A Rhodes family vacation gives you the charm of a Greek island only with a lot going on. Here are our favorite things to do as well as our lowdown on the best hotels in Rhodes for families.
Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes family vacation
The Throne of Helios: the one and only 9D cinema in Europe
If there’s one thing Rhodes knows, it’s history. But you may be pleasantly surprised to see how that history is handled.
Sure there are stunning ancient monuments the architectural and cultural significance of which you might struggle to impress on younger kids. That said most of them are in gorgeous places with room for running around, so if even if they don’t remember the times and dates, the experience will probably stick.
If you prefer to leave nothing to chance, you want The Throne of Helios. Europe’s first 9D cinema, it’s basically a virtual reality romp around the history of Rhodes with a hefty slice of Greek mythology, and you’ll find it at Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town.
A mix of dynamic seats, special effects, advanced surround sound and VR goggles create an entirely immersive experience, and it’s narrated in 13 different languages simultaneously. Also, there’s an adult and child version of the movie, so you don’t have to worry about sleepless nights.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights: a touch of gothic for your Rhodes family vacation
Once you’ve captured kids’ imaginations, hit the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights: originally built as a Byzantine citadel in the 7th century on the site of a temple to the sun god Helios. If you’re getting the idea that history runs like a single, spellbinding story through Rhodes, you are not wrong.
This visit is possibly one for older kids who’ll like its tales of power and intrigue, as well as the museum collection which includes authentic medieval costume, armor and some extremely impressive swords: upper body strength was clearly not an issue in the 14th and 15th century.
The building itself is one of the few examples of Gothic architecture in Greece, and that alone is enough to get teenagers with a thing for design interested. Self-guided audio tours in English are available and putting aside at least 90 minutes for a good look round is recommended.
Street of the Knights, Rhodes Town
Street of the Knights: take a Rhodes family vacation stroll
Younger kids, not convinced they want to spend 90 minutes of good vacation time indoors, might prefer a wander along the Street of the Knights in Rhodes Old Town.
Not much of a hike at only 600m long, it’s also one of the best preserved medieval streets in the world and to add a bit more interest, get kids to look up and spot the carvings on many of the buildings.
Also, and maybe this is just us, but the doors big enough to drive a horse and carriage through are pretty eye-catching. And don’t miss the arched bridge spanning the street at one end, it gives Pont del Bisbe in Barcelona a run for its money.
Courtyard, Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: get better acquainted with the island
Greece is awash with archaeological museums, just as you’d expect, but the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes edges out on grandeur by dint of the fact that it’s in the medieval Hospital of the Knights in the old town.
As well as having pretty swanky digs, the collection stretches way back to the island’s prehistoric days and pays as much attention to small domestic details as it does to the major finds.
There are some truly beautiful statues and mosaics, along with impeccably preserved ceramics. But kids being kids, they might be most taken with the reconstructed 1630BCE burial site, which originally entombed a knight, and his horse.
If you’re visiting during summer, the museum café is usually one of the less busy places in the old town to grab a cool drink and a bit of shade.
Rhodes family vacation at Amus Hotel & Spa,
Amus Hotel & Spa: a Rhodes family vacation, minutes from Rhodes Town
The latest addition to H Hotels Collection, five-star Amus Hotel & Spa is just 10 minutes’ drive from Rhodes Town.
Ideal for families, it’s also right on the beach and not far from the legendary Valley of the Butterflies (see below). When you’re not in the mood to do much apart from enjoying the weather and the lovely resort itself, Amus Hotel & Spa features a fully supervised kids’ club and children’s playground, the aforementioned beach, stunning gardens and a very tempting spa.
Bee Museum, Rhodes
The Bee Museum: fun learning with honey on the side
When you’re all history-d out, refresh young minds with a visit to the Bee Museum.
Bees are big in Rhodes and it turns out they’ve long played a major role in island life: Ancient Roman hives are all the proof you need. Though the museum isn’t stuck in the past, instead it goes all out with interactive experiences, fun games and plenty of lightly delivered learning about everything from beekeeping to maintaining a bee-friendly island.
As an extra bonus, Rhodes’ honey is drenched in awards, so naturally, taste-testing is encouraged.
Valley of the Butterflies, Rhodes family vacation
The Valley of the Butterflies: the only-in-Rhodes phenomenon
Sticking with insects, Rhodes is also home to one of the worlds most spectacular natural phenomenon.
Each year, between June and September, 1,000s upon 1,000s of Panaxia butterflies hatch in the Valley of the Butterflies in the island’s northeast. The valley itself is enchanting at any time of year, but clouds of colorful, fluttering butterflies transform it into a complete fairy tale.
Needless to say it’s an unforgettable sight which will stick with kids long after they’re home, and it’s another experience you can only have in Rhodes.
Princess Andriana Resort & Spa
Princess Andriana Resort & Spa: new waterpark now open
Few thing say carefree like an ultra-all-inclusive family vacation, and few resorts deliver the concept with more style than five-star Princess Andriana Resort & Spa on the southwest coast of Rhodes.
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 supervised Mini-Club for younger children, and a Youth Club for older ones.
Parents aren’t forgotten either, as the resort has a superb spa, several gorgeous pools and it sits on one of Rhode’s lovely Blue Flag beaches. If all that isn’t tempting enough, the resort’s brand new waterpark also opens in 2025.
Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes
Acropolis of Lindos: add an icon to your Rhodes family vacation
Rhodes is known for its authentic villages, and if you’re with older kids who like to walk, think about hiking around a few of them in spring or early autumn: well marked walking routes are another island speciality.
In summer you’re more likely to want some shaded streets, pretty cafés and proximity to a beach, when you need to really cool down. In which case you should make it your mission to visit Lindos on the southwest coast.
Arguably one of the most charming Rhodes’ villages, its definitely the most famous and you can’t miss the reason for that. The Acropolis of Lindos lords it over the endearing whitewashed houses and little cobbled lanes of the village and, much as summer isn’t perfect hiking weather, climbing the 300 steps up to this mighty monument is the exception.
Take it easy, wear hats, carry water and at the top you’ll be rewarded by one of the world’s most spectacular archaeological sites. The views of the coast aren’t too shabby either, and there’s plenty of space for younger kids to blow off the history and just have a run around.
Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa
Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa: where fun is always on
Another incredibly generous all-inclusive resort, four-star Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa is just a short drive from the Acropolis of Lindos, and no distance at all from the private beach on which it sits.
Families have the choice of 10 different accommodation categories here, so it really does suit everyone. And while you should explore Rhodes as much as possible, you might find your kids are more than happy to hang out at the resort’s six pools or spend time at one of its three fully-supervised children’s clubs.
Read about our recent stay at Lindos Beach Resort & Spa
Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo: kids love this easy day out
To fit some extreme cuteness into your vacation we can recommend an hour or two in the company of the sweet creatures in permanent residence at Farma of Rhodes.
Not a zoo as you know it, this one lets kids get up close to the animals, and who doesn’t dream of personal encounters with the likes of lemurs and donkeys, kangaroos, ponies and llama.
Out of the 20-plus species here, special mention has to go to the ostriches who are very used to people, love being fed corn and turn out to be born entertainers.
Anthony Quinn Bay is a must-visit on a Rhodes family vacation
Semi-Submarine Cruise: snorkel and swim at must-do beaches
You’ll hear the names Anthony Quinn Bay and Traganou Beach a lot in Rhodes, and both are must-dos for a day out with kids.
Alternatively hop aboard Faliraki Sealines Semi-Submarine and you get swim time at both, as well as snorkelling time, and a look at the underwater world in the clear seas surrounding the island, without getting wet.
Cruises last three hours and they’re suitable for families with children, snorkelling equipment is included, and they’re one of the few ways you can see the incredible subterranean cliffs of Ladiko.
Princess Sun Hotel & Spa: the right resort for kids of any age
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.
Rodos Princess Resort and Spa, Rhodes
Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa: add Galouni Bay to your Rhodes family vacation
Recently renovated Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa now features 421 rooms and suites, each with their own private balconies or terraces.
All-inclusive gives you the option of five different restaurants, along with water sports on the private beach and a kids’ club for under-12s. If all that doesn’t convince you, the resort also overlooks Galouni Bay which places it in one of the prettiest spots on the southwest coast of Rhodes.
Find out more about H Hotels Collection and see the latest offers on Rhodes family vacations