The seaside resort of Lardos boasts one of the best beaches on the island, which has been awarded the Blue Quality Flag. Is it really worth a visit?

Lardos itself is divided into two parts - a small inland village about 1.5km from the beach full of tavernas and shops, and a seaside area with hotel resorts.

It is one of the smallest of the resorts, but still with full tourist facilities. Inland Lardos is a beautiful lively rural town with many tavernas and restaurants of a local character.

If you have a rental car, you can take a trip to the nearby Panagia Ypseni Lardos Monastery.

Beaches and swimming

Lardos has a single main beach set in a beautiful setting of rugged coastline. Towards the east, it then transitions into a number of mini coves towards the neighbouring resort of Pefki.

Here you'll find mainly coarser sand with occasional pebbles and a fairly gradual entry into the sea.

A part of the beach belongs directly to the luxury hotel complexes (however, the entrance is free for all), towards the main road there are fewer people, the beach narrows and at the very end you will even find a small classic and cheap supermarket.

You can find sunbed and umbrella rentals everywhere and the price for a set (2 sunbeds + umbrella) is around 15 eur per day.

Also the range of water attractions and sports is wide. You can try parasailing or jet skiing (from 40 eur), banana boat riding (20 eur) or water skiing (30 eur).

But I have to be honest and say that I liked Lardos perhaps the least of all the resorts on the east coast. The beach itself is nice, but the environment in the immediate surroundings is not very well maintained, and I liked Vlycha beach near Lindos, for example, but also the beaches in Kiotari much better.

Have you been to Lardos? What do you think of the local beaches?

Hotels for individual travellers

Lardos is one of the more expensive destinations if only because of the limited supply. The cheapest accommodation in summer can be found around 120 eur for example at the Olive Garden resort **** with a small water park and a location just 100 metres from the beach.

For larger groups, we recommend the highly rated apartments for up to 9 people Villa Del Nonno or Marina Beach House right in the middle of the beach.

Holidays with a travel agency - the best hotels

Lardos is a favourite destination for many European tour operators, who organise not only all-inclusive holidays here.

Lardos is a quieter resort with quality 4* or 5* resorts, but also cheaper 3* hotels.

When planning a holiday with a travel agent to Lardos, we would choose from these top rated hotels. View the best weekly deals:

• Lardos Bay *** - you can often buy affordable holiday packages to a hotel about 350 metres from the beach
• Lindos Princess Beach **** - the largest resort right on the beach
• Lindian Village Curio Collection by Hilton ***** - a luxury resort with its own bay on the border of Lardos and Kiotari

Transportation to Lardos

Parking in Lardos is nerve-wracking due to the lack of large parking lots and very narrow streets. Parking is free everywhere and your best chance of finding a free space is in this car park.

Pefki can also be reached by KTEL Rodou buses. You can find timetables at ktelrodou.gr/lardos-beach.

• Rhodes Town - 1 to 2 times per hour, price 6 eur
• Lindos - 2 to 3 times per hour, price 2 eur
• Pefki - 2 to 3 times per hour, price 2 eur
• Faliraki - 1 to 2 times per hour, price 5 eur
• Kallithea Springs - 1 to 2 times per hour, price 6 eur
• Archangelos - 1x per hour, price 2,80 eur
• Kiotari - 2 to 3 times per hour, price 2,80 eur
• Gennadi - approximately 1x per hour, price 2,80 eur
• Prasonisi - 2x per day, price 5 eur

Tickets can be purchased from the driver in cash only.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Rhodes.