Rhodes Holidays: The Island That Does a Bit of Everything
From the medieval streets of the Old Town to quiet family bays and lively Faliraki nights, Rhodes fits a lot into one island. Here's where to stay, what to expect and who it really suits — from someone who knows the Greek islands inside out.
Published by Eleni Trachalakis on 11 June 2026 · Last updated 11 June 2026
How we put this guide together
I'm Eleni — I grew up in the Greek islands and spent years working in resorts before joining GoToBeach. This guide is the advice I'd give a friend: where to stay on Rhodes for the holiday you actually want, told honestly.
Distances and transfer times are approximate and depend on traffic and your exact hotel. Always check the details for your specific booking.
Rhodes is the island people mean when they say they want "a bit of everything" — beaches, history, good food, easy families and proper nights out, all on one island.
It's the largest of the Dodecanese, sitting in the south-eastern Aegean within sight of the Turkish coast. What sets it apart from smaller Greek islands is range: a UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town you can genuinely get lost in, long sandy family bays on the east coast, breezy upmarket resorts near the capital, and the postcard village of Lindos in the south. You can do as much or as little as you like.
The trade-off is that "where to stay" matters more here than on a small island — a family wanting a calm sandy beach and a couple wanting Old Town dinners will be happiest in completely different spots. That's what this guide is for.
Why Rhodes?
Three things make Rhodes stand out. First, the history: the walled Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, with the Palace of the Grand Master and the cobbled Street of the Knights — and people still live inside the walls. Second, the beaches: the gentler, sandier swimming is on the east coast, while the west is breezier and better for a sundowner than a long swim. Third, the balance: Rhodes does big family all-inclusives, quiet couples' boltholes and a genuine party strip in Faliraki, without any one of them taking over the island.
It also has a long season. Thanks to its southerly position, Rhodes stays warm and reliably sunny from spring well into autumn, which makes it a strong choice outside the busiest school-holiday weeks.
Why Rhodes is personal to me
A little admission: my love for Rhodes started long before I ever worked in travel. One of my closest university friends, Maria, is Rhodian, and back in our student days we'd head over to the island at every excuse. So when I point you towards Rhodes, it isn't from a brochure — it's somewhere I've genuinely loved for years.
Where to stay in Rhodes: the resort areas
For most UK holidaymakers, Rhodes is easiest when you choose the area first and the hotel second — pick the wrong side of the island and the same holiday can feel completely different. Here's how the main areas we cover compare.
| Area | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Town | Historic & lively | First-timers, couples and history lovers who want the Old Town on the doorstep and plenty to do in the evening. |
| Ixia | Upmarket & breezy | Couples and spa-lovers. West coast, smart hotels and sunset views; the beach is pebbly and the breeze suits windsurfers. |
| Faliraki | Buzzy resort | Families by day, nightlife by night. A long sandy beach plus the island's liveliest strip — you choose your end of town. |
| Kolymbia | Calm & green | Families and couples wanting a quieter base on the east coast, near Tsambika beach and within easy reach of Lindos. |
| Kiotari | Quiet & all-inclusive | Switch-off, stay-put all-inclusive holidays on a long beach in the south-east, away from the busier resorts. |
One more name you'll hear constantly is Lindos — the whitewashed village under an ancient acropolis in the south. It's stunning and a must-see, but it's better known as a place to visit and dine than a big resort base; most people stay nearby and go for the day.
Rhodes beaches
The simplest rule on Rhodes: east coast for swimming, west coast for views. The east is more sheltered, with calmer water and the sandier stretches; the west catches the breeze, which is wonderful for windsurfing and sunsets but choppier for a lazy float.
Favourites worth the trip include Tsambika, a long golden bay below a hilltop monastery; the striking little cove at Anthony Quinn Bay; St Paul's Bay beneath the Lindos acropolis; and Prasonisi at the island's southern tip, where two seas meet and the kitesurfers gather. If you want sand underfoot every day, base yourself on the east coast.
The island's best-known beaches include Ixia, Ialyssos, Faliraki, Kolymbia and the bay below Lindos. They're all public, so you can come and go as you please — expect to pay for sunbeds and umbrellas, and keep an eye out for the beach tavernas, the rough-and-ready little places that serve some of the freshest, tastiest seafood you'll eat all holiday. If you're travelling with children, Ialyssos is a lovely shout: a west-coast resort a short hop from the Old Town, with a pebbly beach, beautifully clean water and easy buses into town and around the island.
Where to eat in Rhodes
Rhodes is a genuinely good island for food, and a lot of the best eating happens inside the walled Old Town — which is UNESCO-protected and, honestly, enchanting to wander after dark. Prices in the Old Town are very fair for what you get, the seafood is excellent, and you should order the local specialities you can really only get this good in Greece. Here are three I send people to.
Koukos
Koukos is one of those places that works at any time of day — a relaxed, characterful spot that's as good for a long breakfast as it is for lunch or dinner, with a lovely boutique hotel above it. The dish I send everyone to is the veal cheeks with feta: slow-cooked, rich and exactly what you came to Greece for.
Romios
Romios has a pretty, shaded back garden and prices that are very reasonable for the Old Town. The seafood is the star. Order the taramasalata (you'll struggle to find it this good anywhere but Greece), the bouyiourdi — feta baked with tomato and peppers — and the char-grilled octopus with orange. If you like a beer, a cold Mythos is the local move.
Rodies
Rodies has the prettiest backstory: rodiá means pomegranate tree, and there are four of them in the garden — which is exactly how the restaurant got its name. It's a proper family affair, run by the whole family, and the kitchen leans more towards local home cooking than seafood. Go for the kopanisti (a punchy, spicy feta) and the pomegranate-dressed Rodies salad. I'd skip the dolmades here and spend the room on the local dishes instead. It sits a little outside the heart of the Old Town but is still very central.
Things to do beyond the beach
Rhodes rewards a bit of exploring. The medieval Old Town is the obvious highlight — go early or late to beat the cruise crowds. Lindos and its acropolis are unmissable. Beyond that, there's the Valley of the Butterflies in summer, the spa pools of Kallithea Springs, the shady Seven Springs, and easy day-trip boats to neighbouring islands such as Symi. Hire a car for a day or two and the south of the island opens right up.
Getting to Rhodes
Rhodes has its own airport — Diagoras (RHO) — on the west coast, about 9 miles from Rhodes Town, with direct flights from the UK through the holiday season. Transfers are straightforward; here's roughly what to expect to the main areas.
| From Rhodes airport to… | Approx. transfer |
|---|---|
| Ixia | Around 15–20 minutes |
| Rhodes Town | Around 20–30 minutes |
| Faliraki | Around 20–30 minutes |
| Kolymbia | Around 45 minutes |
| Kiotari / Lindos | Around 60–75 minutes |
If a short transfer matters to you — travelling with young children, say — Ixia and Rhodes Town are hard to beat. The southern resorts reward you with quiet in exchange for a longer drive.
When to go
Rhodes has one of the longest seasons in Greece. July and August are hot, busy and best for guaranteed beach weather and full resorts. May, June, September and early October are my favourite months — warm sea, comfortable temperatures for sightseeing, and noticeably better value. By late October things wind down, but the island is still lovely and quiet.
Rhodes is a strong fit if you…
- Want one island that covers beaches, history and nightlife
- Like the idea of a UNESCO Old Town on your doorstep
- Are travelling as a family and want a long, sandy east-coast bay
- Want a long season with great spring and autumn value
Our hand-picked Rhodes hotels
We don't list every hotel on the island — only the ones our product team has selected, contracted or reviewed and would happily send our own guests to. Here's a taste of our current Rhodes selection by area; tell us how you like to travel and we'll point you to the right one.
| Area | A few of our hand-picked hotels |
|---|---|
| Ixia | Akti Imperial Deluxe Resort & Spa, Ixian Grand & All Suites |
| Faliraki | Esperides Beach Resort, Apollo Blue, Calypso Beach |
| Kolymbia | Lydia Maris |
| Lindos | Lindos Royal Resort, Lindos Imperial Resort |
You can see the full, current selection on our Rhodes holidays page — and if you'd like a personal recommendation, just ask. That's what we're here for.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Rhodes?
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands, in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, close to the south-western coast of Türkiye. It has its own international airport with direct flights from the UK in the holiday season.
Which area of Rhodes is best for first-timers?
Rhodes Town is the easiest first base — you're close to the airport, the medieval Old Town is on your doorstep, and there's plenty to do in the evenings. Ixia, just along the coast, is the upmarket alternative.
Where should families stay in Rhodes?
For families, the east coast wins for calmer, sandier swimming — Faliraki has a long sandy beach and big resorts, while Kolymbia and Kiotari are quieter and more stay-put. Over on the west coast, Ialyssos is another lovely family pick: a pebbly beach with very clean water, close to the Old Town and well served by buses. Choose your spot in Faliraki carefully if you want to be away from the nightlife.
Where's the nightlife in Rhodes?
Faliraki has the island's liveliest strip, and Rhodes Town has a great mix of bars and restaurants with more of a city feel. The rest of the island stays relaxed in the evenings.
How far is the airport from the resorts?
Rhodes airport is about 9 miles from Rhodes Town. Transfers run from around 15–20 minutes for Ixia up to roughly 60–75 minutes for the southern resorts such as Kiotari and Lindos.
Is Rhodes good for couples?
Very. Ixia is full of smart, spa-focused hotels with sunset views, and the Old Town is wonderful for evening dinners. Lindos makes a romantic day or evening out.
Where should I eat in Rhodes Old Town?
A few of our favourites: Koukos, lovely from breakfast through to dinner, with a boutique hotel above; Romios, with a pretty back garden and excellent, well-priced seafood; and the family-run Rodies, named after the pomegranate trees in its garden, for more local home cooking. Don't miss the taramasalata and the char-grilled octopus.
When is the best time to visit Rhodes?
May, June, September and early October offer warm seas, comfortable sightseeing weather and better value. July and August are hotter and busier but guarantee beach weather.
Is Rhodes or Kos better?
It depends on what you want. Rhodes is bigger and more varied, with a major historic town and more nightlife; Kos is smaller, flatter and more laid-back, and very easy to get around by bike. We compare them properly in a separate guide.
Do I need to hire a car in Rhodes?
Not necessarily — many people happily stay around their resort and take the odd excursion. But a car for a day or two is the best way to reach the quieter southern beaches and explore inland.
Are Rhodes package holidays ATOL protected?
Yes. When you book a flight-inclusive Rhodes package with GoToBeach, your holiday is ATOL protected — GoToBeach is a trading name of Caria Holidays Ltd, which holds ATOL licence 11211. ATOL covers financial protection if the package provider fails; it isn't travel insurance, so you'll still want your own cover.
Planning a Rhodes holiday?
Tell us how you like to travel and we'll match you with the right resort area and a hand-picked hotel — all in an ATOL-protected package.