Sports and recreation

get active in Rhodes

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Sports & Recreation in Rhodes

Embrace the active side of Rhodes Island, where a plethora of recreational sports awaits those seeking adventure and rejuvenation. Dive into the azure waters for a swim or catch a wave while surfing; indulge in the tranquility of a yoga session or explore unconventional leisure activities. With endless opportunities to invigorate your body and soul, Rhodes is the ultimate destination for fitness enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.

Prasonisi beach and the east shore are perfect for surfing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, which are by far the most popular sport activities on the island. Paragliding has become the newest, but at the same time the most hip flying sport in Rhodes. You might also like to explore the island by horse, as there are many opportunities for horse riding. But, if you are a bit more or the active site, you can also choose to join a bicycling tour. There countless opportunities for sporting activities.

  • Athletics - There are running tracks and other athletics facilities at Diagoras Stadium and at Karakonero (on the Rhodes-Kalithea road). A popular place for jogging is the ancient stadium.
  • Badminton - Several hotels offer the opportunity for badminton in their premises, although you will have to be a resident at the hotel.
  • Bungy Jumping - On Faliraki Beach (summer only)
  • Football - There are now 5-a-side football pitches all over the island, and many have lessons for juniors. Good ones in Rhodes town include Rodos Mini Football on the Rhodes-Lindos road, just past Rhodini, and Oasis, near the hospital.
  • Go-Karts - Track with Bullet and Junior carts at Stan’s Go-Karts in Faliraki.
  • Golf - There is an 18 hole, par 72 golf course in Afandou open 12 months a year. An Open Tournament takes place each October.
  • Gymnasiums - There are many good gyms all over Rhodes. Those at the Grand Hotel in Rhodes town and Paradise hotel in Koskinou are open all year round and have swimming pools
  • Hiking and trekking and walking - There are many good walks on Rhodes
  • Horse Riding - You will find many horse riding clubs and schools on the island.
  • Rowing - The Nautical Club of Rhodes (N.O.R.) at the Nothern end of Elli beach in Rhodes town offers lessons (in Greek).
  • Sailing - Rhodes is the most important centre in the Aegean for yachting. You can hire various craft, bare-boat or crewed, sail or power, at e.g. Yacht Agency Rhodes (Tel. +30 22410 22927), or Passion Sailing Cruises (+30 22410 73006)
  • If you have your own boat you can moor it at Mandraki harbour (+30 22410 27690). There is no size limits for boats and all modern facilities are available. Mooring fees on application. Please be warned that entrance is dangerous in strong East to South winds.
  • The Nautical Club of Rhodes (N.O.R.) offers lessons but these are in Greek (I struggled through a 10 week course several years ago)
  • Scuba-diving - There are dive schools located at Mandraki harbour. The boats leave about 9am and arrive an hour or so later. Beginners can do a shallow-water ‘try dive’, those with existing certification can do a couple of more advanced deeper dives, one of which explores a cave and tunnel system.
  • Squash - The Hilton hotel in Ixia has two courts with racquets available for hire. Tel 22410 74014.
  • Swimming - Just in case you missed it: Rhode's has some of the beast beaches in the Mediterranean to offer ;)
  • Table-tennis - The tennis club in Karakonero (see below) has professional-standard tables. In the summer hotels all over Rhodes have tables.
  • Tennis - The main tennis club is at Karakonero, on the road from Rhodes Town to Kalithea. There are two red clay courts and several hard courts with floodlights. The club also has three hard courts behind Elli Beach near the Casino. In the summer a cheaper option is to play at one of the many large hotels, although these vary widely in quality.
  • Volleyball - There are beach volley courts at Karakonero, and many organized beaches offer volley courts as well.Waterskiing - Waterskiing is possible on many of the beaches round Rhodes, including Ixia, Faliraki, Lindos and more.
  • Watersports - Parasailing, ‘banana rides’, ‘ringo-ing’, sea kayaks and others are available at beaches around Rhodes including Elli beach in Rhodes town, Faliraki, Afandou, Lindos, Kiotari.
  • Windsurfing - Rhodes is renowned as one of the best windsurfing spots in the world. Real pros head for Prassonisi at the far south of the island, but conditions are also ideal on the West coast off Ixia and Ialyssos for beginners or the more experienced. Kitesurfing is also growing in popularity.
  • Yoga

Beach volley

Beach volley is a sport that has been tremendously richer in the world over the last few years. Rhodes Island was a great bridge of events around the world and across Europe.

Cycling in Rhodes

Exploring the island at your own pace on a bicycle is an incredibly interesting way to experience Rhodes. Road cycling on Rhodes island is second to none and there is a huge variety in types and difficulty of routes to choose from. From nice gentle spins down the coastal roads or more energetic climbs up into the hills and gorgeous pine forests - you will be able to find a perfect cycling route just right for your preference.

Hiking, walking and trekking on Rhodes

Walking, trekking and hiking are some of the most beautiful ways to discover the hidden corners of Rhodes. Not to mention that the weather also plays along: it is almost perfect all year round.

Horse Riding in Rhodes

There are places which offer holidays based solely around riding, with accommodation right at the stables, and places just for a daily horse riding excursion. It all depends on what level you are after.

Scuba Diving in Rhodes

Diving tourism and the experience of diving during the holiday combine an ecological way of recreation. 4 million Europeans prefer diving tourism. Among the top destinations is also Greece due to the unique maritime wealth it has at its disposal. Rhodes has some spectacular diving spots and it doesn’t matter if you are a first time diver or very experienced, diving in Rhodes is a joy.

Water Sports in Rhodes

Rhodes island offers ample opportunities to experience a wide range of water sports. The most prominent sport types are windsurfing and kite-surfing, followed closely by jet-skiing, snorkeling and diving.