including taverns, bars and watersports centres. All Rhodes beaches have crystal clear waters and abundant natural beauty, and among the best are Tsambika, Saint Paul's Bay, Ladiko, and Kallithea.

The southernmost coast, Prassonisi, is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing, whilst Main Beach, to the east of the Acropolis, is sandy with shallow water, making it a perfect for children. After a 10-minute walk from town, on the western side of the Acropolis, you will find the sheltered St Paul's Bay, whose turquoise waters are second to none.

Acropolis

It's impossible not to feel Rhodes' history upon arrival on the island. Above the ancient town of Lindos, the famous Acropolis with its ancient temple has become one of the most photographed locations in the Aegean. Climb up and you'll find a series of colonnades surrounding the inner Temple of Athena Lindia, whose remains date from 342BC.

Ancient towns

The picture-perfect village of Lindos is made up of 16th, 17th and 18th-century, whitewashed houses sitting beautifully on the hillside. The only modes of transport permitted on its cobbled streets are donkeys and mopeds, and a preservation order forbids any unauthorised building work. Legend has it that the village was set up by one of the divine sons of Zeus, but in fact it was established by Dorians around the time of 1,000BC.

In the early 14th century the island became home to the Order of the Knights, who subsequently created some of the strongest fortifications in Europe, with World Heritage site Old Rhodes Town paying homage to their work. A 45-minute bus ride north of Lindos, the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe is a thrill to see. At the ruins of the Temple of Venus you may see items dating from the third century BC, a fantastic reminder that a great Hellenistic city once stood here. Discover a maze of cobbled, unnamed streets, which spirit you back to the Byzantine Empire and beyond.

Mosques

During Turkish rule, from the 16th-20th centuries, churches were converted to mosques, the most important of which is the colourful, pink-domed Mosque of Süleyman, at the top of Sokratous. Currently closed to the public, it was built in 1522 to commemorate the Ottoman victory against the knights, and can be viewed from the outside.

Eat

With a pretty, vine-shaded canopy, the restaurant of Nireas features calamari, octopus salad, whitebait, grilled prawns and Symi shrimp to name but a few menu delights. Inside are romantic candle-lit, lemon-walled stone alcoves.

Methexi is a bohemian, jazz-infused establishment with candelabra, antique mirrors, indie film posters and vintage typewriters adorning the interior. With a lively part-shaded sun terrace out front, it's a lovely place for a coffee, liquor, wine or spirit.