Where to stay in Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the most diverse Greek islands. Here you’ll find bustling beach resorts, historic towns, luxury resorts and small villages far from the tourist crowds.
If you’re visiting Rhodes for the first time, there’s no need to research dozens of resorts. For most travellers, one of the few main destinations will be the best choice.
Where to go on Rhodes for the first time?
| If you want to... | Where to stay |
|---|---|
| The best mix of beaches, restaurants and day trips | Rhodes Town |
| The most beautiful historic town | Lindos |
| Nightlife and lively resorts | Faliraki |
| A quieter seaside holiday | Kolymbia |
| Luxury resorts and water sports | Ixia |
If I were flying to Rhodes for the first time, I’d choose between Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia and Lindos.
East or west of Rhodes?
The most important decision when choosing accommodation isn’t the specific hotel, but the right part of the island.
The east coast
Most tourists heading to the seaside will be happier here.
Here you’ll find:
- the most beautiful beaches
- warmer and calmer seas
- most of the well-known resorts
- the best bus connections
These include, for example, Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia, Lindos, Pefki, Kiotari and Gennadi.
The west coast
The west of Rhodes is windier, greener and less touristy.
It is ideal for:
- windsurfing
- kitesurfing
- travellers who want to explore the island by car
- visitors looking for a quieter atmosphere
The best-known resorts are Ixia and Ialysos.
Best locations
In my opinion, these towns and resorts are the best for accommodation.
Rhodes Town
Rhodes Town is the only real town on the island and the most versatile place to stay.
It will be particularly appreciated by travellers who:
- want to combine beaches and sightseeing
- are planning to explore the island by bus
- also want to visit Marmaris in Turkey
- do not want to be dependent on a hire car
The historic centre is one of the most beautiful in the whole of Greece, but you’ll find cheaper and often more modern hotels just outside the city walls.
Major beach resorts
These locations are great for those who are primarily looking for a beach holiday but also want other activities on offer.
Faliraki
The largest and liveliest resort on the island.
Faliraki is ideal for:
- younger travellers
- nightlife
- bars and restaurants
- long sandy beaches
- water sports
You’ll also find the largest water park on Rhodes nearby.
Lindos
If you’re looking for the iconic Rhodes of the postcards, you’ll probably end up in Lindos.
The white houses beneath the acropolis make this one of the most beautiful places in the whole of Greece.
Bear in mind, however, that Lindos is also one of the most expensive places on the island.
Kolymbia
In my opinion, one of the best places for a first visit to Rhodes.
Kolymbia offers:
- a quieter atmosphere than Faliraki
- good beaches
- plenty of hotel resorts
- a convenient location between Rhodes and Lindos
You’ll find both large resorts and smaller family-run hotels here.
Pefki
A pleasant alternative to bustling Lindos, with smaller beaches, restaurants and high-quality resorts.
Gennadi and Kiotari
Ideal holiday resorts for a quieter break, with crystal-clear seas and pebble beaches. All the places listed are well connected by bus routes, so the choice is yours.
Ixia and Ialysos
If you’re keen on windsurfing, kitesurfing or more luxurious hotels, head for the west coast.
Ixia mainly offers larger 4* and 5* resorts.
Ialysos is slightly cheaper and you’ll find more smaller hotels and apartments there.
Small, quiet resorts
If you prefer small resorts with a lovely beach and a more local atmosphere, you’ll find several such places on Rhodes.
Stegna
A small seaside village between Lindos and Kolymbia with a beautiful beach and plenty of tavernas.
Charaki
A peaceful resort below Feraklos Castle, near the famous Agathi Beach.
South and West Rhodes
If you’d like to explore Rhodes and also visit the beautiful mountains in the west or the breathtaking scenery around the Prasonisi headland and beach, we recommend choosing accommodation in these areas.
- Prasonisi– one of the most famous beaches and a popular windsurfing spot with several small hotels
- Embonas– a beautiful mountain village with plenty of restaurants, shops and excellent access to the highest peak, Atavyros, or to Jacob’s Canyon
Accommodation prices
Accommodation prices in Rhodes vary greatly depending on the season. Hotels are, unsurprisingly, most expensive in summer, particularly in July and August.
Conversely, they are cheapest in winter, when nobody visits Rhodes.
During the summer, you can find a beachfront hotel with breakfast included from around 100 eurper night for two people.
However, if you’re more flexible, can plan at least 2–3 months in advance and are happy to stay 1 to 2 km from the sea, you won’t have any trouble in some resorts (typically Pefkos, Rhodes or Gennadi), you’ll have no trouble finding a decent hotel with an en-suite bathroom for around 75 eur per night for two people.
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