Ixia holidays

Taking a holiday in Ixia truly does give you the best of both worlds. You’ll have every amenity you’ll need in the laid-back, beachside resort, as well as staying a stone’s throw away from cultural and historical hot-spots like the quintessentially Grecian village of Lalysos, or the island’s famous, UNESCO-acredited Old Town. Its name is no exaggeration, either: this is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Here, you’ll find shops and markets touting traditional Grecian food and linen lining ancient cobbled streets, museums to suit the taste and era of every history-buff, and picturesque domed roofs that give the town it’s irresistible Grecian atmosphere and famous aesthetic. Spot the Temple of Venus and amble through the Street of the Knights before retiring from the Old Town’s bustle and unwinding back in mellow Ixia.

Is one Greek island ever enough? Ixia also makes for the perfect jumping-off point from which to hop through some of the arpeggio’s finest offerings. Take a boat to gorgeous Symi, or even Kos, to make the most of your Grecian holiday.

There’s a reason the Mediterranean Sea is one of the most popular in the world, and a holiday in Ixia will certainly show you why. The resort’s long expanse of shingled shore-line is ideal for lazy days spent soaking up the sun, moving only to take a refreshing dip in clear, emerald waters, or to head for a nearby beach bar and tropical cocktail. While some of the beach is used by hotels or has umbrellas for hire, there are private areas, too, as well as plenty of opportunity to learn water-sports like jet-skiing and kite-surfing with local professionals.

It’s also worth noting that the draw of Ixia’s bay doesn’t dim when the sun does: enjoy spectacular sunsets which throw the bay into pink, gold, and orange light, or walk its moonlit silver shores for a cool end to what is sure to be a hot day.

What would a holiday in Ixia be without indulging in its famous Mediterranean cuisine? Think fresh tomato salads topped with feta and balsamic, chilled white wine, plump olives, vine-leaves stuffed with sticky rice or local meats, and freshly-caught seafood.

Lucky for you, Ixia boasts a diverse range of restaurants, some of which serve locally-sourced Grecian delicacies alongside home comforts like pizza and pasta. Family-run eateries such as The Luna Bar are a firm favourite with locals and holiday-makers alike, and there’s even a local Chinese should you fancy switching things up. Whatever your preference, there’s something for every taste.

If you feel peckish in-between meals, there are plenty of laid-back bars and beach cafes open around the clock. Whether you’re craving a colourful cocktail to sip by the pool or are after a mid-morning pastry, there’s no need to look further than Ixia’s seafront or main high-street.   

For a more cultural dining experience, head to the rustic Old Town for a further selection of Grecian and international eateries. A stroll down one of its winding streets will see courtyards and rooftop restaurants aplenty, where live Greek bands serenade diners under the stars.

Come sun-down, hotels and restaurants in Ixia offer everything from classic Greek dancing lessons to firework displays, performances from local musicians and guest appearances from comedians. Discover the famous Greek hospitality for yourself by bar-hopping down the main street, picking up free shots of Ouzo as you go. For those who are after a more varied and energetic night on the town, the Old Town is your best bet. Hop in a taxi and you’ll be met with a spectrum of bars and clubs; from cheap and cheerful to the more up-market and exclusive.

If you’re more hungry than thirsty, the Old Town is also home to stylish restaurants that require a little more dressing up than the laid-back eateries of Ixia. It’s worth splashing out to dine overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the lights of the Old Town glimmering in its waters.

Days spent lounging by a hotel pool or on the beach, trips to nearby patisseries, and outings to colourful towns brimming with shops, culture, and history: there’s bound to be something for everyone in and around Ixia. In the Old Town, kids can even take part in a tour just for them, where they’ll see history come to life as they journey around the some of the island’s kid-friendly highlights. A stop at Rhodes Ostrich Farm, anyone? When your little ones aren’t busy making feathered friends, try any one of the many adventure actives on offer: think kayaking, windsurfing, or even jet-skiing, all of which are far more enjoyable when you’ve got someone to laugh about your lack of skill with.

For those days when you’d rather someone else do the entertaining, check out Ixia’s range of kids clubs and organised activities. What’s more, many hotels also have volleyball courts, tennis courts, and ping-pong tables, as well as bikes and scooters for you to rent out.

There’s something for every type of couple taking their holiday in Ixia, whether you’re older, young, the adventurous type, or just up for soaking in those sun rays together. Spend the days ambling through ancient towns and remote, ruin-smattered villages, drinking in all the culture and history this iconic island has to offer. For the more romantically inclined among you, fine-dining opportunities are rife in both Ixia and the Old Town. It doesn’t get much more elegant than sharing a bottle of chilled white wine while gazing out over sun-dappled Grecian waters, or one of the region’s famously vivid sunsets.

Many hotels in Ixia also include pool, saunas, fitness rooms, and offer treatments like massages. Why not book yourself and your loved one in for a day of pampering and total relaxation before heading out into the Old Town for a stroll in the warm evening air.

Ixia’s wide, open bay is perfect for those who like their holidays peppered with a little adrenaline. The region is famous for its range of water-sports, specifically windsurfing, kitesurfing, and parasailing. The beach is ideal for these sports that international tournaments are held here frequently, and classes take place all summer long. Low wind conditions in the morning mean the bay is perfectly safe for children or those less experienced, while breezier afternoons provide enough variety for the freestyler seeking waves. Thrill-seekers who find themselves holidaying in Ixia shouldn’t pass on the chance to view the resort from a jet-ski, either!

For those who prefer staying dry, there are organised boat trips from the nearby Old Town to many surrounding and unspoilt Greek islands. Head to Symi for pristine beaches, picturesque coastal villages, and secret coves.

For those who fancy exploring beyond Ixia’s taverns and hotels, take a trip to nearby villages like the history-laden Lalysos. Here, you’ll find the Filerimos Monastery, its beautiful medieval architecture hewn from stone and perched on a hill. Surrounded by lush gardens (and the odd peacock!) you can climb through its tree-lined avenues to spectacular panoramic views of the island. Lalysos is also home to an ancient Acropolis, where you’ll see magnificent ruins from Rhodes’ mythical past.

Yet if there’s anywhere that’s brimming with both ancient and modern culture in Rhodes, it’s the Old Town. You already know it’s home to fabulous traditional restaurants, has great shopping opportunities, and is picture-perfect. What you might not know, however, is the extent of exploration to be had within its walls: it is a UNECSO world heritage site after all! Winding cobbled lanes are home to woodworkers, artists, and old-fashioned cobblers, while relics from Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman histories are everywhere. Stroll down one of its lesser known streets to experience the Old Town’s quieter, but enchanting cultural side.