Kalithea holidays offer up a platter of Rhodes' best bits. The capital's a 20-minute drive away, and a two-mile-long beach is even closer.

Spa central

Kalithea’s a dainty little town in a hilly, countryside spot. A hundred years ago, it started off as a place where locals came for spring water. Today, the same vitamin-rich water’s a staple in Kalithea’s collection of swanky spas and hotels. It’s a 10-minute drive from lively Faliraki, on Rhodes’ east coast, too. Here, you’ll need a pair of binoculars to be able to see the end of the caramel-coloured beach – it stretches out for over two miles.

A diver’s delight

The water near Kalithea’s some of the cleanest around the island. So it’s no surprise that scuba divers flock here every summer to plunge into the crystal clear waters. Submerged caverns are tucked in to the coastline, and coral reefs are dotted along the seabed further out. Marine life’s also a fan of this part of Rhodes, too – you might be able to spot turtles, grouper fish and migrating barracuda.

Rhodes Town

You’ll find the island’s capital, Rhodes Town, a 20-minute drive up the road by car or coach. Savvy shoppers and history buffs are both taken care of here. The old town quarter’s home to show-stopping ancient sights like the Palace of the Grand Masters, a 14th-century castle that’s been turned into a museum, and a 1,300-year-old Medieval clock tower. A dusting of traditional souvenir shops and family-ran tavernas top it off.

At a Glance

  • Sink your toes into the sand on nearby Faliraki Beach
  • Try to spot turtles during a scuba diving trip
  • Travel back in time walking around the old quarter in Rhodes Town