Family Holidays in Rhodes: What It’s Really Like Visiting Rhodes with Teenagers

Where We Stayed: Mitsis Petit Palais

We stayed at the Mitsis Petit Palais on a bed and breakfast basis, and for the type of holiday we wanted, it worked really well.

The location was a big reason I chose it. We were close enough to walk into Rhodes Old Town, but also near the waterfront, so we could easily head out and explore without spending lots of time travelling. Because we were staying on a bed and breakfast basis, we also had the freedom to try different restaurants and traditional Greek tavernas each evening. With teenagers, I actually think this worked perfectly. We weren't tied to the hotel for every meal and could decide each day what we fancied doing. Some evenings we would wander into Rhodes Town for dinner, while other times we would simply head out for a walk, find somewhere for a drink or stop for an ice cream. The hotel itself was comfortable and convenient rather than a huge resort, which suited us because we weren't travelling to Rhodes to spend the whole week around a swimming pool.

For families looking for a strong hotel in Rhodes Town, particularly if you want to explore rather than stay in a resort all day, I think Mitsis Petit Palais makes a really good base.

Exploring Rhodes Old Town

One of the main reasons I wanted to stay in Rhodes Town was the famous Old Town, and it really didn't disappoint. The medieval Old Town of Rhodes is absolutely beautiful. Walking through the cobbled streets, underneath the old stone archways and through the historic gates really does feel like stepping back in time. But what I love about it is that it doesn't feel like a museum. It is full of life. There are restaurants, cafés, shops and people wandering around, so you can combine sightseeing with lunch, shopping or simply sitting down with a cold drink and watching the world go by. We spent plenty of time exploring the narrow streets and discovering different parts of the Old Town.

The Medieval City Walls

The medieval walls are one of the things that make Rhodes Old Town so special. They surround the historic centre and give you a real sense of the island's fascinating past. Walking around the walls and seeing the impressive gates and stone architecture was one of my favourite parts of exploring Rhodes. If you enjoy history, this is definitely something to put on your list of  things to do in Rhodes

Wandering the Cobbled Streets

This was probably my favourite way to explore Rhodes Old Town. Rather than having a strict plan, we simply wandered. You can turn one corner and find a beautiful little courtyard, a tiny chapel, an independent shop or a quiet café tucked away from the main streets. Some of my favourite moments were actually away from the busiest tourist areas. So my tip would be to put the map away for a while and just explore. You never know what you are going to find.

Shopping in Rhodes Town

Of course, travelling with teenagers meant shopping was always going to make an appearance!

Rhodes Old Town has everything from the typical souvenir shops to smaller independent stores selling jewellery, ceramics, leather goods and traditional Greek products. It was lovely being able to combine a little sightseeing with some shopping and, naturally, plenty of stops for ice cream and cold drinks. And this is one of the reasons I think Rhodes is so good for families with teenagers. There is enough history and culture to make the holiday interesting, but you don't have to spend every day dragging teenagers around historical sites. You can explore for an hour, stop for lunch, browse the shops and then head to the beach. That balance works really well.

Visiting Rhodes Old Town in Summer

One thing I would mention if you are planning a summer holiday to Rhodes is that Rhodes Old Town can get very busy, particularly during the peak summer months.

Cruise ship days can make the main streets particularly crowded. For us, being based close by was a real advantage because we could go out earlier, explore when it was quieter and then head back whenever we wanted a break. There are also lots of quieter streets away from the main tourist areas, so don't be afraid to wander away from the busiest parts. You will often find some of the prettiest little corners that way. 

Change of Pace: Ixia Beach

During our week we also visited Ixia, which is just along the coast from Rhodes Town.

It felt completely different. Rhodes Town is bustling, historic and full of things happening, whereas Ixia had a much more relaxed feel. The beach is pebbly rather than sandy, but the water was incredibly clear and that gorgeous deep blue colour you associate with Greece. It was lovely to have somewhere quieter to escape to for a few hours. I think Ixia is a great option for families staying in Rhodes Town who want a more relaxed beach day without having to travel too far. If you are looking at where to stay in Rhodes, Ixia is also worth considering if you like being close to Rhodes Town but don't necessarily want to stay right in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

The Best Beaches in Rhodes

When people think about a Rhodes holiday, the beautiful beaches are obviously going to be high on the list. And there are plenty to choose from. What I liked about our holiday was that we could combine beach days with sightseeing, shopping and boat trips, rather than having to choose one or the other. For families, I think that variety is a huge bonus. You can spend one day exploring Rhodes Old Town, another relaxing by the sea and another heading out on a boat trip.

Eating Out in Rhodes Town

One of the things we really enjoyed about staying bed and breakfast was being able to eat somewhere different every evening. And there is certainly no shortage of places to eat in Rhodes Town You will find lively restaurants and traditional Greek tavernas around the main streets and squares, but some of my favourite moments were discovering the smaller restaurants tucked away down the quieter side streets. There is something lovely about sitting outside on a warm evening, enjoying Greek food while the streets start to come alive. We enjoyed everything from souvlaki and Greek salads to grilled fish and, of course, plenty of Greek desserts. With teenagers, it was also nice to let them have a say in where we ate.  Sometimes the best holiday memories come from the simplest things. table outside, good food, a cold drink and nowhere else you need to be.

Our Day Trip to Symi

One of the highlights of our family holiday in Rhodes was taking a boat trip to the beautiful island of Symi. If you are visiting Rhodes, I would definitely recommend looking at a Symi day trip from Rhodes. The boat journey itself is part of the experience. You get beautiful views across the Aegean Sea and that lovely feeling of heading off somewhere new for the day. And then you arrive in Symi. The harbour is absolutely beautiful, with pastel coloured houses climbing up the hillsides and traditional neoclassical buildings overlooking the water. It genuinely looks like a postcard. We spent time wandering around, looking in the little shops and stopping for a drink and something to eat beside the harbour. It was a lovely change of pace from Rhodes Town. I also think Symi is a great day trip for families with teenagers because it feels interesting and grown up without requiring hours and hours of sightseeing. There is plenty to look at, lots of lovely photographs to take and enough shops and restaurants to keep everyone happy.

Things to Do in Rhodes with Teenagers

If you are wondering whether Rhodes is good for teenagers, my answer is definitely yes.

Travelling with a 16 and 18 year old meant that we needed a holiday that offered more than just a swimming pool and kids' entertainment. Rhodes gave us exactly that. Here are some of the things I would recommend if you are planning Rhodes with teenagers

Explore Rhodes Old Town

This is an obvious one, but it really is worth doing. Explore the medieval streets, walk around the old city walls, browse the shops and stop for food and drinks along the way.

Spend Time at the Beach

Whether you choose a beach near Rhodes Town or head further afield, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and relaxing.

Visit Ixia

If you want somewhere a little quieter, Ixia makes a lovely change from Rhodes Town.

Take a Boat Trip to Symi

This was one of our highlights and is something I would definitely recommend.

Enjoy the Restaurants and Taverns, Teenagers will always appreciate good food, and Rhodes certainly delivers! Explore in the Evening Rhodes Town has a lovely atmosphere after dark. The streets come alive, restaurants fill up and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy an evening stroll.

An Evening in Faliraki with the Boys

Of course, travelling to Rhodes with two teenage lads meant we couldn't completely avoid Faliraki! We headed there one evening to let the boys have a bit of fun and experience the famous nightlife that Rhodes is known for. There are plenty of bars, music and entertainment, and it was definitely lively! I’ll be honest, Faliraki is definitely not for me again, but the boys absolutely loved it and it was great seeing them have a proper night out and enjoy themselves. If you're looking at Rhodes with teenagers, particularly older teens, having the option of heading into Faliraki for an evening is another reason Rhodes works so well. You can enjoy the history and atmosphere of Rhodes Town, have your relaxing beach days and then give the teenagers the chance to experience something a little more lively too!<

Why Rhodes Works So Well for Families with Teenagers

I think this is where Rhodes really surprised me.

When you are booking a family holiday with teenagers, it can sometimes be difficult to find somewhere that everyone genuinely enjoys. You don't necessarily want a traditional children's resort anymore, but you still want somewhere that feels easy, safe and family friendly. Rhodes manages to offer that balance really well. There is independence without feeling overwhelming. There is plenty to do without needing to plan every minute. And there is enough variety that everyone gets something from the holiday.

For us, being based in Rhodes Town was particularly good because the teenagers had plenty to see and do, while we could still enjoy the history, food and beautiful surroundings.

Is Rhodes Good for a Family Holiday?

Absolutely.

I would happily recommend Rhodes for a family holiday, especially for families with older children and teenagers. The combination of beautiful beaches, history, restaurants, shopping and excursions means there is something for everyone. And you can tailor your holiday depending on what your family enjoys. You could stay in Rhodes Town like we did and make the most of the Old Town and nearby beaches, or choose one of the many beach resorts around the island if relaxing by the pool and sea is more important to you. There really isn't one right way to do Rhodes.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Rhodes?

Rhodes has a lovely long summer season, which is one of the reasons it is such a popular  Greek island holiday destination

We visited in June and found it a great time to go. The weather was warm, the island had plenty of atmosphere and it didn't feel quite as intense as the middle of the summer. July and August are naturally hotter and busier, particularly around the popular resorts and Rhodes Old Town.

If you are travelling with teenagers and want to combine sightseeing with beach time, I think June and September are particularly worth considering. The weather is still lovely, but you can potentially avoid some of the busiest periods.

Our week in Rhodes Town gave us such a lovely balance of exploring, relaxing, eating, shopping and spending time together as a family. Staying at Mitsis Petit Palais on a bed and breakfast basis worked really well because it gave us the freedom to get out and experience Rhodes rather than spending the whole week in one place. We explored the medieval Old Town, enjoyed time around Ixia, ate some fantastic Greek food and had a brilliant day out in Symi. And I think that is what I loved most about Rhodes. It wasn't just a beach holiday. It felt like a proper holiday where we could experience the destination, but still have plenty of time to relax. If you are looking for a family holiday to Rhodes with teenagers, I would definitely put Rhodes on your list. It has that perfect combination of beautiful beaches, history, great food, shopping and things to do, without feeling as though you constantly have to be on the go. And because I've experienced Rhodes myself with two teenagers, I can give my clients honest, first hand advice about what I think works and which areas and hotels might suit different families.

Whether you are looking for a Rhodes family holiday, a holiday in Rhodes Town, a beach holiday in Greece, a Greek island escape or a hotel close to Rhodes Old Town, there are so many different options to consider.

The important thing is choosing the right area and the right hotel for what you actually want from your holiday.

That's where I can help. I've been there, I've experienced it and I know how important it is to get the right holiday for your family. If you're thinking about a Rhodes holiday, get in touch with me and tell me what you're looking for, the ages of your children and your budget. I'll do the searching for you and help you find the right option, rather than leaving you to trawl through hundreds of hotels yourself.

Ready to start planning your Rhodes family holiday? Get in touch and let's find your perfect Greek island escape.