Kolymbia Holidays

One of the best things about east-coast Kolymbia, midway between lively Faliraki and ancient Lindos, is that it’s managed to remain a secret for so long. Even in the height of summer, there’s space to spread out along the Blue Flag beach. Leading away from the seafront is Eucalyptus Road, the main thoroughfare, where a handful of cafés, bars and restaurants stay open after sundown.

Kolymbia Beach, at the bottom of Eucalyptus Road, was hewn by nature in her finest hour. It’s a kilometre-long ribbon of sand and pebble set in a horseshoe bay, with a billowing headland at the far end. The water is crystal clear and prime swimming and snorkelling territory. There are a few watersports on offer here, and just 5 minutes away is a secluded rocky cove.

From Kolymbia, it’s easy to explore Rhodes’ coast by boat, or do a spot of island-hopping. The boat trip to Symi, one of Greece’s most photogenic islands, takes in towering churches and silent monasteries. If luxury is more your thing, a yacht from the harbour can whisk you off to Charaki Bay for some first-class snorkelling.

It’s only a 40-minute drive to Lindos, which is full of sugar-cube houses clinging to a steep rock. The main attraction here is the acropolis, the millennia-old temple to Athena, with its Doric columns and breathtaking 360-degree views.