Greece › Rhodes Hotels
By Santorini Dave
The Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes in the Old Town. The medieval castle is a must-see attraction. It is also the beginning of the walk that runs on top of the city’s fortified walls.
By all metrics, Rhodes is a showstopper and one of our favorite places to visit in all of Greece. The largest island in the Dodecanese was an important hub in the Classical, Crusader, and Ottoman eras, leaving behind a stunning ancient Acropolis, an imposing medieval castle, and gorgeous mosques and mansions. Attractions and sights in the two largest cities, Rhodes Town and Lindos, are all accessible on foot. Frequent bus service runs from Rhodes Town down the east coast through several seaside resort towns (including Faliraki and Stegna) and connects to Lindos about 40 km away. If staying in any of the towns along this most popular strip, renting a car is unnecessary. But at 1400 square kilometers, the island offers plenty to explore off the beaten path. To reach the wine village of Embonas, hilltop Filerimos Monastery and Ancient Ialyssos, or the remote, windsurfing/kitesurfing haven of Prasonisi having a car is a boon.
The main city is Rhodes Town, home to almost half of the island’s population. Standing proud on the northeast tip of the island, Rhodes Town is where travelers will find the principal ferry port with routes to Greek islands, the mainland, and Turkey (Rhodes is geographically closer to the Turkish coast than it is to Athens, Crete, or other major ports of Greece). Rhodes Town can be further divided into the Old Town and Niohori or New Town. Rhodes Old Town is the original, walled medieval settlement. Anchored by a formidable Gothic castle, the Old Town is where you’ll find the most important historical and cultural sights of the Crusader and Ottoman eras, along with the bulk of the island’s restaurants, shops, historic boutique hotels – and, of course, crowds – in its narrow, car-free, cobblestone streets. Just north of the Old Town is the New Town (Niohori in Greek), though it’s not entirely “new.” Medieval windmills and battlements share space with Neoclassical mansions and Italian Art Deco public buildings, including the Aquarium and Nea Agora market. Sunny beaches, artisanal markets, traditional and cosmopolitan dining, cocktail bars, and nightclubs abound here.
The Evangelismos Church (Church of the Annunciation) and its bell/clock tower sit on Mandraki Port in Niohori (Greek for New Town). One of the Rhodian Deer Statues (the stag) stands on a column jutting out into the sea. Ferries to Symi and Lindos leave from this harbor.
About a 50-minute drive (or 90-minute bus ride) south of Rhodes Town, picturesque Lindos is home to breathtaking beaches and a charming village center. While Rhodes Town is known for its medieval history, Lindos was the most important city in Ancient Rhodes. The town’s must-see attraction is its Acropolis, with white-columned temple ruins hidden behind a fortified wall added centuries later by the Knights of St. John. The Acropolis rises dramatically above the town center atop a 116-meter cliff. The uphill walk can be challenging; wear sturdy shoes and visit in the morning to avoid the heat of the day. Flanking the town are two crystalline bays that give way to crescent-shaped beaches, Lindos and Pallas Beaches to the north and St. Paul’s Bay and Beach to the south. Dining is a mix of chic and casual, with many rooftop restaurants offering views of the Acropolis illuminated at night. Relaxed bars and a handful of clubs lend a lively atmosphere. The town is built in a natural basin with stone stairs connecting its labyrinthine, pedestrian-only streets; be ready to hike if staying in Lindos.
More beach resorts run along the east and west coasts, the best among them include Faliraki, Kiotari, and Ialyssos. The low-key fishing village, Stegna, offers a more traditional vibe with seaside tavernas. Remote Prasonisi on the very southern tip of the island is a popular destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Our lunch during a visit to St Paul’s Bay in Lindos.
Getting To and Around Rhodes
Peaceful, picturesque Anthony Quinn Bay is about 1.5 km south of Faliraki on a winding road. Having a car makes it easy to visit, but there is also a bus stop about a 25-minute walk away.
Most people visiting Rhodes arrive by plane. Small, international Diagoras Airport sits 12 km west of Rhodes Town and offers direct flights from Athens, Istanbul, and many European cities, including London, Paris, Milan, and Munich. The Roda buses from the airport to Rhodes Town run all day, about every 30 minutes; the ride takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Driving or taking a taxi from Diagoras to Rhodes Town takes about 25 to 35 minutes. Uber exists but only acts as a way to prebook metered taxis.
The island’s ferry port is on the east side of Rhodes Town, just outside the medieval walls. The ferry connects Rhodes with dozens of Greek island and mainland ports and a few ports in Turkey. Ferries between Rhodes and Piraeus (the port of Athens) run daily year-round and take about 15 to 18 hours. Seasonal ferries connect Rhodes to popular island hopping destinations, like Santorini (about 14 hours), Crete (Heraklion port, 11 hours), and Kos (about 3.5 hours). For longer or overnight ferries, opt for a sleeping cabin for a comfortable journey. If staying in the Old Town and packing light, travelers can walk from the ferry port to any hotel in five to 15 minutes. KTEL buses run regularly from just outside the city walls to down to Faliraki and Lindos every 60 to 90 minutes all day. Driving or taxiing the same distance takes about an hour.
For people with limited mobility staying in the Old Town, there are free minibuses (golf carts, mostly) that anyone can flag down for a lift to the Old Town’s sights and hotels. Look for them marked “Rodos Public Transport.” Most seat up to five passengers. The minibuses drive the streets all day picking up passengers along the way. There are usually a few parked around town in some of the wider streets, like the area in front of the Municipal Art Gallery near Liberty Gate. Rides are free, but cash tips are appreciated.
The wine village Embonas has a handful of excellent vineyards and wine shops offering tatings. This is a red flight at Kounaki Wines. Embonas in the hills on the west side of the island. You will need a car to reach this village.
Best Time to Visit Rhodes
The travel season in Rhodes begins in March and ends in November. A few hotels in Rhodes Town are open year-round, but most hotels, restaurants, and bars on the island shutter for the winter. The best time to explore the historical sights of Rhodes Town and Lindos is from April to June and from September to November when the weather is mild and crowds are not as heavy as in the peak summer months. For a beach vacation, June through October offers reliably sunny weather, beach clubs, and plenty of choice for boat tours.
The Best Places to Stay in Rhodes
Our favorite hotel in Rhodes Old town is Kokkini Porta Rossa. The end of the city walls walk is the stone stairway across the pedestrian street from the entrance.
- Best Luxury Hotels in Rhodes
Kókkini Porta Rossa • Lindos Blu • Ammades • Lindos Aqua Terra • Atrium Prestige- Best Boutique Hotels in Rhodes
In Camera • Nikos Takis • Allegory • Melenos • Rodos Niohori- Best Hotels for Families in Rhodes
Atrium Platinum • Atrium Prestige • Gennadi Grand • Atrium Palace- Best Hotels for Couples in Rhodes
Kókkini Porta Rossa • Allegory • Ammades • Melenos- Best Beach Hotels in Rhodes
Ammades • Lindos Aqua Terra • Atrium Prestige • Gennadi Grand- Best Cheap/Midrange Hotels in Rhodes
Mystic • Lindos Harmony • Evdokia- Best Hotel Near the Ferry Port
Casa De La Sera
Luxurious, contemporary Lindos Blu is our favorite hotel in Lindos near the beach.
Best Places in Rhodes for…
Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Timers: Rhodes Town
Our favorite spot for a first-time trip is Rhodes Town, especially the Old Town. The compact, medieval heart of the city is pedestrian-only, and all the major attractions, from the Crusader-era Palace of the Grand Master to the Ottoman-era Süleymaniye Mosque and the medieval Roloi Clock Tower, are within a short, pleasant stroll of each other along charming cobblestone lanes. Walking around the city on top of its fortified walls or inside its dry moat is a must. Fantastic tavernas, cafes, bars, and shops wait around every corner. Rhodes Town is also the main transportation hub of the island, where you’ll find the most buses, taxis, and ferries, making it a breeze to take day trips to Lindos village, the eastern beaches, and picturesque Symi island.
Where to Stay in Rhodes for Couples and Honeymooners: Rhodes Town and Lindos
For special occasions, Rhodes Town and Lindos are neck and neck in offerings. Rhodes Old Town has the highest concentration of upscale boutique hotels, intimate restaurants, and a fantasy atmosphere straight out of a romance novel with its medieval towers and stone castle. Cosmopolitan beaches are a little walk north in Niohori. Whitewashed Lindos has a plethora of cute boutique hotels, rooftop restaurants, and stylish cocktail bars set in a warren of pebble-mosaic and flagstone lanes, all connected by stone stairways. Three sandy beaches set in bays are protected from the winds. Its stunning ancient Acropolis looms over the town and sea, illuminated at night. If you have time, split your trip between both of these towns.
Where to Stay in Rhodes for Families: Faliraki and Lindos
Faliraki has plenty to offer for families seeking fun under the sun. The beach is long, wide, and sandy with crystal clear, shallow water and almost no waves – perfect for beginning swimmers. The beach is lined with sunbeds and umbrellas to rent, restaurants, shops, plus shower and restroom facilities. Set back from the sea there is a small water park. Iconic Anthony Quinn Bay and Beach is just a little ways south. Faliraki has family-friendly resorts and hotels in all price ranges, many within steps of the beach. For families with older kids and teens, Lindos is another great option with exceptional small hotels just steps away from casual dining, organized beaches (especially the cozy, almost fully enclosed St. Paul’s Bay), and historic sights – plenty to stay entertained. The whole village is shaped like a bowl with steps leading up to hotels and the Acropolis and down toward the restaurants and beaches. Lindos is not stroller-friendly and very young children may tire from climbing the stairs or even slip and fall on the stones, polished smooth from centuries of foot traffic.
Where to Stay in Rhodes for Beaches: Faliraki, Stegna, Kiotari, and Lindos
Rhodes’ best beaches are on the eastern shore, facing away from the winds that hit the west side and the northern and southern tips. Faliraki Beach is one of the longest beaches on the island and the best organized with showers, restrooms, sunbed-umbrella sets for rent, and numerous restaurants, beach clubs, and hotels along its entire length. The water is clear, shallow, and virtually waveless for most of the year. Kiotari is a newer resort area in Rhodes, less developed and organized than Faliraki, but a little more stylish. The beach is a mix of sand and pebbles (more pebbles than sand) with clear water and gentle waves. Stegna Beach, in an old fishing village, offers the most authentic Greek beach experience. Casual seafood tavernas and cafes sit back from an uncrowded sand and shingle beach, with a few sunbeds and umbrellas for rent plus plenty of space to lay down your own beach towel. The water is cool, clear, and calm; there are some rocky patches to look out for. Lindos is home to three lovely beaches, smaller than the aforementioned and usually more crowded, but well-organized with beach restaurants and just steps from the historic village center.
Where to Stay in Rhodes without a Car: Rhodes Town
By a long shot, this is the best place to stay in Rhodes if you won’t be driving yourself. The Old Town is packed with historic sights, restaurants, and shops all within a compact, walkable space – end to end it only takes 15 minutes to traverse. The New Town (Niohori) offers sandy beaches, international shops and restaurants, an Italian Art Deco aquarium, and fun nightlife. It also takes only 15 minutes to walk from its farthest two points. Between Niohori and the Old Town is the intercity bus station, with routes running all day to Lindos, the eastern beaches, the northern beaches, and the airport. Taxis here can take you to harder-to-reach spots like Prasonisi Islet, Filerimos Monastery, the wine village of Embonas, and more. The main ferry port sits at the east end of the Old Town, while the marina (with boat trips to Symi and around Rhodes) sits just east of the New Town. A free minibus service picks up visitors with limited mobility and takes them to Rhodes Town’s best-loved spots. The Old Town and parts of Niohori are pedestrian-only. Having a car and finding somewhere to park is a hindrance more than a help when staying in Rhodes Town.
The Best Towns in Rhodes for Tourists
Rhodes Town
The island’s capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes Town is a must-see destination and the best place to stay in Rhodes for first-time visitors. Divided into the medieval Old Town and the modern Niohori (New Town), it offers an energetic blend of history, culture, and contemporary life. The narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic landmarks have a touristy vibe but are undeniably charming and enchanting.
- Best Hotels in Rhodes Town
Kókkini Porta Rossa • In Camera • Nikos Takis • Allegory • Rodos Niohori • Ellique • AvalonLindos
This picturesque village is known for its whitewashed houses, beautiful beaches, and the impressive Acropolis of Lindos, which overlooks the town from a hilltop. The crystal-clear waters of St. Paul’s Bay and Lindos Beach make it a great spot for swimming and sunbathing, while the village’s narrow streets and quality tavernas offer an idyllic backdrop.
- Best Hotels in Lindos
Lindos Blu • Melenos • Lindos Aqua Terra • Lindos Mare • Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas • Lindos GrandFaliraki
Famous for its golden sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife, Faliraki is a popular destination for travelers seeking sun, sea, and fun. The main beach offers a wide range of water sports and beachside amenities, while the lively town center boasts an array of restaurants, bars, and clubs.
- Best Hotels in Faliraki
Ammades • Elysium Resort & Spa > • Rodos PalladiumKiotari
This peaceful resort area, located on the southeast coast of Rhodes, offers a tranquil retreat for those seeking relaxation and natural beauty. The pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters of Kiotari make it a perfect spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, while the nearby village provides a taste of traditional Greek hospitality.
- Best Hotel in Kiotari
MayiaIalyssos and Ixia
Situated on the northwest coast of Rhodes, Ialyssos combines history, culture, and good windsurfing. The Filerimos Monastery – with its 15th-century Gothic church, ruins of Ancient Ialyssos, and stunning panoramic views – is a must-visit. The long stretch of pebbly beach offers a range of water sports and beachside amenities, while the town center has ample dining and shopping options. The eastern half of Ialyssos is called Ixia and is known for its pebble beach, water sports, laid-back vibe, and luxury resorts.
- Best Hotels in Ialassos and Ixia
Atrium Platinum • Sheraton • AmusStegna
This small, laid-back fishing village on the east coast of Rhodes offers a charming escape from the hustle and bustle of the island’s larger resorts. The secluded Stegna Beach, with its crystal-clear waters and relaxed atmosphere, is good for swimming or sunbathing. The village itself features a handful of traditional shops and tavernas.
- Best Hotel in Stegna
Stegna Sea & SunPrasonisi
Located at the southernmost tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi is a haven for windsurfers and kitesurfers due to its unique geographical position and consistent winds. The sandy beach here forms a narrow spit of land that connects the main island to a small islet, creating a stunning backdrop for water activities.
- Best Hotel in Prasonisi
Zanetos Prasonisi
The 24 Best Hotels in Rhodes
1. Kókkini Porta Rossa – Old Town
Our favorite hotel in Rhodes. This impeccable getaway is set in a former knight’s residence on the edge of the Old Town, with a hospitable home-away-from-home vibe. It has six superb suites featuring exposed stonework, sitting rooms with daybeds, complimentary fully-stocked minibars, and a clawfoot tub, jetted tub, or outdoor soaking tub. The Michalis Suite has an outdoor pool in a private garden, while the Deniz Suite features a loft layout and an Ottoman-style covered balcony. A chef-prepared, five-course, organic, locally sourced breakfast is included daily with all stays, and in the evenings before dinner, wine, spirits, and meze are offered freely. Many restaurants, boutiques, and historic sights are within walking distance. Open to guests ages 17 and older only.
2. In Camera Art Boutique Hotel – Old Town
Exquisite boutique hotel in the heart of the Old Town with photography-themed suites and a villa filled with vintage cameras and original art. Each room is unique in this historic building (some add sofabeds, freestanding bathtubs, or outdoor jacuzzis). Still, all accommodations feature walk-in showers with jacuzzi jets and king-sized, Cocomat beds with pillow menus and mattress menus. The three-level, Forms of Light suite has two terraces with harbor views, while the top-end family villa, Places in Suspension, has a fully-equipped kitchen, dining area, jacuzzi, fireplace, and a large terrace. A communal jacuzzi is in the courtyard. A buffet breakfast with eggs à la minute is included with each suite stay. Our favorite hotel for all ages in the Old Town.
3. Nikos Takis Fashion Boutique Hotel – Old Town
Glamorous boutique hotel set in an Ottoman-era mansion-turned-couturier-turned-hotel steps from the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. Rooms and suites feature eclectic, strikingly-colored rooms and suites with tiled, wooden, and marble floors, Cocomat beds, and complimentary stocked minibars. Some have private balconies. Rooms have distinctive touches like bespoke furnishings designed by Nikos and Takis, stone walls and arches and iron chandeliers, and suites add sitting areas, colorful inlaid headboards, indoor or outdoor jacuzzis, draped hand-embroidered fabrics, terraces, painted cupboards, and four-poster beds. Amazing Old Town location surrounded by restaurants and shops. Ages 10 and older only.
4. Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel – Lindos
Exclusive, modern, adults-only hotel, set on a hillside overlooking Vlycha Bay. Facilities include three pools (two are heated, one is indoors), a holistic spa and salon, and private space on the beach with food and beverage service. Sunny rooms, suites, maisonettes, and villas, feature floor-to-ceiling windows, jacuzzis, and balconies with panoramic bay views. Upgraded rooms and suites feature large balconies with sunbeds and sharing pools (one pool between two rooms), bathtubs with overhead star lights or walk-in wardrobes and dressing areas, and double jacuzzis on the balconies. One-story villas have living rooms, French windows, and private infinity pools with double jacuzzis. Lindos village is a quick, five-minute drive away.
5. Allegory – Old Town
Romantic boutique hotel in a medieval building with just six suites, all with king-sized beds, French furniture, original artwork, and walk-in showers. Some have private patios. One has a bathtub, and one has an indoor jacuzzi. An à la carte, Mediterranean breakfast is included daily, and a small bar serves wine and cocktails all day. Fantastic location less than a five-minute walk to Süleymaniye Mosque and Roloi Clock Tower and about a 10-minute walk to the Palace of the Grand Master.
6. Ammades All Suites Beach Hotel – Faliraki
Beachfront boutique hotel with a seasonally heated pool, beach club, and wellness center with a spa and gym. Suites feature contemporary decor with king-sized beds and private balconies or terraces. Some have large, heated private pools with attached jacuzzis; Penthouse Suites add a soaking tub. Relaxed location on Faliraki Beach in Ammoudes. Most restaurants in the immediate area are in other hotels; there are more dining options south in the town of Faliraki, about a five-minute drive away. Ages 16 and older only.
7. Melenos Art Boutique Hotel – Lindos
Set on a hill and loaded with character and color, this stunning Ottoman-influenced boutique hotel features gorgeous, individually designed suites and two villas, all with extensive hand-carved woodwork, tapestries on walls, ornate closets and mirrors, hand-painted ceilings, traditional ‘step-up’ wooden Rhodian beds, sofabeds, sitting areas, bidets, and beautiful sea and garden views. Upgraded suites feature private balconies or patios with pebbled mosaics and mosaic-tile bathrooms. The two villas feature kitchens and large terraces with panoramic sea views. Suite bookings (but not villas) come with an organic, à la carte breakfast served to the rooms each morning. A perfect perch within a five-minute walk of restaurants, two beaches, and Lindos Acropolis.
8. Lindos Aqua Terra – Lindos
Intimate beachfront hotel with a sea view pool and a popular beach restaurant. All accommodations have sea or garden views, and private balconies; suites and premium rooms add private pools. Guests have access to the spa and gym at the hotel’s sister property, Lindos Blu. Great location on Vlycha Beach with an attached supermarket, about a five-minute drive to the dining, nightlife, and sights of Lindos village.
9. Rodos Niohori Elite Suites – Niohori
Welcoming, exclusive, and traditional home, with three thoughtfully designed suites with private terraces and unique features (a stone fireplace, gnarled wood staircase, sofabed, dining room, and more, depending on the suite), fridges. A homemade Greek breakfast is included and served in the garden patio. Located in Niohori (New Town) close to many excellent restaurants, a five-minute walk from the beach, and a ten-minute walk to the Old Town.
10. Hotel Ellique – Old Town
Delightful, adults-only, renovated 14th-century property in Rhodes Old Town featuring four picturesque junior suites with high ceilings, oak floors, open stonework, and antique furniture. Each junior suite has a different, original stained glass art piece and custom-made tile floor. An à la carte breakfast is included and served in the leafy courtyard each morning. Well-located near dining and shopping and just a five-minute walk from the Street of the Knights and Roloi Clock Tower.
11. Atrium Prestige Thalasso Resort – Lachania
Fabulous, beachfront resort featuring a huge variety of stylish rooms, suites, bungalows, and villas with hand-painted ceilings, jacuzzi baths, floor-to-ceiling windows, and furnished balconies with garden or sea views. Upgrades can add personal pools, grassy terraces, and lounge areas. Some bungalows and villas have wooden pergolas and/or personal pools with decks. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a range of Greek and international restaurants. Families can enjoy spacious suites, a playground, and a kids club with supervised activities. Option to book as a bed and breakfast, half board, full board, or all-inclusive. There’s not much within walking distance, so renting a car is best. Lindos village is 34 kms away.
12. Lindos Mare – Lindos
Hilltop, luxury hotel overlooking the sea with two outdoor pools, a kids’ pool, a holistic spa, and a reserved space with sunbeds and umbrellas on the beach below. Contemporary rooms and suites offer one king or two twin beds, trundle sofabeds, and private balconies or terraces. Suites have separate bedrooms and living rooms; the six Deluxe Pool Front Rooms share their own heated pool. Dining options include one buffet and two à la carte restaurants, three bars, poolside and beachfront service to your sunbeds, and room service until one in the morning. Quiet location on Vlycha Beach just north of Lindos village, less than a 5-minute drive away.
13. Mayia Exclusive Resort and Spa – Kiotari
Luxury, all-inclusive resort with two outdoor pools; an indoor, heated pool in a lavish spa; and a private, serviced beach just across the road. Various à la carte and buffet restaurants run the gamut from Greek street food to gourmet pan-Asian fare, accompanied by four bars and a nightclub with themed dance nights. Sunny rooms and suites in white with earth and sky color accents feature king-sized beds, private balconies or patios, and bathrooms with two sinks. Some rooms, junior suites, and suites have direct access to a heated, sharing pool, while top-tier suites have private, heated pools. Relaxed getaway in Kiotari, with a handful of tavernas nearby and about a 20-minute drive to Lindos village. Open to guests ages 16 and older only.
14. Casa Cook Rhodes – Kolymbia
Boho-chic, luxury hotel with two outdoor pools; indoor and outdoor gyms; and a holistic, Ayurvedic-based spa with an indoor heated pool. The poolside Mediterranean restaurant features meze and grilled dishes, a second restaurant offers traditional Greek flavors, and the lounge bar serves cocktails, mocktails, and more until midnight. Buffet breakfast is complimentary. Rooms have one king or two twin beds and private terraces. Most rooms have direct access to a sharing pool. Loft Suites add indoor, jetted baths; Suites, Prestige Suites, and Premium Villas have private, jetted, outdoor pools. Guests here have access to all facilities of their sister property next door, Cook’s Club The beach and a handful of restaurants are within a five to ten-minute walk of the hotel. Great, central location in a quiet resort village, about halfway between the Old Town and Lindos village (about a 30-minute drive to either town). Ages 14 and older only.
15. Atrium Platinum Resort & Spa – Ixia
Family-friendly resort with bright, spacious rooms and suites (beginning at 42 square meters) with balconies and sea views. Upgraded rooms and suites have terraces with sharing pools or personal, heated pools. The resort centers on an enormous, freeform pool; food and beverage service is available directly to your poolside sunbed. A heated pool is in the wellness center, which includes a spa and gym. Popular with families, the resort offers a kids’ club with supervised activities, a kids’ pool, and a playground. Crowd-pleasing restaurants include one buffet and four à la carte restaurants (Greek casual, Greek fine dining, Italian, and Asian). Like its sister properties, Atrium Platinum is bookable as a bed and breakfast, half-board, full-board, or all-inclusive. The resort sits across the street from pebbly Ixia Beach (wear beach shoes; the sea entrance is rocky), accessible via an underpass. Located four kilometers from Rhodes Town.
16. Cook’s Club Kolymbia – Kolymbia
Vibrant, luxury hotel with two pools and an outdoor fitness center in a small village midway between the Old Town and Lindos. Culinary offerings include worldly Greek fare, Asian street food, and a creative Italian restaurant. Minimalist rooms all have private balconies or terraces, walk-in showers, and one king or two twin beds. Suites add extra square meters and a separate living room. Guests here have access to the facilities (including the spa) at their sister property next door, Casa Cook. The beach and more restaurant options are just a five to ten-minute stroll away.
17. Gennadi Grand Resort – Gennadi
Family-friendly, luxury resort owned by a local family from Gennadi village. Spectacular offerings include three outdoor pools plus a kids’ pool, an award-winning spa with an indoor pool, indoor and outdoor gyms with yoga, tennis, and weekly stargazing events. Kid-centric perks include a kids’ club with guided activities, a playground, babysitting services, and connecting rooms and spacious suites for up to five guests. Rare in Rhodes, the resort has wheelchair-accessible rooms and common areas – even boccia (a Paralympic version of bocce). Rooms and suites have one king or two twin beds, two sinks in the bathrooms, walk-in showers, and pillow menus; the first full minibar is free. Over half of the accommodations include a private pool. Eight restaurants and three bars cook up a range of casual and gourmet recipes to suit all tastes. Guests can choose to book a bed and breakfast, half board, or all-inclusive package. Serene location on a 40-kilometer stretch of sand-and-pebble Blue Flag beach. It’s a little remote (half an hour from Lindos, and a little over an hour from Rhodes Town), so plan to rent a car for stays here.
18. Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas – Lindos
Fusing classical Greek and Italian styles, this lovely resort has airy, picturesque rooms, suites, and villas with private balconies; most rooms have whirlpool baths and bidets. Upgraded rooms and villas have private, heated pools or direct access to a sharing pool. Guests enjoy indoor and outdoor pools, a state-of-the-art spa, tennis, basketball, and mini golf. The private beach club and pool bar offer food and drinks directly to your sunbed, while the main bar has nightly live music. À la carte restaurants offer Greek, Italian, and Asian dishes, while the buffet offers a different theme every night, from Mexican to Mediterranean flavors. As at its sister properties, this resort is available in bed and breakfast, half board, full board, or all-inclusive packages. Quiet location, but only six kilometers from Lindos village.
19. Elysium Resort & Spa – Faliraki
Trendy, beachfront hotel ten kilometers from Rhodes Town with spacious, modern rooms and suites featuring chic furniture, sitting areas, bathtubs, and furnished balconies with amazing sea views. Superior Deluxe rooms add jacuzzis. Luxury suites have walk-in closets, large living rooms with dining tables, bigger balconies, jacuzzis, and Elite Club services (private check-in, exclusive lounge access, complimentary refreshments all day, and more). The top-end Presidential Suite has dimmable lights, mind-blowing sea views, and a deep whirlpool bath in front of the bed. Hotel has a freshwater, lagoon-style pool, and a sandy private beach.
20. Rodos Palladium – Faliraki
Sprawling, classy hotel, ten kilometers from Rhodes Town featuring warmly decorated double and twin rooms, family rooms, and suites with pull-out beds, bidets, bathtubs, fridges, and private furnished balconies with beautiful mountain or sea views. Suites add living rooms, and the top-end suites add entertainment systems. Facilities include a large lagoon-style pool, a kids’ pool, a lavish spa with an indoor pool, and a dedicated beach space with sunbeds and umbrellas. One Mediterranean à la carte restaurant, one international buffet, and three cocktail/snack bars serve fine dining and comfort cuisine throughout the day.
21. Sheraton Rhodes Resort – Ixia
This slick, modern hotel offers minimalistic, stylish rooms and suites with parquet floors, floor-to-ceiling windows, and furnished private balconies, many with sea views. Suites add living areas and additional amenities such as VIP check-in and more. The property boasts five pools (including an adults-only pool and a kids’ pool), a day spa, and a private beach across the road, accessible via an underpass. Rhodes Town is less than 10 minutes away by car.
22. Lindos Grand Resort & Spa – Lindos
Luxury resort on a hill overlooking Vlycha Bay with an Olympic-sized pool, an indulgent spa, and reserved space on the beach across a small road with sunbeds and umbrellas. One buffet and six à la carte restaurants serve up a range of Mediterranean and Asian flavors, supplemented by a wine cellar and two bars. Spacious rooms are designed for couples with one king-sized bed, floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in showers, and a welcome bottle of wine. Most have private, heated pools and sea views. Quiet location near a couple of beach bars, about a 10-minute drive into Lindos village for more dining, shops, and historic sights. 16 years and older only.
23. Avalon Boutique Suites – Rhodes Old Town
Rustic, stone-walled, medieval boutique hotel in Rhodes Old Town featuring six spacious, themed suites and a three-bedroom villa, all with antiques, double-glazed windows, and baths or showers with hydromassage. All but one suite have private balconies or terraces. Thalassa Suite, Notos Suite, and the Villa are split-level; the Villa adds a kitchen and sleeps up to five guests. A hearty Greek breakfast is served each morning in the garden courtyard. Fantastic location just steps from the Street of the Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master.
24. Amus Hotel & Spa – Ixia
Romantic, hillside hotel overlooking the Ixia Bay, featuring modern and well-laid-out Amus Suites offering breathtaking bay views from the outdoor private pools (with wooden decks and jacuzzis). All suite types have wooden floors, spacious sitting areas, bathtubs, smart controls for curtains and lights, and floor-to-ceiling windows. Upgraded suites get cozy private gardens with sun loungers accessed via a wooden bridge from the living room, and the top-end Presidential suite has a bigger private pool. The hotel has two rooftop pools, two ground floor pools, an indoor, heated pool in the spa, and the Black Pool, exclusively for guests of the Amus Suite categories. The hotel has dedicated sunbeds and umbrellas at the beach across the road, accessible via an underpass. Located just three kilometers from Rhodes town.
Summary: My Favorite Hotels in Rhodes
• Old Town: Kókkini Porta Rossa
• Lindos: Lindos Blu
• Faliraki: Ammades
• For nightlife: Rodos Niohori
• For families: Atrium Platinum Resort & Spa
• For couples: Kókkini Porta Rossa
• Near ferry: Casa De La Sera
The ruins of the Doric-style Temple of Athena Lindia in the Acropolis of Lindos.
I’m Santorini Dave. I started this site in 2011 with a quick guide on visiting Santorini with kids. Now, my small team and I provide guides to 
Hi Dave, you must be a very busy man with all these questions we ask you. So here are my questions. We will be in Rhodes, Greece for 6 days: (21 May-27 May)
1. What are the best day trips to other islands from Rhodes?
2. Is it worth going to Turkey for the day?
3. Should we hire a car?
4. What are the best restaurants in Rhodes?
5. And anything really special we should see?
We are from Australia. Hence we are very adventurous!
I love Rhodes in May. It’s up and running after the Winter break and the weather is not yet torrid as it can be in mid-Summer.
Best daytrips from Rhodes to nearby islands? The most obvious one I’d recommend and most-touted is to Symi – it is the closest. Organised trips typically take you first to the Panormitis monastery on the southern tip then after an hour or take you on to the main harbour town of Symi itself. Visitors typically amble around the port – maybe take the steep climb to Ano Symi (remember the postman does this every day!) have lunch and take the excursion craft back to Rhodes. Since you are adventurous types, you could take the earliest connecting regular ferry to Symi Port, hire a motor bike and head on up the winding road over the top of the mountain and visit Panormitis (19kms) yourselves.
It’s a spectacular ride though you will need to be careful on the curves winding down to Panormitis bay. Take a ride to the little village of Emporeios (4 kms) enjoying the dry and stark coastline and on your way back stop off at little Nos beach (with cafeteria/taverna) just before you hit the first houses of Symi.
Other islands you may consider are Tilos – much less touristed and low-key and doable via the Dodecanese catamarans and also possible with a bit of planning the island of Chalki, which is really better for an over-nighter. Tilos is really on the main port of Livadia and the main inland village of Megalo Chorio. Hire a scooter (or little car), pick you way round the island and lunch at the fishing port of Agios Antonios, or on Eristos beach (where you can best swim). Chalki is very pretty and if you can manage a day trip with the Dodecanese Catamarans it’s worth it.
Turkey for a day? It’s certainly doable and you’ll need to look into the schedules of the boats and catamarans, but you’ll probably not get to do more than wander around Marmaris for a day (and it’s a big town) unless you can pre-arrange an excursion out of Marmaris.
Hiring a car in Rhodes? Yes and no. If you are based in the Old or New Town of Rhodes and you don’t plan to tour, then you can do without a car. Public transport (bus) is good and inexpensive and you can swim in the New Town quite easily. If you want to see Rhodes Island, then a car is a very good idea – at least for a couple of days. Local agents such as Triton Holidays are very good at getting favourable car rental deals and arranging local tickets and accommodation in general – including Turkey.
Best restaurants in Rhodes? There are many excellent ones and many below-average touristy ones. Here are three tips. In the New Town give Koozina a go. Very, very nice. In the Old Town don’t miss Marco Polo Café and for the ultimate in haute cuisine (if you are down that way) try the à-la-carte restaurant at the Lindos Blue Luxury Hotel in Lindos.
Special things to see? The Old Town. Allow plenty of time to savour and explore. Adventurous people will venture to the Deep South and probably end up at Prasonisi the southernmost point with a wide sandy beach and tavernas. Down here is quite different to the North (and you will need a car). Seek lunch at the Taverna Platanos in Lachania where you will be excused for thinking you are not in Rhodes, or in one of the rustic taverns such as Bakis Bros in the mountain village of Embonas.
Best beach on the island is probably Tsambika Beach on the East side. Get here in your hire car; choose a beach taverna and order a cold beer or frappé; swim and relax when you are ready. Nice lunch to be had in the garden environment of Athiri Restaurant on the approach road to Tsambika Beach.
Hi! Thanks so much for putting together this wonderful guide. My fiancee and I plan on travelling to Greece for our honeymoon, and we’ve found your guide of tremendous help. I did have one questions in regards to Hotels in Rhodes.
In my searches in google, a hotel that constantly pops up is Lindos Blu. It has good tripadvisor ratings, and comes up in a lot of “best of” hotel guides across the internet. I was curious if you had ever been and what your take on it was?
Thanks,
Jon
Lindos Blu is an exclusive, adults-only small resort that vies for the title of best overall boutique resort on Rhodes. Perched on a hillside overlooking expansive Vlycha Bay the hotel also has perhaps Rhodes’ most respected restaurant. Architecturally modernistic it has excellent views and a growing reputation as one of the best hotels in Rhodes.
Hi! My finance and I are taking our honeymoon to Greece and debating on Milos, Naxos, or Rhodes for our third island after Mykonos and Santorini. Which island would you recommend for best beaches and relaxation? Thank you.
For beaches and relaxation definitely Naxos. Milos is wonderful but is more of an active visit as you really need to explore to reveal its charms. Rhodes is beautiful but much busier and much harder to get to (from Mykonos or Santorini) than Naxos.
Any recommendations for a good hotel near the Rhodes airport – or one with a free shuttle to the airport, as I have an early morning flight and want to stay close to the airport.
Claudia
Old House (apartments) are cheap, clean, and good value. If you have little luggage you could walk to the airport or owner Michael will give you a ride for a small fee.
hi Dave,
We are going to be in Rhodes next July for a week and are hoping to go to Crete by ferry, do you know how often ferries go to Crete from Rhodes or would it be a better option to go via one of the other Cyclades islands and work our way down to Crete that way?
If that is best option which island do you recommend going to from Rhodes which would be quickest option to Crete?
rgds
michael cammerino
There are 2 ferries per week (with Anek) between Rhodes and Crete – it’s a fairly long ferry ride depending on the route (9 to 13 hours). In summer there can sometimes be one or two more ferries/week. There are also direct flights in summer with Skyexpress. If you went via the Cyclades then Santorini is the best option.
We will be a family of grandparents and grown grandchildren visiting Greece for 10days. We were thinking of renting a boat to travel from Athens to Santorini to Crete to Rhodes where we are meeting up w another part of family June 1st. Does this strike you as “best route” or do you suggest flying betw islands instead?
Also, what is best upscale Rhodes hotel with a pool and yet still able to walk to Old Town (15min walk or less) and also be near a beach? Am I delusional? Thank you so much for your help.
Julie
Try Bellevue Suites in Rhodes Town. Close to the beach, walking distance to Old Town, and (smallish) pool. Two-bedroom suites sleep 4 and have kitchenette.
Hi, we’re going to Rhodes for a week from October 16th with our daughter who’s 15 months old. We’re looking for a hotel in Rhodes new town that provides parking, since we plan to rent a car and we understand that there’s no driving in the old town. We’re also looking for an authentic Greek experience, meaning mostly friendly staff and good Greek food. Ideally both breakfast and dinner should be available at the hotel. Could you please offer us some advice? Thanks!
Laura Levy
The hotels with lots of character and a Greek feel are in the Old Town. In the New Town the Best Western Plaza Hotel has a good central location and a nice pool. There’s a decent restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (and better restaurants are an easy walk away). Free parking at the public parking lot is a 5 minute walk. The beach and Old Town are about a 10 minute walk.
Hi
I will be going to Rhodes next week, I am between the AquaGrand in Lindos and the Elysium Resort! Wich one you think would be better for a 60 years old couple??
Thank you
Cynthia
Both are beautiful resorts with great pools and good sea swimming. But neither have much within walking distance and the beaches are pebbly more than sandy (the Elysium has the more sandy of the two). Elysium is 15 minutes from Rhodes Town (and the ferry port), while AquaGrand is almost an hour’s drive. The Elysium is also closer to the airport.
We are staying for a couple of days at the end of September, beginning of October in Old Town, Rhodes (after visiting other locations) and would like to a few beach days at the end of our trip. Are there any nice beach hotels–actually on the beach–in Rhodes? Or are we better off staying in Lindos or elsewhere and simply exploring beaches by day? We don’t love those big glitzy resorts, are looking for somewhere with charm or at least a bit of chic. Any suggestions? Thanks!
Deborah
Well, a couple of places come to mind – or rather jump off the page – and they, plus one other option, probably match what you are after. You didn’t say where you are staying in the Old Town, but there are some pretty good choices and as you are planning to travel at the end of September to the beginning of October, accommodation rates should be cheaper. First up, consider staying at the Kokkini Porta in the Old Town itself. It’s a newbie boutique hotel that will make you feel very pampered. Next up, you could still stay in Rhodes Town, but in the New Town and be more or less next to the beach – and a nice beach it is too. Have a look at the website of the Hotel Mediterranean. It’s at the northern end of the New Town – just past the casino – and is a great duo combo option (Old Town nearby and beach on your doorstep). Either way, you are not far from a beach and Rhodes’ town beach is actually very attractive.
You mention something chic (something special perhaps?) so here’s a tip. Down south is a luxury complex with your own private suites bearing names such as “River Passage Pool Suite”, “Ottoman Gardens Junior Suite” or, for the romantically inclined, enjoy your own jacuzzi and King sized four-poster bed in the “Ottoman Gardens Honey Suite”. This secluded hideaway with private beach is called Lindian Village and it’s not far from Lindos. It’s better than Lindos itself because Lindos is not actually on a beach – you have to walk, to one side of the village or the other.
You might get a better deal – plus organise a car hire of your onward tickets if you go through one agency and that is Triton Holidays. Ask for Managing Director Kim Sjögren and he and his team can arrange all the details, if you prefer the easier route. Good luck with your planning end enjoy Rhodes.
Hi! I am just planning my Greece trip and need help with Rhodes! Will be in Rhodes at the end of September, from Sunday afternoon to Thursday afternoon. Traveling with my 65 yr old mom and sister, so we are looking to do activities but also relax (but can’t do too much stairs for my mom). Should we base ourselves in only one part of Rhodes (near Old Town)? Is it easy to get around the island if we stay here and just take taxis everywhere? Or should we stay somewhere else and get a car? We are a bit nervous of driving there (we are from NY, and I think we can handle it, but you never know!). Or should we stay in two different places?
We are also going to Crete and Santorini…I love lounging by the pool but my mom and sister don’t care as much for it. So I do want at least 2-3 days at a nice pool resort for me during our trip. Is it better to do this in Rhodes, Crete, or Santorini? We are ending in Santorini so figured I would schedule this relaxing time then…
And last question, we will need to go from Santorini to Athens back to NY in early October. Our flight back to NY leaves Athens at 1230 pm. Should we fly back from Santorini to Athens very early that morning (like 830 am) or should we aim to get back to Athens the day before? I am not sure how reliable the flights are….Just thought I’d ask!
Thanks for any advice.
By the end of September things should be quietening down in Rhodes particularly the further away you go from Rhodes Town (Old and New) so you may care to base yourselves nearer the action of Rhodes Town. Rhodes is easy to get around but it is a big island and while taxis are good for getting around the New Town (on foot is the way to go in the Old Town) it will get very expensive if you use taxis for day trips.
If you are from New York, driving in Rhodes will be like a ride out around the Hamptons – easy! It’s not like Athens or Thessaloniki: it’s busy enough around Rhodes Town and there are one-way streets to confuse you, but driving out of Rhodes on the main highways is a pleasant experience and you can hire a car at a very reasonable price by the end of September.
If you stay in the main town, make a point of staying in the Old Town as it is like stepping back in time: very atmospheric and old-word with narrow cobbled streets and alleyways that disappear round corners leading to somewhere tempting. You can’t park your car in the Old Town, so you’ll have to walk to it each day outside the walls of the moat.
It will take about two hours to drive from one end of the island to the other. The ’touristy’ side is the east coast, while the west coast is less developed. You an easily drive across the island through the hill villages. All road signs are in Greek and English.
Any island would do for sunbathing. It’s great to sit by the pool in Santorini and look out at the caldera. On the other hand, pools tend to be smaller there than on other islands (and hotels with a pool and view cost more) – not sure if that’s a concern.
Flights are fairly reliable. But allow at least 3 hours in Athens as delays are common for Greek flights.
Hi Dave,
What town on Rhodes island is the best to stay in around the beginning of June. We are looking for somewhere with a lovely view, not too busy but not isolated at the same time?
We took your advice when we went to Santorini…stayed in Imerovigli and it was just perfect.
Your advice is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Dave
In general terms Rhodes’ east coast is the best coast. It sports the best beaches and is usually protected from the prevailing northern weather and the meltemi wind that can make north-facing resorts somewhat bracing. If we exclude Rhodes Town – which is still a nice option – especially if you choose carefully in the Old Town, you have a string of resorts with sandy beaches running down the coast as far as Gennadi.
You do mention a town – which probably also means village – so that limits the search to a handful of places. The first places that come to mind are the adjoining communities of Lindos and Pefki. Lindos is busy though not crazy-busy in June like it will be in August. It is the jewel in the eastern flank of Rhodes: pretty – too pretty for its own good in full Summer – but certainly very atmospheric, with labyrinthine alleyways, plodding passenger donkeys, glitzy boutiques, and romantic rooftop night-time dining. There are two decent beaches to escape to, but so do the day crowds that come by the boatload to enjoy Lindos’ narrow streets and folksy ambiance. Pefki is a little less frenetic and ‘different’. It has scattered low-rise appartments to rent plus the odd tourist resort complex, is more open in its feel, and is not touristy-folksy like Lindos and you are likely to find a place to stay that is cheaper than in Lindos itself. Neither Lindos nor Pefki are isolated though they are both around 50km from Rhodes town.
A little further south is the compact beachside village of Gennadi. The beach here is pebbled, but the waters are pristine and clean. It’s a community that lives independently and essentially apart from the more mainstream tourism that starts to peter out at Lindos and Pefki.
Back up the coast and back to sand the next and final suggestion would be the extended resort village of Stegna. It is popular, has a long sandy beach, and still retains a small-town feel. It might meet your requirements for a ‘not too busy’ and ‘not too isolated’ getaway spot.
Try Triton Tours in Rhodes Town, if you’d rather someone else does the looking for you when searching for a place to stay. Kim and his team from Triton have their fingers on all the best deals around on the island of Rhodes and can organize you a hire car as well, if you prefer.
Brilliant…that’s great help to us Dave. Thanks for taking the time to reply.
Kind regards,
Dave
I have one extra day in Greece. I can either spend it in Athens or go to Rhodes or stay in Mykonos. Is a day trip to Rhodes (from Athens) worth it?
Sneha
Rhodes is a wonderful island with lots too see so, yes, you’d certainly love it. But, just to be clear, you would have to fly from Athens (it’s a long way from Athens to Rhodes by ferry) so you’re looking at a flight in the morning to Rhodes and then a flight back in the evening. You’d have a full day of travel. But, it’s doable. That said, if you were willing to do something like that, then I’d do the same thing but for Santorini which is easier to see in a day than Rhodes. And the flight to Santorini is only 45 minutes instead of 65 minutes from Athens to Rhodes.
What are the best beaches on Rhodes? I will be with my 12 year old daughter but it doesn’t have to be “kid-friendly”. Just nice sand, and nice water for swimming. A friend told me one side of Rhodes had great beaches and the other side not so good, but from my research I can’t tell what side is better or if that’s even true. Thanks, Liz.
Rhodes’ beach quality is determined by their location. As a general rule beaches along the northwest side of the island are more exposed, scraggy, and inferior to beautiful beaches along the southeast side of the island. This is primarily due to the influence of the northerly ‘meltemi’ wind that scours the Aegean sea during the summer months. The only possible exception may be the beaches abutting the coastal resort strip between Rhodes Town and the airport where they don’t see so much of the weather. As you move to the southwest they tend to be thin, rocky, and without the sandy coves that punctuate the southeast coastline.
Starting with the beaches closest to Rhodes town, the first one is actually in Rhodes Town and it is just fine. This is the town beach (of Rhodes Town) in front of the Casino. It’s clean, has umbrellas and loungers, cafés and restaurants and changing rooms. Considering it’s convenience to town this is a great beach. Next beach up needs a bit of a drive (or a local bus), but it’s worth the effort, and that is Kallithea beach (10kms from Rhodes Town). It’s little more than two sandy coves with a rocky headland under the hulk of the former and now restored Italian spa. There’s a scuba diving outfit based here too. From here on the long resort hotel strip begins and while the beaches are OK (if exposed) they are the almost exclusive reserve of the resort hotels. Faliraki (15kms) is ostensibly the beach centre of eastern Rhodes. The beaches are OK – long and straight and pleasant enough but Faliraki is full of package tourists. Not far south from Faliraki is the eponymously named Anthony Quinn beach (17kms) – really two beaches strung on either side of a bent sausage-like peninsula. It’s pretty and well protected and consequently very popular.
Traganou, Afandou, and Kolymbia beaches follow next and constitute a long stretch of sand from just south of Faliraki to Cape Vagia. It used to be fairly undeveloped (though that is changing) and there are long stretches of pebble and sand beaches that see much fewer visitors than elsewhere. Of the three Kolymbia beach (24kms) has the best development so you might want to head there if you are down this way. Next up is probably the best beach on Rhodes: Tsambika Beach (28kms). Enclosed by widely spread headlands upon one of which is the monastery of Tsambika, this beach scene has a low-key collection of beach bars and cafés and just the right mix of sand, clean water, and a fun atmosphere. Noteworthy also is the more intimate Agathi beach (40kms) and perhaps my second favourite just north of the village of Haraki. It is small, cosy, and generally only sought out by those in the know. This one is worth a visit too. Lindos (50kms) is next on the list and while its north side beaches are just fine as is the cosier St Paul’s beach to the south, they get the mass crowds, and might not be everyone’s scene. If you are visiting Lindos, then it’s certainly worth a visit.
Blink and you might just miss minuscule Stafylia beach that will appear suddenly through your windscreen as you round a bend just 6km short of the southern village of Kiotari (60kms). It’s the last sandy beach for a while. South of here the scene changes with pebbles taking over from sand at Gennadi (63kms) and 15km further south Plimmyri has a protected grey sand beach with at least one fish taverna for lunch. For utter isolation (look for the church of Agios Pavlos next to a grain silo and in amongst some derelict buildings after Plimmyri) there is a dirt track to a beach which I think is also called Agios Pavlos where there is nothing – but water and sand. The twin beach of Prasonisi (91kms) marks the end of the island and while there is a nice beach, it is mainly a windsurfer scene and perhaps not for family bathers. Most people come here because it is like Lands End in the UK. It has to be ‘done’.