07/04/2023
Planning your first trip to Rhodes sounds absolutely wonderful, especially after the excitement of a wedding! It's completely understandable to feel a bit overwhelmed when trying to decide between two fantastic locations like Lindos and Rhodes Town, particularly when trying to balance relaxation, sightseeing, and a specific budget. Many travellers face this exact dilemma, and thankfully, Rhodes offers excellent options for both. Let's break down your questions about getting around, accommodation, and which base might best suit your preferences for a truly memorable Greek escape.
Your desire for a week of relaxation by the pool, delightful dinners, a spot of shopping, and fascinating sightseeing is a common wish, and Rhodes delivers on all fronts. The key is choosing the right base that aligns with your priorities, especially when on a budget and without a car. We'll explore the travel logistics between Lindos and Rhodes Town, discuss the specifics of your potential hotel, and help you weigh up the pros and cons of each area.
Getting between Lindos and Rhodes Town is a well-trodden path for tourists, and you have a couple of reliable options. Given you won't be hiring a car, understanding these is crucial for your day trip plans.
By Taxi: The Convenient Choice
For sheer convenience and speed, especially if you're looking to maximise your sightseeing time in Rhodes Town, a taxi is undoubtedly the best option. It offers a direct, comfortable journey without the need for multiple stops or adherence to a bus schedule. This is particularly appealing for a day trip where you want to arrive refreshed and ready to explore.
- Time: The journey from Lindos to Rhodes Town typically takes between 60 to 75 minutes, depending on traffic and the specific drop-off point in Rhodes Town. This is a significant distance, so factor in over an hour each way.
- Cost: A taxi fare for this route usually ranges from £50 to £70 (approximately €60-€80). It's a substantial cost for a single trip, so if you plan multiple excursions, this could add up quickly. You can often pre-book a taxi for a fixed price, which can be reassuring, or find them at designated taxi ranks in both Lindos and Rhodes Town. Always confirm the price with the driver before setting off.
By Bus: The Budget-Friendly Option
Rhodes has a fairly extensive and reliable public bus network, operated by KTEL, connecting the major towns and tourist spots. Buses are a much more economical way to travel, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious travellers.
- Frequency: During September, which is still peak season, buses between Lindos and Rhodes Town are quite frequent, especially during the day. You can expect departures roughly every hour or so from Lindos bus station. However, do check the latest timetables, as evening services might be less frequent.
- Time: While cheaper, the bus journey takes considerably longer than a taxi, typically around 90 minutes to 2 hours, as it makes several stops along the way.
- Cost: A single bus ticket will cost you just a few pounds/euros, making it significantly cheaper than a taxi.
- Experience: Buses can get crowded, especially during peak times, and you'll be sharing the journey with other tourists and locals. It's a good way to see the scenery, but perhaps less comfortable if you're carrying shopping or simply prefer more personal space.
Rhodes Airport Transfers: Your Gateway to Lindos
Your journey from Rhodes International Airport (Diagoras - RHO) to Lindos is another key consideration. As you've noted, taking a taxi is highly recommended for its ease and convenience, especially after a flight and when you're keen to start your holiday without fuss. Dragging luggage through public transport systems is rarely anyone's idea of a relaxing start!
- Distance: Lindos is located on the southeast coast of Rhodes, approximately 50 to 60 kilometres (31 to 37 miles) from Rhodes Airport. It's one of the further major tourist destinations from the airport.
- Time: A taxi from Rhodes Airport to Lindos will take roughly 60 to 75 minutes, similar to the Lindos to Rhodes Town journey. This can vary slightly depending on the time of day and traffic conditions, particularly as you pass through the more populated areas around Faliraki.
- Cost: Expect to pay around £60 to £80 (approximately €70-€90) for a taxi from the airport to Lindos. Pre-booking your transfer is an excellent idea, as it guarantees a fixed price, ensures a driver is waiting for you upon arrival, and eliminates any potential language barriers or haggling at the airport taxi rank. This peace of mind is often well worth the upfront cost, especially if you're arriving late at night or are simply tired from your journey.
Lindos Royal: Location, Location, Location
You've found a hotel in Lindos called Lindos Royal with reasonable reviews, and it's important to understand its precise location relative to Lindos village. This is crucial for your preference for "walking short distances."
The Lindos Royal is generally considered to be on the outskirts of Lindos village, specifically located in the area of Vlycha Bay, which is a short drive from the main village centre and its iconic Acropolis. While it offers stunning sea views and excellent facilities, including pools (which sounds perfect for your relaxation goal), it is not within easy walking distance of Lindos village itself for a casual stroll to dinner or for shopping.
- Walking to Lindos Village: A walk from Lindos Royal to the heart of Lindos village would be a significant undertaking, likely taking 30-40 minutes or more, and parts of it would be uphill or along main roads without pavements. It's generally not recommended for a leisurely evening stroll, especially in the heat.
- Transport to Lindos Village: Most guests staying at Lindos Royal (and similar resorts in the Vlycha Bay area) rely on taxis or the hotel's shuttle service (if provided) to get into Lindos village. A taxi ride would be short, perhaps 5-10 minutes, and cost around £5-£10 (€6-€12) each way. This is an important factor to consider for your budget and your desire for evening dinners out. If you plan to dine in Lindos village every night, these taxi costs will add up over the week.
The hotel itself will likely offer a very relaxing experience with its own pool, dining options, and possibly beach access. It's a great choice if your primary goal is to relax within the resort and only venture out occasionally. However, if daily evening strolls into the village for dinner and atmosphere are a high priority, you might find its location a slight inconvenience unless you're prepared for regular taxi fares.
Lindos vs. Rhodes Town: Where Should You Stay?
This is the crux of your decision, and both locations offer distinct experiences. Let's compare them based on your preferences, keeping your £500 hotel budget for the week in mind, which for Rhodes is quite a tight budget for a good hotel, especially in September.
Lindos: The Picturesque & Relaxing Base
Pros:
- Relaxing by the Pool: Resorts like Lindos Royal excel here, offering large pools, sea views, and a generally tranquil atmosphere away from the bustle.
- Dining: Lindos village boasts incredibly charming rooftop restaurants with stunning views of the Acropolis, offering a romantic and unique dining experience. There are also many traditional tavernas. The food quality is generally very high.
- Shopping: Lindos offers boutique shopping – unique jewellery, local crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. It's not extensive, but charming for a browse.
- Sightseeing: The Acropolis of Lindos is a must-see, and the village itself is a beautiful, historic labyrinth of whitewashed houses. The nearby beaches (Lindos Beach, St. Paul's Bay) are stunning.
- Vibe: Very picturesque, traditional, romantic, and offers a sense of serenity.
- Wind: Lindos is on the sheltered east coast, so generally not windy.
Cons:
- Budget: Finding a well-reviewed hotel for £500 a week within Lindos village can be challenging. Larger resorts like Lindos Royal might fit the budget but are often outside the village, incurring taxi costs for evening outings.
- Shopping Variety: Limited compared to Rhodes Town.
- Transport: While buses connect to Rhodes Town, local transport (taxis) will be needed frequently if your hotel is outside the village and you want to explore Lindos itself regularly. Day trips further afield without a car can be more complex.
Rhodes Town: The Bustling & Historic Hub
Pros:
- Relaxing by the Pool: Many hotels in the New Town area of Rhodes Town offer pools, though they might be smaller or more urban than resort pools in Lindos. You can still find a relaxing poolside experience.
- Dining: An incredibly diverse culinary scene, from traditional Greek tavernas in the Old Town to modern restaurants and international cuisine in the New Town. Options for all budgets.
- Shopping: Superior shopping experience. The Old Town offers unique souvenirs, leather goods, and jewellery, while the New Town has high street brands and department stores.
- Sightseeing: The UNESCO World Heritage Old Town is a historical marvel, with the Palace of the Grand Master, Street of the Knights, and numerous museums. Mandraki Harbour is also beautiful. There's enough to keep you busy for days.
- Vibe: Bustling, vibrant, historic, and cosmopolitan.
- Transport & Accessibility: Rhodes Town is the main transport hub for the island, offering excellent bus connections to nearly every other major town and beach. This makes day trips very easy, even without a car. It offers great accessibility.
- Budget: More diverse range of accommodation, from budget-friendly guesthouses in the Old Town to larger hotels in the New Town, potentially offering more options within your £500 budget.
- Wind: Also on the sheltered east coast, generally not windy.
Cons:
- Vibe: Can be very busy and touristy, especially in the Old Town. Less of a tranquil village feel than Lindos.
- Beaches: While Rhodes Town has beaches (e.g., Elli Beach), they are city beaches and might not be as picturesque or tranquil as those around Lindos.
Comparative Overview: Lindos vs. Rhodes Town
To help you visualise the differences, here's a table summarising the key aspects:
| Feature | Lindos | Rhodes Town |
|---|---|---|
| Vibe | Relaxed, picturesque, traditional village, romantic, serenity | Bustling, historic, cosmopolitan, more urban feel, vibrant |
| Relaxing by Pool | Excellent, many resort hotels with large pools (e.g., Lindos Royal) | Possible, but more central hotels might have smaller pools; more urban setting |
| Dining | Quaint tavernas, rooftop restaurants, good quality | Wide variety, modern restaurants, traditional tavernas, international cuisine |
| Shopping | Boutique shops, local crafts, souvenirs | Extensive (Old Town for souvenirs, New Town for high street) |
| Sightseeing | Acropolis of Lindos, beautiful village, beaches | UNESCO Old Town, Palace of the Grand Master, museums, Mandraki Harbour |
| Budget (£500/wk hotel) | Can be challenging for central hotels; resort hotels outside might fit, but add taxi costs | More diverse options, from budget guesthouses to luxury; good accessibility to amenities |
| Transport (No Car) | Buses available but less frequent for local trips; taxis needed for village if outside | Excellent bus network for island, easy walking within town, many taxis |
| Wind Exposure | Generally sheltered (East Coast) | Generally sheltered (East Coast) |
Beating the Wind: Avoiding Breezy Spots
You're right to be concerned about windy areas, as some parts of Rhodes are known for it. Generally, the west coast of Rhodes (around areas like Ialyssos and Ixia) tends to be windier. This is because it faces the open Aegean Sea and benefits from stronger winds, making it popular for windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts.
Both Lindos and Rhodes Town are located on the east coast of the island, which is generally much more sheltered and experiences far less wind. So, regardless of whether you choose Lindos or Rhodes Town, you should be able to enjoy your holiday without significant wind disruption. This is good news for your desire for relaxing by the pool!
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
Given your preferences and budget, here's a summary to help you decide:
- If your priority is pure relaxation by a large pool, a picturesque village setting for dining, and you're happy to budget for taxis to get into Lindos village (from Lindos Royal) and for your day trip to Rhodes Town: Lindos, and specifically a resort like Lindos Royal, could be an excellent fit. The atmosphere is truly special. Just be mindful of those taxi fares for evening outings.
- If your priority is extensive shopping, a wide variety of dining options within easy walking distance, excellent public transport links for easy day trips around the island (including Lindos), and a more bustling, vibrant atmosphere with deep historical immersion: Rhodes Town would be a superb choice. You might find more hotel options within your £500 budget here, and its central location makes exploring the rest of the island very straightforward.
For your £500 hotel budget for the week, Rhodes Town might offer more diverse options, especially if you look at smaller hotels or guesthouses in the New Town or even just outside the Old Town walls. This could free up more of your holiday spending for dinners and shopping.
A day trip from Lindos to Rhodes Town is absolutely feasible by taxi or bus. If you choose to stay in Rhodes Town, a day trip to Lindos is also incredibly easy and highly recommended – buses run frequently, and you can spend a full day exploring the Acropolis, village, and beaches.
Ultimately, both locations offer fantastic holidays. Consider which 'vibe' resonates more with you for your first Rhodes experience. Whichever you choose, Rhodes promises a memorable trip filled with history, beauty, and delicious food. Enjoy your first Greek adventure!
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Lindos from Rhodes Airport?
Lindos is approximately 50 to 60 kilometres (31 to 37 miles) from Rhodes International Airport (RHO), located on the southeast coast of the island.
How much is a taxi from Rhodes Airport to Lindos?
A taxi from Rhodes Airport to Lindos typically costs between £60 and £80 (approximately €70-€90), and the journey takes around 60 to 75 minutes.
How long does a taxi take and how much does it cost from Lindos to Rhodes Town?
A taxi from Lindos to Rhodes Town usually takes 60 to 75 minutes and costs between £50 and £70 (approximately €60-€80).
Is 'Lindos Royal' central to Lindos or on the outskirts?
Lindos Royal is located on the outskirts of Lindos village, in Vlycha Bay. It is not within easy walking distance of Lindos village centre, and guests typically rely on taxis or a hotel shuttle to get to the village.
Are buses frequent between Lindos and Rhodes Town?
Yes, during September (peak season), buses between Lindos and Rhodes Town are generally frequent, running roughly every hour or so during the day. The journey takes longer than a taxi, usually 90 minutes to 2 hours.
Which part of Rhodes is windier?
The west coast of Rhodes, around areas like Ialyssos and Ixia, tends to be windier. Both Lindos and Rhodes Town are on the more sheltered east coast.
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