Ialyssos Holidays

Ialyssos is Rhodes' windsurfing capital – a breezy stretch of sun-kissed beach where the Meltemi winds draw water sports enthusiasts from across Europe. But there's more to it than just the sun, sand and sails: the ancient acropolis on Filerimos Hill, a lively old town with proper Greek atmosphere, and Rhodes Town just 8km down the coast.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Summer highs of 28-32°C with a reliable afternoon breeze – perfect for windsurfing and keeping cool on the beach

• 💰 Mid-range pricing with great variety – around €25-40 for a meal for two, cheaper in the old village inland

• 🏄 Europe's top windsurfing spot with professional surf schools – beginners and experts welcome all summer

Highlights

• 🏄 World-class windsurfing and kitesurfing – reliable Meltemi winds and professional surf centres on the beach

• 🏛️ Ancient Ialyssos on Filerimos Hill – temple ruins, medieval monastery and panoramic views from the giant cross

• 🏖️ Long Blue Flag beach stretching to Kremasti – mix of sand and pebbles with crystal-clear water

• 🏰 Rhodes Town just 8km away – medieval Old Town, Palace of the Grand Master and legendary nightlife

• 🍷 Sette Erbe liqueur – taste the seven-herb recipe created by monks at Filerimos Monastery

• 🏪 Authentic old village inland – Plateia Apostolidi square with tavernas, shops and the annual Ialysia Festival

Hotels in Ialyssos

There are loads of hotels in Ialyssos, but we've selected a few of our favourites for you below.

For Couples

• Electra Palace – Five-star luxury right on the beach with lagoon-style pool, spa, multiple restaurants and bars including live music venues. Cooking classes, yoga and a kids' club if you're travelling with little ones. Properly special.

• The Residence - Adults Only – Peaceful adults-only retreat with free-form pool, sun terrace and the Absolute restaurant serving Greek and international cuisine. Superior rooms with garden, pool or sea views.

• D'Andrea Mare Hotel – Stylish resort 200m from the beach with spa (indoor heated pool, sauna, jacuzzi), live entertainment and easy access to local bars and restaurants. Animation team keeps things lively.

For Families

• Sun Beach Resort – Beachfront family favourite with two buildings, multiple pools (including kids' pool with octopus slide), playgrounds and daily activities from beach volleyball to Zumba. All-inclusive options available.

• Blue Horizon – Four-star resort right on the beach with 222 rooms, elegant wood furnishings, pool, beach bar and main restaurant. Great for families who want comfort without fuss.

• Dodeca Sea Resort – Two outdoor pools, swim-up bar, kids' club, playground and mini disco. Just 100m from the beach with main restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

• Kassandra Apartments – Three-star option with two pools, kids' pool, play area and wellness facilities including hot tub and sauna. Just 14 minutes' walk from the beach.

Budget-Friendly

• Ilyssion Holidays Studios – Family-run studios and apartments with kitchenettes, lush gardens and snack bar. 450m from the beach – great value for self-catering.

• Alea Studios – Modern rooms with kitchenettes and terraces, close to restaurants and shops. Perfect for independent travellers.

• Pylea Beach – Right on the beachfront with pool, kids' pool and poolside snack bar. Simple but comfortable base for a beach holiday.

What to Do in Ialyssos

For Families

• 🏖️ Blue Flag beach – well-organised with sunbeds, showers and plenty of space for sandcastles (bring water shoes for the pebbly bits)

• 🏊 Hotel pools – most resorts have brilliant pool areas with slides and kids' sections, often better than the beach for little ones

• 🏛️ Filerimos Hill – peacocks roaming the grounds, ancient ruins to explore and ice cream at the café

• 🦋 Valley of the Butterflies – about 20 minutes away, with wooden bridges, streams and thousands of butterflies in summer

For Couples

• 🍷 Sunset drinks at Filerimos – climb to the giant cross for panoramic views as the sun goes down

• 🏛️ Rhodes Old Town evening stroll – medieval streets, rooftop bars and candlelit restaurants just 15 minutes away

• 💆 Spa day – several hotels offer day passes for pools, saunas and massages

• 🍽️ Dinner in the old village – authentic tavernas around Plateia Apostolidi with live music and local atmosphere

For Groups

• 🏄 Windsurfing lessons – multiple surf schools cater for complete beginners to experts

• 🎉 Rhodes Town nightlife – bars, clubs and beach parties just a short taxi ride away

• 🏍️ Quad bike adventure – explore the island's rugged interior and hidden beaches

• 🍺 Beach bar hopping – sunbeds by day, cocktails by night along the beachfront strip

For Culture Vultures

• 🏛️ Ancient Ialyssos on Filerimos Hill – Temple of Athena Polias, Doric fountain and Byzantine chapel with 15th-century frescoes

• ⛪ Monastery of Our Lady of Filerimos – Gothic architecture restored by the Italians, with the icon's incredible 500-year journey across Europe

• ✝️ Road to Calvary – atmospheric pathway with 14 Stations of the Cross leading to the giant iron cross

• 🏰 Rhodes Old Town – UNESCO World Heritage Site, Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights

When to Visit Ialyssos

☀️ Summer (June–August) – highs of 28-32°C

Peak season with the best windsurfing conditions – the Meltemi winds pick up in the afternoon, perfect for the water. Beaches are buzzing, all facilities open and the nightlife is in full swing.

What's On:

• 🎭 Ialysia Festival (early August) – music, dancing, exhibitions and traditional culture in Plateia Apostolidi square

• 🔥 Prophet Elias (19-20 July) – religious celebrations at Filerimos with food, music and local festivities

• ⛪ Agia Paraskevi (25-26 July) – another village festival with traditional Greek atmosphere

• ⛪ Assumption of the Virgin Mary (13-15 August) – major celebrations across Ialyssos and nearby Kremasti

🌸 Spring (April–May) – highs of 18-24°C

Lovely weather for exploring Filerimos and Rhodes Town without the summer crowds. Windsurfing season begins, wildflowers cover the hillsides.

What's On:

• ✝️ Orthodox Easter (April/May) – spectacular celebrations across Rhodes with fireworks, feasting and church processions

• 🌹 Medieval Rose Festival (late May/early June) – knights, archery and medieval crafts in Rhodes Old Town

🍂 Autumn (September–October) – highs of 22-28°C

Still warm enough for swimming and windsurfing, with fewer crowds and better prices. The sea stays warm into October.

What's On:

• 🍇 Wine Festival (late August/September) – celebrations in Embonas village, about 40 minutes away

• 🎭 Cultural events continue – smaller festivals in villages across the island

❄️ Winter (November–March) – highs of 12-18°C

Quiet season when many tourist facilities close. Mild weather good for sightseeing, but not beach weather.

What's On:

• 🎭 Carnival (February) – parades and fancy dress in Rhodes Town, Ialyssos and other villages

• ⛪ Clean Monday (start of Lent) – kite-flying and picnics across the island

Nearby Resorts

• Ixia – Right next door to the east, Ixia blends seamlessly with Ialyssos along the coast. Similar windsurfing conditions but slightly more upmarket hotels and closer to Rhodes Town.

• Rhodes Town – The island's stunning capital, just 8km east. UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, Palace of the Grand Master, brilliant beaches and proper nightlife. Easy bus or taxi ride.

• Kremasti – Immediately west along the beach, Kremasti is a quieter, more local village with a long stretch of sand. Famous for its August Assumption celebrations.

• Tholos – About 20km south, this peaceful village offers rustic scenery, pine forests and the nearby Valley of the Butterflies. Great for a quieter escape.