For a first visit to Rhodes, base yourself in the medieval Old Town if you want history and atmosphere within walking distance of the main sights. The New Town (around Mandraki and the beaches) suits travellers who want nightlife, shopping and easy transport, while Lindos on the east coast suits couples and those after a scenic village escape. Faliraki is the classic choice for families and resort-style beach holidays.
The areas, by traveller
Old Town (Medieval City)
A walled UNESCO-listed maze of cobbled lanes, the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights, all car-free at its core. You wake up inside the main landmark and can walk everywhere, though bags roll awkwardly on the stones.
Explore Old Town (Medieval City) →New Town (Neochori & Mandraki)
The modern quarter north of the Old Town, wrapped around Mandraki harbour with beaches on two sides. It has the widest choice of bars, restaurants and shops and is the best base for using buses and reaching the airport.
Explore New Town (Neochori →Lindos
A whitewashed clifftop village about 50 km down the east coast, crowned by its ancient Acropolis and sheltered bays below. It is quieter and more romantic than the city, though steep lanes and summer crowds are part of the deal.
Explore Lindos →Faliraki
A purpose-built resort strip on the east coast with long sandy beaches, water parks and plenty of family-friendly dining. Lively in summer with a party reputation in parts, but easy and self-contained.
Explore Faliraki →Ixia & Ialysos
West-coast resort areas just outside the city, known for breezy beaches popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. A short drive from the Old Town and airport, quieter than the party zones.
Explore Ixia →Kallithea & Kolymbia
East-coast spots near the historic Kallithea Springs, with calmer coves and a laid-back feel. Good for travellers who want beach time with a car and less crowd than the resort strips.
Explore Kallithea →
Practical basics
- Getting in
- Rhodes (RHO) airport sits on the west coast about 15 km southwest of the city, reached by taxi, bus or transfer toward the Old and New Towns.
- Best time to visit
- May–June and September–October offer warm weather and thinner crowds, while July–August is hottest and busiest.
- Getting around
- The city is walkable and buses link the resorts and Lindos, but a rental car helps for exploring the wider island.
Frequently asked
Is it better to stay in the Old Town or the New Town?
Choose the Old Town for atmosphere and being inside the historic sights on foot; choose the New Town for beaches, nightlife, shopping and easier transport.
Where should families stay in Rhodes?
Faliraki and the east-coast resort areas are the most family-friendly, with sandy beaches, calmer waters and family-oriented amenities.
Is Lindos a good base for a first trip?
Lindos is beautiful and great for couples, but it's about 50 km from the city, so it suits a slower, scenic stay rather than sightseeing the whole island.
Hand-picked hotel guides for Rhodes — real hotels, exact prices and distances — are on the way. This page will grow into the full recommendation set.
An independent guide to where to stay in Rhodes — hotel recommendations are on the way.