Things to Do in Ixia Rhodes (2026 Guide – Beaches, Wind Sports & Restaurants)

Ixia is one of the most convenient resort areas on the island, located just a few minutes west of Rhodes Town along the island’s west coast. Known for its long seaside promenade, modern hotels and excellent wind conditions, Ixia attracts visitors looking for a relaxed base close to the capital.

Unlike many east coast destinations, Ixia sits on the Aegean-facing side of the island, which means the sea here is often breezier and more active. This makes it one of the best areas for wind sports such as windsurfing and kitesurfing.

While the coastline here is scenic, it’s important to know that Ixia beaches are mostly pebble rather than sand. Travellers looking for sandy beaches usually head to the east coast, where the nearest sandy beach is in Faliraki, about 25 minutes away.

Because of its location near Rhodes Town and the airport, Ixia is also a great base for exploring places featured in Best Things to Do in Rhodes.

Grab my FREE Rhodes Pocket Planner (instant download) — the hidden shortcut to easy boat trip bookings, must-do experiences, and smoother holiday planning.

If you’re still planning your trip, these local guides will help you choose the right area, find great hotels, and organise transport before you arrive:

→ Complete Digital Rhodes 2026 Local Travel Guide PDF – Insider Planning Guide by a Local
→ Rhodes 7-Day Travel Itinerary 2026 | Digital Guide by Local Expert
→ Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026)
→ Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car – The Ultimate Local Guide (2026)
→ Getting Around Rhodes – Transport Overview & Local Tips
→ Rhodes Island Greece Hotels – Best Picks for 2026
→ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
→ Villas in Rhodes – Luxury, Private Pool & Family Villas (Local Guide)
→ Best Villas in Rhodes – Handpicked Luxury Villas & Private Pool Stays
→ Rhodes Airport Transfers (2026) – Private Hotel Pickup
→ Car Rental Rhodes – Local Tips, No-Deposit Options & Trusted Companies

Below is a local guide to the best things to do in Ixia Rhodes, including beaches, wind sports, restaurants and nearby attractions.

Why Ixia Is One of the Most Convenient Areas to Stay in Rhodes

Ixia is popular with travellers because it offers easy access to Rhodes Town while still having a relaxed resort atmosphere.

Visitors choose Ixia for:

• close distance to Rhodes Town

• beautiful sunset views on the west coast

• excellent windsurfing conditions

• modern hotels and seaside resorts

• restaurants and cafés along the main road

Because the airport is also nearby, many visitors find Ixia a very practical place to stay while exploring the island.

If you’re considering staying here, you can read more in the Ixia Area Guide, where I explain the best hotel areas and what to expect from the resort.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Ixia Rhodes

Ixia stretches along several kilometres of coastline between Rhodes Town and Ialyssos.

The main road running through the area connects hotels, restaurants and shops.

Along the coast you’ll find:

• seaside hotels and beach bars

• windsurfing centres

• coastal walking paths

Just 10 minutes east lies Rhodes Town, while heading west brings you to Ialyssos, another historic town on the west coast.

Although the beaches here are mostly pebble, many travellers take short trips across the island to sandy beaches on the east coast such as Faliraki Beach.

10 Best Things to Do in Ixia Rhodes

Walk Along the Ixia Seafront

One of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do in Ixia is walking along the seafront promenade.

This stretch of coastline offers:

• views across the Aegean Sea

• sunset viewpoints

• seaside cafés and bars

• relaxed evening atmosphere

Sunset walks here are especially beautiful as the sun sets over the west coast.

Try Windsurfing or Kitesurfing

The steady winds along the west coast make Ixia one of the best places on the island for wind sports.

Several watersports centres along the beach offer:

• windsurfing lessons

• kitesurfing rentals

• equipment hire for experienced riders

Even if you’re not participating, watching the colourful sails across the water is a great sight.

Relax at Ixia Beach

Ixia Beach stretches along the entire resort area and offers plenty of space to swim and relax.

However, visitors should know that:

• the beach is mostly pebble rather than sand

• the sea can sometimes be rough due to wind

• water shoes can make swimming more comfortable

For travellers specifically looking for sandy beaches, the closest option is Faliraki Beach on the east coast.

Experience Greek Night at El Greco

One of the most entertaining evenings in the Ixia area is the Greek Night at El Greco, a lively event that combines traditional food, music and dancing.

These evenings usually include live Greek music, traditional dancing and a festive atmosphere, giving visitors a fun way to experience Greek culture during their stay.

It’s a great option for travellers who want something more memorable than a regular dinner and a chance to enjoy a classic Greek night out on the island.

When the sun goes down, Rhodes offers plenty of lively places to relax, enjoy drinks and experience the island’s nightlife:

→ Nightlife in Rhodes: Insider Picks for the Best Nights Out
→ Best Beach Bars in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)
→ Best Rooftop Bars in Rhodes Town (2026 Local Guide)
→ Rhodes Night Beaches 2026 — Best After-Dark Spots

Visit Rhodes Town

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Ixia is being only 10 minutes from Rhodes Town.

The medieval Old Town, Mandraki Harbour and historic sites are all easily accessible.

You can explore what to see there in Things to Do in Rhodes Town.

Explore Ialyssos

Just a short drive west of Ixia lies Ialyssos, one of the oldest settlements on the island.

The town has a mix of local life, beaches and historical sites.

You can explore the area further in Things to Do in Ialyssos Rhodes.

Take a Boat Trip from Rhodes Town

Many of the island’s best boat trips depart from Mandraki Harbour in Rhodes Town, which is only a short drive from Ixia.

These cruises visit beautiful swimming spots and nearby islands.

You can compare options in Best Boat Trips in Rhodes.

Boat trips are one of the most popular experiences in Rhodes. These guides explain the different cruise options and what to expect:

→ Are Boat Trips in Rhodes Worth It? Honest Local Advice (2026)
→ Which Boat Trip in Rhodes Should You Choose? Local Decision Guide (2026)
→ Best Time Boat Trips Rhodes — Morning or Sunset Cruises Better? (2026)
→ Sunset Boat Trips Rhodes — Are Evening Cruises Really Worth It? (2026)
→ Private Boat Hire Rhodes — Prices, Experience and Booking Tips (2026)

Visit Filerimos Hill

A short drive from Ixia brings you to Filerimos Hill, one of the most interesting historical sites near Rhodes Town.

Here you’ll find:

• the remains of an ancient acropolis

• a monastery

• a long pathway lined with cypress trees leading to a giant cross

The view from the top is spectacular.

Take a Day Trip Across the Island

From Ixia it’s easy to reach the east coast beaches and villages.

Popular day trips include:

• Faliraki Beach for sandy beaches

• Lindos for the famous acropolis village

• Seven Springs for nature and forest walks

You can explore more routes in Best Day Trips from Rhodes.

If you prefer a guided excursion instead of driving yourself:

👉 You can request a quote from GES Travel via WhatsApp — the message is already prefilled with Looneytravels, so your 10% partner discount is applied automatically.

Best Beaches Near Ixia

The west coast beaches around Ixia are mostly pebble beaches with deeper water and stronger winds.

Popular options nearby include:

Ixia Beach – the main resort beach
Ialyssos Beach – another long west coast beach
Kremasti Beach – a quieter stretch further north

If you prefer sandy beaches, the best option is the east coast.

The closest sandy beach is Faliraki Beach, about 25 minutes away.

You can explore more options in Best Beaches in Rhodes.

Rhodes is famous for its beautiful coastline. These guides help you discover the best beaches, hidden bays, and crystal-clear swimming spots across the island:

→ Best Beaches in Rhodes – Where to Swim, Relax & Explore
→ Best Quiet Beaches in Rhodes 2026 — Local Peaceful Spots
→ Crystal-Clear Water in Rhodes: Best Swimming Spots 2026
→ Best Snorkelling Spots in Rhodes: Local Secrets
→ Rhodes Blue Flag Beaches 2026: Cleanest Places to Swim
→ Where to Find the Bluest Water in Rhodes – Best Clear Water Beaches (2026 Guide)

Best Experiences in Ixia

Ixia is a great base for exploring the island and joining organised experiences.

Popular activities include:

• sailing trips from Rhodes Town

• guided historical tours

• snorkelling excursions

• sunset sailing cruises

You can discover more activities in Best Experiences in Rhodes.

Getting Around Ixia and the Island

Ixia is located about 4-6 km from Rhodes Town and around 10 minutes from the airport.

Visitors can explore the island using:

• frequent buses connecting Ixia and Rhodes Town

• taxis across the island

• rental cars for exploring beaches and villages

Many travellers choose to rent a car so they can visit both coasts of the island.

You can find helpful advice in Car Rental Rhodes.

Travellers arriving at the airport can also arrange transport using Rhodes Airport Transfers.

Getting around the island is easier once you understand the local transport options. These guides explain buses, taxis and driving tips:

→ Rhodes Transport Tips – Best Ways to Travel Around the Island (2026)
→ Rhodes Bus Guide: Routes, Prices & Timetables (2026)
→ Rhodes Taxi Prices 2026 – Don’t Overpay! Airport Fares, Resort Transfers & Real Costs
→ Driving in Rhodes 2026 — What Visitors Should Know

Local Tips From a Rhodes Resident

Here are a few tips to enjoy Ixia like a local.

Watch the sunset from the seafront.
The west coast offers some of the best sunset views on the island.

Bring water shoes for the beach.
Most west coast beaches are pebble.

Visit the east coast for sandy beaches.
Faliraki and the surrounding bays have the best sand.

Take advantage of the location.
Ixia is perfect for visiting Rhodes Town and exploring both sides of the island.

FAQ – Things to Do in Ixia Rhodes

Is Ixia worth visiting?

Yes. Ixia is a great base for travellers who want easy access to Rhodes Town while staying near the sea.

Are there sandy beaches in Ixia?

No. Most beaches in Ixia are pebble beaches. The closest sandy beach is Faliraki Beach on the east coast.

How far is Ixia from Rhodes Town?

Ixia is about 4-6 km from Rhodes Town, which takes around 10 minutes by car.

What is Ixia famous for?

Ixia is known for its west coast sunsets, windsurfing conditions and proximity to Rhodes Town.

Final Thoughts

Ixia offers a relaxed coastal atmosphere combined with one of the most convenient locations on the island.

With sunset views, wind sports and easy access to Rhodes Town, it’s a great base for travellers who want to explore the island while staying near the sea.

If you’re planning your itinerary across the island, this guide to Best Things to Do in Rhodes will help you discover even more incredible places to explore.

If you’d like to discover even more of what the island has to offer, these guides highlight some of the most beautiful and interesting places across Rhodes:

→ Most Beautiful Places in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)
→ Best Viewpoints in Rhodes (2026 Guide – Scenic Views & Photo Spots)
→ Hidden Rhodes 2026 — 14 Secret Spots Locals Actually Visit
→ Best Sunset Spots in Rhodes 2026 — Local Guide
→ Best Beaches in Rhodes – Where to Swim, Relax & Explore