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The best things to do in Rhodes with kids 

Rhodes was the start of my love affair with the Greek islands, the first I visited as a child myself and with so many things to do in Rhodes with kids, it’s one I’ve wanted to revisit with my daughter for a long time.

My daughter walks up the step at Lindos Acropolis to some of the columns remaining from the ancient temples - a visit is one of the best things to do in Rhodes with kids
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After the devastating wildfires earlier this summer, I thought our trip would have to be cancelled but thankfully apart from one change of accommodation, our Rhodes family holiday went ahead as planned.

If you’re wondering whether to visit, here are my top reasons why Rhodes with kids is such a good idea – plus there’s the bonus of supporting those depending on tourism after several difficult years too.

For more tips, check out my family travel guide to Greece and the Greek islands

Find the best beach in Rhodes

Like most Greek islands, Rhodes is famous for its fabulous beaches and calm Mediterranean waters, making it the perfect destination for a chilled family beach day – even if your hotel has a great swimming pool, it’s worth at least one day on the sand.

There are loads of beautiful family-friendly beaches in Rhodes to choose from, but below are a couple of favourites…

Faliraki Beach

Set around 10 miles from Rhodes Town, Faliraki is the most popular beach resort in Rhodes. It can get pretty busy during the peak summer season. But for good reason!

The three-mile long fine sand beach has calm shallow waters that are ideal for younger kids to splash around in. For older kids and teens, Faliraki beach also has plenty of water sports facilities, including jet skis, water skis, parasailing, and inflatable rides. 

Deckchairs and parasols are available to hire, and there are plenty of traditional taverns and restaurants along the waterfront for a relaxing lunch overlooking the sea – a little way down at Faliraki port, you can also find lots of boat trips too.

Agathi Beach

While it may not have the same range of facilities as other beaches in Rhodes, Agathi is still one of the best beaches on the island for its serene natural beauty. It’s an excellent choice for families wanting a slightly quieter beach experience.

View across the golden sand of Agathi beach on the Greek island of Rhodes with multicoloured umbrellas, turquoise sea and the mountains in the distance - Agia Agathi is one of the best beaches in Rhodes with kids

Located on the east of Rhodes, Agathi is known for its small golden sand beach and crystal-clear shallow waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkelling. There’s also an unusual 14th-century Cave Chapel at the end of the beach which is a cool spot to visit.

Sunbeds and parasols are available to rent and there are a few canteens close to the beach serving basic food and drinks, but it may be easier to bring your own snacks or picnic.

Lindos Beach (Megali Paralia)

If you’re planning to visit Lindos Acropolis (and even if you aren’t), there are two beaches to choose from nearby – and Megali Paralia is ideal for families.

Lots of soft sand, plenty of shelter and sunbeds with parasols if you’re looking for shade. The sea shelves very gently so it’s great for paddling with toddlers and younger kids, plus teens and older kids can enjoy a whole string of water sports, including taking a pedalo out into the bay.

Anthony Quinn Bay (and Ladiko Beach)

Named for the actor who filmed part of Guns of Navarone on the island, and who fell so much in love with the beach that he bought it. On his death, it reverted to the Greek government and it’s a public beach once again.

View of Anthony Quinn Beach with blue umbrellas over loungers and clear turquoise water of the bay - one of the beach beaches in Rhodes with kids

Plenty of boat trips will stop here if you’re looking to snorkel in the crystal clear waters which are a gorgeous shade of turquoise, but there’s also free parking if you want to spend all day on the sandy beach.

It’s also easy to combine with Ladiko Beach on the other side of the narrow headland, although this beach is pebblier. Both can get busy in peak season and neither is huge, so arrive early if you want a lounger.

Haraki Beach

If you want soft sand and a chance to chill out, Haraki Beach is a great option. It’s around 15 minutes north of Lindos or half an hour south of Faliraki, with plenty of loungers with parasols to sit back and relax.

Often cheaper than other popular spots, the clear water is great for snorkelling, and it’s safe for younger kids too, plus there are tavernas all along the waterfront.

You won’t find watersports here, but if you do get bored, you can walk to some nearby beaches as well including Agathi Beach with its nearby cave church.

Tsambika Beach

Another gorgeous golden sand beach, around half-way between Lindos and Faliraki, Tsambika Beach is easily one of the best in Rhodes with kids.

View down onto Tsambika Bay from one of the surrounding mountains, with rows of umbrellas just seen and turquoise water beyond the trees - one of the best beaches in Rhodes with kids

It’s not the biggest, but still stretches for around a kilometre so plenty of room for a sandcastle, plus there are watersports, places to get food and drink and the mountains behind – a small white chapel sits at the top on the rocks.

There is also a separate nudist area, but if you stick to the main section of the beach, there should be no unexpected surprises.

Faliraki Waterpark

Not far from Faliraki Beach, you’ll find Faliraki Water park, the largest water park in Greece. With its huge range of water slides, lazy rivers, and pools, the waterpark is definitely one of the best family attractions in Rhodes for a hot summer’s day.

Younger kids will enjoy the Pirate Ship splash zone, activity pool, and animal-themed children’s slides. There’s even a dedicated toddler pool for under 3’s. 

And for older kids and teens, there are plenty of adrenaline-fuelled extreme slides too, including Kamikaze, Turbo Slide, and Space Bowl. Most thrill rides require kids to be 12+.

The park is open between May and October each year but may close due to bad weather, so be sure to check before your visit, especially if you’re planning a trip outside peak season. 

There’s a free shuttle from Rhodes Town to the park that runs several times a day.

Take a boat trip

There are some fantastic boat trips to explore Rhodes with kids, especially on the east coast of the island. The majority leave from Rhodes Town, Faliraki and Lindos, so if you’re staying on the opposite coast, be prepared to factor in the journey to get there.

You can also find little water taxis cruising along this coast between Rhodes Town and Faliraki, as well as high-speed boats from Rhodes Town to Lindos, or boats to take you from Faliraki to Lindos.

Plus, of course, plenty of boat trips with stops to snorkel and discover some of the highlights of the coast of Rhodes, or to take you on to other islands.

We decided on a three-hour all-inclusive boat trip from Faliraki (with options for a transfer from Rhodes Town among other locations).

Visiting the Afandou sea caves, Ladiko Bay (where you can snorkel to the drop-off at the edge of the bay) and Anthony Quinn Bay, with its own great snorkelling, we had plenty of chances to get into the water, time to relax in between, and an unending string of drinks (including frozen strawberry mocktails) plus some fruit. They even provide snorkels and noodles if you need them – brilliant with kids.

For a similar alternative with a few more adrenaline thrills, this RIB cruise makes four stops, including Anthony Quinn Bay and sea caves, while this three-hour submarine cruise takes you under the water as well as giving you the chance to swim and snorkel.

Or there are plenty of options departing from Rhodes Town – climb aboard a sailing ship to cruise down to Anthony Quinn Bay, the Afandou caves and Kallithea Springs, including lunch and drinks, as well as time to swim and snorkel.

View of some of the boats at Faliraki harbour including the yellow submarine, a great place to take one of the boat tours of Rhodes with kids

For a really memorable boat trip, this 18th century sailing ship has hour-long cruises from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town (it’s inspired by an 18th century ship if we’re being precise, but definitely close enough to fulful a few pirate dreams), plus there’s a sunset cruise too.

Or this full-day cruise includes three hours in Lindos to explore, as well as the chance to swim in Anthony Quinn Bay and Tsambika Bay.

From Lindos itself, you can find a three-hour glass-bottomed boat tour cruising around the turquoise waters of the bays in the shadow of Lindos acropolis, plus a one-hour glass-bottom boat tour with snorkeling, if your kids don’t fancy spending that long on the waves.

There’s a submarine cruise from Lindos too, with a swimming stop at Navarone Bay.

If you’re looking to venture further afield, you can also find plenty of boat trips to nearby Symi, among other options – scroll down for more details.

Rhodes Aquarium

Located at the end of the seaside promenade in the city of Rhodes, Rhodes Aquarium is a fun way for children to see marine life up close – without needing to get wet.

The unique aquarium has been designed to look like an underwater sea cave, with pebble-covered walls and narrow tunnels leading between tanks. It’s home to many amazing fish and marine creatures from around Greece and the eastern Mediterranean. 

The aquarium is fairly small and will only take an hour or so to visit. But it’s still a fun and affordable (under 5’s go free) place to keep little ones entertained and escape the scorching midday sun outside.

Wander Around Rhodes Old Town

Believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited medieval town in the world, Rhodes Old Town is steeped in history.

Other than the Palace of the Grand Master (read on for more details) there are plenty of historic sights to see and explore in Rhodes Old Town with kids.

You can climb part the ancient city walls and walk along the ramparts for great views over the city. Or take a wander through the winding cobbled alleyways to discover grand piazzas, historic palaces, Byzantine-era mosques, a centuries-old synagogue and even the ruins of many ancient temples.

The Old Town is packed with cafes, restaurants, and colourful souvenir shops too, so you can soak up the vibrant and lively atmosphere as you stroll. This is somewhere to wander aimlessly, discovering pretty courtyards, winding alleyways and tavernas tucked under shady trees as you go.

Walk the Street of the Knights

The chances are that you’ll find yourself walking down (or up!) the Street of the Knights at least once as you explore Rhodes Old Town.

My daughter looks up at the carvings on one of the old auberges on the Street of the Knights, historic medieval buildings lining the cobbled street - one of the unmissable things to do in Rhodes with kids

Close to the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, Odos Ippoton (to give it its proper name) leads you down to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes.

You can spot a few information boards as you wander, with a bit more information, but half the fun is looking at the historic buildings lining the cobbled street, including a string of auberges or inns housing different orders of the Knights of St John – the one for Spanish-speaking knights is one of the oldest.

There are coats of arms carved into walls and an old fountain, as well as archways and eye-catching architecture.

It does get busy as walking tours and cruise ship visitors flock here as well, so try to visit early if you want to see the street without the crowds – and do be careful on the cobbles, they can get very slippery.

Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes

Step back in time at the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, a magnificent medieval castle in the north of Rhodes Old Town and one of the most important sites in the old city.

The castle was built during the 14th century and is one of the few remaining examples of Gothic architecture in Greece. 

On a visit to the palace, which is now a museum, you can explore the grand courtyards and halls, see antique furniture and artworks, and admire the amazing mosaic floors (brought from Kos) – keep an eye out for Medusa and her mythical head full of snakes!

There are also small exhibitions in the palace where you can learn a bit more about the medieval history of Rhodes, although these will appeal more to older children.

You can buy entrance tickets with free cancellation, skip-the-line tickets and tickets with an audio guide in advance, or if you buy at the Palace itself, you can find joint tickets with the Archaeological museum and several other attractions in Rhodes Old Town for just a couple of Euros more

Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

Set in the former hospital of the Knights of St John, the Archaeological Museum is worth a visit for its buildings alone.

Wander into one of the grandest old chambers and you can discover tombstones dating back to the 14th century, of knights from a series of countries and provinces around Europe.

The gardens are also a lovely spot to wander, with a whole string of animal statues dotted around, plenty of shade and other larger pieces.

The main collection, which includes artefacts dating back 7,000 years, features displays from Kamiros and Ialissos, to help bring those ruins to life. Realistically, the museum is a bit dry for kids: glass case upon case of finds with no real chance to get hands on, so it’s better for older kids.

Having said that, there are still some items to catch the eye, including little hedgehog-shaped lamps, jewellery, beautifully decorated vases, and more than a few fantastical animals (not to mention another lion statue to spot in the courtyard).

As a combined ticket with the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights only costs a few euros extra, it’s well worth buying if you want to take a quick look around, without having to spend much extra.

For the best kids’ books about Greece, to introduce children to Greek gods and history, check out my top picks

Mandraki Harbour & Windmills

Mandraki is the main harbour of Rhodes, located just to the north of the medieval Old Town, and is a lovely place for a relaxing walk with the family. 

The entrance of the harbour is believed to have once been the location of the Colossus of Rhodes, a giant statue of the sun god Helios and one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. 

Today the harbour entrance is marked by bronze statues of two deer, as well as three iconic windmills that line the edge of the marina. The stone windmills were once used to mill the grain that was brought to the island by boat, but today they’re purely decorative. 

Throne of Helios: The History of Rhodes 9D Experience

For one of the most unusual activities on Rhodes with kids, head to the 30-minute Throne of Helios experience.

No mere 3D, 4D or even 5D experience either, as this promises a 9D experience to discover the history of Rhodes. What that means is two separate movies, featuring rain, snow, wind, fire and smell, as well as pictures, sound and motion.

The 20-minute long Throne of Helios focuses on the history and mythology of Rhodes, while the second six-minute film, Rhodes Race, is a high-speed chariot race with the 12 gods of Olympus.

Set in the oldest cinema on Rhodes, after you buckle in and pull on your 3D glasses, you’ll discover ancient gods, the famous Colossus of Rhodes (and the earthquake which destroyed it), the Knights Hospitaller, the invasion of Suleiman the Magnificent as well as a chance to walk through the island’s ancient tree and forests.

If you’ve got kids who are bored rigid by museums and ancient ruins, this has to be the best way to whizz through thousands of years of history and myth.

Hop on hop off bus tour of Rhodes

If you’re visiting Rhodes in the heat of the summer, walking around the city to explore can be hard work at times.

So while the hop-on hop-off bus tour of Rhodes can’t go into the heart of the medieval Old Town, it’s a good way to see some of the others highlights, take you to some of the attractions like the aquarium and give you some background on the history of Rhodes.

The hour-long circuit has 12 stops, including taking you up Monte Smith Hill, as well as to the Acropolis of Rhodes and the Temple of Apollo, among other historic sites. You can also hop on and hop off as much as you want along the route, so you can wander through the old gates into Rhodes Town as well, to see that on foot.

The buses are air conditioned too – they run regularly from April to October, but doublecheck if you’re visiting outside those months.

The Temple of Apollo at the Acropolis of Rhodes, one of the stops visited by the hop-on hop-off bus tour - a fun way to explore Rhodes Town with kids

Rhodes Toy Museum

Found in the centre of the island, Rhodes Toy Museum is a unique collection of vintage toys and games, many of which were produced in Greece, that children and parents can enjoy together.

For parents, the museum offers a nostalgic look at many toys from your own childhood, featuring items like Playmobil, battery-operated cars, board games, and dolls. 

For children, there are plenty of fun interactive displays – kids love the Lego play areas, a ‘games room’ with working arcade machines dating back to the 60s, and an outdoor adventure playground. Plus, under-12s go free!

The Valley of the Butterflies

One of the best things to do in Rhodes with kids during the summer months, and easily one of the most unusual experiences on the island, the Valley of the Butterflies is a magical spot for the whole family to explore.

From June to early September each year, this peaceful valley, centred around a river and surrounded by lush greenery, is home to thousands of butterflies (or “Petaloudes” in Greek) – actually a type of moth, bu valley of the moths doesn’t sound quite as enticing!

You can take a leisurely stroll along the riverside walkways, crossing over little wooden bridges and past picturesque waterfalls. The sight of clouds of butterflies hovering all around and perching on nearby tree trunks is enchanting as you spot flashes of red once they begin to fly – if you’re lucky, one might even land on you. 

Complete your day out with a visit to the Museum of Natural History, which is also in the valley. The museum has a climate-controlled hatchery where the butterflies reproduce.

If you don’t have your own transport, you can also find day tours visiting the Valley of the Butterflies.

The Farma of Rhodes Petting Zoo 

The Farma of Rhodes is another great child-friendly attraction, right next to the Butterfly Valley, so you can easily combine the two into a fun family day out in Rhodes – perfect for kids who love animals.

The large petting zoo lets you get up close with many unusual animal species, including ostriches, llamas, lemurs, camels, kangaroos, wild boars, dwarf goats, and more.

Kids can feed, pet, and take photos with many of the zoo’s animals. There’s even a special interaction zone for ostriches where you can meet the world’s largest birds along with a trained member of staff.

Bee Museum

The Bee Museum is a small family friendly museum in Rhodes where kids (and adults!) can discover the importance of bees and their role in the ecosystem. You can also learn about the history of beekeeping and honey production in Rhodes. 

Around the museum, there are plenty of interesting digital displays, interactive quizzes, educational games, and transparent observation hives where you can observe real bees through a microscope. You’ll need around an hour to visit the museum. 

There’s also a small kid’s playground outside, as well as a gift shop where you can purchase natural bee products like honey and wax souvenirs. 

Water under the trees at Seven Springs in Rhodes - a lovely day out in Rhodes for families who enjoy the outdoors

Seven Springs

For outdoorsy families, don’t miss the chance to explore the Seven Springs, a gorgeous gorge filled with thick woodland, walking trails, sparkling springs, and small winding rivers leading into a central lake.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can walk through a dark narrow tunnel that leads out to the main lake – although take flip-flops or water shoes as you’ll be wading through an ankle-high stream to do it.

Once at the lake, you can enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural springs (a word of warning: the water is pretty cold year-round!) or sit by the edge with an ice cream or drink from the small cafe. 

There are also day tours visiting Seven Springs if you don’t have your own transport

Apolakkia Lake

There are several artificial lakes in the centre of Rhodes, created by dams designed to help with irrigation on the island.

View of the turquoise waters of Apolakkia Lake, with pedalos moored on the dusty bank and scrubby trees around the banks and hills beyond - perfect if you want to head off the beaten track in Rhodes with kids

One of these, Apolakkia Lake, was constructed in 1987 with the chance to try waterspots, swim and hike along the lakeside. There’s even a small church on the banks, which sits on dry land during summer when the water levels are low, and becomes immersed in the water when the lake levels rise.

There is one places, Rhodescape, where you can hire kayaks plus there’s a small taverna – even in August, it was very quiet, so it’s probably best if you have your own gear. The water is an incredible opaque turquoise, so it’s well worth a detour just to enjoy the views.

Visit the village of Lindos

Lindos is a picturesque little hillside village sitting on the eastern coast of Rhodes – best known for its ancient Acropolis (read on for more details), it’s one of the most popular places on the island to explore.

The small pedestrian-only village is unsurprisingly touristy, but it’s still a very pretty place to wander, its narrow cobbled streets filled with small gift shops, cosy cafes, and amazing sea views.

If you’re visiting the Acropolis (scroll down for more), do save a bit of time to wander around, and it’s a good place to pick up a few souvenirs or to try some people-watching.

There are also a couple of beaches sitting below the village – both with soft sand, Lindos Beach is bigger, busier and you’ll find loungers galore plus kayaks to rent, while Pallas Beach is smaller and quieter, with shallow water that’s perfect if you’re visiting Rhodes with toddlers and younger kids. Nearby St Paul’s Bay is pebbly and a longer walk from any car parking.

View down to the beach from the Acropolis of Lindos with small boats in the bay, loungers on the sand and the rocky hills in the background - one of the best things to do in Lindos with kids

Lindos Acropolis

Lindos is best known for its incredible Acropolis, one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece and one of the best-known places to visit in Rhodes for families.

Sitting on a clifftop above the town, the Acropolis dates back thousands of years, with the ruins of ancient temples now tucked inside defensive walls built by the Knights of St John in medieval times.

For more tips on visiting the Acropolis of Lindos with kids, check out this post

View up to the Acropolis of Lindos above the curving stone path used by the donkeys to climb the hill - one of the unmissable days out in Rhodes for families

It’s a fascinating mix, with some signs and boards giving information on what you can see (although if you do want lots of detail, you’ll need a guide). The columns of the Temple of Athena Lindia are one of the oldest sections.

To reach the Acropolis, you’ll need to walk up from the village: there are two routes, a winding slope which leads left out of the village and up the hill, or another which climbs the steps through the village past the souvenir stalls. Both take a similar amount of time, around 20 minutes.

If the walk is too much for little legs, there are donkey rides available for kids – and the donkeys do look well cared for – but realistically it’s not too difficult.

It’s best to visit early in the day to avoid the crowds and the worst of the heat: as with most ancient sites, you won’t find much shade while you’re exploring.

You can buy tickets in advance, including directly from the Hellenic Heritage site or from sites including tiqets(with a small discount using my link and the code MUMMYTRAVELS6) or Get Your Guide, which allows you to add an audio guide.

If you have your ticket, you don’t have to queue, just go straight in past the ticket off to the turnstiles. When cruise ships are visiting, the queues can be overwhelming, even at 9.30am, so it’s well worth doing. You can even scan QR codes in the queue to buy your tickets if you turn up and it’s longer than you expected.

Monolithos Castle

Located on the west coast of the island, the ruins of Monolithos Castle are one of the more unusual historic sites on Rhodes for kids – and much less visited than somewhere like the Acropolis of Lindos.

The 15th-century fortress sits on a cliff top overlooking the sea, once one of the key sites to protect the island.

View of Monolithos Castle on top of its rocky hill with the sea and rocky headland seen beyond - ideal if you want to head off the beaten track in Rhodes with kids

Today, it’s a fun spot for kids to let their imaginations run free and envision life as a medieval knight protecting the island from marauding pirates or other enemies. One a clear day, the sea seems to stretch off forever to the horizon.

You can drive most of the way up to the castle, with just a short 5-10 minute climb from the car park to reach the ruins. The stone staircase up to the castle is steep and a little uneven, so be extra careful when climbing with babies or toddlers though. 

The sunset views here are wonderful if you’re visiting with older kids, although it does tend to get busier then, but it’s worth a visit at any time of day.

Ruins of Ancient Kamiros

If you do love learning more about history, Kamiros was one of the first ever cities on Rhodes. Thought to have been founded in the 7th century BCE, it has a long and diverse past, and you can still visit the remains of this 3,000-year-old city to learn more about ancient civilizations that once lived there. 

The huge archaeological site still has crumbling ruins of houses built over three levels, a reservoir, fountains, and a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena – even if you’re visiting with younger children who won’t appreciate the history, they can stretch their legs as you journey back in time. 

Under 16s can visit the site for free, making it an affordable day out in Rhodes with kids – it’s also around 10 minutes from colourful Fanes, making it an easy one to combine with a day wandering around the tiny village with its vibrant houses.

You can also find tours visiting Kamiros and the nearby Valley of the Butterflies.

Discover some Greek crafts

One of the things I love about exploring Greece is discovering its traditions, whether it’s food or culture or chances to get hands on and make something.

And for older kids with a creative side, you can even have a go at a pottery class making a pomegranate while you’re on Rhodes.

A traditional symbol of good fortune and abundance, the two hour ceramics class lets you transform the raw materials with your hands into a unique souvenir, which is also then painted. Although it’s worth knowing that as it takes two weeks to completely paint and fire the pomegranate, the one you take home was begun by someone else.

But it’s definitely a unique memory to take home from your family holiday in Rhodes. The studio is a short drive from Rhodes Old Town

Take a day trip to Symi

While there are plenty of things to do in Rhodes with kids, it’s always tempting to island hop while you’re in Greece – even for a day. And one of the easiest options is to take a day trip from Rhodes to Symi.

The pretty island is much smaller than its neighbour, with brightly coloured houses sprawling up the hill from the harbour, tiny coves with fabulously clear water, a traditional sponge diving industry, and a more laid-back feel.

View of the pastel coloured buildings in the harbour of Symi - an easy day trip from Rhodes with kids

Take a boat tour with one of the fast boats which zips between the two islands – this trip to Symi from Rhodes Town gives you around three and a half hours on Symi, including options for a transfer from your hotel.

If you want a bit longer, this day tour to Symi includes a visit to the Panormitis Monastery, while this boat cruise to Symi includes time to swim in St George’s Bay.

Alternatively you can take a ferry, with a string of different options departing from Rhodes Town to Symi (most have an option to leave in the morning and return in the evening, with a journey time of around an hour) – check out the different routes on Bookaway and Ferryhopper.

We spent several days on Symi on a previous Greek Island hopping family holiday and loved it, if you’re wondering whether to visit

Take a day trip to Kos

Another of the great family-friendly islands to visit in the Dodecanese, there’s lots to do in Kos with kids – realistically, the island is better for at least a short break rather than a day trip but if you’re determined to squeeze in a quick visit, it’s just about doable.

My daughter look out to the Aegean from the viewpoint in Kefalos old town - with a few days on the island, I found 11 things to do in Kos with kids

There are several ferry routes from Rhodes Town to Kos, so check the ones which have a shorter journey time – the fastest take around two and a half hours, which gives you as much as five hours on the island.

Check the different options on Bookaway or Ferryhopper.

For more things to do in Kos with kids, check out my top picks

Take a day trip to Turkey

Like Kos, it takes a couple of hours to get from Rhodes to Turkey, but it’s still possible to fit in a family day trip if you time it right.

One of the best routes to try is from Rhodes to Marmaris, around an hour away – with early morning ferries returning in the early evening, you could have half a day to explore the Turkish resort, once you’ve cleared immigration (don’t forget your passport, and do check if you need a visa!)

View of Marmaris harbor on the Turkish Riviera, one of the places you can visit by ferry from Rhodes with kids

There are also ferries to Fethiye, but you’d need an overnight stay at least, as these leave Turkey in the early morning and leave Rhodes Town in the early evening, so the wrong timings for a day trip from Rhodes with kids. If you fancy visiting Bodrum, you’ll need to depart from Kos.

How to get around Rhodes with kids

Although Rhodes isn’t the biggest Greek island (certainly compared to Crete!), it still takes a few hours to drive all the way around, especially when you factor in the mountainous hills in the centre of the island.

But the roads are generally good and it’s easy to get around by car, so having your own wheels is a great option if you’re visiting Rhodes with kids, as you can be so much more flexible.

I’m a big fan of Zest Car Rental which we used to book a car for our own trip to Rhodes, or you can also check out car hire rates on Discover Cars

It’s also easy to arrange day trips and tours from Rhodes Town and the main resorts of the east coast, although you’re planning to stay anywhere else – especially on the north coast – it can be trickier, so it’s a good idea to have a car for at least part of the time.

View through our hire car windscreen of one of the winding mountain roads through the heart of Rhodes - renting your own car is a good idea for families in Rhodes

Where to stay in Rhodes with kids

Whether you’re looking for your own villa or a family-friendly hotel, there’s plenty of choice in Rhodes.

I’m a big fan of Plum Guide for stylish self-catering accommodation, with individually vetted properties and the option to filter accommodation to suit kids under one, and kids under 12.

If you’re looking for a package holiday, TUI has a whole string of family holidays in Rhodes, including all-inclusive deals and more budget breaks. Or you can book independently, with a string of low-cost airlines flying to Rhodes and plenty of places to stay for all budgets on booking.com

Should you visit Rhodes with kids after the wildfires?

It’s understandable to feel put off visiting the island after seeing the terrible images of the wildfires last summer – but despite that, Rhodes still a wonderful place for a family holiday.

The majority of the island was completely unaffected – staying near Fanes, you wouldn’t have known there were any fires at all, and the same for the coast from Rhodes Town to Faliraki.

While the blackened hills slopes were still evident further along the coast from Lindos towards Gennadi (where we stayed at the Gennadi Grand Resort), one of the worst-hit areas, just weeks later work had already started to replant trees and most hotels had reopened.

With tourism badly hit thanks to Covid, as well as the fires, it’s important to support those businesses as far as possible too – and the risk of fire isn’t limited to the Greek islands sadly, with Portugal and Spain both affected.

Despite it all, we had a wonderful 10 days on the island, and I’d recommend a family holiday in Rhodes to anyone.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Agathi Beach/Anthony Quinn Bay/Tsambika Beach/Acropolis of Rhodes/Seven Springs/Marmaris images courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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