Ialysos Beach - windsurfing, hotels & ancient history, Rhodes

The scenery along the Ialysos shoreline is consistently picturesque: a highly organized beach, with gardens and swimming pools just behind it, backed by multi-story hotels featuring tennis courts and various facilities. Ialysos is notable as the starting point for Rhodes' development as a tourist destination in the 1960s, situated 5 km southwest of Rhodes City. Today, the hotel zones of Ixia and the small town of Ialysos offer over 20,000 beds, including several luxury hotels, catering to a wide range of visitors.

There is plenty of activity in this area: both the Strip in Ixia center and Ialysos Beach are hubs of entertainment, featuring numerous bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Visitors can enjoy a variety of nightlife options, from lively pubs in the bustling town of Ialysos to vibrant clubs and eateries. The energetic atmosphere also offers a glimpse into the vibrant Greek youth scene, making it an exciting destination for both tourists and locals.

Ialysos and Trianda are one of the best surf spots on the island. The pebbly beach drops quickly to greater depths, the wind blows reliably during the day diagonally from the sea to the land. This is a great advantage for beginners, as they normally cannot be drifted far into the sea. Several surf schools offer courses and equipment rental.

Just as at Ixia, the hotel beaches in Ialysos alternate with organized public beaches, used mainly by visitors from those local hotels that do not have their own private beach. It is an ideal place for those who love swimming. Along the cafes and restaurants, there are also many kiosks, mini-markets and fast food outlets.

The town of Ialysos

Ialyssos, the second largest town on Rhodes, is located on the northwest coast and has a rich history dating back to 1500 BC. As one of the island's first three ancient cities, Ialysos features significant archaeological sites on the hill of Filerimos. Visitors can explore the ruins of the temples of Zeus and Athena, remnants of Byzantine fortifications, a 14th-century church of the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, and the Stations of the Cross, marked by cypress trees and impressive engravings. At the path's end stands a seventy-meter-high cross, accessible by a steep staircase. The panoramic view from the top is unrivaled, with clear-day sights extending to Lindos in the east and Kalymnos in the west.