Kolymbia is the kind of place that makes you want to slow right down. Sat pretty much bang in the middle of Rhodes' east coast – equidistant from Rhodes Town to the north and Lindos to the south – this peaceful resort has been quietly charming families and couples since the late 1980s. The famous 2km eucalyptus-lined avenue leads you straight down to a gorgeous Blue Flag beach with calm, shallow waters, while just up the road you've got one of the island's most magical natural attractions: Seven Springs. It's the perfect base for exploring without the crowds, with proper Greek tavernas, laid-back beach bars and easy access to Rhodes' biggest hitters.
Good to Know
☀️ Weather: Summer temperatures hit 27-32°C with up to 14 hours of sunshine; sea temps reach a gorgeous 25-27°C from June to September
💶 Prices: A cold Mythos costs €3-4, main courses at local tavernas run €8-13, and a meal for two with drinks works out around €30-50
🌲 Fun fact: The famous eucalyptus trees lining Kolymbia's main avenue were planted by Italian colonists in the 1930s as part of an agricultural development project – the same Italians who built the tunnel at nearby Seven Springs
Top Reasons to Visit Kolymbia
🏖️ Peaceful Blue Flag beach – Kolymbia's sandy-pebble beach stretches along a beautiful bay with calm, shallow waters perfect for families. Well-organised with sunbeds and umbrellas, but never feels overcrowded like the bigger resorts.
🌿 Seven Springs (Epta Piges) – One of Rhodes' most magical spots, just 6km away. Walk through a pitch-black 186m tunnel with ankle-deep spring water to reach a hidden lake and waterfall, surrounded by lush forest filled with peacocks and wildlife.
⛪ Tsambika Monastery – Climb 300 steps to this tiny Byzantine chapel perched 240m above the sea for absolutely jaw-dropping panoramic views stretching from Kolymbia to Lindos. Famous for its fertility miracles.
🏝️ Tsambika Beach – Just south of Kolymbia, this golden sandy beach is regularly voted one of the best in Greece. Shallow, warm waters and stunning mountain backdrop make it a must-visit.
📍 Perfect location – Slap bang between Rhodes Town and Lindos means you can easily explore the island's top attractions without committing to the busier resorts. Great bus links and an easy drive to everywhere.
Where to Stay
Kolymbia's got a brilliant mix of accommodation, from boutique adults-only retreats to family-friendly all-inclusives.
The Leonardo Kolymbia Resort is a well-equipped 4-star resort just 250m from the beach, with swim-up suites, live cooking at the restaurant, tennis courts and a kids' club. Great for families who want facilities without the mega-resort feel.
Cook's Club Kolymbia is a stylish adults-only boutique hotel with rustic-chic rooms, two pools, Asian fusion dining and DJ nights. Less than 10 minutes' walk to the beach, with a properly cool vibe.
Kolymbia Bay Art Hotel offers adults-only boutique vibes just two minutes from the beach. Think swim-up rooms, Mediterranean restaurant, wine tastings and weekly live rock concerts.
The Anavadia is a stylish 4-star option with suites featuring private pools, Jacuzzi baths and a rejuvenation centre with sauna and massage. Around 900m from the beach but proper relaxation-focused.
For great value, the Relax Hotel is a family-run 3-star property renovated in 2019, just 250m from the beach with a poolside bar and that chilled-out Greek hospitality you can't fake.
Top Things to Do in Kolymbia
👨👩👧👦 Best Things to Do in Kolymbia for Families
🌿 Explore Seven Springs – The whole family will love this shaded forest oasis where you can spot peacocks, ducks and turtles. Brave kids can wade through the dark tunnel (bring a torch!) while nervous ones take the overground path to the lake.
🏖️ Beach day at Tsambika – Golden sand, shallow warm waters and inflatable water parks make this one of the best family beaches in Greece. Just a short drive south of Kolymbia with full facilities and beachside restaurants.
🦋 Valley of the Butterflies – From June to September, thousands of Jersey Tiger moths gather in this magical forest valley. About 30 minutes' drive across the island – combine it with a trip to Ancient Kamiros.
🏊 Water sports on Kolymbia Beach – Jet-skiing, pedalos, kayaks and banana boats are all available right on your doorstep. Calm waters mean it's safe for older kids to have a go.
💑 Best Things to Do in Kolymbia for Couples
⛪ Sunrise at Tsambika Monastery – Make the 300-step climb early before the heat kicks in and you'll have those incredible panoramic views almost to yourselves. Properly romantic.
🍷 Taverna evening on Eucalyptus Road – Kolymbia's main strip is lined with traditional Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood and local wine. Taverna Anthoula and Taverna Tsambikos are local favourites.
🛥️ Boat trip to Lindos – Hop on a catamaran cruise down the coast to the beautiful whitewashed village of Lindos, with swimming stops at hidden bays along the way.
💆 Spa day – Several Kolymbia hotels offer spa facilities open to non-guests. The Anavadia's rejuvenation centre has saunas, Jacuzzis and massage treatments if you fancy being pampered.
🎉 Best Things to Do in Kolymbia for Groups
🚙 4x4 Jeep safari – Explore Rhodes' rugged interior with an off-road adventure through mountain villages, olive groves and hidden tavernas. Most tours include lunch and wine tasting.
🎣 Fishing trip – Charter a boat for a morning's fishing in the Aegean followed by a BBQ of your catch on a secluded beach. Proper Greek island vibes.
🍻 Night out in Faliraki – Kolymbia's own nightlife is chilled (Santa Marina Beach Bar is the spot), but legendary Faliraki is just 15 minutes away if your group fancies a bigger night.
🏛️ Day trip to Rhodes Old Town – The UNESCO-listed medieval city is an easy 25km north. Explore the Palace of the Grand Master, wander the cobbled streets and find a rooftop bar for sunset drinks.
🏛️ Best Things to Do in Kolymbia for Culture Lovers
🏛️ Acropolis of Lindos – One of Greece's most impressive ancient sites, perched dramatically above the whitewashed village. About 25km south of Kolymbia – combine with lunch in the village.
🏰 Archangelos Castle – The ruins of this 14th-century Knights' castle sit just inland from Kolymbia. Not as famous as Rhodes Town's fortifications but far quieter and great for photographers.
🏺 Rhodes Folklore Museum – Just outside Kolymbia, this little museum showcases traditional Rhodian life with local crafts, tools and costumes. The owner gives brilliant personal tours.
⛪ Church of Panagia Tsambika – The "new" monastery on the main road (as opposed to the hilltop chapel) houses the original miraculous icon and beautiful 19th-century religious artefacts.
When to Visit Kolymbia
🌸 Spring (April–May, 17–25°C)
Rhodes bursts into bloom with wildflowers carpeting the hillsides. Sea temperatures warm up through May (around 19-20°C), making late spring ideal for combining beach time with exploring.
🥚 Orthodox Easter celebrations (April 20, 2025) – Candlelit processions, midnight services and fireworks across the island, with the biggest celebrations in Rhodes Town and Lindos
🪁 Clean Monday carnival – Kite-flying on beaches, seafood feasts and carnival processions mark the start of Lent
🎭 Sound and Light Show returns – The spectacular evening show at the Grand Master's Palace runs April through October
☀️ Summer (June–September, 27–32°C)
Peak season brings hot sunny days, warm seas (25-27°C) and a buzzing atmosphere. Kolymbia stays calmer than the bigger resorts but book well ahead.
🎷 Rhodes Jazz Festival (early July) – Free concerts at St Paul's Gate in the medieval town
🍉 Watermelon Festival (mid-July) – Head to Apolakkia village for live music, sculpture competitions and sweet watermelon galore
⛪ Feast of Panagia Tsambika (September 8) – Major celebrations at the monastery with thousands of pilgrims climbing the 300 steps
☀️ Assumption of Mary (August 15) – Huge celebrations across Rhodes with processions, feasting and music in every village
🍂 Autumn (September–October, 22–27°C)
Brilliant weather continues with fewer crowds, warm seas and harvest season in full swing. September's still beach weather; October's perfect for exploring.
⚔️ Medieval Rose Festival (October 10-12, 2025) – Rhodes Town transforms with jousting tournaments, parades, medieval banquets and workshops
🍇 Grape harvest season – Visit the wineries around Embonas for tastings and harvest celebrations
🌅 Quieter beaches – Enjoy Kolymbia and Tsambika without the summer crowds while the sea stays warm
Nearby Resorts
Fancy exploring beyond Kolymbia? These nearby spots are all easy to reach:
Faliraki (15km north) – Rhodes' party capital with legendary nightlife, brilliant beaches and one of Europe's best water parks. Great for a day trip or bigger night out.
Lindos (25km south) – Postcard-perfect whitewashed village topped by an ancient acropolis. Boutique hotels, rooftop restaurants and St Paul's Bay beach make it unmissable.
Rhodes Town (25km north) – The island's capital features a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, the Palace of the Grand Master, buzzing New Town nightlife and Elli Beach.
Afandou (5km north) – A quieter local village with a long pebble beach, Rhodes' only golf course and a more authentic Greek feel.
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What better way to enjoy your holiday in Kolymbia than to relax in the sun before cooling off in the sea? In the summer months, Kolymbia enjoys temperatures of around 30°; Celsius, with around 13 to 14 hours of sunlight a day, so you'll get that tan in no time! Evening temperatures average a cool and comfortable 21°; Celsius, with virtually no chance of rain, which makes eating out a pleasure.
Temperatures reach a more comfortable 24°; Celsius around May, but you'll still get plenty of daylight. Visiting at this time, or even a month like March or December, will be better for those who don't enjoy hot temperatures. The chances of rain are higher during these months, but you'll still get good daytime sun, which is ideal for those who don't enjoy heat but still want a relaxing sunny break.
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FAQs
Is Kolymbia good for families?
Is Kolymbia good for families?
Absolutely – it's one of the best family resorts on Rhodes. The beach has calm, shallow waters perfect for little ones, Seven Springs is a hit with kids of all ages, and the peaceful atmosphere means you can properly relax. Most hotels have kids' clubs and family rooms.
How far is Kolymbia from Rhodes Airport?
How far is Kolymbia from Rhodes Airport?
Around 25-30km, which works out at roughly 30-35 minutes by car or taxi. We can sort your transfers when you book.
What's Seven Springs actually like?
What's Seven Springs actually like?
It's a magical forested area with natural springs, peacocks wandering about and a famous 186m tunnel you can walk through in ankle-deep water to reach a hidden lake. The tunnel's pitch black (bring your phone torch), one-way only, and not for the claustrophobic – but there's an overground path too. Free entry, with a taverna serving grilled meats and drinks.
Is there nightlife in Kolymbia?
Is there nightlife in Kolymbia?
Kolymbia's pretty chilled – think beach bars, hotel entertainment and taverna evenings rather than clubs. Santa Marina Beach Bar is the liveliest spot. For proper nightlife, Faliraki is just 15 minutes away with endless bars and clubs.
What's Tsambika Beach like?
What's Tsambika Beach like?
Stunning golden sand, shallow turquoise waters some say it's one of the best beaches in Greece. It's about 5km south of Kolymbia with full facilities including water sports, sunbeds, restaurants and even inflatable water parks for kids. Gets busy in peak summer but worth it.
Can I walk up to Tsambika Monastery?
Can I walk up to Tsambika Monastery?
Yes – there are around 300 steps from the car park to the tiny Byzantine chapel at the top. It's steep but manageable if you're reasonably fit. The views from the top are absolutely incredible, stretching from Kolymbia to Lindos. Go early morning to avoid the heat.