Pefkos Holidays

Set on the east coast of Rhodes, the teeny resort of Pefkos takes its name from the pine trees fringing its sandy beach. It’s a former fishing village that hasn’t lost its old-world charm – as you’ll see from the welcoming bars and restaurants along its two main streets. The appeal here is the slow tempo, but livelier Lindos is close by and heritage-packed Rhodes Town is just up the coast, too.

Pefkos’ Blue Flag beach is made from soft, golden sand that curves round a sleepy bay backed by pine forests. At the far end, there are some rocky coves that make great little swimming spots, and the gin-clear water is always popular with snorkellers. Watersports fans will find plenty to keep them busy here, too, with kite-surfing and windsurfing on offer.

Pefkos really isn’t one of those resorts that turns into a party animal at night. Apart from a couple of livelier spots with karaoke and DJs, most of the bars along the simply-named Main Road and Main Beach Road deal in friendly conversation over cocktails and cold beers. Or, there’s always the option of relaxing over an ouzo at one of the lantern-lit tavernas.

An hour’s drive takes you to the capital, Rhodes Town. This UNESCO-stamped favourite is a real heritage hotspot. Behind its Medieval walls, the must-see sights include the Street of the Knights and the impressive fortress, the Palace of the Grand Master. The narrow cobbled streets also lead to designer boutiques, traditional craft shops and trendy bars.