Ixia and Ialyssos form a continuous strip of modern resort development along Rhodes's north-west coast, stretching south from Rhodes Town towards the airport. This stretch of coastline faces the open Aegean and catches the afternoon sun and the prevailing winds, which has made it one of the best windsurfing locations in the Dodecanese. The area is also popular with families and couples drawn by the large, well-equipped resort hotels, the proximity to Rhodes Town and the beautiful sunsets over the sea.
Location and Getting There
Ixia and Ialyssos are on the north-west coast of Rhodes, with Ixia just five minutes from Rhodes Town and Ialyssos around ten minutes further south. Rhodes Airport (RHO) is approximately fifteen minutes' drive. The flight from Dublin takes around four hours. The coastal road connects the resorts to Rhodes Town's shops, restaurants and historic sites.
Beaches
The beach along this stretch of coast is a long, narrow strip of sand and pebble backed by the hotel zone. The water is generally clean and inviting, though the open western exposure means there can be waves and wind — which is exactly what makes it excellent for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Several hotels have invested in beach improvements, creating more sheltered sections with imported sand. For calmer swimming, the beaches on the eastern coast (Faliraki, Tsambika) are a short drive across the island.
Greek beaches are renowned worldwide for their water clarity, and the islands consistently rank among Europe's top beach destinations. The combination of the Mediterranean climate, clean seas and varied coastline — from wide sandy stretches to intimate pebble coves — means there is a beach for every preference. Many Greek beaches are backed by tavernas where you can enjoy fresh fish and a cold beer just metres from the water. Beach etiquette in Greece is relaxed, and public access to the shoreline is protected by law, though sunbed areas on popular beaches are typically managed by nearby businesses.
Things to Do
Windsurfing and kitesurfing schools operate along the beach, taking advantage of the reliable afternoon winds. Several of the large resort hotels have extensive facilities including pools, spas, tennis courts and kids' clubs. The Ancient Ialyssos site on Filerimos Hill above the resort has interesting ruins and panoramic views. Rhodes Town, with its magnificent medieval Old Town, is just minutes away and provides a complete cultural experience. Day trips to Lindos, the Valley of the Butterflies and the island of Symi are all popular.
Island-hopping is one of the great pleasures of a Greek holiday, and even if you are based on one island, day trips to nearby islands are often available by ferry or excursion boat. The Greek islands also offer a range of cultural experiences beyond the major archaeological sites — local festivals (panigiri), the evening volta (the traditional evening stroll), and the simple pleasure of sitting in a village square watching the world go by while sipping a cold frappe coffee. For active visitors, kayaking, hiking the coastal paths and cycling are increasingly popular ways to explore the island landscapes away from the beach.
Dining and Nightlife
Most dining in Ixia and Ialyssos revolves around the large resort hotels, many of which offer all-inclusive packages. There are also independent restaurants along the main road and in the small village centres. For a wider choice and more atmospheric dining, Rhodes Town is a short taxi ride away. Nightlife is concentrated in the hotels and a small number of bars. For a bigger night out, Rhodes Town's new town has a lively bar and club scene.
One of the great joys of eating in Greece is the emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients prepared simply. The taverna culture — where you might choose your fish from a display, point at dishes in the kitchen, or simply ask what is good today — creates a personal, unhurried dining experience that is central to Greek island life. Raki or tsipouro (the local grape spirits) are often offered free at the end of a meal as a gesture of hospitality. Greek wine has improved enormously in recent decades, and island wineries are producing labels that increasingly challenge the old assumption that Greek wine begins and ends with retsina. Vegetarian visitors will find Greece particularly accommodating — dishes like gigantes (giant beans), briam (roasted vegetables), spanakopita and the ubiquitous Greek salad with local feta make for excellent meat-free eating.
Best Time to Visit
May to October. The windsurfing season peaks from June to September when the meltemi winds are strongest. For beach relaxation, the calmer months of May and October are pleasant. Sunsets over the Aegean from this west-facing coast are spectacular year-round.
Practical Information for Irish Visitors
Greece is in the EU. Euro, no visa. Two hours ahead of Ireland. English spoken in hotels and tourist businesses.
Healthcare is available through the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), but comprehensive travel insurance is strongly advised. Greek pharmacies are well equipped and pharmacists are knowledgeable — for minor ailments, a pharmacy visit is often sufficient. Tap water quality varies by island — on the larger islands it is generally safe, but bottled water is cheap and widely preferred. Greek time is two hours ahead of Ireland year-round, which is worth noting when calling home or planning flight connections. The pace of life in Greece is famously relaxed, with late dinners (often starting at nine or ten in the evening) and a general emphasis on enjoying the moment rather than rushing through the day.
Why Book with Sunholidays.ie
Sunholidays.ie is Irish-owned and IAA licensed (Licence No. T0601). Twenty euro per person deposit, monthly payments, price match guarantee. The team can help you choose between the many large resort hotels along this stretch of coast.
Ixia and Ialyssos (Trianda) are adjacent resort areas stretching along the shingle coastline of Rhodes's northwest, known for their consistent breezes making them ideal for windsurfing. This stretch is lined with many large, modern resort hotels, often offering all-inclusive packages. While the beaches are mainly shingle, the area is prized for its spectacular sunsets over the Aegean Sea and its convenient proximity to Rhodes Town. Popular with Irish holidaymakers seeking hotel-based relaxation and watersports.