The best places to stay in Rhodes

1. Rhodes Town

The 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 modern Rhodes, with its golden beaches, busy shopping quarter and ritzy bars and chic tavernas, windmill-lined Mandraki harbour is just a stroll away.

2. Faliraki

The one for fun in the sun

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 vast blue horizon, venues along Bar Street and Club Street ring to the sounds of karaoke nights and international DJ sets until dawn.

3. Lindos

Ideal 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.

4. Gennadi

A haven 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 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.

5. Ixia

Heaven for activity lovers

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.

6. Ialyssos

Perfect 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, with properties like Sea Melody Beach hotel offering rooms for as little as €19 per night.

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

7. Afandou

Top hole 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.

8. Kolymbia

Great 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.