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Where to Stay in Rhodes – My Experience

Before my first trip to Rhodes, I assumed most visitors stayed in either Lindos or Rhodes Town. What surprised me once I arrived was how different each part of the island felt.

During my first visit, I stayed in Ixia. It was a great base because you’re only around 15 minutes from Rhodes Old Town, there’s plenty of beachfront hotels and it’s easy to explore the northern part of the island. It felt really convenient and well connected, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing.

On my second trip, I stayed in Kolymbia and the atmosphere was completely different. There were beautiful beaches, quieter roads and it felt much more like a traditional resort holiday. I found myself spending mornings by the pool, afternoons exploring nearby beaches and evenings wandering along the seafront.

One thing I always recommend in Rhodes is hiring a car if you can. Some of my favourite places on the island including Lindos, Kallithea Springs and several hidden beaches are much easier to visit when you have your own transport.

If I was visiting Rhodes for the first time and wanted the classic Greek island experience, I’d choose Lindos. But depending on your budget and travel style, there are several areas that could be a better fit. Here’s a quick overview of the other areas that I will go through in this blog post and the hotels I would recommend for each area.

Area	Recommended Hotel
Lindos – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for First-Time Visitors	Lindos Village Resort & Spa
Pefkos – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for a Relaxing Beach Holiday	Theretra Pefki Seaside
Rhodes Town – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Sightseeing & Day Trips	More Meni City Beach Rhodes
Ixia – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Luxury Resorts	Amus Hotel & Spa
Kolymbia – One of the Most Underrated Areas to Stay in Rhodes	Cook’s Club Kolymbia
Ialyssos – One of the Best Areas to Stay in Rhodes for Convenience	Eleonas Boutique Hotel & Spa
Faliraki – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Nightlife	Casa Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa

Where To Stay in Rhodes

Lindos – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for First-Time Visitors

If you’re visiting Rhodes for the first time, Lindos is the area I would recommend more than anywhere else. I always describe Lindos as giving Santorini vibes without the Santorini prices.

It’s probably the most iconic part of the island and the place most people picture when they think of Rhodes. You’ll find the whitewashed buildings spilling down the hillside, rooftop restaurants overlook the sea and narrow cobbled streets wind through the centre of town.

One of the things I love most about Lindos is how much there is to do within walking distance. You can spend the morning exploring the town, climb up to the Acropolis, relax on the beach in the afternoon and finish the day watching the sunset from a rooftop restaurant.

The Acropolis of Lindos is one of the most impressive attractions in Rhodes and the views from the top are genuinely worth the climb. Just make sure you bring water because it gets incredibly hot during summer.

Lindos is also one of the most photogenic places on the island. Every corner seems to have another beautiful view, whether that’s a hidden alleyway, a rooftop terrace or a glimpse of the turquoise sea below.

For girls trips, couples trips and first-time visitors, I think Lindos offers the best overall experience on the island.

Pefkos – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for a Relaxing Beach Holiday

If Lindos feels a little too busy, Pefkos is where I’d stay instead. It’s located just a few minutes south of Lindos, and Pefkos has a much more relaxed atmosphere whilst still giving you access to beautiful beaches, great restaurants and easy access to some of Rhodes’ most popular attractions.

One of the reasons I think Pefkos is one of the best areas to stay in Rhodes is because it offers the perfect balance. You can spend your days relaxing by the beach and still head into Lindos for dinner or sightseeing whenever you want.

The beaches here are some of my favourites on the island. The water is calm, clear and perfect for swimming, making it ideal for people who want a classic Greek beach holiday. Pefkos also tends to feel less crowded than Lindos during peak season, which can make a huge difference if you’re visiting during July or August.

I think this area works particularly well for couples, girls trips and anyone looking for a slower-paced holiday without feeling completely isolated. For me, Pefkos is one of the most underrated areas to stay in Rhodes.

Rhodes Town – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Sightseeing & Day Trips

If you’re someone who likes having lots of options on your doorstep, Rhodes Town is one of the best areas to stay in Rhodes. You’re close to so many of Rhodes’ biggest attractions without needing to hire a car, and you’ve also got the beautiful streets of Old Town Rhodes right on your doorstep.

One of the biggest advantages of staying in Rhodes Town is its location. If you’re planning on taking a day trip to Symi Island, the ferry port is located here, making it incredibly easy to catch an early morning ferry without needing additional transport. Symi was one of my favourite things I did in Rhodes and it’s definitely something I’d recommend adding to your itinerary.

You’re also within walking distance of some of the most popular beach clubs on the island, including Elli World. Another thing I love about Rhodes Town is that you can spend your mornings exploring the medieval streets of Old Town Rhodes, stop for lunch in one of the many restaurants and then spend the afternoon at the beach or beach club. It gives you a really good mix of sightseeing and relaxation without having to travel between different parts of the island.

For first-time visitors, I actually think Rhodes Town is one of the easiest places to stay because everything feels so accessible.

Ixia – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Luxury Resorts

Ixia was actually where I stayed during my first trip to Rhodes and I still think it’s one of the best areas to stay in Rhodes if you’re looking for a resort-style holiday.

It’s located on the northwest coast of the island and is only around 15 minutes from Rhodes Old Town, making it one of the most convenient places to stay if you want to combine sightseeing with a beach holiday.

One of the things I liked most about staying in Ixia was how easy it was to get around. We could spend the morning exploring Rhodes Town and be back by the pool in the afternoon without spending ages travelling.

Ixia is known for its larger hotels and luxury resorts, many of which sit directly along the coastline. The beaches here are mostly pebble beaches rather than soft sand, which is worth knowing before you book. However, the sea is beautiful and many of the hotels have excellent pool facilities, which often become the main focus of people’s stay anyway.

For couples, girls trips and anyone wanting a luxury resort experience, Ixia is definitely one of the strongest options on the island.

Kolymbia – One of the Most Underrated Areas to Stay in Rhodes

Kolymbia is where I stayed during my second trip to Rhodes and I had no idea how much I would love it until I stayed here! Before visiting, I’d barely seen anyone talk about it online as most guides focus on Lindos, Rhodes Town or Faliraki, but Kolymbia ended up being one of my favourite areas on the island.

The overall atmosphere feels much quieter and more relaxed that other other locations but they still have plently of hotels and a beautiful SOFT SAND BEACH! One thing I loved was the location as Kolymbia sits roughly between Rhodes Town and Lindos, making it a great base if you’re planning to explore multiple parts of the island.

If you’re looking for a holiday where you spend most of your time relaxing by the pool, Kolymbia is a fantastic choice. At the same time, you’re still close enough to attractions like Seven Springs and Lindos for day trips.

I think Kolymbia is such a great choice for couples and travellers who want a more peaceful Rhodes holiday, but also don’t mind hiring a car to get around the rest of the island to explore.

Ialyssos – One of the Best Areas to Stay in Rhodes for Convenience

Ialyssos is often overlooked by visitors planning their first trip to Rhodes, but I actually think it’s one of the most practical areas to stay on the island.

Located on the northwest coast, just a few minutes from Rhodes Airport and around 15 minutes from Rhodes Town, it offers a really good balance between convenience and relaxation. If you’re someone who doesn’t want to spend hours transferring to your hotel after landing, Ialyssos is definitely worth considering.

Compared to nearby Ixia, Ialyssos feels slightly more local. You’ll find a mix of traditional tavernas, cafés, supermarkets and family-run businesses alongside larger hotels and resorts. It feels less resort-focused and more like a functioning town where locals actually live.

One of the things I like most about Ialyssos is that you’re still close to many of Rhodes’ main attractions whilst avoiding some of the crowds that can come with staying in busier tourist areas. Rhodes Town is easily accessible, Lindos can be visited on a day trip and there are plenty of beaches nearby.

The beach itself is mostly pebble rather than sand, but the sea is beautiful and the area is particularly popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers due to the stronger winds on this side of the island.

If you’re planning to hire a car and explore Rhodes properly, Ialyssos makes an excellent base. You’re well positioned to visit both the north and south of the island without spending hours driving each day. If you’re looking for a convenient location, good value hotels and easy access to the rest of Rhodes, Ialyssos is a really great option.

Faliraki – The Best Area to Stay in Rhodes for Nightlife

Faliraki probably has the biggest reputation of anywhere on the island. For years it became known as Rhodes’ nightlife capital, attracting younger travellers looking for beach bars, nightlife and a more energetic atmosphere.

Whilst that reputation still exists, I actually think Faliraki has changed quite a bit over the years. Yes, there are still bars, clubs and plenty happening in the evenings, but there are also some genuinely beautiful beaches, luxury hotels and family-friendly areas that often get overlooked.

Faliraki Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the island and it’s easy to see why. The sand is soft, the water is shallow and there are plenty of beach clubs, restaurants and water sports available.

The location is another advantage as you’re only around 20 minutes from Rhodes Town and well positioned for exploring other parts of the island. If you’re visiting Rhodes with friends and want a balance between beach days and nightlife, Faliraki is probably the best area to stay.

That being said, if you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet Greek island escape, there are definitely better options elsewhere on the island.

FAQs about Where to Stay in Rhodes

What is the best area to stay in Rhodes for first-time visitors?

If it’s your first time visiting Rhodes, I’d personally recommend Lindos. When most people picture a Greek island holiday, Lindos is usually exactly what they’re imagining. You’ve got whitewashed buildings, rooftop restaurants, beautiful beaches and the iconic Acropolis overlooking the town. It has that classic Greek island feel that many visitors are looking for when they book a trip to Rhodes.

That said, if you’re looking for a larger resort hotel and a more convenient base for exploring the entire island, Ixia would be my second recommendation and is probably the area I’d personally choose for a girls trip.

Is Rhodes Town a good place to stay?

Yes, especially if you enjoy sightseeing, restaurants and history. Rhodes Old Town is one of the most beautiful areas on the island and allows you to experience a completely different side of Rhodes compared to the resort areas.

What is the best area to stay in Rhodes for couples?

Lindos is one of the best areas in Rhodes for couples thanks to its beautiful whitewashed streets, rooftop restaurants, boutique hotels and incredible views. Pefkos is another great option if you’re looking for something more relaxed.

What is the best area to stay in Rhodes for families?

Kolymbia, Ixia and Ialyssos are all excellent choices for families. They offer larger resorts, family-friendly facilities and easy access to beaches and attractions.

How many days do you need in Rhodes?

I would recommend at least 5 to 7 days in Rhodes. This gives you enough time to explore different areas of the island, visit Lindos, take a day trip to Symi Island and still have plenty of time to relax by the pool or beach.

I hope this guide on where to stay in Rhodes was useful and helps with your planning! Don’t forget to check out the rest of my Rhodes blog posts and guides below.

Check out my other Rhodes guides here:

• The Ultimate Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 (+ 3 day Itinerary)
• The Best Things to do in Rhodes 2026
• Cook’s Club Kolymbia Review – My Honest Review Before It Went Viral on TikTok