The resort area of Kalifeya is one of the most beloved places for vacationers in Rhodes. Good beaches, a variety of infrastructure, and entertainment are the key to the popularity of this thriving tourist center, which was once a fishing village. The climate of Kalifeya is Mediterranean, and the heat is easily tolerated thanks to the sea breeze. The tourist season here starts in May and ends in October. During this time, the air warms up from +24°C to +31°C, and the sea temperature ranges from +23°C to +27°C.

In Califee, there are entertainment options for every taste, but overall it is a resort area for a peaceful vacation. It is equally interesting here for young people and families with children, history enthusiasts, and those who want to spend their entire vacation on the beaches.

How to get

Kalithea is located on the northeast side of Rhodes. To get here by bus from Rhodes Airport, you can only do so with transfers: take a route to the island's central bus station, and then transfer to the KTEL bus heading towards Kalithea. It runs several times an hour with short intervals. It takes about 25 minutes to get from the bus station to the resort area. To avoid wasting time on transfers, you can pre-book a transfer, use taxi services, or rent a car at Rhodes Airport.

How to move?

Along the coast, through Kalifea, there is a bus from Rhodes to Faliraki that you can take to travel 1-2 stops. But even better is to rent a car or bicycle from local rental agencies. This way, you won't have to rely on the public transportation schedule and can move around independently both within the resort area and beyond.

What to see?

Kalifeya includes three villages: Kalifeya, Koskinu, and Psintos. Psintos is a traditional Greek village where you can relax in the shade of centuries-old plane trees on the main square and enjoy a cup of aromatic coffee. Here stands the church of the Virgin Mary. On September 8, the church celebrates the day of its heavenly patron, accompanied by music, dances, and delicious food. Psintos is also famous for its natural springs of Fasuli. They form a small lake where a rare fish species, gizani, lives.

Koskinou is one of the most beautiful, picturesque, and unusual villages in Rhodes. It is famous for its architecture: the doors and houses in Koskinou are painted in bright colors. That's why there are always many enthusiasts of interesting photo locations here. On July 17, the village celebrates the day of Saint Marina in style, accompanied by performances of folklore groups and traditional festivities. Koskinou is considered one of the oldest villages in Rhodes. Byzantine coins have been found here, proving that the settlement existed long before the 15th century. Walking through the ancient streets of Koskinou, you can notice ceramic pots and handmade carpets with which the locals decorate their inner courtyards. One of the houses invites you to take a peek inside to see the traditional way of life of the local population. There are also attractions preserved around the village. You can visit the small domed church of Saint Irene (over 200 years old) and the early Christian basilica of St. Luke, as well as the ruins of a knight's castle on the outskirts of Koskinou. From here, impressive views of the surroundings unfold.

Kallithea is where all the resort life is concentrated. Here you can find the famous Kallithea Springs, where you can enjoy a combination of nature, architecture, and history. The Kallithea Springs complex was built by the Italians in 1928. However, the healing properties of the thermal springs have been known since ancient times. The Kallithea baths are paved with pebble mosaics, adorned with arches, rotundas, lush gardens, and fountains. It's a pleasant place to spend the day, strolling around and enjoying the views. By the way, Kallithea Springs have appeared in Greek movies, and many newlyweds choose this location for their wedding photoshoots—such is the beauty of this landmark.

In addition to its sources, Kalifeya is known for its beaches. Its coastline is dotted with cozy coves surrounded by lush greenery. There are coves to suit every taste: from pebbly to sandy. The sea is calm and shallow everywhere, so there is no need to worry about children. The largest beach is in Kalifeya Bay, where all the necessary infrastructure is concentrated. But due to the length of the coastline, you can find a secluded section of the beach.

Located 29 km from Kalifeya is one of the natural treasures of Rhodes - Valley of the Butterflies. In the summer, thousands of red-listed Jersey tiger moths flock here. They cover the tree trunks like a carpet, and it's worth seeing with your own eyes. The Valley of the Butterflies is included in the list of reserves in Greece.

A lively resort Faliraki is located just a few minutes drive from Kalifei. It's worth coming here for the long sandy beach, famous aqua park, and aquarium. In the evening, the central street of Faliraki turns into a gathering place for nightlife enthusiasts.

What to do?

Kalifeya is great because there is entertainment here for absolutely everyone. If you want, you can spend your vacation actively, pass the time shopping, or go on an exciting excursion.

Active leisure

The infrastructure on Kalifea Beach is conducive to active leisure. Local dive centers offer the opportunity to dive into the clear waters off the coast of Rhodes to get a closer look at marine life. Accompanied by an experienced instructor, you can admire underwater caves, rock formations, colorful fish, and corals. In addition to diving, fishing, kayaking, and catamaran rental are available in Kalifea. And for hiking enthusiasts, taking a walk in the surrounding areas of Kalifea is highly recommended.

Shopping

Shopping options in Kalifia are limited. Mostly, there are small souvenir shops and a few supermarkets where you can buy necessary products and cosmetics. If shopping during your vacation is very important, it is worth going to the neighboring Faliraki or to the capital of Rhodes - that's where a real paradise for buying souvenirs, clothes, and jewelry is.

For children

The best entertainment with children in Kalifeya is beach recreation. The bays here have a gentle entrance and shallow water. If desired, you can go on a boat trip. In the neighboring Faliraki (5 km away), there is a water park, an amusement park, and an aquarium where the inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea live.

Nightlife

In Koskinou and Kalithea, there are several cocktail bars and taverns where you can spend time after sunset. However, one should not expect a lively nightlife from this resort area. For that, it's better to head to the city of Rhodes or Faliraki, where the famous Bar Street is located.

Excursions

It is convenient to take short excursions of 2-3 hours or full-day trips from Kalithea. First of all, it is worth visiting the Valley of the Butterflies, the city of Rhodes with its countless monuments, or Lindos with its impressive Acropolis. Marine excursions are also worth attention. In Kalithea, they offer romantic cruises with stops in remote bays, sea walks at sunset, and full-day cruises with the opportunity to go diving or fishing.

Where to stay?

In Calipha, there are hotels of any format: five-star hotels operating on the All Inclusive system, 2-3* level hotels, and apartments for rent. You will also find good options for villas for rent with a sea view.

What to taste?

While relaxing in Kalifey, it is worth trying the high-quality local honey. The tavern menus will pleasantly surprise you with a wide selection of grilled meat dishes, traditional Greek delicacies (kleftiko, keftedes, moussaka), and seafood. Vegetarians should order the signature Rhodes eggplant salad, served with yogurt, as well as peppers stuffed with rice and herbs.

Useful info

  • If you want to bring truly colorful souvenirs, it's worth buying them in Psintos and Koskinu. Here are kept the secrets of making textiles and ceramics;
  • You can stay not only in the resort area of Kalifea, but also in Psintos or Koskinu. Many of the local hotels are decorated in a traditional style and offer a stay in the atmosphere of provincial Rhodes.