Kalithea Holidays

Kalithea, on the northeast coast of Rhodes, has been on the map since the Twenties, when people came to take the spring waters at the spa here. The restored baths are now a top sight. Another big draw is the quiet, laid-back ambience, with relaxed days on the beach and peaceful evenings at the bars and tavernas. And Kalithea sits nicely between cultured Rhodes Town and full-on Faliraki.

The coastline is strung with tucked-away bays and coves, each with its own little taverna. At Kalithea itself, the sand and shingle beach slopes gently into the clear waters. Sunloungers are everywhere – even on the sculptured rocks that rise out of the sea. There’s another little beach just below the restored spa, where a few euros gets you in for the day.

Kalithea is just 10 minutes’ drive from Rhodes Town, a UNESCO beauty watched over by an ancient acropolis. There’s more exploring to be done along the cobbled Street of the Knights, along with visits to the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Mosque of Suleiman. On a smaller scale, just up the hill you’ve got the village of Koskinou, with its charming old centre, whitewashed squares and vividly painted doors.