We couldn’t believe how much there is to do on Rhodes’ family vacations with teenagers. We managed to trim the list down to just 10, and find you great deals on places to stay too.
Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes
Semi-Submarine: made for family vacations with teenagers
Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the most famous beaches in Rhodes, because it’s unbelievably good looking. Beauty aside, it’s also one of the best places for snorkelling, especially with older kids. So put it on your list, but go early to bag a spot on the shore, this is not a huge beach and it’s very popular.
Heading underwater without getting wet might be more your teens’ vibe, in which case book a cruise on Faliraki Sealines Semi-Submarine. Cruises last for three hours and visit Anthony Quinn Bay as well as several other gorgeous beaches. And if you want to mix it up, they also provide snorkelling equipment and build time into your trip for swimming too. Good to know this is one of the few ways you can see the astonishing Ladiko subterranean cliffs.
Waterpark, Princess Andriana Resort & Spa
Princess Andriana Resort & Spa, Rhodes
The only resort in Rhodes with a full-scale waterpark on site five-star Princess Andriana Resort & Spa sits on the southwest coast and is also ultra all-inclusive. A good choice if carefree is your mood this summer. On top of including all the eating, drinking and snacking you want, families also have access to a wide range of land and water sports, as well as a Youth Club for teens. And again, it’s set on one of Rhode’s many Blue Flag beaches.
Save up to 20% on spring and summer stays at Princess Andriana Resort & Spa
Throne of Helios: historic thrills in Rhodes Town
The first and only 9D cinema in Europe is practically made to please teens. The Throne of Helios is a VR thrill ride through Rhodes’ history, with a hefty dose of Ancient Greek myths and legends thrown in too.
It’s an immersive experience thanks to dynamic seating, surround sound and advanced VR goggles. And there are no barriers to the thrill as it’s translated into 13 languages. Younger teens might prefer the children’s version of the movie, although it’s a safe bet than anyone over 13 will opt for the grown-up one, just because they can.
Amus Hotel & Spa, Rhodes
Amus Hotel & Spa, Rhodes
Five-star Amus Hotel & Spa is just 10 minutes’ drive from Rhodes Town, but also right on the beach and not far from the Valley of Butterflies in the north of the island. Spacious family suites and rooftop pools make this a great choice for family vacations with teenagers.
Save up to 25% this spring and summer at Amus Hotel & Spa
Street of the Knights, Rhodes Town
Street of the Knights: a heroic stroll to take with teenagers
Once you’ve hit the VR version of Rhodes’ history, teens will be more than happy to explore the real thing and the Street of the Knights in Rhodes Town is a great place to start.
Just 600m long, it’s not too demanding, but take your time, and this isn’t one for staring at phones while you walk. A lot of the action is going on above your head, so eyes off screens and look at the amazing carvings is the rule here. Doors big enough to drive a horse and carriage through are very distracting too, and the lovely covered bridge spanning the street is the one for reels.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, Rhodes
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Also in Rhodes Town, the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights is another must-do with older kids. Originally built as a Byzantine citadel in the 7th century on the site of a temple to the sun god Helios, its tales of power and intrigue are irresistible.
The Palace collection includes authentic medieval costume, armour and enormous swords: enviable upper body strength was clearly a thing back in the day. Design-conscious teens will be interested to know that the building is one of very few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece. But for the whole story, take the self-guided audio tour and get ready to be fascinated for at least 90-minutes.
Shopping, Lindos, Rhodes
Where to go shopping on family vacations with teenagers
The combo of original design and reasonable prices makes Rhodes shopping heaven for teenagers. Browse Rhodes Town for handmade jewellery and Greek designers, as well as all-natural beauty products and local crafts. Unfailingly friendly and helpful, shop assistants are only too happy to let you take your time and jump at the chance to practice their English, so don’t be shy about asking for advice.
The heart of the historic Rhodes Town is awash with cute one-of-a-kind stores, but it’s not the only place to shop. Lovely Lindos is another source of must haves, starting with temptation-laden Acropolis Street where you can wander happily for an indefinite amount of time wooed by everything from pretty pottery to handcrafted soaps: also a good place to take a coffee break. Village Centre Street is the place for small art galleries and indie boutiques selling cool, beachy clothes. And don’t go without strolling down quaint Kori Lindos to pick up unusual gifts and take a peek into the local artist’s studios.
Lindos Beach Resort & Spa, Rhodes
Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa, Rhodes
Generous, all-inclusive Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa isn’t far from the Acropolis of Lindos, and no distance at all its own gorgeous, private beach. The range of 10 different room categories here makes it a great choice for family vacations. Although the six pools and line-up of sports, activities and entertainment is what might really swing it for teenagers.
Archaeological Museum, Rhodes Town
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes:
Even in Greece, the land of grand museums, Archaeological Museum of Rhodes edges out on impressive thanks to its digs in the medieval Hospital of the Knights in the old town.
As well as having an enviable address, the collection here stretches way back to the island’s prehistoric era and pays tribute to small domestic details alongside its major finds.
Expect to be wowed by the statues, mosaics and incredible ceramics. But we’re thinking teens might like the reconstructed 1630BCE burial site, which originally entombed a knight, and his horse. Good to know that the museum café is often one of the least busy spots in the old town to grab a cool drink and some shade.
Windsurfing, Prasonisi Beach, Rhodes
Where to find the best water sports for teenagers in Rhodes
Name any water sport and there’s a good chance Rhodes can deliver, making it the perfect Greek island for family vacations with teenagers.
Beaches like legendary Prasonisi in the far south are world famous for windsurfing and kite surfing – and you can hire equipment and take lessons there too. But if you’re looking for a broader mix, barely any beaches on the island are better than Kiotari in the southwest.
Anything from kayaking to wakeboarding is up for grabs here, it’s also a great place to hire a boat for the day: sailing round Rhodes is a magical experience. Fun stuff that doesn’t take any effort includes banana boats and ringos, as well as sliders and pedalos. Or you can just pick up a paddleboard for an hour and enjoy the famously calm waters of Kiotari Bay.
Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa
Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa
Set on a private stretch of Kiotari Beach, Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa features 421 rooms and suites, each with their own private balconies or terraces. It’s all-inclusive and gives you the option of five different restaurants, along with access to water sports. If all that doesn’t convince you, the resort has to have some of the prettiest views in the southwest of Rhodes.
Save up to 20% this spring and summer at Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa
Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes
Acropolis of Lindos: the Rhodes’ must-do on family vacations with teenagers
Rhodes is known for authentic villages, and teens who like a walk, will love hiking round them in spring or autumn: well marked routes are another island speciality.
In summer when you want shaded streets, cafés and beaches with your village tours, visit Lindos on the southwest coast.
Possibly one of the most iconic Rhodes’ villages, thanks to the Acropolis of Lindos, it will also win your heart with its whitewashed houses and little cobbled lanes. Summer might not be hiking weather, but make an exception for the Acropolis. It’s a total of 300 steps, which is very doable if you take it easy, remember to wear hats and don’t forget the sunscreen.
Valley of the Butterflies, Petaloudes, Rhodes
Valley of the Butterflies: the summer phenomenon you have to see
Rhodes is home to one of the worlds most spectacular natural phenomenon and if you visit in summer, it’s a must-see for nature loving teens.
Between June and September every year, 1,000s upon 1,000s of Panaxia butterflies hatch in the Valley of the Butterflies in the northeast of the island. The valley is a fairy tale of a place all by itself, but the addition of clouds of colourful, fluttering wings is totally enchanting.
Sunset horse riding, Rhodes ©Monolithos Horse Riding Center
Sunset horse riding: the perfect beach experience for teens
Even with no equestrian experience you can ride along the beach in Rhodes at sunset. Although children as young as six are welcome, this is one that older kids and teenagers will definitely appreciate most. The riding tours are small and friendly, you’re matched to a horse that suits your confidence and the stables are in the village of Monolithos in the south of Rhodes. Obviously sunset on the beach is the biggest deal, but the two hour tour also takes you through some of the island’s loveliest countryside, as well as ancient olive groves and woodland, so it’s a great way to see parts of Rhodes that are a little off the beaten track.
Princess Sun Hotel & Spa, Rhodes
Princess Sun Hotel & Spa
Tucked between the mountains and the sea, Princess Sun Hotel & Spa is a great choice for kids of all ages, although the Mini-Clubs are particularly appealing to younger ones. Again H Hotels Collection delivers on outstanding all-inclusive vacations here, and you have the option of five different types of family rooms and suites.
Save up to 20% this spring and summer at Princess Sun Hotel & Spa
READ MORE: Find all the best family beaches in Rhodes for your next vacation
