Location First: City, Coast or Quiet Resort?
Your experience of Rhodes will be shaped by your base. Rhodes Town offers unparalleled access to sights and restaurants on foot, making it the default choice for a first visit. For a classic beach holiday, the coastal resorts are a better fit, but it's vital to distinguish between the calmer east coast and the windier west coast.
The east coast resorts around Faliraki, Kallithea and Kolymbia are popular for their facilities and gentler seas. Further south, Lindos is prized for scenery, while Kiotari suits a quieter, resort-focused stay. On the west coast, Ixia and Ialyssos provide good-value resorts with easy access to Rhodes Town, but the beaches are pebbly and exposed to more wind.
Key Hotel Areas at a Glance
- Rhodes Town: Best for independent travellers who want the Old Town, restaurants and beaches within walking distance.
- Ixia & Ialyssos: Good-value west-coast resorts near Rhodes Town, but on a windier, pebbly shoreline.
- Faliraki & Kallithea: A strong choice for resort facilities, sandy beaches and nightlife on the popular east coast.
- Kolymbia & Lindos: Kolymbia offers a calm, green setting for families, while Lindos provides a scenic, romantic atmosphere for couples.
- Kiotari & Gennadi: Quiet southern resorts ideal for a self-contained holiday, but with longer airport journeys.
Find Your Style: All-Inclusive, Adults-Only & Boutique
Beyond location, consider the type of stay. All-inclusive makes most sense for a resort-focused holiday where you'll eat most meals on-site; Mitsis Selection Alila is a leading example. For those who prefer to eat out, an independent hotel like Arte Hotel in Rhodes Town is more practical.
Adults-only hotels such as Lindos Blu Luxury Hotel & Suites offer a peaceful, premium experience, while city-based options like Rhodos Horizon City (16+) provide a grown-up atmosphere close to the action. For a refined stay near the sights, a boutique choice like Rodos Park Suites & Spa puts you right beside the Old Town's walls.
Match hotel type to the time you spend on site
Compare Rhodes Town for city sightseeing, Faliraki for a beach-resort setting and Kiotari for resort-centred stays. Then inspect the specific hotel: an area recommendation does not guarantee the same facilities or walking routes at every property.
Use hotel reviews when a particular hotel is shortlisted, and Rhodes accommodation to compare hotels with apartments or villas. Confirm current room choices, meals, age policies and facilities directly on the listing.
Frequently asked questions
Should I stay in Rhodes Town or a beach resort?
Rhodes Town is best for a walkable holiday with easy access to the Old Town, restaurants and sights. A coastal resort makes more sense if your priority is beach time and hotel facilities. To combine both, consider staying a few nights in Rhodes Town before moving to a resort.
What is the difference between the east and west coast of Rhodes?
The east coast, home to areas like Faliraki and Lindos, generally has calmer seas. The west coast, including Ixia and Ialyssos, is typically windier and has more pebble beaches, but often provides good value and is close to Rhodes Town.
Is an all-inclusive hotel a good choice in Rhodes?
All-inclusive is ideal if you plan to spend most of your holiday at the hotel using its pools, beach and restaurants. If you want to explore the island and eat at local tavernas, a bed-and-breakfast or room-only stay in a convenient location is often a better choice.