The best places to stay in Rhodes

1. Rhodes Town

Best all-rounder

With tavernas serving local delicacies, an atmospheric UNESCO World Heritage-classed old town and a smorgasbord of bijou hotels, Rhodes Town is like a concentrated dose of everything that the island does best.

Ideal for a family holiday, a romantic break or a getaway with friends, there’s plenty to do and see within the old town, from souvenir shopping to museum hopping.

And when it's time to get bang up to date on modern Rhodes, with its golden beaches, busy shopping quarter and ritzy bars and chic tavernas, windmill-lined Mandraki harbour is just a stroll away.

Where to stay in Rhodes Town

The clue’s in the name at Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel & Spa. This beachfront hotel is one of the best places to stay in Rhodes Town if you’re seeking five-star style and sunset views. Stay at Rhodos Horizon City to have all the old town action at your fingertips, or sign the whole family up for all-inclusive entertainment at Mitsis Petit Palais.

2. Faliraki

Best resort in Rhodes for nightlife

Big, bold and occasionally brash, the popular seaside resort of Faliraki, with its feet-in-the-water tavernas, souvenir shops and resorts lining an idyllic golden sand beach, is ideal for fun-loving solos, couples and older families.

With tons of watersports options right on your doorstep, including the slides and death-defying rides of the vast Faliraki Waterpark, there’s plenty of fun to be had during the daytime here.

At night, when the sun slides in a scarlet flame behind the blue horizon, venues along Bar Street and Club Street ring to the sounds of karaoke nights and international DJ sets until dawn.

Where to stay in Faliraki

Resorts in Rhodes don’t get much better than Mitsis Faliraki. The ultra all-inclusive hotel has thought of every holiday essential possible, from its seven restaurants to its 24-hour entertainment. If glowing reviews are anything to go by, it's doing something right. More laidback but still with plenty to please, Kouros Exclusive Hotel & Suites Rhodes is a boho haven with private plunge pools and lush gardens.

3. Lindos

Best resort in Rhodes for culture vultures

Famed for its ancient acropolis that overlooks the blissful sandy beaches of St Paul’s Bay, the town of Lindos on Rhodes south-eastern coast is a brilliant base for history buffs.

The town’s winding, cobbled streets are lined with craft shops and family-run tavernas, and a steep hike takes you to the town’s 4th century BC citadel, which stands tall on its 116m-high (380ft) peak above town.

The hike is well worth it for panoramic views and the thrill of strolling around the ancient ruins of the Temple of Athena and beautiful Byzantine chapel of Saint John.

Where to stay in Lindos

The view of Lindos Beach looks pretty spectacular from Melenos Art Boutique Hotel’s rooftop terrace. This luxury pad has gone to great lengths to preserve its local heritage, featuring stone facades, hand-carved woodwork and painted ceilings. With only 20 rooms, Lindos Comfy Suites is a relaxing and intimate base just three minutes from the town centre.

4. Gennadi

Best resort in Rhodes for nature lovers

With 8km (5 miles) of sand, pebbles and turquoise waters backed by luxurious villas peeking out from behind a jungle of palm trees, this pristine resort at the tip of Rhodes’s wild south-eastern coast is perfect for nature lovers.

Apart from a few bars renting out sun-loungers and umbrellas along the beach, facilities are limited, so bring plenty of water and suntan lotion.

After a day of playing Robinson Crusoe, you’ll find plenty of creature comforts in the resort’s pretty village, where family-run tavernas and cosy bars rub shoulders with hole-in-the-wall shops selling handcrafted local goods.

Where to stay in Gennadi

Eco-friendly Gennadi Grand Resort blends well with its natural surroundings – think floor-to-ceiling windows, green rooftops and plant-lined pools. The local specialties on offer at the restaurant are a tasty treat to return to at the end of the day. Small and serene, waterfront Eco Beach and Magic Garden Hotel is ideal for even more zen.

5. Ixia

Best resort in Rhodes for activities

Around 5km (3 miles) from Rhodes Town, on the island’s northwest tip, Ixia is popular with windsurfers and watersports fans who love whizzing across pristine seas powered by the easterly sea breezes that prevail here most afternoons.

Behind the beach, a long promenade is perfect for hikers and cyclists, but be warned: this paved thoroughfare is packed with hip boutiques selling chic souvenirs and hip designer wear, as well as gourmet restaurants serving everything from brine-fresh seafood and meze snacks. Expect to make frequent stops.

Where to stay in Ixia

There’s no shortage of beachfront resorts in Rhodes, but Ixia has some of the best on the island. Located right on the shoreline, it’s hard to tell where the sand stops and the hotel begins at Avra Beach Resort Hotel. The range of room options and all-inclusive activities make it a family favourite. Stay at Dionysos Hotel and you can fill your holiday itinerary with anything from mini golf to massages.

6. Ialyssos

Best resort in Rhodes for travellers on a budget

With tons of great value accommodation – ranging from sleek modern apartments with self-catering facilities to snug family-run guesthouses where families are welcome – Ialyssos, the island’s second largest resort, offers plenty of options for travellers on a budget.

In the streets behind its pretty pebble-strewn seashore, this lively resort just a short drive from Rhodes Town also has plenty of cheap-as-chips cafés, burger bars and rustic tavernas called mezedopoleios, where you can fill up on meze for pennies.

Where to stay in Ialyssos

With rooms starting from as little as £57 per night, Sea Melody Beach Hotel & Apartments is an absolute steal. You won’t be compromising on style or comfort either, with bright, airy apartments and studios that overlook the sea. For a family getaway without the price tag, Sun Beach Resort is a value-for-money pick with all the facilities you’d expect from a four-star hotel, including multiple pools, bars and restaurants.

7. Afandou

Best resort in Rhodes for golfers

Combine a balmy climate that guarantees 300-plus days of sunshine per year with an 18-hole course designed by Britain's celebrated golf course architect, Donald Harradine, and you’ll understand why golfers flock to the low-key resort of Afandou just 5km (3 miles) from lively Faliraki.

Overlooking a wide blue bay, this spectacular golf course also has a putting green and a driving range where golfing newbies can practise their strokes.

Away from the green, you can relax on Afandou’s Blue Flag beach or enjoy retail therapy in the narrow streets of Afandou’s old town, where stores sell the vividly embroidered rugs and handcrafted carpets for which the resort is famed.

Where to stay in Afandou

You won’t find a more relaxing place to stay in Rhodes after a day on the green than Blue Sea Holiday Village. On the doorstep of the golf course and metres from the beach, it oozes tranquillity with stunning wrap-around pools and a sleek interior. Nestled in the heart of town, Rodos Star Hotel’s home-from-home feel and friendly hospitality have earned it excellent reviews.

8. Kolymbia

Best resort in Rhodes for families

With its long shingle beach lapped by shallow waters and shaded by sweet scented gum trees, Kolymbia, on the island’s east coast, abounds in unfussy family-friendly resorts, many with small pools and well-tended lawns where toddlers can play to their heart’s content.

More peaceful than many of the surrounding resorts, but still within easy reach of Rhodes Town, Kolymbia also has excellent facilities for families, including tavernas offering baby seats and designated children’s menus, and a handful of supermarkets selling everything from powdered baby milk and nappies to toiletries.

Where to stay in Kolymbia

Direct access to the beach and club-style facilities are just the start of Atlantica Aegean Blue Resort’s family-friendly perks. Going all-inclusive is a great way to lock in your budget before you arrive. Opt to stay at Atlantica Mikri Poli Rhodes and the on-site waterpark will keep little ones splash-happy for hours. The wellness spa has the same effect on grown ups.