Rhodes all inclusive: hotels, beaches and the best time to visit

When you choose an all-inclusive vacation on Rhodes, the deciding factor is not the hotel but the coast. The eastern side of the island gives you calm seas, sand, and a gentle entry into the water. The western side lives on wind and waves. You feel this difference on the very first day.

The island has nine main resorts and dozens of all-inclusive hotels.

We brought them together in one article: compared the beaches, noted where it's comfortable with kids, and added practical details on tickets, season, and getting around. At the bottom you'll find a map and answers to frequently asked questions.

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Best resorts on Rhodes

💡 In short:

• The eastern coast gives you calm seas and sand, the western coast lives on wind and waves.
• For a vacation with kids, Kallithea, Kolymbia, and Kiotari are the most convenient.

Nine resorts on Rhodes are scattered along the entire coast of the island. Fishing villages once stood in their place, and today hotels ranging from modest to five-star have been built here. The choice depends on what matters most to you: quiet, nightlife, or proximity to the airport.

The eastern coast stretches from Rhodes Town to Lindos through Faliraki, Kolymbia, and Kiotari. The east has more sandy beaches and a gentle entry into the sea, which is convenient for families. The western coast faces the Aegean Sea and is known for its winds. On the west and south, pebbles are more common, but there are fewer people and lower accommodation prices.

Most resorts are connected by bus routes. You can rent a car at the airport or in Rhodes Town if you want to explore the whole island. The season is long, so most hotels operate from April to October.

Below you'll find a brief comparison and a breakdown of each resort.

Rhodes

The island's capital and administrative center. The Old Town with its fortress walls is a UNESCO site, and you can easily spend a whole day here. Main points: the Street of the Knights, Mandraki Harbor, the Suleiman Mosque, the city gates, and the fortress.

Elli Beach stretches along the eastern coast. It is covered with sand and pebbles, and cafes and clubs line the promenade. By evening the area comes alive, so nightlife lovers head here. This is one of the most expensive resorts on the island.

• How to get there: from Diagoras Airport about 14 km, roughly 20 minutes by taxi (by map).
• The catch: prices are higher than at other resorts, and there are a lot of people in summer.

hotels in Rhodes on Trip.com

Kallithea

© Georg Karl Ell · CC BY-SAPhoto: Georg Karl Ell, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kallithea lies on the eastern coast and has long been considered a family resort. The village sits among pine groves, and mineral springs flow nearby, so wellness centers operate here. You can easily combine beach time and treatments.

The bay is protected from waves, and the entry into the sea is gentle. The beach has loungers, umbrellas, showers, and water equipment rentals: scuba gear, canoes, catamarans. Sand and calm water make Kallithea convenient for a vacation with kids.

• How to get there: from the airport, a taxi is easiest; to take the bus you'd first need to get to the city.

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Faliraki

© Vadim Indeikin · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vadim Indeikin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Faliraki is on the eastern coast and has long earned the nickname of entertainment town. Almost all kinds of water sports are gathered here: diving, surfing, spearfishing. During the day you're out on the water, and in the evening you head to a bar.

The beaches are covered with golden sand, and the entry into the sea is gentle, so both families and young groups come here. There are tennis courts, volleyball and basketball courts, and gyms. From history, the Church of Saint Nektarios remains.

• Who it's for: both parents with kids and those looking for nightlife.

hotels in Faliraki on Trip.com

Afantou

A small resort south of Faliraki. Its long beach has earned a Blue Flag for environmental quality and stretches along scenic coastal cliffs. The wide strip of sand and pebbles stays uncrowded even in high season, and loungers and umbrellas sit right by the water, so you won't have to hunt for a spot.

There are no loud parties here, so Afantou is chosen by couples and families. There are plenty of hotels of various star ratings, and some operate on an all-inclusive basis. You can grab a bite at one of the many tavernas serving local cuisine.

For entertainment, you can walk through the Seven Springs nature reserve: there's a freshwater lake where swimming is allowed. Nearby, see the excavations of ancient burial sites and old icons in the Church of the Virgin Mary. The road here is long, but in August you won't find crowds on the beach.

• Who it's for: those who want quiet and a long beach.

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Kolymbia

© WikipedystaGA · CC BY-SAPhoto: WikipedystaGA, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kolymbia hides in a bay on the eastern coast, among eucalyptus trees. The beach is protected from wind and waves, and the entry into the sea is gentle. Sand with pebbles and clean water appeal to both families and couples.

Hotels line the eucalyptus avenue, and some of them operate on an all-inclusive basis. You can easily find accommodation to fit your budget: from large complexes to small guesthouses. The Seven Springs nature reserve is nearby.

• How to get there: Diagoras Airport is about 28 km away (by map), directly only by car or taxi.

Kolymbia guesthouses on Trip.com

Kiotari

© Wayne77 · CC BY-SAPhoto: Wayne77, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kiotari is located in the southeast of the island, 60 km from the city of Rhodes (on the map). The resort is young and quiet: there are no nightclubs here, so families with small children and older couples come here.

The beach stretches for several kilometers, with sand and fine pebbles, and a gentle entry into the water. Sunbeds, loungers, and wooden walkways to the sea are provided. Hotels of various star ratings often operate on an all-inclusive basis, which is exactly what family couples take advantage of.

• Who it's for: for a peaceful seaside vacation away from noisy cities.

Kiotari hotels on Trip.com

Lardos

© Kritzolina · CC BY-SAPhoto: Kritzolina, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Lardos sits next to Kiotari and is one of the popular resorts on the southern coast. The village is small, but it serves as a base for both a relaxed beach vacation and island excursions.

Long beaches of sand and pebbles combine with well-developed infrastructure. Taverns, cafes, and restaurants line the shore, where you can stop in after a swim. Hotels start at two stars, so you'll easily find an option that fits your budget.

Local agencies offer excursions to the island's landmark attractions. Lardos is calmer than neighboring Kiotari and quieter than Lindos itself. The proximity of Lindos, about 4 km away (on the map), gives guests more entertainment options. In the evening you stroll along the promenade and dine by the sea, and in the mornings it's especially quiet here.

• Who it's for: for those who want to stay near Lindos, but cheaper than in Lindos itself.

accommodation in Lardos on Trip.com

Kremasti

© A.Savin · CC BY-SAPhoto: A.Savin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Kremasti lies on the northern tip of the island, just a few kilometers from the airport (on the map). From the terminal you can get there in a few minutes by taxi or public bus.

Accommodation here is inexpensive: small hotels, apartments, and villas for groups. Some hotels operate on an all-inclusive basis. Kremasti beach is less comfortable than its neighbors due to large pebbles and a steep drop-off, but it also has a Blue Flag designation. At the taverns, try local dishes: gemista, rifaki, and thalagoutas.

• The catch: steep entry into the sea and large pebbles, worse for children than on the east coast.

Kremasti hotels on Trip.com

Ialysos

© Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany · CC BY-SAPhoto: Norbert Nagel, Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Ialysos is located on the west coast and is known for its steady wind. The bay offers ideal conditions for windsurfing, so athletes from different countries come here every season. Schools and equipment rental shops operate right by the water, so even a beginner can find an instructor.

Besides surfing, there are courts for volleyball, basketball, and tennis. The infrastructure is well developed: dozens of hotels of various star ratings, some of which operate on an all-inclusive basis. Cafes, bars, and tavernas line the beach, and there are supermarkets where you can buy everything you need for the beach.

The island's capital is only about 7 km away (on the map), so in the evening you can easily get to the city.

• The catch: strong wind and waves, so it's less suitable for calm swimming than the eastern beaches.

Ialysos hotels on Trip.com

Rhodes with kids

The island's coastline is divided into two parts, and this matters for kids. The west is washed by the Aegean Sea: the water is beautiful but often choppy, and the beaches are covered with pebbles. The east faces the Mediterranean Sea, where the water is calmer, the sand is finer, and the entry into the water is gentle.

If you're traveling with small children, choose the east coast. Kolymbia sits among eucalyptus trees near the Seven Springs nature reserve, with clean beaches and a quiet bay. Kallithea is surrounded by pine trees, and its little cove is convenient for swimming. Kiotari is quiet, the beach stretches for several kilometers, and the water entry is soft.

All three resorts have enough infrastructure: cafes, pharmacies, rental shops, and all-inclusive hotels.

Best hotels in Rhodes

The island's tourism industry grew after World War II, and today Rhodes welcomes guests year-round. Its hotel network is one of the densest in Greece, so it's easier to choose an all-inclusive hotel based on location and format.

Below are seven properties that most often appear in all-inclusive roundups. For each, we've noted who it suits.

Elysium Resort & Spa 5*

© Vadim Indeikin · CC BY-SAPhoto: Vadim Indeikin, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

The property is located in Faliraki, right by the water. The room inventory is large, with rooms in various categories, many featuring a balcony, a jacuzzi, and one or two bathrooms. Everything you need for a relaxing stay is here, without crowds or noise.

The grounds include several restaurants, a shop, and a spa with massage, a sauna, and a hammam. Car rental is available. The sea is just a few steps away: the sand and pebble beach is equipped with loungers and umbrellas.

• Who it's for: couples and families who want a full range of services in one place.

Elysium Faliraki prices on Trip.com

The Ixian All Suites 5*

The hotel is adults-only and sits by Ixia Beach on the west coast. The rooms are spacious, and the suite categories include a whirlpool bath, a minibar, and a terrace, while the two-level suites even have their own pool.

The grounds include a spa at an extra charge, a fitness center, and free Wi-Fi. The restaurant operates on an a la carte basis. If you want a quiet stay without kids, this option works well.

• The catch: the seabed near the beach is rocky, so rubber water shoes will come in handy for swimming.

The Ixian prices on Trip.com

Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas 5*

The property occupies the southeastern part of the island, by the sandy Lahania Beach. Guests stay in bungalows and villas, while the main building is built into the rock. The architecture follows Greek traditions, with open terraces and views of the sea.

Rooms in the standalone villas come with their own seawater pools. The beach has free loungers and umbrellas, the sand is soft, and the seabed is good, so swimming is comfortable even with kids.

In the main building, guests are welcomed by spacious lobbies, an unusual fountain, and panoramic elevators. You'll like it here if views and quiet matter to you, and you'll appreciate the restaurant menu for its variety of dishes.

Prices at Atrium Prestige on Trip.com

Rodos Palladium Leisure & Wellness 5*

The hotel sits on Kallithea beach. Room interiors are being updated, and panoramic windows open up sea views. Rooms have a kettle with a tea and coffee set and comfortable furniture.

The grounds are lush with greenery, with a large pool in the center. The beach usually has free loungers and shades, and you enter the water over fine pebbles mixed with sand. Towels are changed throughout the day, and a staff member is on duty at the beach. A mini-market with fruit and baked goods is nearby.

• Who it's for: those who value well-kept grounds and a quiet beach.

Prices at Rodos Palladium on Trip.com

Atrium Platinum Resort & Spa 5*

The complex is on the west coast, on Ixia beach. The building is built into the rock, and check-in is on the top floor, so even arrival here feels unusual. The room inventory is large, with apartments that have a pool, a small garden, and a living room.

The hotel welcomes newlyweds with gifts and offers non-smoking rooms. Fans of water sports will appreciate the Aegean Sea waves: diving, surfing, snorkeling. In the seawater pool you can swim even if you don't like waves.

The grounds are well maintained, and the staff greets guests warmly. The food here gets praise for fresh ingredients and variety.

• The catch: the seabed is uneven, so wear water shoes when entering the sea.

Prices at Atrium Platinum on Trip.com

Lindos Imperial Resort & Spa 5*

The hotel is on the first line in the Kiotari beach area, in the southeastern part of the island. The complex is built on the shore of the bay of the same name, about 8 km from Lindos and 55 km from the airport (on the map). The room inventory is large, with standard rooms, family rooms, and suites.

Several restaurants and bars operate on the grounds, and there are sports and entertainment programs. A conference hall is available for meetings and weddings. The hotel's own pebble beach is equipped with loungers and umbrellas.

Prices at Lindos Imperial on Trip.com

Mitsis Alila Resort & Spa 5*

The complex is in Faliraki on the first line, next to the town's beach area. Rooms with marble floors are furnished with white furniture and have air conditioning and TVs with satellite channels. Every room has a coffee machine, and you can order food straight to your room.

For children there are water slides and a pool, plus a playground. Adults have access to an equestrian center and water sports. The wellness center with a hammam and hydro-massage baths costs extra.

Prices at Mitsis Alila on Trip.com

What to see on Rhodes

The island's main monuments are tied to antiquity. The Acropolis of Lindos stands on a cliff above the sea, and you can climb up to it on foot or by donkey. A full ticket costs 20 € (as of 09/2026, Greek Ministry of Culture). In summer the site is open from 08:00 to 20:00, and from mid-September the opening hours get shorter.

Besides Lindos, it's worth seeing the UNESCO-listed old town of Rhodes and the Palace of the Grand Masters. Kamiros on the west coast has preserved the Temple of Athena and the ruins of an acropolis. Monolithos Castle in the southwest was built in the 15th century on the site of a Byzantine fortress. The village of Archangelos is home to the icon of the Virgin Mary of Tsambika, where pilgrims come.

The island also has natural sites. The Valley of the Butterflies works as a standalone attraction, while Mount Filerimos above Ialysos combines a monastery, a church of the Virgin Mary, and the ruins of ancient temples.

It's best to climb to the Acropolis of Lindos in the morning: during the day the exposed rock gets hot and the lines are longer. Bring water and a hat. The acropolis is not accessible to people with disabilities, as the ministry warns.

Exploring the old town of Rhodes will take you a full day: the fortress walls, gates, Street of the Knights, and Mandraki Harbor are all close together. Boats run between Lindos and Rhodes, so part of the route can be done by sea.

• How to get there: from the city of Rhodes to Lindos is about 50 km (on the map), roughly an hour by car.
• Who it's for: for those willing to climb in the heat for sea views.

Rhodes tours on GetYourGuide

Benefits of an all-inclusive vacation

An all-inclusive package takes everyday logistics off your plate. You don't have to think about meals or small expenses at the hotel. Food and drinks can be ordered to your room at any time of day, and breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served at hours that suit you.

The price usually includes beach loungers and umbrellas, playgrounds, sports equipment, and an entertainment program with shows and animators. Sometimes the package also covers transport within the hotel grounds. Spa treatments at hotels in Rhodes often cost extra.

At first glance, this kind of vacation seems more expensive. But once you add up all the on-site expenses, an all-inclusive package often turns out to be the better deal. In the evenings you can enjoy themed nights and performances by animators, so you won't get bored.

When to visit Rhodes

The swimming season in Rhodes runs from mid-May to October, but tourists come year-round. If you only want the sea and the beach, choose late May, June, or September. During these months there is no extreme heat, the water and pebbles have had time to warm up, and the beaches are less crowded. Hotel prices in the shoulder season are lower than in summer.

For sightseeing ancient sites, the second half of March, April, October, and early November work best. There is no heat, and tickets and accommodation cost less. In spring the island is covered in bright greenery, which makes walking around ancient sites more pleasant.

Rhodes also welcomes guests in winter, but swimming in the sea is no longer comfortable.

Rhodes resorts on the map

The map shows all nine resorts from this overview. Open it to see the distances between them and decide where it would be most convenient for you to stay.

Bus routes run mainly along the east coast, so if you're traveling without a car, choose that side.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does a ticket to the Acropolis in Lindos cost?

A full ticket costs 20 € (as of 09/2026, ministry website). In summer the site is open from 08:00 to 20:00, and from mid-September the hours are reduced. A walking path and donkeys lead to the top. The acropolis is not accessible for people with disabilities.

When is the best time to visit Rhodes with children?

Late May, June, and September work best: the sea is warm and there is no extreme heat. The east coast offers calm water and sandy beaches with a gentle slope into the sea. Kalithea, Kolymbia, and Kiotari are convenient for families, as most hotels there operate on an all-inclusive basis.

How do I get from the airport to Rhodes Town?

Diagoras Airport is 14 km from the island's capital (on the map). The bus goes only to Rhodes Town and takes about 40 minutes; a taxi is faster, around 20 minutes. For southern resorts such as Lindos, it's better to book a transfer in advance.

What's included in an all-inclusive package in Rhodes?

Unlimited food and drinks, loungers and umbrellas, sports equipment, playgrounds, and entertainment programs. The exact offering depends on the hotel, so check the details when booking. At first glance the package seems more expensive, but once you factor in on-site expenses, it often works out cheaper.

Where to stay in Rhodes for a first visit?

For a first visit, Rhodes Town is convenient: the airport, history, and Elli Beach are all nearby. Families with children choose Kalithea or Kolymbia, and windsurfers head to Ialysos. When picking an all-inclusive hotel, it's easier to choose by location than by star rating.

In short: what to book

Rhodes suits almost any kind of trip: a quiet beach, nightlife, or windsurfing. Choose an all-inclusive hotel by location: the east for families and calm seas, the west for sports. Book your ticket to the Acropolis in Lindos in advance and arrive at opening time.

• If you're traveling with children: choose Kolymbia, Kalithea, or Kiotari.
• If you love parties: Faliraki and Rhodes Town are good options.
• If you want wind and sports: choose Ialysos.

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