From the cobbled streets of Rhodes Old Town to private yacht trips, beachfront dining and a seriously impressive resort, we discover there’s more to this Greek island than its famous sunshine
Rhodes has long been a favourite for sun-soaked holidays, beautiful beaches and a reliably excellent Greek salad. And while we’d never complain about any of the above, there’s considerably more to this island than its holiday brochure credentials. Think magnificent medieval architecture, stylish restaurants, impossibly blue water and a rather fabulous hotel that makes leaving its grounds surprisingly difficult. For our latest Greek island escape, we check into Amada Colossos Resort, a five-star beachfront retreat on Rhodes’ eastern coast, where luxury comes with a generous helping of that famous Greek hospitality.
We arrive after dark, making the short transfer from the airport to Kallithea, where the resort sits on an impressive stretch of coastline. Our welcome is at the Executive Lounge, an exclusive space reserved for guests enjoying the hotel’s more premium hospitality packages, and already we’re feeling very well looked after. Amada Colossos is no boutique bolthole. With 699 rooms, suites and villas, it’s a substantial resort, but one that’s been thoughtfully designed to accommodate different approaches to holidaying. There’s an extensive choice of restaurants and bars, a spa, adults-only areas and plenty to keep families entertained, all spread across a magnificent beachfront setting. Originally opened as Colossos Beach in 1980, the property underwent a €50 million transformation before reopening in 2018, and today it feels every inch the contemporary Mediterranean escape.
The interiors are fresh and stylish, with pale woods, natural textures, crisp linens and an understated colour palette that allows the sea views to take centre stage. Accommodation ranges from elegant guestrooms to spacious suites and villas with private pools, offering something for those seeking a romantic escape as well as families who appreciate a little extra space. Our suite is generous in size and entirely comfortable, with a private balcony overlooking the Aegean. Needless to say, it’s the first place we gravitate towards, and the last we want to leave.
The next morning, an enormous breakfast spread arrives in our suite, giving us a very good excuse for a leisurely start. With the sea stretching out before us in an impossible shade of blue, we could quite happily stay put. But first, there’s a resort to explore, and Amada Colossos has rather a lot going on.
The centrepiece is a spectacular 140-metre pool, divided into separate zones for swimming, relaxation and family fun, with three bars to ensure nobody has to venture too far for refreshments. Beyond, the resort opens directly onto 430 metres of beach, where sun loungers and private gazebos are arranged along the coastline. The latter are particularly appealing, offering a little extra privacy and a very good setting for an afternoon with a book.
Families are exceptionally well catered for here, with a five-slide waterpark, separate areas for different age groups, three children’s clubs and a 400-seat amphitheatre hosting evening entertainment. Yet the resort has also cleverly incorporated designated adults-only spaces, so those whose holiday ambitions extend no further than a sun lounger and a chilled glass of rosé can enjoy themselves in peace. Everyone wins.
With our bearings established, we head into town for a guided tour of Rhodes’ extraordinary Medieval City. And what a contrast. One minute we’re admiring the clean lines and contemporary luxury of our beachfront hotel, the next we’re walking through imposing stone fortifications into a world that’s barely changed in centuries.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988, Rhodes Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities, and its history is fascinating. The Knights of the Order of St John occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523, transforming the city into a heavily fortified stronghold. Their legacy is everywhere, from the magnificent Palace of the Grand Master to the atmospheric Street of the Knights, where Gothic stone buildings and imposing archways offer a glimpse into the island’s extraordinary past.
Later Ottoman and Italian influences have left their mark too, creating a wonderful architectural mix of medieval buildings, mosques, courtyards and grand historic houses. It really is a cultural melting pot. But for all its impressive heritage, the Old Town is far from a museum piece. Behind the ancient façades are independent boutiques, cafés, restaurants and lively little squares, while contemporary shops occupy buildings that have stood for hundreds of years. It’s a fascinating mix of old and new, with contemporary boutiques tucked into centuries-old buildings, and of course, cute community cats on every corner. It just wouldn’t be Greece without them.
Lunch is at Rodos Park, an elegant boutique hotel close to the medieval walls, where we settle in for a leisurely meal after our morning’s exploring. It’s a lovely introduction to the island’s more sophisticated side, and a reminder that Rhodes has plenty to offer beyond its coastline.
Back at Amada Colossos, the afternoon is ours, and we’re more than ready to put those beach gazebos to good use. The resort’s generous stretch of coastline is one of its greatest assets, with clear water, plenty of space and a wonderfully relaxed vibe. We settle in with a book, occasionally looking up to admire the view, and get comfortable with the idea of doing absolutely nothing. Bliss!
Dinner is at Bennini’s, the hotel’s Italian à la carte restaurant, where rustic Italian cooking takes centre stage. Think wood-fired specialities, familiar Mediterranean flavours and a great wine list, all served in a stylish, relaxed setting. It’s a superb spot to linger over good food and wine, with the Tropicana Bar conveniently close by for a cheeky nightcap, should you want to continue into the evening, which, of course, we do.
The following day, we’re eager to explore the resort’s wellness offering. Amada Wellness Spa is a sleek, calming space, with a sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi and a treatment menu designed to take relaxation seriously. We indulge in a heavenly full-body massage, followed by time to unwind, before returning to the difficult decision of whether to spend the rest of the afternoon by the pool or on the beach. Holiday problems, admittedly.
For more energetic guests, there’s a fitness centre and a choice of activities, while watersports offer another way to enjoy the coastline. But the beauty of Amada Colossos is its flexibility. You can spend the day exploring the island, disappear into the spa, keep the children thoroughly entertained or simply do very little indeed. The resort is large enough to offer all of it, while its thoughtfully zoned spaces mean it rarely feels as busy as its impressive size might suggest.
That evening, we’re treated to dinner in a private gazebo on the beach, which turns out to be one of the loveliest experiences of the trip. With the resort illuminated behind us and the Aegean just metres away, the setting is intimate. There’s something really special about dining beside the sea after dark, with a warm breeze, good company and no particular reason to hurry. Greek hospitality is famously generous, and this is a particularly stylish way to experience it.
Our final full day takes us out onto the water for a private yacht excursion along the coast. And frankly, if there’s a more glamorous way to spend a morning in Rhodes, we’d be interested to hear about it. From the sea, the island takes on an entirely different character, its rocky headlands and sheltered bays giving way to stretches of beach and water so clear we can see straight to the seabed. Beach-hopping by yacht is an excellent way to discover the coastline beyond the resort, with the added pleasure of enjoying the views from the deck. And a rude-not-to plunge into the blue takes us to rugged caves we dare to enter – just a little bit.
Back at Amada Colossos, lunch is at Votsala, the hotel’s Greek taverna. Here, the focus is on traditional Greek cooking with a contemporary twist, from fresh seafood and locally inspired dishes to eye-popping mezze spreads that demand a leisurely afternoon. With a relaxed atmosphere and uninterrupted sea views, it’s a fitting way to round off our island adventures. The Greeks certainly know how to make lunch an occasion, and we’re entirely on board.
Rhodes may be a well-established holiday favourite, but there’s plenty here to surprise even the most seasoned island traveller. With its fascinating history, beautiful coastline, excellent food and stylish hospitality, it makes a compelling case for a proper escape. And at Amada Colossos, you have a superb base from which to discover it all. Although, as we discover, tearing yourself away from that beachfront is easier said than done.
Nightly rates at Amada Colossos Resort start from €195
Main Street, Faliraki, Kallithea 85100, Rhodes
