Rhodes, in the Dodecanese, is one of the most popular Greek islands with UK holidaymakers, and it has seasonal direct flights from many UK airports. The island has two very different coasts. The east coast is calmer and sandier, with most of the classic resorts. The west coast, near the airport, is breezier.
Rhodes areas at a glance
| Area | Best for | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhodes Old Town | History, couples, short breaks | A UNESCO World Heritage medieval city | Cobbled lanes, no car access in much of it |
| Rhodes New Town / Mandraki | Convenience, nightlife, transport | Bus station, harbor, Elli beach | Urban; busy beach |
| Faliraki | Families, lively resort | Long sandy beach, plenty of facilities | Can be busy and loud in places |
| Lindos | Scenery, couples | Whitewashed village under an acropolis | Steep lanes; popular with day-trippers |
| Pefkos | Quieter beach holidays | Relaxed, close to Lindos | Far from the airport and Rhodes town |
| Ialysos and Ixia | Big hotels near town and airport | Short transfers, windsurfing | Windy west coast with pebbly beaches |
Rhodes Old Town
Rhodes Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to the Palace of the Grand Master and the Street of the Knights. Staying inside the walls is atmospheric, often in small boutique hotels. Check how close a taxi can get, because many lanes are pedestrian-only.
New Town and Mandraki
Just outside the walls, the New Town has the Mandraki harbor, the main bus station, shops, and Elli beach at the island’s northern tip. It’s practical for exploring by bus and for evenings out.
Faliraki
About 15 km south of Rhodes town on the east coast, Faliraki has a long sandy beach and lots of hotels and family facilities, including a waterpark nearby.
Lindos
Lindos is the island’s postcard village, with the ancient Acropolis of Lindos above whitewashed houses and a sheltered bay. Accommodation inside the village is limited and often pricier. Many visitors stay nearby and visit early or late to avoid the midday crowds.
Pefkos
South of Lindos, Pefkos is a quieter resort with small beaches. It’s good for a relaxed week, but it’s well over an hour from the airport.
Ialysos and Ixia
On the west coast between the airport and Rhodes town, these areas have many large hotels and short transfers. The coast here is often windy, which suits windsurfers more than swimmers looking for calm water.
Season
The main beach season runs from about May to October. In July and August temperatures are high and the island is at its busiest. Spring and autumn are better for sightseeing.
Sights and tickets
The two big sights are the Palace of the Grand Master in Rhodes Old Town and the Acropolis of Lindos. Both are busiest late morning, when coach tours and cruise passengers arrive. You can buy tickets at the entrance, or browse Rhodes tickets and tours on Tiqets (affiliate link) for combined tickets and boat trips.
Flights to Rhodes
Rhodes Diagoras Airport (RHO) is on the west coast, around 15 km from Rhodes town. Airlines including Jet2, easyJet, TUI and Ryanair run mainly seasonal direct flights from the UK. Check the current schedule for your airport.
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Plan the rest of your trip
- Flights to Rhodes from the UK: airlines, season and airport guide
- Flights to Athens from the UK: airlines, airports and year-round options
How we research: this guide is based on official sources and published airline and transport schedules, not on a sponsored visit. Information was checked on October 8, 2026. Schedules, routes and prices change, so confirm with the airline, operator or venue before you travel.
Sources
- UNESCO World Heritage List, Medieval City of Rhodes: whc.unesco.org
- Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Acropolis of Lindos, Palace of the Grand Master): odysseus.culture.gr
- Greek National Tourism Organisation: visitgreece.gr
- Fraport Greece (operator of Rhodes airport): rho-airport.gr
- Airline websites: jet2.com, easyjet.com, tui.co.uk, ryanair.com
Featured image: Street of the Knights, Rhodes Old Town. Via Wikimedia Commons (Rhodes Old Town Street of Knights 3.JPG), public domain. Resized and compressed.
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