With its sunny beaches, medieval Old Town, and ancient ruins, Rhodes is a top vacation destination in Greece. The island offers a wide range of accommodations to fit any budget or style. When planning where to stay in Rhodes, it’s important to consider which area and hotel will best meet your needs.
This article covers the best areas and hotels to stay in Rhodes, from luxury resorts with private beaches to quaint boutique hotels in the heart of the Old Town. We’ll outline the top neighborhoods and main types of accommodations on Rhodes, along with a recommended hotel for each area and budget level. Whether you’re looking for beachfront opulence or charming historic character, you’re sure to find the perfect place to call home during your time on the island of Rhodes.
5 Best Places to Stay in Rhodes: Quick Overview
| 🔥 Best for first-time visitors | Rhodes Old Town |
| 💃🏻 Best for nightlife | Faliraki |
| 👪 Best for families | Kolymbia |
| 💸 Where to stay on a budget | Ialyssos |
| ⛱ For beach lovers | Pefkos |
Best Hotels in Rhodes
- Best beach hotel: Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas
- Best hotel for luxurious stay: Aquagrand Exclusive Deluxe Resort
- Best view of the town: Rodos Park
- Best spa hotel: Elysium Resort & Spa
- Best hotel with swimming pool: Mitsis Grand Hotel Beach Hotel
Best neighborhoods of Rhodes on the map
1. Old Rhodes Town – Best Place to Stay on Rhodes Island for the First Time
🏰 Historic charm: Nestled along the northern coast of Rhodes Island, the charming Old Town is a must-see for first-time visitors. With its medieval architecture and cobblestone streets, this historic neighborhood transports you back in time to the era of the Crusades.
🛡️ Impressive history: The walled old city was built by the Knights of St John when they occupied Rhodes from 1309 to 1523, and it remains remarkably well-preserved today. The best way to explore is to simply wander the maze of narrow alleys that weave through the district. Stroll along the Street of the Knights, once home to the Knights’ inns, for a taste of medieval history.
🏛️ Ancient sites: As you meander, you’ll stumble upon ancient sites like the Palace of the Grand Master, an imposing 14th century building that now houses a museum. Don’t miss the nearby Archaeological Museum to see ancient artifacts found around the island.
🍽️ Tasty treats: Despite its historic feel, Old Town is very much a living neighborhood. Colorful cafes, tavernas, and boutique shops line the streets, perfect for whiling away an afternoon. The food here is excellent – be sure to try classics like moussaka and pastitsio. Don’t leave without haggling for souvenirs in the Ottoman bazaar-style stalls near Socrates Street.
👣 Walkable: Getting around Old Town is a breeze on foot, thanks to its compact size and limited traffic. The main sights are concentrated within easy walking distance. If your feet grow tired, LOCAL buses depart regularly from the main bus station just outside the walls.
Thus, the Old Town with its location, medieval charm, lively culture and accessible layout is what you need to understand the rich history and vibrant spirit of Rhodes.
Where to stay in Rhodes Old Town?
Luxury hotels:
- Utopia Luxury Suites – elegant premium suites with panoramic harbour views, decorated in a contemporary style.
- DECAN Concept Boutique Estate – a boutique hotel in a historic mansion with luxurious rooms and personalised service.
- Rodi – a fashionable hotel with exquisite interior design and high-class service.
Medium price range:
- Arionos Rooms – cosy rooms with traditional Greek decor in the heart of the Old Town.
- Saint Michel Boutique Hotel – an elegant boutique hotel in a neoclassical mansion with patio and outdoor breakfast.
- Rhodes Youth Hostel – a modern hostel with comfortable rooms and shared lounge areas.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Zografos Apartment's – apartments with fully equipped kitchens and balconies with city views.
- Stavros Pension – a traditional-style guest house with a friendly atmosphere and budget prices.
- Mango Rooms – simple and cosy rooms at a reasonable price in the heart of the Old Town.
2. Rhodes New Town – Combination of Historical Atmosphere and Modern Amenities
🌇 Central hub: Rhodes New Town is a vibrant and convenient neighborhood for tourists to explore. With its proximity to major attractions like the Grand Harbor and Rhodes Old Town, New Town puts you right in the heart of the action.
🚶♂️ Walker’s paradise: New Town is very walkable with wide sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets. Sightseeing highlights like the Palace of the Grand Master and Street of the Knights are less than a 20 minute stroll from New Town.
🏘️ Mediterranean charm: New Town itself exudes old-world Mediterranean charm with its pastel-colored buildings, outdoor cafes, and bustling plazas. The neighborhood strikes a nice balance between retaining its historic ambience while still having modern conveniences. Trendy boutiques and souvenir shops neighbor family-owned bakeries and quiet corner tavernas.
🚌 Well-connected: Convenient bus and tram lines connect New Town to other neighborhoods and landmarks across the island. The main bus station in New Town has routes fanning out across the city, making it easy to get anywhere you want to go.
🥳 Lively nightlife: When evening hits, New Town comes alive. Restaurants serve up fresh seafood and Greek cuisine with al fresco dining on terraces. The neighborhood’s many bars and nightclubs stay open late into the wee hours of the morning.
Tourists of all ages and interests are sure to fall in love with this Greek neighborhood.
Where to stay in Rhodes New Town?
Expensive hotels:
- Mitsis Grand Hotel Beach Hotel – a fashionable beach hotel with luxurious rooms, haute cuisine restaurants and direct access to Faliraki’s sandy beach.
- Elite Hotel – an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of New Town with exquisite interior design and truly Greek hospitality.
- Rodos Park – a modern eco-style hotel with extensive gardens, pools and views of the bay.
Medium price range:
- Best Western Plus Hotel Plaza – a cosy city centre hotel with excellent service, delicious cuisine and panoramic harbour views.
- Mitsis La Vita Beach Hotel – a comfortable beach resort with extensive infrastructure, ideal for family holidays.
- Blue Sky City Beach Hotel – a modern hotel with swimming pools, spa centre and restaurants.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Santa Maria City Hotel – a small, cosy hotel in the city centre, offers simple, clean rooms at a reasonable price.
- New York Hotel – a modest hotel with friendly staff and basic amenities, a good option for budget travellers.
- Royal Aparthotel City Centre – an aparthotel with spacious studios and apartments, ideal for longer stays.
3. Lindos – Best Area to Enjoy Greek Culture
🏰 Historic hilltop: The charming village of Lindos rests about 50 km south of Rhodes Town, making it an easy day trip for first-time visitors. However, many choose to spend several nights in this quaint village to fully experience its magic.
🚶♂️ Path to ancient ruins: The main attraction is Lindos Acropolis, towering on a hilltop overlooking the village. The ancient ruins date back to 300 BC and include restored temples, an amphitheater and Byzantine church. Give yourself 2-3 hours to climb to the Acropolis along donkey trails and wander amid the relics of ancient civilizations.
🌲 Olive grove adventures: For active travelers, hike or mountain bike on trails winding down from the Acropolis through green valleys dotted with olive groves.
🛍️ Shop & wander: At Lindos village below, get lost meandering the maze of narrow, cobblestone pedestrian streets. Soak up views of the sweeping sea vistas around you. Pop into the many souvenir shops offering everything from handmade jewelry to traditional Greek decor.
👍🏻 No cars needed: Getting around Lindos village requires no car or taxi as everything is walkable from hotels and restaurants to beaches and historic sites. Simply park and explore this picturesque gem on foot.
🏖️ Nearby beach gems: While Lindos has its own pebbly beaches, the best are a short drive away. Head to glass-like waters at Glystra Beach or relax on golden sands at Lahania Beach.
Whether you stay for a day or a week, Lindos offers an escape into the slow rhythms of traditional Greek island life, with historic ruins, great food and scenery.
Where to stay in Lindos?
Expensive hotels:
- Melenos Art Boutique Hotel – an elegant boutique hotel in traditional Greek style with panoramic views of the bay, offering a high level of comfort and personalised service.
- Casita Casita Lindos – a hotel with luxurious rooms, exquisite decor and a swimming pool overlooking the Aegean Sea.
- Lindian Polis – a secluded modern-style hotel with local design elements, its own beach and spa.
Mid-range hotels:
- Maris Lindos Suites & Apartments – an apartment hotel with elegant rooms and original interiors, ideal for family holidays.
- Lindos Portes Suites – a hotel with classic design, private terraces in each room and a high level of service.
- Erato Apartments – an apartment complex in a picturesque location with spacious Greek-style rooms, close to the sandy beach.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Lindos Athena – a small family-run hotel with a cosy atmosphere and spacious rooms.
- Villa Elena – traditional style guest house, located on a hill overlooking the Acropolis, suitable for a relaxing holiday.
- Lindos Del Mar Suites – a boutique beachfront hotel for reasonable prices.
4. Faliraki – Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Nightlife
🌊 Famous beaches: Faliraki is one of the most popular and lively tourist destinations on the island. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches, buzzing nightlife, and wealth of accommodation options, Faliraki attracts visitors looking for both relaxation and entertainment.
🥳 Nonstop parties: The main beach in Faliraki stretches over 4 miles long, with crystal clear waters perfect for swimming and water sports. Parasols and sun loungers line the beach, which gets quite crowded during peak summer months. Beachgoers can enjoy jet skiing, banana boating, and parasailing off the main beach. There are also quieter stretches of beach adjacent to the main drag for those seeking more solitude.
🍸 Bar-lined streets: Just behind the main beach road is a pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars that really comes alive after dark. Faliraki is renowned across Europe for its vibrant nightlife, especially among young tourists. The town has many buzzing clubs and bars with dance floors and live music, such as Bedrock and Decadance House, that stay open until sunrise.
🍕 Diverse dining: Visitors have ample dining options in Faliraki, from traditional Greek tavernas to burgers and pizza. There are also several supermarkets and shops scattered around town to pick up any essentials. The area is very walkable, though travelers can also rent bicycles, scooters, or ATVs to zip around.
🏨 Beachside hotels: Accommodation in Faliraki ranges from luxury resorts to budget rooms and package hotels. Many hotels are located right on the beach or just off the main strip, making it easy to join in the action.
With its lively atmosphere and proximity to Rhodes Town, Faliraki provides an ideal sunny getaway for those looking to mix relaxation and adventure.
Where to stay in Faliraki?
Expensive hotels:
- Stamos All Inclusive – a luxury hotel with a wide range of restaurants, pools and other activities, ideal for a comfortable family holiday.
- Casa Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa – an elegant boutique hotel with sophisticated interiors, excellent spa facilities and panoramic sea views.
- Apollo Blue – a hotel with modern rooms, a large pool and spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.
Medium price range:
- Vanik Suites – cosy Mediterranean-style apartments with kitchens and balconies in all rooms.
- Tsambikos Apts – spacious apartments with kitchen and balconies, located close to the pebble beach.
- Madison Boutique – an elegant Mediterranean-style boutique hotel with attentive staff.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Kostas Studios – simple and cosy studio rooms with kitchen area, ideal for budget holidays.
- Argo Hotel – a modest family-run hotel with friendly staff and reasonable prices.
- Antonios Hotel – a small hotel with basic facilities at an affordable price.
5. Kolymbia – Best Neighborhood for Family Vacation
☀️ Sunny spot: Nestled on the east coast of Rhodes Island, the seaside village of Kolymbia offers visitors a delightful mix of natural beauty, ancient history, and modern conveniences. Though smaller and less crowded than Rhodes Town, Kolymbia still provides easy access to the island’s main attractions thanks to its central location.
🏖️ Splendid shore: The golden sands and sparkling blue waters of Kolymbia Beach are the area’s biggest draw. The long, sandy beach has ample space for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports, with beach chairs and umbrellas available to rent. Paddleboarding, jet skiing, and sailing are popular activities to enjoy on the calm, clear waters. Beachgoers can refuel at the line of tavernas directly overlooking the shoreline.
🏠 Village charm: Beyond the beach, Kolymbia has an enjoyable small-town atmosphere. The main street is home to colorful buildings, traditional tavernas, cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and supermarkets, allowing you to experience authentic Greek life.
🕺 For nightlife, there are beach bars with lively music and dancing. For outdoor activities, there are tennis courts and a mini-golf course.
🌄 Scenic treks: When you want a break from the beach and historic sites, Kolymbia has scenic walking trails nearby like the 7 Springs Trek through the verdant countryside. Kolymbia’s small port also offers boat excursions for fishing, sailing, and island hopping.
The combination of modern amenities and traditional charm ensure a memorable visit whether you spend a few days or a few weeks.
Where to stay in Kolymbia?
Expensive hotels:
- Atlantica Holiday Village Rhodes – a premium resort hotel with its own beach, water park and developed infrastructure.
- Atlantica Imperial Resort – a fashionable beach resort with luxurious rooms, several swimming pools and restaurants.
- Atlantica Aegean Blue – an elegant hotel by the sea with exquisite design, excellent service and magnificent views.
Medium price range:
- Casa Cook Rhodes – a modern Mediterranean-style hotel with swimming pools and restaurants.
- Blue Sea Island – a cosy hotel with pools, spa and restaurants, located on its own island.
- Cook's Club Kolymbia Rhodes – a trendy hotel with pools, fitness centre and entertainment activities for youngsters.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Paradise Garden – a simple family hotel with a swimming pool and playground, offers reasonably priced accommodation.
- Leonardo Kolymbia Resort Rhodes – a budget hotel by the beach with basic holiday facilities.
6. Ialyssos – Best Place to Stay on a Budget
🌊 Picturesque town: Ialyssos is a charming seaside town that offers visitors a more relaxed and authentic Greek experience, away from the busier tourist hubs. Though only a short 10-15 minute drive from Rhodes Town, the island’s capital, Ialyssos has retained its small village charm and laidback atmosphere.
🏠 Quaint villages: The main draw of Ialyssos is its long sandy beaches overlooking the Aegean Sea. The most popular is Ialyssos Beach, which has been awarded the Blue Flag for its turquoise waters and clean sands. There are beach chairs and umbrellas available for rent, though the prices are lower than at beaches closer to Rhodes Town. Small seaside tavernas line the beach, serving up fresh local seafood and Greek specialities at wallet-friendly rates.
🚶♂️ Strolling & views: Up on the hill behind the beach sits the quaint old town of Ialyssos, a labyrinth of whitewashed houses and flower-filled alleys that offer panoramic views over the sea. Wandering through the sleepy streets, you’ll find traditional bakeries selling spinach and cheese pies, family-run patisseries filled with baklava and loukoumades, and charming blue-domed churches dating back centuries.
🛣 Very convenient: Getting around Ialyssos is easy on foot, though local buses also provide connections west to Trianda Beach and east to Ladiko Anthony Quinn Bay if you wish to explore further. While Ialyssos offers a taste of authentic Greece, it is also conveniently located near supermarkets, pharmacies, ATMs and other useful amenities. On top of that, the neighborhood is very safe, even at night.
With its laidback vibe, excellent beaches, charming villages and proximity to Rhodes Town, Ialyssos is the perfect area for those looking for a relaxing Greek island getaway outside of the biggest crowds.
Where to stay in Ialyssos?
Medium price range:
- Villas Duc - Rhodes – comfortable rooms in a picturesque area with private pools and sea views.
- Sun Beach Resort – a popular resort with a wide range of activities, swimming pools and beach access.
- Blue Horizon – an elegant Mediterranean-style hotel with excellent service and bay views.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Ilyssion Holidays Hotel – a simple and inexpensive hotel with basic facilities for a budget holiday.
- Penélope Hotel – a cosy, family-run hotel with a homely atmosphere and friendly staff.
- Sunday Hotel – a modest economy hotel with clean rooms at a reasonable price.
7. Pefkos – Ideal Place for Beach Lovers
🌊 Beach getaway: Located 50 minutes south of Rhodes Town by car or bus, this former fishing village turned bustling resort town makes an ideal base for travelers looking to experience the island’s stunning natural beauty paired with a lively beach scene.
🛣️ Charming village: Wandering the streets of Pefkos village, you’ll find a charming array of shops, ice cream parlors, souvlaki stands, and family-run tavernas. The pace is lively but relaxed, with a friendly local vibe. The main street is closed to traffic in the evenings, making for a nice stroll.
🏖️ Sunny shoreline: Pefkos Beach is the main draw, with its soft golden sand and shallow, calm waters perfect for swimming and water sports. Beachside bars and restaurants line the promenade, serving up cold drinks, grilled seafood, and Greek specialties with a view of the sea. For even more seclusion, travellers can head to the nearby Glystra Beach, set against a backdrop of towering cliffs.
🗺️ Well-positioned: With its location in the middle of the island’s east coast, Pefkos makes an excellent home base for day trips. Some of Rhodes’ top attractions like Lindos Acropolis, the clifftop ruins at Kamiros, and the Valley of the Butterflies are less than an hour away by car or tour bus.
Thus, for sunseekers, beach lovers, and those looking to experience authentic Greek island culture, Pefkos ticks all the boxes.
Where to stay in Pefkos?
Medium price range:
- Lindia Thalassa – a comfortable beachfront hotel with its own beach and great views.
- Pefkos Village Resort – a welcoming resort hotel with pools and restaurants, located in a quiet location close to the beach.
Inexpensive hotels:
- Angela Studios Pefkos – cosy apartments with kitchens and balconies 40 metres from the sandy beach.
- Matina Pefkos Aparthotel – affordable studios and apartments with kitchens within walking distance of the resort centre.
- George Beach Studios – simple and inexpensive rooms with balconies, located opposite the picturesque beach.
What is the Difference Between Old Town and New Town in Rhodes?
Old Town is the historic heart of Rhodes situated within medieval walls. Staying in Old Town immerses you in the medieval atmosphere and makes attractions walkable. However, accommodations can be pricier and more sparse compared to New Town.
New Town emerged outside the walls after Ottoman rule. It has wider streets lined with Italian-inspired architecture. The vibe is more modern and commercialized with hotels, restaurants, and stores. New Town’s beaches are also more accessible. Staying here can mean better prices and availability for lodging.
Ultimately, Old Town is preferable for history buffs who don’t mind splurging on a boutique hotel for the antique atmosphere. But visitors prioritizing budget and convenience may appreciate New Town more as a base to explore from. Wherever you stay, it’s easy to see both areas. Just know that staying in lively Old Town comes with the trade-off of smaller rooms and fewer amenities.
FAQs about trip to Rhodes
Which side of Rhodes is best for beaches?
The east side of Rhodes has some of the best beaches, like Tsambika Beach, which has fine golden sand and sparkling shallow waters. The west side also has nice beaches, but the water tends to be rockier over there.
What is the most picturesque part of Rhodes?
The most picturesque part of Rhodes is the old medieval town with its cobblestone streets, archways, and ancient buildings. Wandering around the old town feels like stepping back in time to the era of the Crusades. The Palace of the Grand Masters is especially majestic.
What is the difference between Rhodes Old Town and the New Town?
The main difference between Rhodes New Town and Old Town is that the new town has the more modern tourist hotels and resorts, while the walled old town contains the historical sights and traditional charm. Both offer their own flavors and are worth exploring.
What should I be careful of in Rhodes?
Be careful of the seas urchins in the rocky areas on some beaches. Wear water shoes and shuffle your feet when entering the water to avoid stepping on them. Also be wary of your belongings, as pickpocketing can be an issue in the crowded old town.
What is the warmest side of Rhodes?
The east coast of Rhodes tends to be a bit warmer than the west coast because it is more protected from winds. The southeast has very mild winters. The north and west can get quite windy. So if you’re seeking the warmest weather, look at places on the eastern side.
