Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026)

This guide is part of my Where to Stay in Rhodes collection — helping you choose the right area, hotel, or base for the kind of trip you want.

⭐ Where to Stay in Rhodes – 2026 Complete Guide to All Areas

Hi traveller — I’m Looneytravels, your local Rhodes buddy who spends every day exploring this island so your holiday can be smooth, memorable and totally stress-free.

When you’re ready to book, Rhodes Island Greece Hotels shows the best hotel options in each area by style and budget.

If this is your first time visiting Rhodes, this guide is your starting point. It explains every major area in simple, practical terms so you can choose the right base without stress.

First-time visitors often worry about choosing the “wrong” area — too far, too quiet, too touristy, or too inconvenient. This guide shows you what each place actually feels like, who it suits best, and how it works day-to-day, so you can book with confidence.

If you’re travelling without a car, use Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car – The Ultimate Local Guide for car-free bases.
Once you’ve chosen your area, the Rhodes Transport Guide helps you understand buses, taxis and routes.
For full trip planning, explore Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary.

Let’s explore every area so you know exactly where to stay in Rhodes for your travel style.

⭐ How First-Time Visitors Should Choose

If this is your first trip to Rhodes, your base should make life easy. That means:
✔ Walkable streets
✔ Good food nearby
✔ Simple transport
✔ Beaches within reach
✔ No daily logistics stress

Some areas are perfect for new visitors. Others are better for repeat travellers who already know the island. As you read each section below, I’ll quietly show you which places are first-timer friendly — and which ones require more planning.

⭐ Rhodes Town – Cultural Base & Best All-Rounder

Rhodes Town is the heart of the island — full of medieval architecture, beaches, nightlife, museums, food, shopping and the best bus connections on Rhodes. If you want everything in one place, this is the smartest base.

Distance from Rhodes Airport: 15 km (about 30–45 minutes by bus or taxi)

⭐ Why Stay in Rhodes Town

✔ UNESCO-protected Medieval Old Town
✔ Excellent restaurants, tavernas and cafés
✔ Ferry port + Mandraki Harbour (boat trips to Lindos, Symi, beaches)
✔ Elli Beach & Windy Beach within walking distance
✔ You don’t need a car — everything is walkable
✔ Perfect for couples, solo travellers, culture lovers & nightlife

External reference: UNESCO lists the Medieval City of Rhodes as one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the world — and it’s entirely walkable.

⭐ Cons

❌ Beaches are sand + pebble, not pure sand
❌ Busy in peak season
❌ Parking is difficult
❌ Premium pricing for central stays

Local tip:
Stay here for 2–3 nights, especially at the beginning of your trip to settle in and enjoy culture, food and the Old Town atmosphere. For a full walking guide, read Rhodes Old Town Guide 2026 – What to See, Eat & Explore.

For first-time visitors who want culture, food, beaches and transport in one place, this is the easiest and smartest base on the island.

⭐ Ixia – Sunset Coast & Great Value

Ixia offers long beachfront resorts, sunset views and excellent value — especially for all-inclusive stays. It’s the best mix of comfort + affordability near Rhodes Town.

Distance from Rhodes Town: 5 km
Distance from Airport: 8 km

⭐ Why Stay in Ixia

✔ Great value hotels
✔ Sunset views every night
✔ Close to Rhodes Town
✔ Excellent for windsurfing & watersports
✔ Wide resort choices

⭐ Cons

❌ Pebbly beach
❌ Windy coast
❌ Some airplane noise
❌ Not a traditional village

Local tip:
Ideal for travellers wanting an affordable beach base near Rhodes Town. For a quick overview of the area, read 10 Things to Know Before Staying in Ixia.

⭐ Ialysos – Family-Friendly North Coast Choice

Ialysos (Ialyssos) is comfortable, practical and great for families wanting a quieter base close to Rhodes Town.

Distance from Airport: 7 km
Distance from Rhodes Town: 10 km

⭐ Pros

✔ Good family resorts
✔ Promenade and beachfront
✔ Affordable food & stays
✔ Easy access to Rhodes Town

⭐ Cons

❌ Beach is pebbly and windier
❌ Some airplane traffic
❌ Nightlife is limited
❌ Mostly resort dining

Local tip:
Great for families wanting a calmer environment with easy access to northern Rhodes attractions.

⭐ Kallithea – Peaceful, Comfortable & Close to Town

Kallithea is a calm area with pretty coves, spa hotels and crystal swimming water — perfect if you want relaxation without being too far from Rhodes Town.

Distance from Rhodes Town: 8 km

⭐ Pros

✔ Quiet atmosphere
✔ Clear, sheltered coves
✔ Spa hotels & wellness options
✔ Close enough for evenings in Rhodes Town

⭐ Cons

❌ Limited nightlife
❌ Few non-hotel restaurants
❌ Not walkable like a village
❌ Transport needed for exploring

Local tip:
Ideal for a relaxation-first holiday where the beach and pool are your main focus.

⭐ Faliraki – Big Beach, Big Energy & Family Favourite

Faliraki Beach is one of the largest beaches in Rhodes — sandy, long, walkable and packed with amenities. It’s the most family-friendly area on the island and also great for nightlife lovers.

Distance from Rhodes Town: 14 km
Bus time: 25–30 minutes
Taxi: €18–22

⭐ Pros

✔ Huge sandy beach (rare on the island!)
✔ Best area for kids — shallow parts + full facilities
✔ Watersports, boat trips, dining, cafés
✔ Good bus links north & south
✔ Wide range of hotels

External reference: Numerous travel sites highlight Faliraki as one of Rhodes most organized and family-friendly beach resorts.

⭐ Cons

❌ Less traditional Greek feel
❌ Noisy in certain strips
❌ High-season crowds
❌ Resort-like vibe

Local tip:
Stay in the quieter end of Faliraki (south side) for perfect balance: rest + fun.
Also read Faliraki Beach Rhodes — Everything You Should Know for secret swimming spots.

A top choice for first-time families who want sandy beaches and simple holiday logistics.

⭐ Kolymbia – Calm, Central & Perfect for Families

Kolymbia sits between Rhodes Town and Lindos — a convenient base for exploring the island with a relaxing, family-friendly vibe.

Distance from Rhodes Town: 25 km
Distance from Lindos: 23 km

⭐ Pros

✔ Quiet, clean beach
✔ Ideal location for exploring both halves of Rhodes
✔ Family-friendly hotels
✔ Relaxed evenings

⭐ Cons

❌ Not a traditional village
❌ Limited nightlife
❌ Can feel “too quiet” for party travellers

Local tip:
Ideal for families wanting a peaceful beach stay without losing access to Rhodes Town or Lindos.

⭐ Lindos – Scenic, Romantic & Iconic

Lindos is the postcard-perfect destination of Rhodes — white alleys, rooftop restaurants, a hilltop acropolis and stunning bays.

Distance from Rhodes Town: 48 km
Taxi: €65–75
Bus: ~90 minutes

⭐ Pros

✔ Magical scenery and romance
✔ St. Paul’s Bay + Lindos Beach
✔ Rooftop dining with acropolis views
✔ Fantastic for couples

⭐ Cons

❌ Busy during the day
❌ Hard to park + narrow streets
❌ Accommodation more expensive
❌ Lots of walking + hills

Local tip:
Stay here at least one night — Lindos evenings after the crowds leave are unforgettable.
Use Lindos Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 to explore the best paths and viewpoints.

Better as a second base than a first stop for new visitors due to crowds and hills.

⭐ Pefkos – Quiet, Relaxing & My #1 Holiday Spot

Pefkos (Pefki) is Lindos calmer neighbour — soft beaches, great food, warm evenings and a relaxed village feel. It’s my personal favourite area on the island for a stress-free holiday.

Distance from Lindos: 4–6 km
Distance from Rhodes Town: 52 km

⭐ Pros

✔ Beautiful sandy beach + clear water
✔ Amazing restaurants & bars
✔ Excellent evening atmosphere
✔ Calmer than Lindos but still lively
✔ Perfect for couples & families

⭐ Cons

❌ Less dramatic scenery than Lindos
❌ Needs transport for wider exploring
❌ Smaller village centre

Local tip:
Choose Pefkos if you want the Lindos coastline without the Lindos crowds.
Also see Pefkos Beach Rhodes — Complete Guide and Pefkos or Lindos – Which Is Better for Your Holiday?

That’s enough to guide newcomers without bloating the page.

⭐ Lardos – Local Village Charm & Relaxed Pace

Lardos offers authentic Greek-village evenings, traditional tavernas and a peaceful base near the coast.

Distance from Pefkos: 5 km
Distance from Lindos: 9 km

⭐ Pros

✔ True Greek village feel
✔ Great value accommodation
✔ Quiet evenings
✔ Close to Lardos Beach

⭐ Cons

❌ Beach often requires short drive or taxi
❌ Smaller selection of restaurants
❌ Less lively overall

Local tip:
Perfect for quiet-seekers wanting a local, authentic experience.

⭐ Kiotari – Long Beach, Big Resorts & Family Comfort

Kiotari is a spacious resort zone with long pebbly beaches, clear water and big hotels designed for easy holiday living.

Distance from Lindos: 15 km
Distance from Rhodes Town: 60 km

⭐ Pros

✔ Long beachfront
✔ Modern resort hotels
✔ Great for families + all-inclusive stays
✔ Relaxed pace

⭐ Cons

❌ Not walkable
❌ Limited independent dining
❌ Far from major attractions

Local tip:
Choose Kiotari when you want a smooth, effortless resort holiday.

⭐ Gennadi – Quiet South Coast Escape

Gennadi is where you go for space, privacy and long beaches far away from the crowds.

Distance from Kiotari: 6 km
Distance from Rhodes Town: 64 km

⭐ Pros

✔ Very quiet
✔ Wide beaches
✔ Excellent for long stays
✔ Great for couples & retreat-style travel

⭐ Cons

❌ You need transport
❌ Fewer restaurants
❌ Far from main attractions

Local tip:
Choose Gennadi only if you want deep peace and don’t mind using taxis or a rental occasionally.

⭐ How First-Time Visitors Should Choose Where to Stay in Rhodes

First-time visitor → Rhodes Town
Sunset lovers → Ixia
Families → Kolymbia, Ialysos, Faliraki
Nightlife + beach → Faliraki
Romantic trip → Lindos
Quiet retreat → Lardos, Gennadi
Resort comfort → Kiotari, Kallithea
Best mix of culture + beach → Split stay (Rhodes Town + Pefkos/Faliraki/Kolymbia)

For hotels by budget and area, check Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026 – Best Hotels by Area from Ixia to Gennadi.

If you'd like personalised help, my Rhodes Travel Buddy service chooses a hotel for you based on your budget, pace and travel style.

⭐ Local Insider Tips

✔ If you're not renting a car, stay in Rhodes Town, Faliraki or Pefkos

If that’s your situation, read Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car — it’s the full local breakdown for car-free travellers.
✔ Flying in July–August? Book early
✔ East coast = calmer seas (sandy beaches)
✔ West & north = windier (great for sports)
✔ Many travellers split their stay between two areas

After choosing your base, the Rhodes Transport Guide shows how to use buses, taxis and routes from each area.

⭐ FAQ – Where to Stay in Rhodes

⭐ What’s the best area for families with children?

Faliraki is the island's most family-friendly resort thanks to its huge sandy beach, shallow waters, playgrounds, waterpark and great hotels. Kolymbia and Ialysos are also excellent due to calm evenings and easy beach access.
Families who want both safety and convenience will find these areas ideal.

⭐ Where should couples stay for scenery and quiet evenings?

Lindos is unbeatable for romantic views, rooftop dinners and sunset walks. Pefkos offers similar coastlines with fewer crowds, more value and a slower pace — perfect for couples wanting relaxation without losing beautiful scenery.

⭐ Can I stay somewhere extremely quiet?

Yes — Gennadi and Lardos are the top choices for peace and local charm. These areas offer space, wide beaches and soft village evenings. Just remember that exploring the island from these bases is easier with a car or a few taxi rides.

⭐ Do I need a car to enjoy Rhodes?

Not necessarily. If you stay in Rhodes Town, Faliraki or Ixia, you can explore most of the island using buses, boats and taxis. But if you choose southern bases or want remote beaches and mountain villages, renting a car for a day or two is useful.

⭐ Should I split my stay between two areas?

Absolutely. Many travellers spend 2–3 nights in Rhodes Town for culture + food, then move to a beach area like Pefkos, Faliraki or Kolymbia for the rest. This gives you the best of both worlds without long inland transfers.

⭐ Last Thoughts

I hope this guide helps you confidently choose where to stay in Rhodes for your perfect holiday. Whether you want culture, beaches, nightlife, romance or quiet retreats, Rhodes has a spot that fits your pace.

If you'd like deeper guidance on routes, hidden coves, walking paths and the best areas for your style, check Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary for a full insider blueprint.

Wishing you warm seas, great food and unforgettable sunsets — see you on Rhodes! 🏝
— Looneytravels