Fancy gorgeous Blue Flag beaches without the crowds, proper Greek tavernas, and Lindos on your doorstep? Pefkos is the one. This chilled-out resort on Rhodes' southeast coast has nailed the balance between relaxed beach vibes and having everything you need for a brilliant jollie.
✨ Why visit Pefkos?
Blue Flag beaches with shallow, crystal-clear waters perfect for families
Way more chilled than its famous neighbour Lindos (just 3km away!)
Proper Greek tavernas serving fresh seafood with Aegean views
Gorgeous coves and bays for beach-hopping adventures
🎉 Good to Know
🤩 Fun fact: Pefkos means "pine tree" in Greek, named after the pine forests that used to cover the hillsides here. You'll still spot loads of them giving natural shade near the beaches - brilliant for when you need a break from the sun!
🏖 Best beach: Pefkos Main Beach (officially called Lee Beach) gets our vote - a proper gorgeous stretch of deep-golden sand with Blue Flag status, shallow waters perfect for kids, and enough beach bars to keep the drinks flowing. Crystal-clear waters too.
🍻 Price of a pint: Around €3-4 (£2.50-3.40) - island prices but still decent value, especially when you're sipping it with those Mediterranean views and not a cloud in sight!
🏖 What are the best beaches to visit on your Pefkos holidays?
Pefkos beaches are the real deal - Blue Flag beauty with shallow waters, hidden coves with snorkelling, and enough variety to keep beach days interesting all week.
Pefkos Main Beach (Lee Beach) - The star of the show. Recently awarded Blue Flag status, this stunning stretch of deep-golden sand has shallow, safe waters perfect for families. Loads of sunbeds, parasols, beach bars serving cold drinks, and proper facilities. Gets lively but never mental. Right in the heart of the resort so everything's within easy reach.
St. Thomas Bay - Smaller, more local vibe where fishing boats bob in the sheltered waters. Brilliant for snorkelling - the rocks harbour schools of colourful fish and the water's crystal-clear. Less crowded than the main beach, perfect for a more peaceful day by the sea.
Plakia Beach - Just south of the main beach, this quieter stretch has a mix of sand and pebbles with gorgeous turquoise water. Ideal for couples or anyone wanting to escape the busier spots. A few tavernas nearby for lunch with sea views.
Arkeftas Bay - Almost private, secluded cove that's worth the short walk. Not much sand but the crystal-clear waters are stunning for swimming and snorkelling. Feels like your own secret beach discovery.
Lardos Beach - About 10 minutes north, this long sandy beach is brilliant for water sports. You get free transfers from most Pefkos hotels to the water sports centre here. Jet skiing, parasailing, banana boats - the lot!
🏨 What are the top hotels to stay at on your Pefkos holidays?
From family-friendly resorts with multiple pools to intimate aparthotels steps from the beach, Pefkos hotels deliver that proper Greek hospitality with modern comforts.
Pefki Islands Resort - Top pick for families and couples wanting the full resort experience. Built like a miniature Greek village spread across gardens, with multiple pool areas including a swim-up bar (yes!), spacious apartments, and brilliant breakfast buffet. TripAdvisor guests rave about the spotless cleanliness and friendly staff who remember your name. Short walk to beach and town centre. Entertainment most evenings too.
Matina Pefkos Aparthotel - Absolute belter for location - just 50m from the beach! Three outdoor pools including a kids' pool, large sun terrace with two pool bars, and evening entertainment four times weekly. Apartments have proper kitchenettes so you can do breakfast on your balcony. Families love the 5-a-side football court (free!) and the relaxed vibe.
Island Blue - Gorgeous hotel with two expansive pools, on-site spa, and the Elia Restaurant serving proper Greek and international cuisine. Guests love the live music and entertainment, plus it's been rated as sustainable by Rating.Bio if you're eco-conscious. Modern, well-equipped rooms with balconies and all the facilities you need.
Pefkos Village Resort - Recently renovated in traditional Greek style on the outskirts of the resort (perfect for peace and quiet). Just 150m from the beach, with swimming pool, children's pool, playground, and a traditional Greek restaurant on-site. Apartments have kitchenettes with everything you need. Ideal for families and couples wanting somewhere relaxed.
Chrysanthi Hotel - Apartments - Picture-perfect tranquillity surrounded by gardens of olive trees, fruit trees, and hibiscus flowers. Just 600m from the beach with an outdoor pool, children's pool, and dedicated playground. Simple, cosy apartments with that classic Greek feel. Brilliant for families wanting somewhere peaceful with easy beach access.
🧳 Pefkos Holidays 2025 / 2026 Travel Guide
💕 Things to do in Pefkos for couples
Romance comes easy in Pefkos - sunset dinners, secluded beaches, and ancient Lindos waiting to be explored hand in hand.
Sunset dinner at beachfront tavernas watching fishing boats come in
Day trip to Lindos - wander the whitewashed streets and climb to the Acropolis together
Private boat trip from Pefkos to hidden coves and swimming spots
Couples spa treatments at hotels like Island Blue
Evening stroll along Pefkos beach under the stars with cocktails at beach bars
Explore St. Paul's Bay near Lindos - tiny, romantic cove with crystal waters
👨👩👧👦 Things to do in Pefkos for families
Kids will love the shallow beaches, water sports fun, and having Lindos' ancient history right on the doorstep (way cooler than a textbook!).
Beach days at Pefkos Main Beach - shallow, safe waters perfect for splashing about
Free water sports transfers to Lardos Beach for banana boats and inflatables
Day trip to Lindos and let kids explore the ancient Acropolis
Snorkelling at St. Thomas Bay spotting colourful fish
Kids' pools and entertainment at hotels like Matina Pefkos and Pefki Islands
Boat trips along the coast - kids love spotting dolphins!
🎉 Things to do in Pefkos for groups
Group holidays here are all about beach-hopping, Greek feasts, and having Lindos nightlife close by when you fancy something livelier.
Beach-hopping between Pefkos, Lardos, and hidden coves by boat
Group villa rental with pools - loads available in Pefkos area
Day trip to Rhodes Town to explore the medieval Old Town
Greek feast nights at traditional tavernas - get the whole group ordering mezze to share
Water sports sessions at Lardos Beach - jet skiing and parasailing
Bar-hopping in Lindos after exploring during the day
🍽 Things to do in Pefkos for foodies
The food scene balances fresh seafood tavernas with authentic Greek family recipes - proper delicious stuff with those Aegean views.
Try 'rouzetia me skorthalia' - fried red fish in garlic (traditional Rhodian dish)
Fresh octopus grilled at beachfront tavernas - caught that morning
Sample proper Greek souvlaki from family-run spots in the village
Share mezze platters at sunset - the Greek way of dining
Don't skip the ouzo shot before meals (it's tradition!)
Hunt down the best baklava at local bakeries
🚍 Getting Around on your Pefkos holidays
🚗 Car Rental - Brilliant for exploring Rhodes properly. Easy to reach places like Lindos, Rhodes Town, and hidden beaches. Roads are decent and parking's usually easy. Plus mountain driving has epic coastal views.
🚌 Local Buses - Regular buses connect Pefkos to Lindos (10 minutes) and Rhodes Town (about an hour). Cheap and reliable during summer. Timetables at the resort or ask at hotel reception.
🚕 Taxis - Available and reasonably priced for island hopping between beaches. Great for airport transfers too. Most hotels can book them for you.
🚶 Walking - The resort itself is totally walkable - beach, tavernas, shops, and bars all within easy strolling distance. Lindos is only 3km if you fancy a coastal walk (though it gets hot in summer!).
🗓 When to visit Pefkos
May to June (Brilliant for flexibility) - Lovely time to visit with temperatures hitting 23-27°C and beaches warming up nicely. Perfect for sightseeing in Lindos without melting, and you'll have more space on the beaches. Hotels and tavernas are open but not at full peak-season buzz yet. Great for couples and anyone with flexible dates.
July to August (Peak season perfection) - There's a reason this is most popular time to visit! Guaranteed sunshine at 28-30°C with virtually no rain and loads of daylight for beach time. Everything's open and buzzing with that proper holiday atmosphere. The beaches will be busiest (especially weekends), and prices reflect the popularity, so booking early gives you the best choice of hotels. Perfect for families with school holidays.
September to early October (Extending the summer) - Still beautifully warm at 24-28°C with the sea at its warmest from soaking up all that summer heat. The pace relaxes a bit as schools go back, but you keep gorgeous weather and everything stays open. September's a top choice for couples and anyone avoiding peak crowds while keeping peak weather.
April and late October (Budget-friendly) - Around 19-23°C, lovely for exploring Lindos and coastal walks. Beach days are more relaxed though the water's cooler. Some tavernas and hotels run shorter hours. Good option if sightseeing's your main focus rather than pure beach time.
November to March (Off-season) - Cool at 13-18°C with more frequent rain. Most tourist facilities close for winter, though the island itself is beautiful in a different way. Really only recommended if you're visiting family or here for winter walking rather than a traditional beach holiday.
Popular Pefkos hotels
More Pefkos hotelsWeather in Pefkos
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Although there is a very distinct difference between winter and summer temperatures, Pefkos has a fairly mild climate year round. In summer months, especially July and August, expect to find average high temperatures of 28°C with virtually no rainfall. In winter, however, rainfall increases from an average of 0 days to 14 days a month with average high temperatures of 11°C.
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FAQs
Is Pefkos good for families?
Is Pefkos good for families?
Absolutely brilliant! Pefkos Main Beach has shallow, safe waters with Blue Flag status, perfect for kids splashing about. Hotels like Matina Pefkos and Pefki Islands have multiple pools, kids' clubs, and entertainment. The resort's chilled enough for family time but close to Lindos for day trips. Way more relaxed than party resorts like Faliraki too.
How long does it take to get to Pefkos?
How long does it take to get to Pefkos?
Direct flights from UK and Ireland airports take around 4.5 - 5 hours to Rhodes International Airport. From there, Pefkos is about 55-60km (around an hour's drive). We offer transfers as part of your package for proper convenience - just add them when you book. Alternatively, taxis cost around €60-80 if you prefer to sort your own, or you can hire a car at the airport.
Is Pefkos better than Lindos?
Is Pefkos better than Lindos?
Different vibe! Lindos is stunning for sightseeing and nightlife but gets absolutely rammed with day-trippers. Pefkos gives you gorgeous beaches, proper Greek tavernas, and way more space to breathe - plus Lindos is only 3km away for when you fancy exploring. Best of both worlds really. Many people stay in Pefkos and day-trip to Lindos.
How far is Pefkos from Lindos?
How far is Pefkos from Lindos?
Just 3km (about 10 minutes by bus or taxi, 30-40 minutes walking along the coastal path). Perfect setup - you get Pefkos' chilled beach vibes with Lindos' ancient Acropolis, whitewashed streets, and lively bars right on your doorstep for day trips or evenings out.
Is there nightlife in Pefkos?
Is there nightlife in Pefkos?
Yes, but it's proper chilled compared to Faliraki or Rhodes Town. You've got beach bars, tavernas with live Greek music, and a few bars open till late playing everything from rock to dance music. Perfect for relaxed evenings rather than mental clubbing. If you want livelier nightlife, Lindos is just 10 minutes away.
Can you walk everywhere in Pefkos?
Can you walk everywhere in Pefkos?
Pretty much! The resort's compact - beach, tavernas, shops, and bars are all within easy walking distance. Most hotels are within 10 minutes' walk of the main beach. For reaching Lindos, buses are regular and cheap, or it's a scenic 3km coastal walk if you fancy it (just gets hot in peak summer!).
What's the sea like in Pefkos?
What's the sea like in Pefkos?
Crystal-clear and gorgeous! Pefkos Main Beach has shallow waters perfect for families - you can wade out ages before it gets deep. The water's proper warm from June to September (24-26°C). St. Thomas Bay and Arkeftas Bay are brilliant for snorkelling with loads of colourful fish. It's the Aegean so can be a bit breezy some days but mostly calm.