Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese groups of islands in Greece and it is one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Europe. There are magnificent ancient ruins, wooded valleys of pine and cypress trees, and spectacular beaches and sandy coves. The crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and the golden sandy beaches are perfect for anyone. With that in mind, here is a guide to the best beaches on Rhodes.
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The Best Beaches in Rhodes Greece
1. Anthony Quinn Beach
20 km from Rhodes Town is the beautiful Anthony Quinn beach, named after the actor who used to go swimming there. The organised small and narrow beach is both sandy and pebbly with sunbeds and umbrellas to laze away the day. The water is warm and clear and it’s a good spot for diving. It can get crowded and it’s popular with nudists, and the surrounding pine-clad hills and green countryside make this one of the most calmest and stunning spots on the island.
2. St Paul’s Bay
St Paul’s Bay is on the southeast coast of Rhodes in Lindos village and there are two beaches to choose from; the largest one has golden sand and the one at the northern end is sand and gravel. There is a bit of a trek down to the beach, but, once there, the bay is truly picturesque with clear blue water perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
It’s a good idea to arrive early to find your own little spot as it can get crowded, but it has a relaxed atmosphere. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available, as well as a cafe serving food and drinks.
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3. Lindos Beach
Three popular beaches, 48 km from Rhodes Town, so, unless you’re staying in Lindos, you’ll need transport to get there. One of the most beautiful golden sandy beaches on Rhodes, the water is crystal clear and shallow which makes it ideal for families. It’s organized with sunbeds, umbrellas, and plenty of cafes and restaurants. The scenery is gorgeous with green and rocky hills, the slopes dotted with white houses, and the eye-catching Lindos Acropolis at the top, it’s a good place to go exploring.
4. Tsambika Beach
Located on the island’s east coast is the long and sandy Tsambika beach. The partly organized beach has colorful umbrellas and sunbeds, watersports are available and there are plenty of beach bars and restaurants, so it’s a great place to spend the day or night. It’s a lovely sheltered bay with rocky hills surrounding it, and the water is turquoise blue and very clear, so it’s perfect for families to go swimming.
5. Ixia Beach
Only 5 km from Rhodes Town, Ixia Beach is easy to reach and it’s another beautiful spot to visit. It’s a cosmopolitan resort with many people from all over the world, and it’s a popular place for windsurfing and watersports. It’s mostly pebbled, but the sea is crystal clear and there is plenty to keep families occupied throughout the day. The village of Ixia is full of charming restaurants, tavernas, and bars which serve delicious Greek food.
6. Faliraki Beach and Faliraki Nudist Beach
Its close proximity to Rhodes Town means Faliraki Beach is one of the most crowded and popular beaches on the island. It’s well organized with colorful umbrellas and sunbeds, and waterskiing, windsurfing, and diving are available. It’s family-friendly, but it’s also the place to go if you are looking to party at any of the resort’s bars and taverns, which sell some of the island’s most delicious food.
A short distance from the main beach is Faliraki Nudist Beach, a small and organized stretch of sand with more sunbeds and umbrellas, a beach bar, selling good food, and an older crowd who bypass the liveliness in search of a more peaceful and chilled-out day.
7. Elli Beach
Elli Beach is in Rhodes Town, so it’s within walking distance from the town center, but its closeness makes it very popular. It has every amenity imaginable; umbrellas and sunbeds, beach taverns and restaurants, and a range of watersports, diving, and beach volleyball. The beach itself is pebbly and the water is cobalt blue and perfect for swimming in the heat of the day. A fabulous place for everyone to enjoy.
8. Prasonisi Beach
Prasonisi Beach is the most unique of beaches because it is only exposed at low tide. At other times Prasonisi is actually a tiny island at the very southernmost tip of Rhodes. The beach has breathtaking views of both the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea and the rugged mountains surrounding the area.
The west side of Prasonisi is very windy, so it’s popular with windsurfers and kitesurfers. The east side is sheltered and more organized with sunbeds and umbrellas, cafes, and restaurants, so it’s excellent for families who come to relax or enjoy the shallow water and the sandy beach.
9. Afandou Beach
19 km from Rhodes Town, on the east coast, is Afandou Beach, a long and sandy beach in a beautiful setting with deep, sparkling clear water great for swimming. Parts of the beach are pebbly, but it’s family-friendly and organized with watersports and windsurfing available.
It can get crowded, but the beach is long enough to be able to find a more secluded spot. A short distance from the beach is the village of Afandou, a charming town with plenty of cafes, taverns, and restaurants.
10. Kallithea Beach
The idyllic scenery of Kallithea Beach is a world away from nearby Rhodes Town. Emerald water lapping onto the pebbly beach and surrounded by pine and palm trees make Kallithea one of the most magnificent beaches on the island. It’s family-friendly, and organised, and there are watersports and diving available. It’s good for exploring too; there are ancient hot springs with stunning buildings and splendid mosaics.
11. Agathi Beach
This gorgeous sheltered beach has fine sand and shallow water. On the right hand side of the beach, there are some fascinating rock formations that are great for snorkeling.
12. Ialyssos Beach
Situated on the north-western coast of Rhodes, the beach at Ialyssos stretches for eight kilometers, with a number of hotels strung along the road behind it. There are sunbeds and umbrellas to hire and, as there is often a strong onshore breeze, there is great windsurfing.
13. Ladiko Beach
Just three kilometers from the village of Ladiko, on the south-east of the island, are some of the best beaches on the island. The beaches are sandy with crystal waters and one holds the prestigious Blue Flag award for its excellent standards. There are plenty of water sports to enjoy.
14. Lardos Beach
The beach at Lardos is one of the best beaches on the island. It is situated at the southern end of Pefkos Bay, seven kilometers from Lindos, and easily reached by bus. Lardos has been given the Blue Flag award, the beach has fine sand with shallow water so they are ideal for young children. There are several tavernas on the beach for cold drinks and snacks and you can enjoy a variety of watersports.
The beaches of Rhodes have something for everyone; windsurfing or diving, relaxing or exploring there are plenty of stunning places to choose from.