Kalithea Holidays

Kalithea sits on the sun-drenched east coast of Rhodes, serving up a proper good mix of sandy coves, crystal-clear snorkelling spots and one of Greece's most beautiful restored spa complexes. Just 8km south of Rhodes Town and a stone's throw from the livelier vibes of Faliraki, it's the kind of place where you can spend your morning floating in translucent waters, your afternoon wandering around Italian-era architecture, and your evening tucking into fresh seafood at a traditional taverna. Whether you're after a peaceful family escape or a base to explore the island's best bits, Kalithea delivers.

Good to Know

• ☀️ Weather: Summer highs of 29-32°C with 12+ hours of sunshine; sea temperatures hit a gorgeous 25-26°C in peak season

• 💶 Prices: A cold Mythos will set you back €3-4, while a meal for two at a local taverna runs €20-40

• 🏛️ Fun fact: The stunning Kallithea Springs were built in 1920 during Italian rule and have been used as a filming location for movies including scenes from the James Bond universe

Top Reasons to Visit Kalithea

• 🏊 World-class snorkelling: The rocky coves and crystal-clear waters around Kallithea Springs are considered some of the best snorkelling spots on Rhodes, with an abundance of marine life hiding in underwater caves and stone pools

• 🏛️ Kallithea Springs: This beautifully restored Italian-era thermal spa complex features stunning Arabic-influenced domed pavilions, mosaic floors and aromatic gardens – now functioning as a beach club and popular wedding venue

• 🐱 Kalithea Cats sanctuary: Animal lovers will adore this volunteer-run cat sanctuary near the springs, where you can meet friendly felines and even help out if you fancy

• 🎨 Koskinou village: Just 2km inland sits one of Rhodes' prettiest villages, famous for its impossibly colourful wooden doors, flower-filled courtyards and traditional pebble-mosaic floors

• 🏖️ Sandy coves and organised beaches: From the small beach at Kallithea Springs to the well-equipped Oasis Beach and Tassos Beach nearby, you've got options for both rocky swimming and sunbed-lounging

Where to Stay

Kalithea's got a brilliant spread of accommodation, from family-friendly all-inclusives to swanky adults-only retreats.

• The Elysium Resort & Spa is a 5-star beachfront beauty with sea-view rooms, a lagoon-style pool and a world-class spa using ESPA products. Live piano music and sunset views come as standard.

• Helea Lifestyle Beach Resort sits right on Kalithea Beach with six swimming pools, multiple restaurants including a Street Food Hub, and a seriously impressive all-inclusive package. Perfect for couples wanting a bit of luxury.

• Helea Family Beach Resort is the family-focused sister property, featuring 11 freshwater pools, waterslides, an Ella Kids Park and a dedicated kids' foodhall. The beachfront location and entertainment programme keep everyone happy.

• Kresten Royal Euphoria Resort offers 5-star luxury with a private beach, five swimming pools including a seawater pool, and an adults-only section with its own Wine and Champagne Bar. Just 6km from Rhodes Town.

• For brilliant value, the Kalithea Sun & Sky is a welcoming 3-star option set among olive and oak tree gardens, with Rhodian-style bungalows, a family pool and themed dinner nights.

Top Things to Do in Kalithea

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best Things to Do in Kalithea for Families

• 🏊 Explore the rock pools at Kallithea Springs – Kids will love clambering over the sculpted rocks and discovering tiny coves, while the calm shallow areas are perfect for little swimmers to paddle

• 🐱 Visit Kalithea Cats – This heartwarming sanctuary near the springs lets families meet friendly rescue cats; volunteers welcome help with feeding and cuddles

• 🏖️ Spend a day at Oasis Beach – Well-organised with sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar, plus calm waters ideal for families who want facilities nearby

• 🦋 Day trip to the Valley of the Butterflies – About 25 minutes' drive away, this magical nature reserve sees thousands of Jersey Tiger moths gather from June to September

💑 Best Things to Do in Kalithea for Couples

• 🏛️ Sunset drinks at Kallithea Springs – The restored Italian pavilions and palm-fringed terraces make for an impossibly romantic backdrop to evening cocktails

• 🍽️ Dinner in Koskinou village – Wander the colourful streets as the light fades, then settle into a traditional taverna for proper Greek cuisine and local wine

• 💆 Spa day at Elysium or Kresten Royal – Both resorts offer world-class spa facilities if you fancy being pampered

• 🚤 Catamaran cruise along the east coast – Half-day cruises take in Anthony Quinn Bay, hidden coves and swimming stops with lunch included

🎉 Best Things to Do in Kalithea for Groups

• 🤿 Diving and snorkelling trips – Daily diving excursions depart from Kalithea to explore underwater caves and marine life; no experience needed for introductory dives

• 🏄 Water sports at the beach – Jet skis, pedalos, kayaks and banana boats are all available along the coast for group fun

• 🍻 Bar hop to Faliraki – Just 2km away, Faliraki's legendary Bar Street and Club Street offer endless nightlife options for a bigger night out

• 🏛️ Medieval Town night out in Rhodes – Head to Rhodes Town for cocktails on rooftop terraces overlooking fortress walls, then dinner in the atmospheric Old Town

🏛️ Best Things to Do in Kalithea for Culture Lovers

• 🏛️ Kallithea Springs architecture tour – Admire the beautifully restored Italian-era complex with its Arabic-influenced domes, archways and gardens; entry includes beach access

• 🎨 Koskinou Traditional House – This free museum in the village centre showcases a preserved 1902 Rhodian home with hand-woven textiles, ceramic plates and original pebble-mosaic floors

• ⛪ Chapel hopping in Koskinou – Discover the tiny 4th-century Basilica of Agios Loukas and the 200-year-old domed church of Agia Irini

• 🏰 Rhodes Old Town day trip – The UNESCO World Heritage medieval city is just 20 minutes away, with the Palace of the Grand Master, Street of the Knights and atmospheric cobbled lanes to explore

When to Visit Kalithea

🌸 Spring (April–May, 18–25°C)

The island bursts into colour with wildflowers and bougainvillea, while temperatures are ideal for exploring without the summer crowds. Sea swimming becomes pleasant from mid-May.

• 🥚 Orthodox Easter celebrations (April 20, 2025) – Epitaphios processions through Rhodes Old Town, midnight Resurrection services and fireworks at Mandraki Harbour

• 🪁 Clean Monday carnival – Families flock to beaches and countryside to fly kites, feast on seafood and mark the start of Lent

• 🎭 Sound and Light Show returns – The spectacular evening show at the Grand Master's Palace runs from April through October

☀️ Summer (June–September, 29–32°C)

Peak season brings hot sunny days, warm seas (25-26°C) and a buzzing atmosphere. Book well ahead and embrace the Mediterranean summer lifestyle.

• 🎷 Rhodes Jazz Festival (July 9-11) – Free concerts at St Paul's Gate in the medieval town featuring international performers

• 🍉 Watermelon Festival (July 13) – Head to Apolakkia village near Lindos for live music, sculpture competitions and sweet watermelon galore

• 🎭 International Opera Festival (July 20-30) – Performances in the courtyard of the Palace of the Grand Master

• ⛪ Assumption of Mary (August 15) – Major celebrations across the island with processions, feasting and music

🍂 Autumn (September–October, 22–26°C)

Brilliant weather continues with fewer crowds, warm seas and lower prices. Perfect for exploring and enjoying the grape harvest season.

• ⚔️ Medieval Rose Festival (October 10-12, 2025) – The highlight of Rhodes' cultural calendar, with jousting tournaments, parades, medieval banquets and workshops in the Old Town

• 🍇 Grape harvest season – Visit the wineries around Embonas for tastings and harvest festivals

• 🌅 Quieter beaches – Enjoy Kalithea's coves without the summer crowds while the sea stays warm for swimming

Nearby Resorts

If you fancy exploring beyond Kalithea, these nearby spots are well worth a look:

Faliraki (2km south) – Rhodes' party capital with legendary nightlife, brilliant beaches and one of Greece's best water parks. Perfect for a bigger night out or family day of thrills.

Rhodes Town (7km north) – The island's cultural heart, featuring a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, buzzing New Town nightlife and the beautiful Elli Beach.

Kolymbia (15km south) – A peaceful resort with a eucalyptus-lined main avenue, easy access to Tsambika Beach and Seven Springs, and a more relaxed pace than the northern resorts.