Rhodes

Rhodes is the most family-ready of the Greek islands. The sheltered east coast holds the bulk of the family resorts and the better beaches, while the medieval old town gives you a proper sense of place for the price of an afternoon's wander.

Why it works for families

It strikes a nice balance: enough all-inclusive resort comfort to keep a holiday with kids easy, plus real Greek character on the doorstep. Transfers from the airport to the main family areas are short, and the east-coast sea is calmer than the wilder west.

Where to stay

Kallithea & Faliraki. The closest family bases to the airport, with sandy beaches and a good spread of all-inclusive resorts.

Kolymbia & Lindos. Quieter, prettier bays further down the coast. Lindos is postcard Greece, with its acropolis above a sheltered swimming bay.

Rhodes Old Town. Worth a half-day. Cobbled streets, the Palace of the Grand Master and ice cream, which is all most children need from culture.

Beaches

The east coast has the sandy, shallow bays families want, with Tsambika and Kolymbia among the best for younger children. The west coast is windier and pebblier, better for a breeze than a paddle.

Waterparks & days out

Faliraki is home to one of Europe's larger waterparks, an easy day out from most east-coast resorts, and several hotels run their own slide pools on site.

When to go

May to October is reliably warm. July and August are peak and hot, June and September are kinder on both crowds and prices.

Quick tips

• Pick an east-coast resort for the calmest swimming with little ones.
• A morning in the old town beats the midday heat and the crowds.
• Lindos is stunning but steep, so plan it around naps and shade.