Rhodes Town or Lindos: Where Should You Stay?

The Greek island of Rhodes, one of the largest Greek islands, gives you plenty of reasons to visit. But the biggest question becomes: where should you base yourself? The action-packed Rhodes Old Town or the charming village of Lindos?

Having visited Rhodes a couple of times, I’d say your decision really comes down to your travel style, how long you’re staying, and the overall vibe you’re looking for.

I’m a two-time Rhodes visitor, and both times I stayed in Rhodes Old Town. For me, it made the most sense because I didn’t want to rent a car. I wanted to be within walking distance of restaurants, nightlife, beaches, and the port for day trips like Symi. But that doesn’t mean I don’t think there’s a strong case for staying in Lindos.

If I had to sum it up in this intro, I’d say Rhodes Town is perfect if you want variety and the ability to jump right into the action. Lindos, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re looking for a quieter experience where your days revolve around beautiful beaches, slow afternoons, and a more relaxed atmosphere.

That’s my two cents. But there’s a lot more to consider before you book your hotel, and hopefully by the end of this guide you’ll know exactly which part of Rhodes is right for you.

How Far Are Rhodes Town and Lindos From the Airport?

Before deciding where to stay, it’s worth knowing what it actually takes to get there.

Rhodes Town is only about 20 to 25 minutes from Rhodes International Airport (RHO). You can easily get there by taxi, private transfer, rental car, or the public bus.

Lindos, on the other hand, is about 50 to 60 minutes south of the airport. While you can take the public bus, most travelers staying in Lindos either book a transfer or rent a car.

If you’re arriving late at night or only have a few days on the island, Rhodes Town is definitely the more convenient choice. 

But if you’re planning a week of relaxing in one place, the extra drive to Lindos probably won’t bother you.

Rhodes Town vs Lindos: What Are the Biggest Differences?

At first glance, Rhodes Town and Lindos might seem like two versions of the same destination. They’re both beautiful, historic, and right on the coast. 

But once you arrive, you’ll quickly realize they offer two completely different experiences.

Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town feels like a small city wrapped inside a medieval fortress. The UNESCO-listed Old Town is filled with cobblestone streets, centuries-old walls, lively squares, boutique hotels, rooftop bars, and enough restaurants to keep you busy for days.

Outside the walls, you’ll find modern Rhodes with shopping, beaches, beach clubs, cafes, and the main ferry port, making it easy to take day trips to places like Symi or Turkey.

Overall, Rhodes Town offers variety. There is always something happening, whether that’s exploring historic sites during the day or enjoying dinner and drinks in the evening.

Lindos

Lindos couldn’t feel more different.

It’s a small whitewashed village built into the hillside, with narrow pedestrian lanes winding between white homes, boutique shops, rooftop restaurants, and incredible views over the sea.

The centerpiece is the Acropolis of Lindos, which towers above the village and offers one of the most iconic views in all of Greece.

Compared to Rhodes Town, life in Lindos moves at a much slower pace. Most people spend their days walking to the beach, enjoying long lunches, wandering the village, and soaking up that classic Greek island atmosphere.

If Rhodes Town feels energetic, Lindos feels relaxed.

But be warned: swarms of tourists descend on Lindos in peak season, and during the day it feels very crowded. 

Rhodes Town or Lindos, Which Feels More “Greek”?

This is probably the biggest difference.

If you’re picturing whitewashed buildings, blue doors, bougainvillea spilling over alleyways, and postcard-worthy views, that’s Lindos.

Now, If you’re fascinated by medieval history, castles, city walls, and having endless options for restaurants, nightlife, shopping, and day trips, Rhodes Town is likely going to be a better fit.

If You Don’t Want to Rent a Car, Where Should You Stay?

This one is easy for me because it’s exactly why I’ve stayed in Rhodes Old Town both times I’ve visited.

I had no interest in renting a car, and honestly, I didn’t feel like I needed one.

Rhodes Town is incredibly walkable. Within minutes you can explore the medieval Old Town, relax at Elli Beach, wander the New Town, browse shops, and choose from what feels like hundreds of restaurants and cafés. The ferry port is also here, making it easy to take a day trip to Symi or even Turkey.

Lindos is also walkable, but it’s much smaller. Once you’ve explored the village, visited the Acropolis, and spent time at the beaches, your options become more limited.

If you want to explore other parts of Rhodes, you’ll either need to rent a car, take a bus, or book organized tours.

Popular day trips include Lindos, Butterfly Valley, Seven Springs, and Symi Island. If you’d rather visit places like Anthony Quinn Bay, Tsambika Beach, Monolithos Castle, or Prasonisi, you’ll need your own car.

For me, Rhodes Town offered much more freedom. I never felt like I was missing out because everything I wanted was within walking distance or an easy ferry ride away.

That said, if your goal is to spend most of your vacation relaxing on the beach with a slower pace of life, Lindos can still work without a car.

Just know you’re choosing to stay in one destination rather than using it as a base to explore the island.

Can You Visit Lindos as a Day Trip from Rhodes Town?

If you’re torn between the two, my recommendation for most first-time visitors is to stay in Rhodes Town and visit Lindos as a day trip.

Lindos is about an hour away, and you can get there by public bus, rental car, taxi, or an organized tour.

If you’re simply looking for a taste of Lindos, I’d recommend an organized day tour that also includes Butterfly Valley. It’s an easy way to see two of Rhodes’ highlights in one day.

However, if Lindos is somewhere you’ve been dreaming of visiting, I actually recommend skipping the organized tour. They tend to move at a fast pace, and you won’t have much time to wander the village, enjoy lunch with a view, or relax at one of the beaches.

Instead, take the public bus (you can find the schedule here) or rent a car for the day. Having the freedom to explore at your own pace makes a huge difference, and I think you’ll enjoy Lindos much more because of it.

Which Has the Better Beaches?

This one is honestly a little tricky because both have great beaches. It really comes down to what kind of beach day you’re after.

If you stay in Rhodes Town, you’ll have easy access to Elli Beach, one of the island’s most popular beaches. It’s organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and restaurants all within walking distance.

I was actually surprised it wasn’t outrageously expensive like some of the organized beaches in Mykonos. I paid around €20 for a sunbed, and honestly, it was worth it.

What I didn’t love is that Elli Beach is a pebble beach, not a sandy one, so don’t forget to pack your swim shoes. If you’re someone who loves soft sand between your toes, this probably won’t be your favorite beach.

Lindos, on the other hand, has what I would consider the better beaches.

Lindos Beach is a long stretch of golden sand with calm, shallow water that’s perfect for spending the day.

Just around the corner is the famous St. Paul’s Bay, a beautiful cove with crystal-clear turquoise water and one of the most iconic views on the island.

If your vacation revolves around beach days, I’d give Lindos the win.

If you like mixing sightseeing, shopping, restaurants, nightlife, and the occasional swim, Rhodes Town is still an excellent base because everything is right at your doorstep.

My vote? If beaches are your top priority, stay in Lindos. If you want a little bit of everything, Rhodes Town offers the more well-rounded experience.

Which Has the Better Restaurants & Nightlife?

Both Rhodes Town and Lindos have some fantastic restaurants, so you really can’t go wrong when it comes to eating well.

The biggest difference is the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for lively bars, rooftop cocktails, live music, and plenty of places to wander after dinner, Rhodes Town wins by a mile. There are countless bars tucked away in the Old Town and even more once you venture into the New Town.

Here are a few of my favorite bars Rhodes Town (with linked Google Maps):

• Swan by Kontiki (Restaurant with views, nice place for a cocktail)
• Nook Cocktail Bar
• Monkey Cocktail Bar

Lindos has bars too, but the vibe is much more laid back. Think sunset cocktails overlooking the Acropolis, a glass of wine after dinner, or a rooftop bar with a view rather than a big night out.

Some of my favorite bars in Lindos are:

• Dreams Cocktail Bar
• Lindian Apollo Bar
• Cesar Meze Bar

When it comes to restaurants, both destinations have excellent choices. Rhodes Town simply has more of them, from traditional Greek tavernas to upscale restaurants and international cuisine. 

If you’re staying for several days, you’ll appreciate having so much variety.

Here are a few restaurants I’d recommend in Rhodes Town:

• Nomad Mediterranean Gastronomy (it’s fancy. You’ll need a reservation here for sure) I had the lobster pasta, and while I recommend it, it was a lot of food. 
• Marco Polo Mansion (You’ll need a reservation here as well. Excellent, creative cuisine) 
• The Ritualist (Get a reservation if you want to eat later; I went at 6 pm solo and had no problem, but it got busier). Highly recommend the Greek salad
• Pizanias The Sea Star– Classic Greek Tavern with amazing seafood and fava.
• Decan Bistro and 7 Grams Breakfast Brunch– Epic breakfast if you are looking for eggs, avocado toast, and really good coffee!

Lindos may have fewer restaurants, but the setting is hard to beat. Many have terraces overlooking the whitewashed village or the Acropolis, making dinner feel like part of the experience.

Here are my favorite restaurants in Lindos:

• Mythos All Day Restaurant
• Akres Lindos
• Almyra

If food is your priority, you’ll eat well in either destination. But if you’re someone who likes having endless restaurant choices and a lively atmosphere after dinner, Rhodes Town is the clear winner.

Rhodes Town vs Lindos: What Can You Actually Do?

If you like staying busy on vacation, Rhodes Town is going to give you far more options.

Not only are there more attractions to visit, but there are also plenty of organized experiences if you’re traveling solo and want to join a group. 

Think food tours, wine tastings, walking tours, sunset cruises, cooking classes, and day trips to places like Symi.

I’ll link my favorite tours below.

• Join a catamaran cruise that includes lunch
• Join a Rhodes & Lindos Tour
• Visit Butterfly Valley Tour

Top Things to Do in Rhodes Town

• Wander the UNESCO-listed Old Town
• Check out all the Medieval Gates
• Visit the Palace of the Grand Master
• Walk the Street of the Knights
• Visit the Archaeological Museum
• Relax at Elli Beach
• Explore Mandraki Harbor
• Take a ferry to Symi

Lindos offers a completely different experience.

You’re not coming here to fill every hour of your itinerary. You’re coming to slow down. Spend the morning wandering the whitewashed streets, climb to the Acropolis, relax on the beach for the afternoon, then enjoy dinner overlooking the village as the sun begins to set.

There are a few organized tours, but nowhere near the variety you’ll find in Rhodes Town.

Top Things to Do in Lindos

• Visit the Acropolis of Lindos
• Wander the whitewashed streets
• Swim at Lindos Beach
• Relax at St. Paul’s Bay
• Shop the local boutiques
• Enjoy dinner with views of the Acropolis

If you’re someone who likes having lots of choices every day, Rhodes Town is going to be the place you want to choose.

But if your idea of the perfect vacation is slowing down, soaking up the scenery, and spending more time at the beach than checking off attractions, Lindos might be exactly what you’re looking for.

So, Where Should You Stay?

If this is your first time visiting Rhodes, I’d recommend staying in Rhodes Town. Specifically, I would recommend the Spirits of the Knights Boutique Hotel.

That’s exactly what I’ve done both times I’ve visited the island, and I never regretted it. I loved having restaurants, bars, museums, beaches, and the ferry port all within walking distance. It also made taking a day trip to Symi incredibly easy.

Lindos is absolutely worth visiting, but for me, it’s a destination I’d recommend as a day trip unless your main goal is to spend your vacation slowing down and enjoying some of the island’s best beaches.

At the end of the day, there’s no wrong choice. It simply comes down to the kind of vacation you’re looking for.

If you’re planning a trip to Rhodes and still have questions, I’d love to help. As a certified travel advisor who specializes in Greece, I can help you choose the right area to stay, recommend hotels that fit your travel style, and create a custom itinerary so you can make the most of your time on the island.