The Best Beaches in Rhodes

By Heather Collier

Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, is known around the world for its spectacular beach resorts and sandy coves. With glorious weather guaranteed all-year round, each beach remains an essential ingredient for the perfect Greek getaway.

Lindos

Lindos offers two different beaches, sharing the same bay. Both beaches are bustling with life and are well occupied, but not necessarily crowded.

The first is Megali Paralia – a large beach in walking distance from the village of Lindos which features sunbeds, umbrellas, fish taverns and water sports, all encompassed by golden sand and clear blue waters.

The beach has sparse vegetation and high hills, with views of the amphitheatrically built village of Lindos and the Acropolis, a dramatic scene that overlooks Rhodes from the top of the mountain.

There is also Limanaki Agios Pavlos. The little bay of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul) lies 48 km south of Rhodes town and close to the ancient Acropolis. According to a local myth, the bay owes its name to the distinctive white chapel standing on the beach which is dedicated to Saint Paul, who visited there in 43 AD and preached Christianity to the locals.

Mesmerising sand and pebbles compose the beach where sunbeds are available for rent. Rocks are boarding the beach, allowing the possibility to dive into the glimmering waters from a great height.

Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko

Named after the lead actor in the film The Guns of Navarone which was filmed in the bay in the early 1960s, Anthony Quinn Bay is thought to be one of the most breath-taking, tranquil escapes on the island. The beach is comprised of rocky platforms, sand, and pebbles, with water ideal for snorkelling, all located a stone’s throw away from Ladiko Beach.

Surrounded by the hills, Ladiko beach is located 20km south of Rhodes Town and 2km from Faliraki village. This small beach features a tiny, picturesque cove with a seashore that boasts fine clean sand, lush green vegetation, umbrellas, sunbeds, freshwater showers, and delicious traditional taverns offering local cuisine and seafood.

Although it tends to get particularly crowded during the summer months, this cove presents an unmissable, postcard-worthy picture, with small yachts milling near the shore at sunset.

Agathi

The small sandy beach of Agathi lies near the beach of Haraki and the Medieval castle of Faraklos, 38 km south-east of Rhodes City and 10 km north of Lindos village. Three canteens offer refreshments and snacks on the beach as well as sunbeds, umbrellas rentals and showers.

It is a beautiful, sheltered, cosy beach, perfect for those who may be seeking an added bit of privacy. Visitors may also discover interesting underwater rock formations along the coastline, making this also an ideal spot for snorkelling and exploring the wildlife that swims beneath the surface.

Kallithea

The beach of Kallithea is famous for its hot medicinal springs built by the Italians. Although they unfortunately no longer function, they make for a great piece of history. Kallithea is 8 km south of Rhodes town and features gorgeous palm and pine trees and beautifully renovated buildings with impressive mosaics, all of which are influenced by the Arabic architecture.

Tsambika

On the east coast, Tsambika is as picture-perfect as Rhodes’ beaches get. Expect silky sands made for all-day sunbathing and turquoise waters perfect for a dip to cool off from the heat. This golden stretch is named after the Tsambika Monastery, which is perched high on the surrounding cliffside. For those who dare to tackle the 297 stone steps, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the bay.

For those seeking a bite to eat, you can indulge in the beachfront eateries. If you want a side of activity with your lounging, there’s tonnes on offer – from adrenaline-pumping parasailing to fun for all the family inflatables.

Elli

Elli is the closest beach to Rhodes town located between the area of Mandraki and the Rhodes aquarium. It is viewed as one of the most popular beaches on the Dodecanese and is often considered the most beautiful beach in the Mediterranean.

It is vibrant with colour, scattered with umbrellas and rented sundecks, beachfront taverns and beloved restaurants that beckon you from the shore, as well as family friendly hotels with safe pools perfect for children whilst you unwind and enjoy a drink.

Residing in the middle of the palm tree canopy that covers Gavriil Harito's Square, there is the laidback Elli Beach neighbourhood at the tip of 'New Rhodes'. It features sandy stretches, seafront hotels, and sight-seeing for all. Elli’s atmosphere attracts many photographers to capture the astonishing grafts and wonderful panoramic images of Rhodes.

The beach also offers a choice of exciting water sports, diving or even beach volley. If you want a relaxing break from the sun, we urge you to take a stroll around the town of Rhodes, enjoy authentic Greek dishes in the family-run taverns and explore the wonders of the markets.

For those who are seeking a spot of kite or wind surfing, you may want to pay a visit to the west side of the island.

Ixia

Ixia beach is one of the most cosmopolitan on the island on Rhodes, and an extremely popular choice with those seeking high-quality accommodation near the town of Rhodes which can be quickly accessed on the local bus.

Narrow, partly pebbly, partly sandy, and usually wavy, the beach is mostly preferred by windsurfers. Some parts are privately owned by the hotels in the area. There are water sports centres from where you can rent windsurfing and surfing boards, as well as jet skis.

If you’d prefer to explore Rhodes’ history, then make your way to the end of the beach, on your way to Kremasti village where you will find ancient Ialysos, one of the most important archaeological sites on the island located on the hill of Filerimos.

Theologos

Theologos is a charming village located 22 km south of Rhodes town with tall, shuttered buildings and narrow streets, where the traditional way of life is still widely practiced.

Theologos also features an excellent beach. Although sometimes breezy, it remains ideal for windsurfers. An assortment of shops, taverns, bars, and restaurants can be found around the hotels and apartments, with the old centre of Thasos built in traditional Rhodian style. 

You should not miss a visit to the picturesque church of Agios Spiridonas, with its lovely, whitewashed belfry.

Prasonisi

Prasonisi combines both elements of Rhodes beaches, presenting not only a windy yet calm atmosphere, but the perfect spot to witness the Aegean and Mediterranean beautifully collide.

The Prasonisi peninsula is connected to the hamlet of Macheria by a spit of sand at low tide. Prasonisi Kite Beach is renowned for windsurfing and kiteboarding, and Prasonisi Lighthouse has gorgeous sunset views.

Laid-back surfer bars and rustic taverns overlook the ocean, along with water-sports schools and guesthouses. The remains of temples and fortified towers can be visited in nearby Vroulia, dating from as far back as 650 to 550 BC.

With a mixture of stunning beaches and ancient history, the unspoiled Dodecanese island has certainly proven itself to be the ultimate hub for luxury tourism. Historically a bridge between Europe and the East, Rhodes’ rich history has moulded the destination into a cultural jigsaw, attracting explorers and sun-worshippers from around the globe.

"With its bright green hills, rich green valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches, Rhodes is truly a blessed place."

Rhodes Tourism Office

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"With its bright green hills, rich green valleys and uninterrupted line of golden beaches, Rhodes is truly a blessed place."

Rhodes Tourism Office
By Heather Collier