A subtropical climate and 300 days of glorious sunshine a year means most holidaymakers want to be on a beach, and Rhodes has plenty. The mixture of sand and pebble shores and light winds are as popular with windsurfers as they are with families, and more than 25 beaches have been awarded the Blue Flag status for cleanliness.

Relaxing beach days go hand in hand with fun and lively nights, and after dark, Rhodes has plenty to offer too. Faliraki is the club destination of choice for those looking for an all night party, while Rhodes Town has a cosmopolitan vibe with piano clubs, cocktail bars and traditional Greek tavernas.

To mix it up, there’s of course plenty of historical sites and stunning mountainous scenery to be explored.

The low season in Rhodes is from the end of September until the beginning of May, so if you’re looking for a great deal on your cheap Rhodes holiday, this is the time. Plus, there’s much less crowds then which can make your holiday that bit more relaxing.

Ancient culture and medieval architecture

Rhodes has been inhabited since the Stone Age and retains a wealth of authenticity to inspire history buffs. In modern history the island was inhabited by Turks and Italians before being claimed by Greece after the Second World War. Excavations conducted in Rhodes have brought to light a number of important monuments from the three most significant cities on the island – Lindos, Kamiros and Ialysos.

Thousands of years ago, Lindos was the main trading port on the island and the Lindos Acropolis shows just how much wealth and activity was present in the area at that time. The impressive archaeological remains here include the Temple of Athena, a theatre that held almost 2000 spectators, and a castle. There is a climb to reach the ruins as they sit 116 metres above sea level, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear.

The City of Rhodes overtook Lindos as the main trade and people hub thousands of years ago and still remains the cultural centre of the island. The Old Town is the oldest inhabited medieval city in Europe and you can’t help but be captivated by the medieval buildings, fountains and Byzantine and Gothic churches.

Lose yourself in streets with no name and travel back in time as you traverse the old medieval walls. There is plenty to explore in the nearer part of the city too, including Archbishops Palace, the Annunciation Church and the Central Post Office. Two bronze deer welcome travellers off the boats in the Mandraki Harbour – a modern icon of the city.

Foodie delights

There are plenty of foodie delights in Rhodes, rest assured. Traditional tavernas can be found in every town along with a range of international options including Italian, Indian and British. Authentic Rhodes cuisine has its roots in the ancient Dorian culture, with records of fish soup as the staple of choice. By medieval times meals were using the local produce of the land – Mediterranean vegetables and meat reared on the mountains. Olive oil, thyme and oregano are staples of many dishes bringing plenty of flavour, too.

If you want to enjoy local delicacies look out for olives, feta, gyros wraps, soutzoukakia meatballs, moussaka and meat pie, all washed down with a local wine or good, old ouzo.

Rhodes can be popular for All Inclusive holidays for foodies, but be sure to venture outside your hotel for a night or two to try something different, and experience the charming atmosphere of the traditional Greek tavernas. Similarly, those seeking cheap holidays to Rhodes, you’ll find prices are very reasonable, so be sure to treat yourselves with dining out too.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Rhodes centres around Rhodes Town, Faliraki and Lindos, but Faliraki is probably the place to be if you prefer the all-night parties. All the fun can be found on two main streets in Faliraki – Club Street and Bar Street. Try Ziggy’s for cocktails before heading to Liquid, DC Club or Yolo Club.

The picturesque village of Lindos offers a sophisticated yet lively evening of fun for all. Lindos By Night has a roof garden bar with beautiful views towards the old city ruins, while Amphitheatre Boutique Club is an open-air club where 2000 revellers can dance through until morning. Though that’s nothing compared to the iconic Paradiso Beach Club, which morphs into a small town overnight, hosting more than 4000 people.

Last but definitely not least is Rhodes Town itself, home to romantic piano bars and wild hidden nightclubs. If you’re looking for a comfy bar with proper beer, head to the Captain Hook bar – it helps if you’re also a fan of rock music. Otherwise the Cellar of Knights is a stunning Greek wine bar, tucked into the medieval architecture on Ippokratus Square. Fancy a cocktail? Try B-Sides Cocktails for a range of delicious drinks in a relaxed atmosphere.

Natural sand and pebble beaches

Rhodes’ coastline is littered with natural sand and pebble beaches, some of the most beautiful in all of Greece. You can stretch out on warm, yellow sand with the wide blue ocean ahead and pine-forested mountains behind. Holidays to Rhodes are popular for watersports, with a natural breeze that heads off the high summer heat. With Blue Flag beaches you can expect clean, safe shores to relax with the whole family and enjoy a swim. They’re perfect for those low, or no spend days, that’s why cheap Rhodes holidays are such a popular pick.

The seemingly endless Ialyssos beach, just outside of Rhodes Town, is home to several large hotel complexes and nightclubs. Despite this, the beach is only busy for a couple of months in the summer and thanks to the beach’s long length, there’s lots of room for everyone to stretch out. It has all the amenities you need and is even home to international windsurfing tournaments.

Saint Paul’s Bay, Ladiko and Kalithea are often listed as the best beaches in Rhodes, while Kolymbia is a pleasant seaside resort between Rhodes Town and Lindos – ideal for families looking for a quieter destination to spend time together.

Similarly, Pefkos beach, sitting in the tiny resort of Pefkos, is a great spot for those looking for a bit of seclusion. It’s a beatufiul silver sand beach, but is really not a busy spot, simple due to the small size of the resort.

The pebble beach at Ixia and southern beach of Prassonissi are both popular with windsurfers and kite surfers alike.