Rhodes is easily the largest Dodecanese islands, in terms of its physical size and the cultural and historical clout it has exercised (and still proudly displays).

Book a cheap flight to Rhodes and picture-perfect seaside towns – with whitewashed houses sloping languidly down to some stunning beaches – are yours for the taking.

Away from the sun-soaked beaches you’ll find some vibrant nightlife, secluded wooded valleys and plenty of ancient history to explore.

In the full-on resorts of Faliraki, the understated cultural splendour of Old Rhodes and the breathtaking beauty of Lindos, Rhodes has been keeping visitors entertained for centuries.

When to book cheap flights to Rhodes

If you want guaranteed good weather, with temperatures averaging 22^oC, then booking a cheaper flight during April, May or September is your best bet. Air fares fall even more during October and November: the weather will still be warm, but there is a much greater chance of occasional showers.

During the winter months you may find that you need to book a connecting flight from Athens. This is the cheapest time to fly and you will avoid all the crowds, but between January and March a lot of restaurants and bars close down.

How to find the best flight deals to Rhodes

Booking in advance will always give you the best opportunity of finding a great deal on flights to Rhodes, regardless of the season in which you are travelling.

However, even in peak season, you can always find the best prices for your Rhodes airline tickets when you book with Expedia.

If you can be flexible on your dates you can select ‘Show flexible dates’ when your flight results are returned. This allows you to look at the prices on different days – and often a day or two’s difference can make a very big saving on the cost of your Rhodes flight.

Main airports in Rhodes

Rhodes is served by Rhodes International Airport, also known as Diagoras International Airport. It is located on the west of the island, just north of the village Paradisi and about eight miles southwest of the capital city.

The airport places all of Rhodes’ best beaches – located between Faliraki and Lindos – within easy reach.

There are buses that run throughout the day, and for most of the night, although during non-peak season these are not scheduled to run more often than once an hour. Many hotels offer shuttle services from the airport, but taxis are also affordable and widely available.

Car rental services at the airport are ideal for those hoping to get away quickly and have a vehicle to explore the island during their stay.

Which airlines fly to Rhodes?

• British Airways
• easyJet
• TUI
• Ryanair
• Jet2
• Thomas Cook

What are the must-sees in Rhodes?

It’s worth exploring the Acropolis at Lindos not just for the ancient ruins themselves but also for the stunning views your climb offers you over the beautiful bay below.

There’s more history to explore in Rhodes' Old Town: visit the Street of the Knights, where many of the inns of the crusading Order of the Knights of St John were based. This is one of the most intact medieval streets in the world, and its buildings of finely chiselled sandstone are at their most atmospheric at night when the crowds have left.

Tsambika beach is a destination in its own right, but the monastery that perches on the peak of a rocky promontory overlooking the coast adds an extra dimension to this golden sand-covered paradise. Female pilgrims crawl on hands and knees up the path to pray for fertility – you may wish to walk up for the commanding views, however.

Up in the hills of Rhodes, south of the airport, is Petaloudes, the Valley of the Butterflies. The whole valley here is a nature reserve: stroll through the trees, past the streams, ponds and waterfalls, and you will be surrounded by a dazzling display of delicate butterflies.

Tips for travelling to Rhodes

You don’t need a visa to visit Rhodes, but your passport should be valid for the duration of your stay.