Beyond kiting: our island tips for Rhodes

Beyond kiting: our island tips for Rhodes

Rhodes is more than just a spot with good wind. Sure, that’s why most of us are here – but the island has so much more to offer that it’d be a shame to only look at the water. In the mornings, the Meltemi is usually still calm; it really picks up from midday – the perfect time to squeeze in a little trip before you hit the water.

Summary

What makes the island special

Rhodes is history and beach in one. The medieval old town of Rhodes Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels like a journey through time – narrow alleys, ancient walls, great food on every corner. At the same time, the island has that effortless Greek ease you need when you’re not kiting. Add secluded bays, crystal-clear water, and sunsets at our spot that you’ll never forget.
What truly sets Rhodes apart is the contrast: On one side, lively tourist hubs along the coast; on the other, small mountain villages inland where time seems to have stood still – old men playing tavli in front of the church, olive and citrus trees lining the roads, and the smell of grilled meat or freshly baked bread drifting from every kitchen. Drive the coastal road at dusk, as the sun dips behind the hills and the sky turns orange and pink, and you’ll see why so many come back year after year.

What makes the island special

Rhodes is history and beach in one. The medieval old town of Rhodes Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and feels like a time trip – narrow alleys, ancient walls, great food on every corner. At the same time, the island has that effortless Greek calm you need when you’re not kiting. Add secluded bays, crystal-clear water, and sunsets at our station that stay unforgettable.
What truly sets Rhodes apart is the contrast: On one side, lively tourist spots along the coast; on the other, small mountain villages inland where time seems to stand still – elders playing tavli in front of the church, olive and citrus trees lining the roads, and from every kitchen the scent of grilled meat or freshly baked bread. Drive the coastal road in the evening, as the sun slips behind the hills and the sky turns orange and pink, and you’ll instantly get why so many return year after year.

No Wind Activities

The morning is perfect for it: the wind’s still sleeping, and you’ve got time for a relaxed excursion before the Meltemi takes over in the afternoon. A few ideas if you want to move off the water.

The Valley of the Butterflies – just 20 minutes away, shady, cool, and full of butterflies in late summer
Explore the old town of Rhodes Town, wander the winding alleys, and admire the old windmills at the harbor
A trip to Lindos – white houses, the acropolis high above the sea, and one of the finest views on the island
Visit the many castles and forts, like Monolithos or Kritinia – both perched dramatically above the coast and more than worth a photo stop
Explore the island by rental car – Rhodes is compact enough for day trips, yet big enough that every outing feels new. Cars are affordable and the best way to discover your own corners off the tourist routes
Simply end the day at one of the many bays, gazing at the water with a cold drink in hand

No Wind Activities

The morning is perfect for it: the wind’s still asleep, and you’ve got time for a relaxed outing before the Meltemi kicks in come afternoon. A few ideas if you want to move on land.

The Valley of the Butterflies – just 20 minutes away, shady, cool, and full of butterflies in late summer
Explore the old town of Rhodes Town, wander the winding alleys, and admire the historic windmills by the harbor
A trip to Lindos – white houses, the acropolis high above the sea, and one of the island’s most stunning views
Visit the many castles and fortresses, like Monolithos or Kritinia – both perched dramatically above the coast and well worth a photo stop
Explore the island by rental car – Rhodes is compact enough for day trips, yet big enough that every outing feels new. Cars are affordable and the best way to find your own spots beyond the tourist trails
Or simply end the day at one of the many bays, gazing at the water with a cold drink in hand

Hotel Sabina – perfect even for non-kiters

We’re staying at Hotel Sabina, just a few minutes’ walk from the spot. The hotel is run by Gina and her family – and you feel it: you’re not just a guest here; you’re welcomed like you’re coming home. This warm, family vibe shapes the whole stay, from breakfast to the last evening by the pool.
Speaking of the pool: it’s a real highlight – perfect for unwinding after your session, but also for anyone not kiting. A quiet retreat with green views, where you can let the day fade out while, somewhere in the distance, the last kite glides over the spot.
And if you’re keen on more wind sports: Theologos is a true all-round spot. Besides kitesurfing, you can just as easily try windsurfing or wingfoiling – all in one place, powered by the same reliable Meltemi breeze at your back.

Hotel Sabina – just right even for non-kiters

We stay at Hotel Sabina, only a few minutes’ walk from the spot. The hotel is run by Gina and her family – and you feel it right away: you’re not just a guest, you’re welcomed like coming home. That warm, family vibe shapes the whole stay, from breakfast to the last evening by the pool.
Speaking of the pool: it’s a real plus – perfect for unwinding after your session, but also for anyone who doesn’t kite. A quiet retreat with views of greenery where you can simply let the day fade while, somewhere in the distance, the last kite crosses the spot.
And if you’re up for more wind sports: Theologos is a true all-rounder. Besides kitesurfing you can just as easily try windsurfing or wingfoiling – all in one place, backed by the same reliable Meltemi thermals.

Theologos – tastes like this...

 
Culinarily, Theologos caters to every taste. The hotel itself offers excellent classic Greek and international cuisine – perfect when you don’t feel like moving after kiting.
If you prefer something more modern and upscale, Mariposa is the place: set slightly above the village facing the Aegean, with many ingredients fresh from their own garden, and a menu guided by season and daily catch. With only a few tables per service, reservations are worth it.
For a classic Greek taverna, head up to Drosia in the village: right by the church – essentially the heart of Theologos. Family-run for over 40 years, rustic under vine canopies, huge portions, and exactly the atmosphere you picture in a Greek taverna. 
A few more spots worth visiting:
Cantina Smaragdi – small, family-run taverna right on Theologos beach, relaxed with one of the area’s best sunsets
Elena Seafood Restaurant – for everyone craving fresh fish and seafood
Kali Kardia – cozy, traditional taverna with Greek home cooking
Rodi Pure Deli – if you need a tasty pizza in Greece, this is your place
Billy's Place – the meeting point in Theologos since 1984: big sports-bar vibe, hearty dishes, and the spot where the whole kite and surf crew crosses paths in the evening.
 

Theologos – Tastes like this...

 
Culinarily, Theologos has something for every taste. The hotel itself serves excellent classic Greek and international cuisine – perfect when you don’t feel like moving after kiting.
If you’re into something more modern and refined, Mariposa is the place: set just above the village facing the Aegean, many ingredients come fresh from the garden, and the menu follows season and daily catch. With only a few tables per service, a reservation pays off.
For the classic Greek taverna, head up to Drosia in the village: right in the center by the church – essentially the heart of Theologos. Family-run for over 40 years, rustic under vine canopies, with huge portions and exactly the atmosphere you picture in a Greek taverna. 
A few more spots worth visiting:
Cantina Smaragdi – small, family-run taverna right on Theologos beach, laid-back with one of the area’s best sunsets
Elena Seafood Restaurant – for anyone craving fresh fish and seafood
Kali Kardia – cozy, traditional taverna with Greek home cooking
Rodi Pure Deli – if you need a delicious pizza even in Greece, this is your spot
Billy’s Place – the meeting point in Theologos since 1984: big sports-bar vibe, hearty dishes, and the place where the whole kite and surf crew crosses paths at night.