Where to Stay in Rhodes: Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts
Your local-friendly guide to where to stay in Rhodes. All top areas explained: beaches, vibes, pros & cons, and honest tips.
RHODES
⭐ Where to Stay in Rhodes – 2026 Complete Guide to All Areas
Hey traveller! I’m Looneytravels — your Local Rhodes Expert who wants your holiday here to be smooth, memorable and totally stress-free.
If you’re figuring out where to stay in Rhodes, this guide will take you through each major area with real pros and cons, so you know what you’re choosing. To dive deeper into planning your days and hidden gems, check out my Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 and Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary and if you’re planning a stay without a car, check out my detailed guide on Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car.”
Let’s explore every area so you really know where to stay in Rhodes for your kind of holiday.
⭐ Rhodes Town – A Cultural Base When Deciding Where to Stay in Rhodes
Why stay here
Rhodes Town is the heart of the island — full of history, restaurants, culture and easy access to everything. A go-to spot when wondering where to stay in Rhodes if you want the full experience.
✔️ Pros
UNESCO-listed Old Town with character
Strong transport links across the island
Lots of cafés, tavernas and nightlife
Don’t need a car to enjoy it
Wide range of accommodation styles
❌ Cons
No sandy beaches nearby
Very busy in peak season
Parking and traffic can be tricky
Premium pricing for central hotels
Local tip:
Start here for 2-3 nights to soak in culture, then move to a quieter base for the rest of your stay.
You can also explore the medieval streets using my Rhodes Old Town Guide 2026, which covers the best spots to see and eat.
⭐ Ixia – Sunset Coast & Value Pick for Where to Stay in Rhodes
Why stay here
Ixia offers hotels with sunset sea views, good resort amenities and value pricing. If you’re asking yourself where to stay in Rhodes while seeking comfort + access, this is a smart choice.
✔️ Pros
More affordable than many resorts
Close to the airport and Rhodes Town
Beautiful sunset views
Large selection of resorts and all-inclusive deals
Good for wind-sports and activity seekers
❌ Cons
Beaches are pebbly or exposed to wind
Airplane noises
Less quaint village atmosphere
Limited nightlife beyond resort bars
Local tip:
Perfect for a budget-smart beach stay with easy access and sea views.
If you’re staying on the west coast, my 10 Things to Know Before Staying in Ixia gives an easy overview of what to expect.
⭐ Ialysos – Family-Friendly North Coast Option
Why stay here
Ialysos (Ialyssos) brings you quiet beaches, resort comfort and proximity to town. A top answer for travellers unsure exactly where to stay in Rhodes and looking for calm + convenience.
✔️ Pros
Good resorts for families and couples
Short drive from airport
Seafront promenade and beach clubs
Affordable comfort and ease of access
❌ Cons
Beach can be windier and less fine-sand
Airplane noises
Limited nightlife scene
Mostly resort dining rather than local flavour
Local tip:
Choose Ialysos for a comfortable, straightforward stay near the north coast activities.
⭐ Kallithea – Relaxed Resort Feel in Choosing Where to Stay in Rhodes
Why stay here
Kallithea (Kallithéa) has small coves, good swimming and resort hotels without the hustle of big party zones. When you’re deciding where to stay in Rhodes and prefer calm with comfort, this fits nicely.
✔️ Pros
Quieter atmosphere
Clear coves for swimming
Modern resort hotels and spa options
Close enough to Rhodes Town for occasional evenings
❌ Cons
Few tavernas beyond hotels
Limited nightlife
Not walkable like a traditional village
Need transport to explore widely
Local tip:
Choose Kallithea if your holiday goal is beach + comfort more than nightlife.
⭐ Faliraki – Beach, Bars & Full Holiday Energy
Why stay here
Faliraki is the lively beach resort zone for fun, sun, water-sports and evening drinks. If you’re thinking where to stay in Rhodes and your answer is “beach + buzz”, this one’s for you. Faliraki is also the most Family-friendly area in Rhodes.
✔️ Pros
Large sandy beach with lots of activities. Perfect for Families
Water-sports, boat trips and clubs
Wide hotel choice from budget to premium
Good bus links to Rhodes Town
❌ Cons
Less “Greek village” authenticity
Very busy in high season
Noise and activities may affect sleep
Some areas feel very resort-centric
Local tip:
Stay in a quieter part of Faliraki if you still want restful nights alongside fun days.
Beach lovers staying nearby can read my Faliraki Beach Rhodes Guide for tips on swimming, food, and activities.
⭐ Kolymbia – Calm, Central & Family-Friendly
Why stay here
Kolymbia sits on the east coast between major hubs, offering relaxed beach days and good access for exploring. A solid pick when you ask where to stay in Rhodes and want balance.
✔️ Pros
"Peaceful" beach vibe
Central location for exploring north and south
Good choice for families
Evenings are relaxed and comfortable
❌ Cons
Not historic village charm
Limited nightlife
More resort-style rather than local authenticity
Might feel too quiet if you prefer lively evenings
Local tip:
Great for families wanting comfort, moderate pace and beach time.
⭐ Lindos – Scenic & Romantic Choice for Where to Stay in Rhodes
Why stay here
Lindos ticks all the boxes for views, charm and memorable evenings. When you ask where to stay in Rhodes and your answer is “special occasion or romance”, Lindos often leads.
✔️ Pros
Stunning village views and coastline
Great beaches and scenic walks
Atmosphere full of character
Perfect for couples and memorable stays
❌ Cons
Further from airport and Rhodes Town
Parking and access can be tricky
Accommodation prices go up in peak season
Busy during the day
Local tip:
Stay here for a few nights if you can — the evenings after the crowds leave are magical.
For iconic views and history, my Lindos Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 helps you explore like a local.
⭐ Pefkos – Quiet Alternative with Beach & Ease
Why stay here
Pefkos offers the beach-and-tavern vibe with fewer crowds than its famous neighbour Lindos. If you’re wondering where to stay in Rhodes and want scenic + calm, Pefkos is a smart bet. Looneytravels #1 "Holiday" Spot on whole island.
✔️ Pros
Amazing food/drink spots
Less crowded than Lindos
Good sandy beach and clear sea
Great for couples and families
Very good "Vibe" during evenings
❌ Cons
Need transport for wider exploration
Village centre is smaller
Not as dramatic scenery as Lindos
Local tip:
Choose Pefkos if you want the Lindos feel but with more rest and value.
If you're exploring the south, my Pefkos Beach Guide gives you a full overview of nearby coves and swimming spots.
If you're deciding between two popular areas, my Pefkos or Lindos comparison explains the differences clearly.
⭐ Lardos – Village Feel & Quiet Beaches
Why stay here
Lardos offers traditional village life with nearby beaches. When your answer to where to stay in Rhodes involves peace, tavernas and local evenings, Lardos fits nicely.
✔️ Pros
Authentic Greek village atmosphere
Good value for money
Quiet evenings and nearby beach
Tavernas around village square
❌ Cons
Beach may require short drive
Fewer amenities than larger resorts
Car or taxi makes exploring easier
Far from Rhodes Town and Airport
Local tip:
Good choice for travellers who want restful evenings and local charm.
⭐ Kiotari – Large Resort Comfort & Sea Base
Why stay here
Kiotari has long beachfront(pebbles), big resorts and plenty of space. If you’re asking where to stay in Rhodes and your answer is “relaxation with resort comfort”, Kiotari might be it.
✔️ Pros
Long open beach, plenty of space
Modern resort hotels
Ideal for families or couples wanting ease
Less busy than many north-coast hubs
❌ Cons
Not much walkable centre
Need transport for variety
Limited independent restaurants
Nightlife is very calm
Local tip:
Pick Kiotari when you want uncomplicated beach days and resort-style comfort.
⭐ Gennadi – Quiet South Coast Escape for Where to Stay in Rhodes
Why stay here
Gennadi offers peace, large beaches and very few crowds. If your answer to where to stay in Rhodes is “quiet retreat by the sea”, this is the spot.
✔️ Pros
Very quiet compared to north resorts
Wide beaches with fewer tourists
Ideal for longer stays
Relaxed atmosphere for couples
❌ Cons
Far from major attractions and airport
Fewer amenities and restaurants
Car essential for exploring
Can feel isolated for someone
Local tip:
Choose Gennadi if your holiday goal is rest, space and one base for full stay.
⭐ How to Choose Where to Stay in Rhodes Based on Your Style
Since your choice of where to stay in Rhodes influences your entire holiday mood, here’s a simplified match based on your travel style:
First-time visitor → Rhodes Town
Sunset + value → Ixia
Romantic + scenic → Lindos
Best of both town + sea → Split days between Rhodes Town and Pefkos, Faliraki or Kolymbia
If you want hotel recommendations by location and style, my Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026 list is very helpful.
✅ Local Insider Tips from Me
✔️If you’re not renting a car, pick a base with good bus links (Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Lindos).
✔️Flying in July–August? Book early and consider quieter south coast locations.
✔️East coast = calmer seas for swimming(sandy beaches), west and north can be windier (great for watersports but pebbly beaches).
✔️Many travellers use two bases: one for culture (Rhodes Town) and one for beach/time to relax.
For moving around easily, my Rhodes Transport Guide explains buses, taxis, and driving in clear, simple steps.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What’s the best area in Rhodes for families with children?
Kolymbia, Ialysos and Faliraki are top picks — they offer safe beaches, family-friendly hotels and a calm pace. Faliraki is the most Family- friendly area.
Q: Where should couples stay for more scenic views and quieter evenings?
Lindos is the standout, Pefkos offers similar beaches with fewer crowds.
Q: Can I stay somewhere extremely quiet on Rhodes, away from crowds?
Yes — Gennadi and Lardos provide peace, space and gentle tides but require some transport.
Q: Do I need a car to enjoy Rhodes fully?
Not if you stay in Rhodes Town, Faliraki or Ixia with good public transport. But for south coast bases or exploring off-the-beaten-track, a car is highly useful.
Q: Is it worth splitting your stay between two areas on Rhodes?
Yes — staying 2–3 nights in Rhodes Town + the rest at a beach resort is a popular and effective strategy.
⭐ Last Thoughts
I hope this guide helps you confidently choose where to stay in Rhodes based on your style, budget and pace. If you’d ever like a deeper look at routes, hidden bays or ready-made day plans, the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 and Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary are always there when you need them.
Wishing you a smooth, sun-filled and truly memorable holiday on this beautiful island.
Happy planning — see you on Rhodes! 🏝
— Looneytravels
