Elli Beach

Elli Beach is the city beach of Rhodes Town, set at the northern tip of the island along Akti Miaouli in the Dodecanese region of Greece. It is a long, gently curving strip of pebble and coarse sand that faces the Aegean, and the water is generally clear and a deep blue-green, though the seabed shelves in places and a few sections have small stones underfoot. Because the beach lies on the exposed northern headland, it can catch the summer meltemi wind, which brings small waves and cooler air but can also stir up the surface on blustery days. The shoreline is open rather than a sheltered cove, and the mood is lively and urban rather than remote: locals, city-break visitors and cruise passengers share the same stretch, and the atmosphere is social, with music drifting from the beach bars on summer afternoons. Facilities are among the most complete on the island. Rows of paid sunbeds and umbrellas cover much of the sand, cafes and beach bars sit directly behind the shoreline, and showers and changing rooms are available. Water sports hire is offered, so visitors can try activities such as pedalos or banana boats without leaving the beach. Lifeguard presence varies by season, so visitors with children should check on the day. Access is the main advantage. The beach sits about 1.5 km from the Old Town and Mandraki harbour, a walk of roughly 20 to 25 minutes along the seafront, and city buses from the Averof station in Rhodes Town stop nearby. A taxi costs about EUR 6-8. Street parking exists along the seafront road but fills quickly in July and August. The beach pairs well with a morning of sightseeing in the medieval Old Town, since it allows a quick swim and a meal before returning on foot. Evenings are popular too, when the promenade fills with walkers and the light over the water turns golden. Visitors seeking solitude will find it busy in peak season, while those wanting convenience, food and a city setting will find Elli one of the easiest beaches to reach on Rhodes.