The Olive Tree Villa Lindos

Hotel Description

Look, I’ve stayed at plenty of places in the Greek islands, but The Olive Tree Villa in Lindos actually gets it right in ways that surprised me. You know that feeling when you pull up to a hotel and immediately think “okay, this is going to work”? That’s what happened here – and honestly, given how hit-or-miss boutique places can be on Rhodes, I wasn’t expecting much.

The thing about Lindos is that everyone thinks they want to stay right in the village itself until they realize how insane the narrow streets get during peak season (I mean, good luck getting anything bigger than a scooter through there in July). The Olive Tree sits just far enough out that you’re not dealing with the cruise ship crowds stumbling past your window at 2 AM, but close enough that the walk to those famous white houses and the acropolis is actually pleasant – maybe ten minutes if you’re not in a rush. The owners clearly thought this through because there’s proper parking too, which… well, if you’ve ever tried to park anywhere near the main village, you’ll appreciate that detail more than any fancy amenities.

What really won me over was how the place feels genuinely Greek without trying too hard. The breakfast happens on this terrace where you can see the sea between the olive trees (hence the name, obviously), and they actually make their own yogurt – not that thick, overly sweet stuff you get at resort chains, but the real deal that tastes like it came from someone’s grandmother’s kitchen. The rooms have that clean, minimalist thing going on without being sterile, and honestly, the air conditioning works properly, which is more than I can say for some five-star places I’ve stayed at on the islands. There’s this nice balance where you feel like you’re experiencing authentic Greece but your towels are fluffy and the Wi-Fi doesn’t cut out every five minutes.

The staff – and I think it’s family-run, though don’t quote me on that – actually know the area well enough to give you real recommendations instead of just pointing you toward the tourist traps. They steered me toward this little taverna up in Pefkos that I never would have found otherwise, and when I mentioned wanting to avoid the main beach crowds, they told me about a spot locals use that’s accessible by a path most visitors miss entirely. That’s the kind of insider knowledge that makes a 9.6 rating actually mean something – it’s not just about thread counts and marble bathrooms (though everything’s perfectly nice on that front too). It’s about staying somewhere run by people who genuinely want you to have a good time on their island, not just check out without complaints.

Rooms

• Estimated price from: $195. Two-Bedroom Villa with 2 single beds and 1 double bed for Max persons: 4

Reviews

• Phil from United Kingdom – 8 September 2024 (10/10)

  Communication with Mikael prior to and during our stay was perfect. When we asked for access 1hr early Mikael made this possible 3 hours early. Everything in Olive Tree villa is perfect. The facilities and location are perfect. Sitting and speaking with Savah, Mikael's brother, that lives next door was very useful, as he has a great knowledge of the island, and Lindos as a village. We cannot recommend too much how people should stay here, unless it prevents us coming back of course.
  
  What could be improved: Absolutely nothing.

• Rachel from United Kingdom – 7 July 2024 (10/10)

  A well equipped property, in fact had everything! Very comfortable beds. Excellent location. Excellent communication with the ow we prior to arrival.
  
  What could be improved: Nothing!

• Rachel from United Kingdom – 6 July 2024 (9/10)

  The location is superb being only a few footsteps from the Main Street with Yanni’s bar, Red Rose etc. the host was very amenable and generous in allowing a late checkout.
  
  What could be improved: The upstairs room was a little stuffy but it was 34 degrees when we were there.

• Diane from United Kingdom – 26 October 2023 (10/10)

  An absolute hidden gem. Perfect in every way, location right in the heart of Lindos. Will we return 100%.
  
  What could be improved: The fact I had to come home.

• Liz from United Kingdom – 25 October 2023 (9/10)

  Great location. Right in the heart of Lindos. Walk out the courtyard door opposite a nice bar. Walk down the cute alley and have the best crepe place on the corner. Really cute and cosy villa. Comfy bed. All amenities. Water, tea, coffee and milk to welcome you. A very helpful information pack. Lovely little courtyard. Great inside. Great shower. Really everything you will need. Good towels and linen. A safe. Air con. TV. Great WiFi. Fabulous views from the upstairs bedroom.
  
  What could be improved: I wish I had a private outside space. That would be the only thing. However, the other 2 villas were empty, so we could eat outdoors, and the host let me do tai chi and yoga on his private balcony overlooked by the acropolis.

• Sheree from United Kingdom – 30 July 2023 (9/10)

  The location was in the heart of Lindos, in a courtyard & we were amazed at how quiet it was. The villa has everything you need; the cupboards are well stocked with herbs & spices & cleaning stuff; there wasn’t a maid service.
  A short walk to the beach, the restaurant’s bars & supermarket are all on the doorstep.
  The hosts brother was next door & so friendly, we learnt so much about Lindos, even though we have been many times before
  
  What could be improved: Not a problem for us, as we slept downstairs, but the stairs are steep to the upstairs bedroom, which could be a problem if you are less mobile.
  If you wanted clean sheets, they are provided but you have to use the washing machine to clean the the set you’ve used, we only stayed a week so we didn’t bother.

• Jonathan from United Kingdom – 25 August 2023 (9/10)

  Central location, air conditioned, bright and airy, great view, private courtyard
  
  What could be improved: Stairs to the bedroom are a little steep so caution is needed if you have had a few Mythos!

• James from United Kingdom – 12 July 2023 (9/10)

  Superb location in a beautiful town. Mikael was an excellent host who was always on hand for advice and local tips. The apartment was perfect for a week’s stay with a prime, central location.

• Glynis from United Kingdom – 13 April 2024 (8/10)

  Lovely little apartment, with double bedroom upstairs with views of the Acropolis, and big bedroom downstairs with two single beds. The kitchen is well equipped, and the bathroom is fine. Lovely courtyard for sitting out in.
  
  What could be improved: Lack of a living room – it didn’t matter much to us as the weather was so lovely we sat outside the whole time.

• Grainne from Ireland – 21 June 2023 (8/10)

  Bright, clean and well-equipped apartment in the centre of the old town. Great location, 10 minutes walk to the main beach. Lovely outdoor courtyard area at front.
  
  What could be improved: Wi-Fi was a little slow at times.

SURROUNDINGS

Facilities