Ialyssos (also spelled Ialysos) is a coastal resort on the northwest coast of Rhodes, about 8 km from Rhodes Town. It faces the Turkish coast across the strait and catches the prevailing northwesterly wind, which makes it one of Europe's most popular windsurfing destinations. The beach is long and pebbly, backed by a strip of hotels and restaurants that service the resort trade. Above the coast, the ancient acropolis of Ialyssos on Filerimos hill adds a historical dimension that most windsurfing beaches lack. We include it for active visitors who want consistent wind, good waves, and easy access to Rhodes Town's medieval old quarter.
Why Stay in Ialyssos
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing — the reliable meltemi wind (June-September) creates consistent conditions that attract intermediate and advanced riders from across Europe.
- Close to Rhodes Town — the UNESCO-listed medieval old town is 15 minutes by car or bus, giving you cultural depth alongside the beach.
- Long beach, several kilometres of pebbly beach with plenty of space, even in peak season.
- Honest caveat. the beach is pebbly and the wind that windsurfers love makes it less pleasant for sunbathing and swimming on gusty days. The resort strip is functional rather than attractive. Non-windsurfers may find the location exposed and prefer the more sheltered east coast.
Things to Do in Ialyssos
Windsurf or kitesurf. Several schools and hire centres line the beach, catering to all levels. The wind typically picks up after midday and blows until evening, leaving mornings calm enough for swimming. Equipment hire and lessons are competitively priced.
Visit the Filerimos acropolis above the resort. The hilltop site has the ruins of the ancient city of Ialyssos (a Doric temple), a Byzantine monastery, and a cross-topped pathway offering panoramic views of the coast. It's a 10-minute drive from the beach.
Rhodes Old Town (15 minutes) is the main cultural day trip. The medieval walled city is one of the best-preserved in Europe, with the Palace of the Grand Master, the Street of the Knights, and a labyrinth of lanes filled with shops and restaurants.
Drive south along the west coast to the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), about 25 minutes, where Jersey Tiger moths cluster in a wooded valley in summer. It's a pleasant half-day trip, though the moths are most visible in June and July.