Where to stay in Rhodes: Medieval Town, Lindos, Kallithea and Ialysos

Rhodes is one of the few Greek islands where the distance between two hotels can be 55 kilometres, and the experience can be entirely different. An overnight stay within the walls of the Medieval Town, with its stone alleys and 15th-century arches, bears no resemblance to an all-inclusive resort in Kallithea or a white suite beneath the Acropolis of Lindos. So, the question of where to stay in Rhodes is primarily about geography, and only then about the hotel.

In this guide, we divide the island into five accommodation zones, explain the pros and cons of each, and suggest twelve accommodations that we have individually checked to ensure they are operating and located where they claim.

Rhodes at a glance: what you need to know before booking

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese and the fourth largest in Greece, covering approximately 1,400 square kilometres, with a length of 78 kilometres and a population of around 125,000 inhabitants. This size is the first thing you need to consider: the journey from Rhodes Town to Lindos is 55 km and takes about an hour, while to Prasonisi at the southern tip, it exceeds 90 km. It is not an island you can explore based on a single hotel without moving around.

Rhodes Town is divided into two worlds. The Medieval Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, is enclosed by four-kilometre-long quadruple walls and is the largest inhabited medieval city in Europe. Here you will find the Street of the Knights, the Palace of the Grand Master, and dozens of small hotels in renovated mansions. Outside the walls lies the New Town, with Mandraki harbour, the 1970s hotels in Ixia, and the Elli and Psaropoula beaches.

The east coast is the island's tourist backbone: Kallithea, Faliraki, Afantou, Kolymbia, Tsambika, Lindos. It boasts sandy beaches, calm waters, and the highest concentration of hotels. The west coast, with Ialysos and Ixia, is windier, with coarse shingle, and a favourite among windsurfers, but it offers the most spectacular sunsets over the sea and is close to the airport.

Rhodes “Diagoras” Airport is located in Paradisi, 14 km from Rhodes Town, a journey of approximately 20 minutes, and serves direct flights from across Europe from April to October. The port is in the town and connects with Piraeus, Crete, and the rest of the Dodecanese, while daily boats travel to Symi and Marmaris in Turkey.

Practically, Rhodes operates almost all year round. The season opens in April and closes in mid-November, while the Medieval Town remains lively even in winter because it is permanently inhabited. The KTEL RODA and KTEL Rhodes bus networks adequately cover the main coastal settlements, but for mountain villages, Epta Piges, the Valley of the Butterflies, or Thari Monastery, you will need a car.

Which area to stay in

Medieval Town: for a first visit and atmosphere

If you're visiting for the first time and want to experience why Rhodes is unique, stay within the walls. The accommodations here are small, in mansions with inner courtyards, and everything is within walking distance: museums, tavernas, the port, and Elli beach in ten minutes. Disadvantages: car access is difficult, vehicles park outside the walls, and on summer evenings, some alleys can be noisy from the bars.

Ixia and Ialysos: large hotels near the town

The west coast, just 5 to 10 km from the town, boasts most of the large hotels with pools, spas, and services. It's the logical choice if you want a resort but also easy access to historic Rhodes, by bus or a ten-minute taxi ride. The sea has shingle and often waves, so most guests swim in the pools.

Kallithea and Faliraki: families and organised beaches

Eight to fourteen kilometres south of the town, here you'll find the Kallithea Springs, small coves with turquoise waters, and the most organised beaches on the island. Faliraki is lively, with a water park and nightlife, while Kallithea is quieter and more expensive. A good base for families who want everything ready.

Lindos and Pefkos: the most picturesque part

Lindos, 55 km south, is a white village with cobblestone streets, captain's houses, and the Acropolis towering above. Ideal for couples and anyone who desires the Aegean aesthetic, not a mass-market hotel. Be mindful of two things: cars are not allowed inside the village, and there are many steps. Pefkos, two kilometres further down, is a calmer alternative with sand.

South Rhodes: Gennadi, Kiotari, Prasonisi

From 60 km southwards, the island becomes quieter. Kiotari and Gennadi have long beaches and a few hotels, while Prasonisi is a world-renowned kitesurfing destination. Choose this zone if you seek peace and quiet and definitely have a car; otherwise, you will spend a lot of time travelling.

12 accommodations in Rhodes we personally checked

We checked that each booking page opens correctly and corresponds to the accommodation we describe. Prices are indicative for a double room during mid-season and change significantly in August.

1. Kokkini Porta Rossa
Five suites in a 15th-century mansion in the heart of the Medieval Town, offering an excellent breakfast and personalised service. One of the most atmospheric accommodations in Greece.

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

2. Hotel Parthenon Rodos City
A simple, clean, and affordable hotel in the New Town, within walking distance of the walls and Elli beach. A good solution for short city breaks.

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

3. Rodos Palace Hotel
Historic complex in Ixia with large pools, gardens, and conference facilities. Ten minutes from the Medieval Town.

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

4. Sheraton Rhodes Resort
A classic beachfront resort in Ixia, with a private beach, multiple pools, and a full children's programme.

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

5. Atrium Platinum Resort & Spa
A luxurious hotel in Ialysos with a large spa, western coast views, and excellent reviews for its food.

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

6. Elysium Resort & Spa
A resort in Kallithea, next to the historic thermal baths, with large pools and rooms with private water access.

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

7. Sun Beach Resort
A hotel next to the sandy beach of Ialysos, offering good value for money and family rooms.

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

8. Rodos Princess Beach Hotel
An all-inclusive complex in Kiotari, South Rhodes, with a huge pool and direct access to a shingle beach.

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

9. Esperos Village Blue
An adults-only hotel in Faliraki, with an amphitheatre-like layout, gardens, and Aegean Sea views.

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

10. Hotel Galaxias
An affordable hotel in the New Town with a pool, a ten-minute walk from the Medieval Town.

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

11. Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites
Adults-only, overlooking Vlycha Bay, with infinity pools and suites with private pools. One of the island's top choices for couples.

• Area: Lindos
• Average cost: 420€ per night

12. Aquagrand Exclusive Deluxe Resort
An adults-only resort in Lindos, with a private beach and rooms with pools. Highly rated for service and gastronomy.

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

How to get there and get around

Rhodes is one of the most easily accessible Greek destinations. Diagoras Airport has daily flights from Athens and Thessaloniki all year round, lasting about an hour, and dozens of direct connections with European cities from April to October. From the airport, there is a regular bus service to the town, while a taxi costs approximately 25 to 30 euros.

By ferry, the journey from Piraeus takes fifteen to nineteen hours, with intermediate stops in the Dodecanese. A more practical solution for island hopping is the high-speed ferries to Kos, Symi, Halki, and Kastellorizo, as well as the daily route to Marmaris.

What to do beyond the beach

Beyond the beach, Rhodes boasts some of the richest attractions in the Aegean. In the Medieval Town, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Archaeological Museum in the old Knights' Hospital require at least half a day. The acropolis of ancient Ialysos at Filerimos and the acropolis of Lindos with the temple of Athena Lindia complete the picture.

In the interior, the Valley of the Butterflies fills with thousands of Panaxia quadripunctaria from June to September, while Epta Piges (Seven Springs) is a cool refuge amidst a plane tree forest. The Thari Monastery, the oldest monastery on the island, and the abandoned Italian village of Kamboohoro in Eleousa offer a more unknown character.

For a day trip, Symi is the most popular choice: the boat departs from Mandraki in the morning and returns in the afternoon. Alternatively, Prasonisi at the southern tip, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet, is well worth the 90 km journey.

When to go and how prices change

The best time to visit Rhodes is May, June, and the second half of September. Temperatures range from 25 to 30 degrees, the sea is warm from mid-June, and prices are 30 to 50 percent lower than in August.

In July and August, the island becomes crowded, and good accommodations in Lindos and the Medieval Town sell out by March. If you are travelling during these weeks, book early and prefer the east coast, as the meltemi winds mostly affect the west side.

April and October are excellent for walks on the walls, visits to the Valley of the Butterflies, and exploring the inland, with prices around 60 to 90 euros for hotels that charge double in the summer. Swimming is possible but not guaranteed.

Practical tips before booking

A few things that make a difference when booking accommodation in Rhodes:

• If staying in the Medieval Town, ask your accommodation where to leave your car; most suggest parking outside the walls.
• For accommodation in Lindos, enquire about steps and luggage transfer, as the village is pedestrianised.
• On the west coast, check if the beach is shingle; bring water shoes if travelling with children.
• All-inclusive deals are only truly worth it if you plan to stay at the hotel; otherwise, you'll miss out on local cuisine.
• Book your car before you arrive in July and August, as availability at the airport quickly runs out.
• Check if the hotel operates seasonally; many close from mid-October until April.

Read also

If you are combining the Dodecanese with the Cyclades, also see our guides on where to stay in Paros, Naxos, and Mykonos.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best area to stay in Rhodes?

For a first visit, the Medieval Town is the best choice, combining history, dining, and easy access. For beach holidays with children, prefer Kallithea or Kolymbia, while for a romantic getaway, Lindos.

Do I need a car in Rhodes?

If you stay in the town or Ixia, you can manage with buses and taxis. For Lindos, Prasonisi, the mountain villages, and isolated beaches, a car is essentially essential.

How far is Lindos from Rhodes Town?

The distance is 55 km and the journey takes approximately one hour by car. By KTEL bus, it takes about one and a half hours, depending on the stops.

When are hotels cheaper in Rhodes?

In April, May, and October. Prices drop by 30 to 50 percent compared to August, and the same hotels often include breakfast in the price.

Is Rhodes suitable for families with young children?

Yes. The east coast has sandy beaches with shallow waters, many hotels with children's pools and childcare services, and short distances from the airport.

How many days do I need for Rhodes?

Four days are enough for the town and a trip to Lindos. To see South Rhodes, the inland, and Symi, you will need at least seven days.