Kalithea lies on the north east tip of Rhodes, seven kilometres from Rhodes Town and has a transfer time from the airport of forty-five minutes. Kalithea was developed as a spa resort because of its healing spring waters and its Italian built baths are at present being renovated. Kalithea has a wide sandy beach popular with locals as well as tourists. Being close to Rhodes Town, it benefits from the many attractions that the capital has to offer.
A Kalithea holiday offers a relaxing break on a sandy beach with a guarantee of hot summer sun. Crystal clear waters offer a range of water sports including snorkelling and scuba diving. It is an ideal base from which to visit the medieval citadel that is Rhodes Town.
A Kalithea holiday appeals to a wide variety of people. Families can enjoy the sandy beach that shelves gently into the warm Mediterranean water. The close proximity of Kalithea to Rhodes Town draws many young people to the resort, where they can enjoy the beach by day and the vibrant bars and clubs by night.
The most popular time to visit Kalithea is in the summer although the season does extend from March to November when the temperature range is from twenty to thirty degrees.
Kalithea is a peaceful resort on the north east coast of Rhodes, a short distance from the capital. Lying in pretty surroundings, Kalithea claims to have some of the most luxurious hotels on the island. Kalithea Bay has a wonderful sandy beach which is very popular with locals as well as tourists. The sand is lapped by the inviting waters of the Mediterranean which offers safe conditions for children and less confident swimmers. A variety of water sports are available including diving and snorkelling in the clear water of the bay. There are also a number of small sandy coves which offer a degree of privacy.
Kalithea was once a popular spa and restoration work is taking place on the baths, built by an Italian in the nineteen twenties. The domed pavilions and marble pillars lie in pretty gardens and were once very popular with those journeying to the spa for its curative properties.
Kalithea has no real commercial centre and shopping is limited. The restaurants and tavernas provide a range of food but if more variety is needed, Rhodes Town is just along the road.
A visit to Rhodes Town is an essential part of any holiday to the island. The medieval citadel is a magnificent sight and once inside its walls it is easy to get lost in its labyrinth of alleyways and tiny squares. The gardens of Andhronikou have a Son et Lumiere each evening during the summer months as well as folk dancing and traditional music.
Kalithea nightlife is fairly low-key with much of the entertainment being provided by the larger hotels. Being so close to Rhodes Town holidaymakers can enjoy the lively nightlife in its bars, pubs and discos. There is also a casino in the town for those who like a holiday flutter.
Kalithea shopping is limited with mini-markets supplying holiday essentials and small shops selling gifts and souvenirs. The retail limitations of Kalithea matter little as Rhodes Town is only a short distance away. Within the walls, in the Turkish quarter, is Sokratous Street where you will find luxury goods, fashion boutiques and jewellers. Outside the walls are numerous craft, gift and souvenir shops where holiday mementoes can be purchased.
Kalithea has a small number of restaurants and tavernas serving a variety of food and catering for most tastes. Being on an island, fish plays an important part in the diet and small fried fish, shellfish and kalimari are firm favourites. Lamb and chicken are used most commonly in meat dishes. Local wines are easy on the palate as well as the purse. If you require a wider choice of food, take a bus or taxi into Rhodes Town where you will find menus that accommodate even the most pernickety of palates. Fast food stalls such as Souvlatzidiki sell takeaway souvlakis, a type of kebab. For a more substantial snack these are sometimes wrapped in pita bread and called gyros.
Eating in Rhodes is meant to be an unhurried pleasure, so please don’t mistake the relaxed attitude of waiters for tardy service.
