Where to Stay in Rhodes: Guide to the Town, Lindos and the Resorts

Rhodes is one of the few Greek islands where two hotels can be 55 km apart, offering completely different holiday experiences. If you are wondering where to stay in Rhodes, the answer directly depends on your mode of transport, your budget, and the type of holiday you prefer. Spending a night within the walls of the Medieval Town, surrounded by stone alleyways and 15th-century arches, is a world away from staying in a sprawling all-inclusive resort in Kallithea or a whitewashed suite beneath the Acropolis of Lindos.

The island boasts dense pine forests in its interior, vast sandy stretches along the eastern coast, and rugged shores to the west, catering to every taste. In this guide, we break down the island into its main geographical accommodation zones. We explain in detail what you gain and what you sacrifice in each, compare the local beaches, and recommend twelve vetted properties that we have personally checked to confirm they are open and situated exactly where they claim.

Quick answer: Which area suits whom

Because the sheer size of the island calls for plenty of driving, choosing the right base will save you valuable hours of daily travel. Here is how the areas match different types of traveller:

• For first-time visitors: The Medieval Town and the New Town. You have Rhodes' finest historical landmarks right on your doorstep, dozens of evening dining spots, and the main port within easy walking distance.
• For families: The eastern coast from Kallithea and Faliraki down to Kolymbia. This is where you will find wide sandy beaches with shallow, sheltered waters and the majority of family hotels in Rhodes, featuring children's pools and waterslides.
• For couples: Lindos and Vlycha Bay. Whitewashed captain's mansions, an entirely car-free village, scenic rooftop restaurants, and atmospheric boutique properties.
• Without a car: Rhodes New Town. You can easily walk to the organised Elli Beach and into the Medieval Town, while most island-wide KTEL buses depart from the Mandraki area.
• For large resorts and swimming pools: Ialyssos and Ixia on the west coast. They offer sprawling grounds and a wide range of all-inclusive resorts, located just ten minutes from the airport.

Comparing areas to stay in Rhodes

The table below summarises the key features of each area to help you filter your choices quickly. Travel times from the airport are indicative for journeys by car or taxi under normal traffic conditions.

The best areas to stay in detail

Medieval Town: Atmosphere inside the walls

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, the Medieval Town is enclosed by four kilometres of impressive fortifications, making it the largest inhabited medieval town in Europe. Here you will find the famous Street of the Knights, the imposing Palace of the Grand Master, Symi Square, and dozens of small hotels housed in restored mansions with cobblestone courtyards. Opting for this base puts everything within reach on foot: museums, traditional tavernas, the port, and Elli Beach are just a ten to fifteen minute stroll away.

The main downside here is logistics. Vehicle access is forbidden for non-residents, so your car must remain in parking areas outside the walls, such as d'Amboise Gate or Akantia Gate, meaning you will need to wheel your luggage over cobbled streets. In peak season, the alleys around Hippocrates Square can also get rather noisy at night, something to keep in mind if you value complete peace and quiet.

New Town: Practical and budget-friendly

Outside the fortifications lies the New Town and the Mandraki area, characterised by Italian rationalist architecture, the Casino, and a major pedestrian shopping precinct. Staying in central hotels is usually cheaper than in the Medieval Town and noticeably more convenient if you hire a car, as most properties sit alongside main thoroughfares. Renowned Elli Beach and Psaropoula cater well to those after a quick dip without travelling far. Mandraki is also the central departure point for all urban and regional bus routes, making it the most sensible base if you plan to rely entirely on public transport.

Ixia and Ialyssos: Major resorts close to the airport

Starting just 5 to 10 km west of Rhodes Town, the western coast is home to the island's largest concentration of upscale resorts and the best hotels with pools in Rhodes. It is the premier choice if you are seeking full resort amenities, organised dining packages, and effortless access to Rhodes Town, whether by local bus or a short taxi ride.

This coastline is defined by pebbly beaches and persistent afternoon breezes throughout the summer. For this reason, it is a hotspot for windsurfers, while most hotel guests tend to spend their days lounging beside spacious resort pools rather than swimming in the sea. You can find further details in our dedicated guide on where to stay in Ialyssos.

Kallithea and Faliraki: For families and sandy beaches

The main tourist hub on the island begins roughly eight kilometres south of Rhodes Town. In Kallithea, you will find the beautifully restored Italian thermal springs and small, sheltered coves with deep turquoise waters, flanked by luxury beachfront resorts. This area also hosts some of the finest spa hotels in Rhodes. Have a look at our dedicated guide on staying in Kallithea, Rhodes.

Just a little further south, Faliraki features a vast, shallow sandy beach stretching five kilometres. This is also home to the famous Anthony Quinn Bay, a rocky inlet with emerald waters that attracts swimmers every day. While Faliraki was once notorious solely for its wild nightlife and party crowds, its outskirts now host high-end resorts, tranquil corners, and the island's largest water park, making it a very popular choice for families. Read our dedicated guide on where to stay in Faliraki.

Afandou and Kolymbia: A tranquil middle ground

Located roughly 20 to 25 km from Rhodes Town and an equal distance from Lindos, the beach at Afandou and the settlement of Kolymbia form the geographical midpoint of the eastern coast. The Afandou stretch features the island's longest beach, composed of fine pebbles, as well as a large golf course.

Kolymbia, renowned for its straight eucalyptus-lined avenue that leads down to the sea, offers a serene, family-friendly ambience and two clean beaches with a mix of sand and pebbles. It is one of the most practical bases if you rent a car and plan to explore both the north and the south with equal driving distances. Discover more tips in our guide on where to stay in Kolymbia.

Lindos and Pefkos: Cycladic charm in the Dodecanese

Around 55 km from the capital, Lindos offers a postcard look that feels remarkably Cycladic. The protected, amphitheatrically built village of whitewashed houses sits directly beneath the towering rock of the ancient Acropolis. The waters at Lindos Main Beach and St Paul's Bay are calm, warm, and remarkably shallow, perfect for gentle swimming. Motorised transport is strictly prohibited inside the village, and its steep paths and steps require reasonable mobility and a bit of patience when carrying suitcases. See our full recommendations on where to stay in Lindos.

A stone's throw away, just four kilometres south, Pefkos provides an attractive, noticeably less crowded alternative. It offers pine-fringed sandy stretches, easy parking, and considerably lower room rates compared to Lindos. Learn more in our guide on where to stay in Pefkos.

South Rhodes: Gennadi, Kiotari and Prasonisi

Driving past the 60 km mark towards the south, tourist development thins out considerably and the landscape turns wilder. Kiotari and Gennadi feature extensive pebble beaches and open seas, where large resorts operate almost as self-contained villages with extensive on-site amenities.

At the southern tip lies Prasonisi, a narrow sandspit where the Aegean meets the Mediterranean, world-renowned as a haven for kitesurfers and windsurfers. Choose the south only if you have hired a car and your primary aim is complete seclusion and resort relaxation, as Rhodes Town is well over an hour and a half away by car.

12 handpicked hotels in Rhodes

We have verified that each booking link works correctly and corresponds to the property described. Prices are indicative for a standard double room during shoulder season (June or September) and will rise significantly during the peak month of August.

1. Kókkini Porta Rossa
Five curated suites housed in a restored 15th-century knight's residence, right in the heart of the Medieval Town. Renowned for its superb à la carte breakfast and attentive, personal hospitality from the owners, it is consistently ranked among the most atmospheric places to stay in Greece.

• Area: Medieval Town
• Average cost: 290€ per night

2. Hotel Parthenon Rodos City
A simple, spotlessly clean, and budget-friendly city hotel in the New Town. It is situated a short stroll from the fortress gates, shopping streets, the pedestrian zone, and Elli Beach. An excellent choice for travellers staying for a few days who do not plan to hire a car.

• Area: New Town
• Average cost: 70€ per night

3. Rodos Palace Hotel
An iconic, landmark resort complex in Ixia, famous for its grand glass dome. It features huge outdoor pools, lush gardens, conference facilities, and varied room types. Rhodes Medieval Town is just a ten-minute drive away.

• Area: Ixia
• Average cost: 150€ per night

4. Sheraton Rhodes Resort
A classic, expansive beachfront resort in Ixia. It features an underground walkway for safe access to its private pebble beach, multiple outdoor pools, airy guest rooms, and a well-organised children's activity programme.

• Area: Ixia
• Average cost: 210€ per night

5. Atrium Platinum Resort & Spa
A luxury hotel built into the hillside in Ialyssos, boasting generous communal areas, an impressive spa centre, sweeping sunset views over the western coast, and consistently strong reviews for its themed restaurants.

• Area: Ialyssos
• Average cost: 230€ per night

6. Elysium Resort & Spa
A standout resort in Kallithea, located moments from the historic thermal springs. It stands out for its contemporary architecture, massive lagoon pool, and select ground-floor rooms with direct, private pool access.

• Area: Kallithea
• Average cost: 200€ per night

7. Sun Beach Resort
A dependable hotel situated directly above Ialyssos beach. It offers excellent value for money, generous lawns, and practical, comfortable family rooms that make travelling with children a breeze.

• Area: Ialyssos
• Average cost: 120€ per night

8. Rodos Princess Beach Hotel
A well-established all-inclusive resort in Kiotari, on Rhodes' southern coast. Features include an expansive main pool, varied sports facilities, extensive buffets, and direct access to a tranquil, organised pebble beach.

• Area: Kiotari
• Average cost: 130€ per night

9. Esperos Village Blue
A hillside, adults-only retreat set above Faliraki. Built in an amphitheatre layout among manicured gardens and tranquil stone paths, it provides uninterrupted vistas across the blue Aegean.

• Area: Faliraki
• Average cost: 185€ per night

10. Hotel Galaxias
A small, affordable, and well-kept hotel in the New Town. It features a compact pool for warm afternoons and is situated in a quiet residential quarter roughly ten minutes on foot from the Medieval Town.

• Area: New Town
• Average cost: 85€ per night

11. Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites
An adults-only sanctuary perched above Vlycha Bay, just before you enter Lindos. With infinity pools, impeccable service, and luxury suites offering private pools, it is widely regarded as one of the island's premier romantic hideaways.

• Area: Lindos (Vlycha)
• Average cost: 420€ per night

12. Aquagrand Exclusive Deluxe Resort
Another top-tier adults-only resort in the Lindos area, moments from the village centre. It features a private beach, spacious contemporary suites, and high ratings for its attentive service and quality dining.

• Area: Lindos
• Average cost: 390€ per night

Getting around: Airport, port and buses

Diagoras International Airport is located near the village of Paradisi, about 14 km west of Rhodes Town. The drive takes roughly 20 to 25 minutes to the New Town centre. Airport taxis generally work on set fares per zone, costing around 25-30 euros to Rhodes Town, while a ride to Lindos is typically upwards of 60-70 euros. If you do not plan to hire a car, scheduled buses run regularly from the airport to Mandraki in the centre of town.

Public transport on Rhodes is operated by two separate bus companies: RODA covers Rhodes Town, the north-west coast (Ixia, Ialyssos, airport), and the western mountain villages. KTEL Rodou runs down the entire eastern tourist corridor (Kallithea, Faliraki, Afandou, Kolymbia, Lindos, Gennadi) with regular summer services. The main commercial and ferry port is adjacent to the Medieval Town walls, where high-speed catamarans and ferries depart daily during the summer for nearby islands.

Seasonal rates: When to book

Rhodes is a major holiday destination, with its tourist season starting in April and winding down by mid-November. Room rates vary considerably according to the month of your visit.

During July and August, the island operates at full capacity. The best hotels in Lindos and the Medieval Town are booked months ahead, and a decent double room rarely dips below 100 to 120 euros per night. If you visit during peak season, the larger eastern coast hubs (Faliraki, Kolymbia, Afandou) provide far more choices at reasonable prices, as well as shelter from the summer meltemi winds that blow across the west.

May, June, and September hit the sweet spot. Average daytime temperatures range between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius, the sea is delightful for swimming, and hotel rates are typically 30-40% lower than in mid-August. In April and late October, you can find 4-star hotels for 60 to 80 euros including breakfast, though swimming in the sea will depend on the week's weather.

Practical tips before you book

A few practical details to help you save both time and money:

• Parking in town: Rhodes New Town operates a controlled parking zone. Look out for the blue road markings, where you must pay via roadside ticket machines.
• Seasonal closures: Most large resorts shut their doors in early November. During the winter, accommodation is largely limited to city hotels and rental apartments in Rhodes Town.
• Tap water: Tap water is generally safe across Rhodes, though in some southern areas it can taste slightly brackish, so locals often prefer bottled water.
• Book hire cars early: Rental car availability at the airport dries up quickly in August, and walk-in rates can be eye-wateringly expensive.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Booking in Lindos without checking access: The village has strict vehicle bans and plenty of steep steps. If you have mobility concerns or are travelling with a heavy pushchair, check with your hotel regarding the walking distance from the main parking area.
• Underestimating travel distances: Rhodes stretches nearly 80 km from north to south. If you stay in Kiotari and plan to dine in the Medieval Town each evening, expect to spend more than two hours on the road every day.
• Expecting soft sand on the west coast: Ixia and Ialyssos boast great resorts, but their beaches are almost entirely pebble and frequently experience rougher surf. Packing water shoes is strongly recommended.

Things to do beyond the beach

Beyond its countless beaches, Rhodes boasts some of the richest cultural and natural attractions in the Aegean. In the Medieval Town, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum, housed in the old Knights' Hospital, easily merit half a day. The acropolis of ancient Ialyssos on the pine-clad Filerimos hill offers sweeping panoramic vistas over the north, while the Acropolis of Lindos, crowned by the temple of Athena Lindia, towers dramatically above the whitewashed village below.

In the island's lush interior, the Valley of the Butterflies draws thousands of visitors between June and September to see the Jersey tiger moth colonies. Nearby, Seven Springs (Epta Piges) offers a shaded retreat under plane trees, perfect on hot summer afternoons. The historic monastery of Tharri, the oldest working monastery on Rhodes, and the abandoned Italian-built settlement of Campochiaro near Eleousa reveal a quiet, mountainous side of the island.

The local food scene is equally compelling. In inland villages like Apollona and Embonas, you can savour pitaroudia (chickpea fritters), char-grilled meats, and regional wines from local cellars. If you have time for island hopping, daily boat trips connect Rhodes to neighbouring islands. Check our dedicated guides on where to stay in Symi or finding accommodation in Chalki for day trips and overnight stays, as well as itineraries further afield such as Kos or Kastellorizo.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Rhodes?

The Medieval Town is the top pick for first-time visitors who want history and charm on their doorstep. For a classic family beach holiday, the eastern coast (Faliraki, Kallithea, Kolymbia) proves far more practical.

Do I really need a car on Rhodes?

Not necessarily. If you stay in Rhodes Town, Ixia, or central Faliraki, you can get by easily using public buses and taxis. However, to discover Lindos, southern beaches, and mountain villages at your own pace, hiring a car gives you far greater flexibility.

Where should I stay in Rhodes with children?

Faliraki and Kolymbia feature long sandy beaches, calm shallow waters, and dozens of modern family resorts complete with water parks and kids' clubs. Both are also within an easy driving distance from the airport.

Where is best for couples and romantic breaks?

Lindos takes the crown here. It offers boutique hotels overlooking the sea and the illuminated Acropolis, rooftop dining, and car-free alleys reminiscent of the Cyclades.

Is it worth staying in central Rhodes Town with a hire car?

Yes, provided you understand the parking arrangements. The New Town has metered bays marked in blue, while the Medieval Town is pedestrianised, requiring you to park outside the ramparts. Several hotels outside the walls offer private parking, which is worth verifying prior to booking.

How far is Lindos from the airport and Rhodes Town?

Lindos is roughly 55 km from Rhodes Town (about an hour's drive along the main road) and about 50 km from Diagoras International Airport.

What is the nightlife like and where is it based?

The Medieval Town and New Town are packed with wine bars, cocktail lounges, and late-night spots. For big clubs and energetic nightlife, Faliraki is the primary hotspot, while Lindos focuses on relaxed rooftop cocktail venues.

Is an all-inclusive hotel worth it on Rhodes?

If your primary goal is unwinding by the pool with young children, Rhodes' large resorts offer great value and high standards. However, if you plan to explore the island by car and dine in local tavernas each night, a standard bed-and-breakfast arrangement is a better fit.

How many days are enough for Rhodes?

Given Rhodes' size, four days is just enough to cover the capital, the Palace of the Grand Master, and a day trip to Lindos. To experience the mountain villages, inland springs, and varied beaches on both coasts, aim for at least six to seven days.

Read also

If you are planning an island hopping holiday and combining the Dodecanese with the Cyclades, take a look at our comprehensive guides on where to stay in Paros, our village recommendations for Naxos, as well as the best areas in Mykonos.