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Rhodes Island splits naturally into distinct areas catering to different travel styles: history buffs cluster in the Medieval City, beachgoers gravitate to the east coast resorts, and those seeking traditional village life head inland or south to Lindos. Here is how each area breaks down. For more on best time to visit, see our best time to visit.
Best Neighborhoods in Rhodes: Old Town (Medieval City)
The UNESCO-listed Old Town is the historic core enclosed within 4km of fortress walls. It divides into the Kollakio (upper town, where the Knights lived) and the Bourgo (lower town, where ordinary citizens lived). The Kollakio contains the Palace, Street of the Knights, and Archaeological Museum on wide, orderly streets. The Bourgo is a labyrinth of narrow alleys with Ottoman-era mosques, hammams, boutique hotels, and tavernas. Accommodation here ranges from EUR 80/night guesthouses to EUR 200+ boutique hotels in converted medieval buildings. Staying inside the walls means you walk everywhere in the Old Town, but parking is impossible (leave the car at the port car park, EUR 5/day). Best for first-time visitors, history enthusiasts, and couples wanting atmosphere over beach access. The nearest beach is Elli Beach, a 15-minute walk through D’Amboise Gate. For more on events and festivals, see our events and festivals.
Best Neighborhoods in Rhodes: New Town
The New Town (Nea Polis) extends north and west of the Old Town walls. It contains Mandraki Harbour, the commercial centre around Plateia Kyprou, and the main shopping streets of Amerikis and Ethnarchou Makariou. Hotels here range from EUR 40/night budget options to mid-range EUR 70-100/night city hotels. The area has the island’s main bus station (KTEL, at the port) for services to Lindos, Faliraki, and the airport. Restaurants cluster around the New Market (Nea Agora) and along the harbour promenade. Best for travellers on a budget, those using public transport, and anyone who wants the convenience of being near the Old Town without paying Old Town prices. The where to stay guide has specific hotel picks in this area. For more on things to do, see our things to do.
Best Neighborhoods in Rhodes: Lindos
Lindos, 50km south of Rhodes Town, is the island’s picture-postcard village: whitewashed cubic houses cascading down a hillside beneath the ancient acropolis. The village is pedestrian-only (cars park in a lot above town, EUR 5/day). Accommodation is mostly small guesthouses and villas at EUR 100-200/night in season. The main beach (Pallas Beach) is a sheltered sandy cove at the base of the village. A second beach, St. Paul’s Bay, lies on the south side of the acropolis and is smaller and quieter. Lindos has a reputation as a romantic destination and fills with couples and honeymooners. Bars and rooftop restaurants stay open late but the scene is low-key, not party-oriented. Best for couples, photographers, and visitors who want a self-contained base away from Rhodes Town. For more on travel tips, see our travel tips.
Best Neighborhoods in Rhodes: Faliraki and Kallithea
Faliraki, 14km south of Rhodes Town, is the island’s main resort strip: a 5km sandy beach backed by all-inclusive hotels, bars, and fast food. It earned a reputation in the 2000s for rowdy nightlife, but recent years have seen the opening of higher-end hotels and family-friendly resorts south of the main strip. Hotel prices range from EUR 50/night budget apartments to EUR 150/night four-star resorts. The Faliraki Water Park (one of Europe’s largest) is here. Kallithea, 8km south of Rhodes Town, is quieter with the restored Kallithea Springs (EUR 3 entry) and several mid-range beach hotels. Neither area has a traditional Greek village atmosphere. Best for families wanting beachfront all-inclusive resorts, young travellers on a party budget, and anyone prioritising a long sandy beach over cultural ambience. For more on Rhodes weather by month, see our Rhodes weather by month.
Best Neighborhoods in Rhodes: Ixia and Ialysos (West Coast)
The west coast from Ixia (6km from Rhodes Town) to Ialysos (10km) and Theologos (25km) has a 10km pebble-and-sand beach strip with consistent afternoon winds. This makes it the windsurfing and kitesurfing hub of the island, with dozens of rental shops and schools. Hotels are predominantly 4-star and 5-star resorts with large pools and sea views at EUR 80-200/night. The downside: the beach road is busy and the area lacks a village centre. Bus service to Rhodes Town runs every 20-30 minutes (EUR 2, 15 minutes). Best for windsurfers, kitesurfers, and resort-focused travellers who do not mind being outside a town.
Best Neighborhoods in Rhodes: Inland Villages
The interior of Rhodes, especially around Mount Attavyros and the wine-growing slopes of Embonas (52km from Rhodes Town), offers a completely different experience from the coast. Embonas is the island’s wine capital, producing mainly white Athiri and red Mandilaria wines, with several wineries offering tastings (EUR 5-10 for a flight). The village of Apollona has a traditional taverna scene with roast goat and local sausages. Accommodation inland is limited to a handful of guesthouses and Airbnbs at EUR 40-80/night. You need a rental car as there is minimal bus service to villages. Best for hikers, wine enthusiasts, and return visitors who have already done the beaches.
