10 Things to Know Before Staying in Ixia Rhodes in 2026

⭐ 10 Things to Know Before Staying in Ixia, Rhodes

Hey traveller! I’m Looneytravels — your Local Rhodes Expert who wants your holiday here to be smooth, memorable and totally stress-free.
If you ever want deeper routes, hidden beaches and easy planning, you can always explore the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or check out the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary whenever it suits you.

If you pick Ixia as your base on Rhodes — nice! But there are a few things you should know first. I live here full time, and this list will help make your stay smoother, safer, and more fun. 😎

⭐ What Ixia feels like: quick intro

Ixia lies on the west coast of Rhodes, just a few km from Rhodes Town. It’s a long stretch with hotels, sea-views, a main road, and a pebble/stone beach rather than the soft sandy spots you may expect.

It’s comfortable for hotel-based holidays, water-sports, easy access to town — but not ideal if you expect dreamy soft sand beaches. Ready for the real info?

⭐ 1. The beach is mostly pebbles & stones — bring water shoes ✔️

• The shore of Ixia Beach is narrow and made of pebbles/rocks, not fine sand. World Travel Guide

• Entering the sea can be uncomfortable without protection — many locals and travellers recommend water shoes. The Island Of Rhodes

• Once you get past the stones, sea is fine and good for swimming or snorkeling.

✅ Tip: Pack beach shoes (flip-flops are not enough), or buy simple rubber ones when you arrive.

⭐ 2. It’s breezy (windy side) — good for windsurfers, maybe not for sunset swims

• Ixia is known for its steady Aegean wind. That makes the sea a bit wavy compared to the calm eastern coast.

• Because of wind, water-sports like windsurfing, jet-ski or sailing get great conditions — especially for active travellers.

✅ Tip: If you want calm, warm swimming, go early morning. For wind / water-sports, mid-day is perfect.

⭐ 3. Many hotels line up along the coast — convenience but also limited public beach

• The coast is dominated by 4–5⭐ hotels (e.g. those from the big chains) — many control loungers/umbrellas.

• That means public beach space can be limited — during high season you may struggle to find a shady sunbed if you don’t stay in a resort.

✅ Tip: Book hotels early. If you stay outside a big resort — bring your towel, or budget some euros for a sunbed.

⭐ 4. Nightlife, restaurants & basic amenities — yes, but limited variety ✔️

• Ixia has a fair share of tavernas, bars, shops, and usual tourist-services.

• It can work if you want a relaxed base with easy access to comforts. Still — compared to town center or more vibrant villages, the variety is modest. 7 Days in the Sun - Rhodes

✅ Tip: Think of Ixia as a basecamp — roam into Rhodes Town or other villages if you want more local colour, variety or nightlife.

You may also like to explore: Rhodes Taxi Prices — Full Guide with Prices 2025 (Local Tips & Real Costs)

⭐ 5. Easy access to Rhodes Town & transport links ✔️

• Ixia is only a few km from Rhodes Town; you can reach Old Town or port quickly by bus or taxi.

• Good if you want to explore history, nightlife or take ferries/boats from the main port.

✅ Tip: Use Ixia as “easy access base” — nice if you plan many day trips or need airport/harbour connections.

Read more about transportation in our: Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes

⭐ 6. Great base for water sports, boat trips, fun & wind-driven activities ✔️

• The wind and open sea make Ixia popular for windsurfing, jet-skiing and water-sports in general.

• From here, you can also book boat trips or cruises leaving nearby — nice for exploring other coasts or islands. GetYourGuide

✅ Tip: Bring or rent snorkel gear; expect more waves; plan for active water days.

⭐ 7. Not the most “authentic Greek village” vibe — it’s more resort + beach town

• Ixia feels more like a holiday-resort strip than a traditional Greek village. Hotels, tourists, main road — rather than small alleys and local feel.

• If you expect charming white-washed Greek village vibes, you might want to pick a different area (or plan day trips).

✅ Tip: Use Ixia as base for convenience — but for authentic local flavor, mix in visits to villages, older towns, hidden gems.

⭐ 8. Good for short stays & easy logistics — but maybe not for long lazy “beach-holiday only” weeks

• For 2–4 days, Ixia works great: close to town, easy beach access, nice hotels, water-sports.

• But if you plan long beach-only holidays: the pebble beach + wind + limited soft-sand might make you long for a more relaxing place.

✅ Tip: Combine Ixia with a few days elsewhere — or do day-trips to better beach/sand spots.

⭐ 9. Price vs value — expect mid-to-upper range hotel/amenity pricing

• Because Ixia is more “hotel & resort” than backpacker-town, expect mid-to-high prices for hotels, loungers, drinks.

• But you get convenience, comfort, and easy access to services.

✅ Tip: Book in advance; consider off-peak season or early/late summer for better deals.

⭐ 10. Ixia is a good “home base” — but explore the rest of Rhodes for full island experience 🌄

• Use Ixia for convenience and comfort.

• Then plan trips: to ancient towns, soft-sand beaches, hidden gems, quiet villages — mixing “resort comfort” with “authentic Rhodes”.

• Staying in Ixia doesn’t mean you miss out — but you’ll get the best of both worlds if you combine wisely.

✅ Tip: Use your stay in Ixia to explore the wider island — you have a reliable base and easy access.

⭐ FAQ — Staying in Ixia Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)

❓ Is Ixia a good place to stay in Rhodes for first-time visitors?

Yes — Ixia is ideal if you want a convenient base close to Rhodes Town, the airport, and major attractions. It’s especially good for travellers who enjoy:

• hotel-based holidays
• sunset views
• windsurfing & water-sports
• easy transport
• proximity to nightlife without being “in it”

But Ixia is not a traditional Greek village and not a soft-sand beach destination. If you prefer calmer seas, sandy beaches or Greek-village charm, compare Ixia with other areas using:
➡️ Where to Stay in Rhodes: Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts

❓ Is Ixia Beach sandy or rocky? Should I bring water shoes?

Ixia Beach is mostly pebbles, stones and coarse sand, with a rocky seabed in many areas.
Water shoes are highly recommended because:

• entry can be slippery
• stones are sharp
• waves can push you onto rocks

This is one of the most common mistakes visitors make — also covered in:
➡️ Rhodes Travel Mistakes to Avoid

Once you’re past the stones, the water is clean, refreshing and perfect for short swims or windsurfing.

❓ Is Ixia safe for solo travellers — especially women?

Yes — Ixia is safe, friendly and relaxed, with:

• well-lit streets
• constant movement along the main road
• respectful hotel staff and taverna owners
• easy bus/taxi access to Rhodes Town

Solo travellers often pick Ixia because they want a quiet base close to nightlife without being in a loud party area.
For deeper safety breakdowns, visit:
➡️ Rhodes for Solo Travellers: Safety, Areas & Things to Do

❓ Is the sea in Ixia too windy or wavy for swimming?

The west coast is the windy side of Rhodes — that’s part of its charm.

Expect:
• breezy afternoons
• small to medium waves
• refreshing temperatures
• ideal windsurfing conditions

Best time for calm swimming: morning (08:00–11:00).
Best time for water-sports: midday + afternoon.

If you want flat, calm, turquoise swimming water nearby, take a short trip to:
➡️ Anthony Quinn Bay
➡️ Tsambika Beach

These offer the calm-water experience Ixia does not.

❓ Are there good restaurants and bars in Ixia?

Yes — Ixia has:

✔ Greek tavernas
✔ casual cafes
✔ cocktail bars
✔ hotel restaurants
✔ takeaways & gyros places

BUT the variety is smaller than Rhodes Town or Lindos.
Most visitors mix evenings between Ixia + Rhodes Town (10 minutes away).

For nightlife and dining inspiration across the island:
➡️ Nightlife in Rhodes: Insider Picks for the Best Nights Out
➡️ 12 Best Restaurants in Rhodes Old Town

❓ Is Ixia better for families, couples or groups?

Ixia works best for:

⭐ Couples — sunsets, quiet evenings, great hotels
⭐ Adults seeking a calm base
⭐ Water-sport lovers
⭐ Short stays before/after flights
⭐ Travellers exploring Rhodes Town often

Families with small kids may prefer sandy beaches like:
➡️ Faliraki Beach
➡️ Pefkos Beach
➡️ Tsambika Beach

Ixia’s stones + waves are not the most child-friendly.

❓ Do I need a car if I stay in Ixia?

Not necessarily — Ixia has fantastic transport links:

• buses every 20–30 minutes to Rhodes Town
• easy taxis
• simple routes to the airport

BUT renting a car opens access to calmer beaches and quiet villages.
Plan your transport using:
➡️ Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes

For private transfers, many travellers choose G.E.S Travel, a reliable local partner offering comfortable airport pickups, Lindos day trips and island-wide transport.
If you mention LOONEYTRAVELS when booking, you’ll receive an exclusive 10% discount — a small thank-you from our local network to make your trip even smoother.

❓ Are there sandy beaches close to Ixia?

Yes — but not within walking distance.

Closest sandy or soft-sand beaches are:

• Faliraki Beach
• Tsambika Beach

For a complete breakdown, read:
➡️ Best Beaches in Rhodes – Local 2026 Guide

These are also great options for “day away from the Ixia wind.”

❓ What are the biggest mistakes people make when staying in Ixia?

The most common ones:

❌ expecting soft sandy beaches
❌ ignoring wind conditions
❌ walking barefoot into the sea
❌ staying only in Ixia instead of exploring
❌ booking outside town & struggling with transport
❌ thinking Ixia = nightlife (Rhodes Town is better)

Avoid these mistakes with the help of:
➡️ Rhodes Travel Mistakes to Avoid

❓ Is Ixia a good area for hotels? Which are the best ones?

Yes — Ixia has excellent hotels at great value compared to Lindos or premium east-coast resorts.

Top categories:
• ⭐ Luxury seaside hotels
• ⭐ Spa hotels
• ⭐ All-inclusive resorts
• ⭐ Adults-only options

For the full ranking and honest reviews:
➡️ Rhodes Island Greece Hotels – Local Guide to Best Hotels

❓ How long should I stay in Ixia?

Best durations:

• 2–4 nights — perfect introduction to Rhodes
• 5–7 nights — for convenience lovers & water-sports fans
• More than 7 nights — consider splitting your stay (ex: Ixia + Lindos / Pefkos / Faliraki)

This way, you experience both west coast sunsets and east coast calm-water beaches.

⭐ My Honest Verdict

Ixia works well if you want a simple, comfortable stay with easy beach access, water-sports, and a quick route to Rhodes Town. It’s not glamorous or sandy-beach paradise — but for a basecamp: practical, easy, and straightforward.

If you’re chasing dreamy white-sand, calm sea, village vibes or super-local charm — spend a few nights in Ixia, and a few nights somewhere else (or take day-trips).

You can read more about other areas in other blog: Where to Stay in Rhodes: Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts

❗Important ❗ Switch your mobile networks from automatic to manual - Phone may connect to Turkish Network and automatically start mobile data plan 12€/day.

If you want to see what IXIA looks like then you can watch my Youtube video: Exploring IXIA Main street or IXIA Rhodes Greece

⭐ Last Thoughts

Your time in Ixia will be smooth and easy as long as you know what to expect — pebble beaches, breezy afternoons, great sunsets, comfortable hotels, and quick access to Rhodes Town. Use Ixia as a practical base, explore the rest of the island freely, and mix beach days with cultural visits for the best experience.

For deeper trip planning:
➡️ Rhodes Travel Guide 2026
➡️ Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary

See You in Rhodes!

-Looneytravels