Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece's South Aegean, with Rhodes Town as its capital. Its UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town, the Lindos Acropolis and long Aegean beaches make it one of Greece's busiest summer destinations.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Rhodes.
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- lively city beach with cafes, beach bars and a seafront promenade
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Beach bars and cafes
- Showers and changing rooms
- Water sports hire
- Walking distance from the Old Town
Elli Beach
Editor’s tip. Walk from Mandraki harbour along the seafront; the route takes about 20-25 minutes and avoids parking problems.
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow with beach tavernas
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Beach tavernas
- Water sports hire
- Lifeguard in season
- Parking
Tsambika Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive before 10:30 in July and August to find parking and a free sunbed.
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- scenic rocky cove, busy at midday with boat trips
- Rocky cove with clear water
- Snack bar in season
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Limited parking above the bay
Anthony Quinn Bay
Editor’s tip. Arrive early in the morning; parking above the bay is limited and the shoreline is small.
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- busy resort beach with beach bars, water sports and nightlife nearby
- Long sandy beach
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Beach bars and restaurants
- Water sports and jet skis
- Lifeguards in season
Faliraki Beach
Editor’s tip. Walk towards the ends of the bay for calmer, less crowded sand.
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- scenic, relaxed and historic, centred on the old spa
- Restored 1920s Italian thermal spa building
- Rocky swimming platforms and small sandy cove
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Snorkelling
- Cafe
Kallithea Beach and Springs
Editor’s tip. Bring a mask and snorkel; the rocky edges hold plenty of fish.
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- family-friendly, calm and shallow
- Sheltered sandy bay
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Taverna
- Shallow water suited to children
- Parking
Agathi Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive in the morning in July and August, as the small bay fills with sunbeds taken.
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- scenic and busy, beneath the Acropolis with beach bars and tavernas
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Beach bars and tavernas
- Water sports hire
- Views of the Acropolis of Lindos
- Boat taxi to St Paul's Bay
Lindos Main Beach (Megali Paralia)
Editor’s tip. Park at the edge of Lindos and walk down; vehicles cannot enter the village centre.
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- intimate, scenic and calm, popular for photography
- Small enclosed cove below the Acropolis
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Chapel of St Paul on the shore
- Snack bar
St Paul's Bay
Editor’s tip. Arrive early or late in the day, as the small cove fills quickly in summer.
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- relaxed resort village with small coves and tavernas
- Small sand-and-pebble beaches
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Tavernas and bars in the village
- Water sports
Pefkos Beach
Editor’s tip. Try a neighbouring cove if the first one is full in July and August.
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- quiet, small cove away from the main resorts
- Small fine-sand cove
- Taverna
- Sunbeds and umbrellas (paid)
- Quiet setting
Glystra Beach
Editor’s tip. Arrive in the morning in peak summer, as space in the small cove is limited.
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- windswept, active and remote, popular with kitesurfers
- Sandbar joining two seas (Aegean and Mediterranean)
- Windsurf and kitesurf centres
- Tavernas and snack bars
- Showers
- Free parking
Prasonisi Beach
Editor’s tip. Check the wind forecast; strong wind suits kitesurfers but can blow sand across the spit.
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Rhodes memorable.
Practical beach info
What to know before you head to the coast — season, getting there, facilities, and what it costs.
Best season
The main swimming season runs from June to September, with sea temperatures warm enough for swimming from late May to October.
Costs to budget
Public beaches are free; a pair of sunbeds with an umbrella is typically paid at organised beaches, check on arrival.
Wind
The east coast is sheltered from the summer meltemi wind; the west coast and Prasonisi are exposed and windy.
Fire Note
Wildfires hit the east coast near Kiotari, Gennadi and Lindos in July 2023; check the Greek civil protection channels and local news before travelling in July and August.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Rhodes’s coast.
How far is Elli Beach from the Old Town of Rhodes?
It is about 1.5 km from the Old Town and Mandraki harbour, roughly a 20-25 minute walk along the seafront. City buses and taxis (about EUR 6-8) also run there.
From the Elli Beach editorial.
Is Elli Beach sandy or pebbly?
It is a mix of coarse sand and pebbles, with some small stones near the waterline. Water shoes can make entering the sea more comfortable.
From the Elli Beach editorial.
Is Tsambika Beach good for children?
Yes. The sand is fine and the water is shallow and gently shelving, and a lifeguard is on duty in season.
From the Tsambika Beach editorial.
How far is Tsambika Beach from Rhodes Town?
It is about 26 km southeast of Rhodes Town. The east-coast bus takes under an hour, and a taxi costs roughly EUR 40-50.
From the Tsambika Beach editorial.
Why is it called Anthony Quinn Bay?
It is named after the actor Anthony Quinn, who was associated with Rhodes during the filming of The Guns of Navarone in the early 1960s.
From the Anthony Quinn Bay editorial.
Is Anthony Quinn Bay sandy?
No. The cove is mostly rock and pebble, so it suits swimming and snorkelling better than sunbathing on sand.
From the Anthony Quinn Bay editorial.
Is Faliraki Beach sandy?
Yes. It is a long stretch of golden sand with clear water that deepens gradually.
From the Faliraki Beach editorial.
How far is Faliraki from Rhodes Town?
About 14 km. Buses take roughly 25-30 minutes and a taxi costs around EUR 25-30.
From the Faliraki Beach editorial.