I’m not going to lie, upon first getting off the plane in Rhodes and taking a taxi to Rhodes Town, I was thoroughly unimpressed. The shabby buildings and run down streets had me wondering whether or not I’d made a mistake in choosing Rhodes for my first of the beautiful Greek islands to visit. I couldn’t have been more wrong, just proving that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. The beaches here are absolutely out of this world! In my experience, far better than beaches in the South of France or the Caribbean. If you’re visiting this charming island in Greece, you’ll want to check out some of the best beaches Rhodes has to offer. Here are a few of our favorites:
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15 Best Beaches in Rhodes
Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in Rhodes, just 25 kilometers south of Rhodes town. The beautiful sandy beach is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. One reason that makes Tsambika Beach one of the best beaches in Rhodes is the fact that it has sandy shores, something that is sorely lacking in many of Rhodes’ great beaches. It also has a shallow coastline with a slow and gradual drop-off. Both of these facts make it a great option for families with small children or babies. Despite the fact that Tsambika was not my favorite beach in Rhodes (read on to find out which one is!), the simple fact that my 8 month old baby wasn’t eating rocks was a win for me.
Visible from the shore is the famous monastery perched on top of a neighboring cliff, Panaghia Tsambika, making for some truly spectacular pictures if you have a telephoto lens.
There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols, as well as a beach bar serving refreshing drinks. The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and there are also several water sports facilities available. Tsambika Beach is ideal for families, couples, and groups of friends looking for a fun day out.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Tsampika Restaurant – Beach Bar; ask for Thanos for amazing service, and don’t forget to try the baked feta!
Pebbles or Sand: Sand
Helpful Tips: If you’re looking for a beach that doesn’t have the same throngs of tourists as other Greek beaches, Tsambika Beach remains relatively quiet even in the throes of summer. Look for the colored flags to find spots to eat or grab a drink.
Kalithea Beach
Kalithea Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in Rhodes. It’s a really popular option among locals as well as tourists. The beach is made up of many tiny creeks surrounded by verdant pine trees.
It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the sun and the sea, without feeling as though they’re being baked by the sun. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. With its clear, turquoise waters and cliffside views, you can’t go wrong at Kalithea.
Diving tours are a popular option here, which make the tiny inlets and coves accessible from a different vantage point.
You can also find restaurants and bars in the area, making it a great place to relax and unwind after a long day. Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or an exciting place to party with friends, Kalithea Beach is sure to please. It’s definitely a quieter option than some of the other best beaches in Rhodes on our list, such as Elli Beach and Falikari Beach.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Cantina – For one of the best gyros pitas you can get in Rhodes, look no further. It’s a no-frills, super-affordable restaurant.
Pebbles or Sand: Mix
Helpful Tips: The water here gets very deep, so be mindful when swimming with the little ones!
Afandou Beach
Afandou Beach is one of the best beaches to visit in Rhodes! The sparkling ocean water and shores mixed with pebbles and sand are just begging to be enjoyed, and there are plenty of beach amenities to make your experience even better.
This is one of the longest beaches in Rhodes and is a popular option with locals and tourists alike. This is one of the best beaches in Rhodes for those who don’t want to feel overly crowded – you’re nearly guaranteed to have plenty of personal space to enjoy the sand and sun.
From sun loungers and umbrellas to a heated pool and a beach bar, everything you need for a perfect day by the sea is right here. And if you get hungry, there are plenty of restaurants nearby to satiate your appetite. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day by the water or an action-packed beach vacation, Afandou Beach is sure to please.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Katholiki Restaurant – Only open for dinner at 6:00 PM; try the juicy steaks!
Pebbles or Sand: Mix
Helpful Tips: This isn’t the best beach for kids, given the depth of the water.
Ialysos Beach
There’s no denying that Ialysos Beach in Rhodes is one of the most beautiful beaches in Greece. With its crystal clear water and sea-smoothed pebbles, it’s easy to see why. This narrow stretch of pebbled shores has a children’s park to one end, so it’s perfect if you’re traveling with little ones.
However, what makes Ialysos Beach truly special is its history. This beach has been a popular spot for centuries, and it’s even mentioned in Homer’s epic poem The Odyssey.
If you’re looking for a beach that has both beauty and history, then Ialysos Beach is the perfect place for you. The town of Ialysos is also worth exploring – consider making a day out of it and taking a day trip from Rhodes Town.
This beach is particularly well-suited to windsurfers, for the constant breezes present in the area. There are also surf lessons available for those looking to begin the sport.
There aren’t as many amenities at Ialysos Beach as some of the other best beaches in Rhodes, so it’s a good option for low-maintenance travelers. Be sure to arrive early if you want to secure a spot on the sand – it can get pretty crowded during peak season!
Best Restaurant Nearby: Mr. Greek – Giorgos, the owner, is super-friendly and can help recommend the best dishes for your taste.
Pebbles or Sand: Pebbles
Helpful Tips: Investing in a pair of water shoes will protect your feet from the pebbles. Most are smooth, but they can still hurt a little. Any market will sell water shoes at reasonable prices.
Lindos Beach
The Lindos Beach in Rhodes is one of the most popular beaches on the island. It’s well known for its crystal clear water and beautiful white sand. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible views of the Aegean Sea. There are actually two beaches that share the same bay. On the left is Lindos Main Beach and on the right is Pallas Beach. Pallas generally has fewer occupants.
Considering the fact that Lindos is a popular day trip destination for its stunning vistas and Lindos Acropolis, it should come as no surprise that it can get fairly crowded at the beaches as well. After all, following a strenuous hike in the hot, Greek sun to the top of the Acropolis warrants some cooling off!
If you’re looking for a perfect spot to soak up the sun and take in the stunning natural beauty of Greece, then Lindos Beach is definitely worth a visit. Don’t miss out on exploring the nearby town of Lindos, with its whitewashed houses and medieval castle.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Pallas Beach Taverna – Enjoy a dining experience with your toes buried in the sand! The food and prices are a great bonus.
Pebbles or Sand: Sand
Helpful Tips: The waters on both sides of Lindos Beach are relatively shallow and provide a great environment for kids or people who aren’t comfortable with a steep drop-off.
Pefkos Beach
Pefkos is a lovely little beach town on the Greek island of Rhodes. It’s got everything you could want in a beach vacation spot – crystal clear water, soft sand, and plenty of sun. But what really makes Pefkos special is its laid-back atmosphere. There’s no need to rush around here; life moves at a leisurely pace, and that’s just the way we like it.
You can sit back and enjoy the view of pines atop the slopes that back the beach. The beach itself is narrow, with chaise lounges and sun beds separating the shore from the bottom of the cliff.
So whether you’re looking to relax on the beach or explore the surrounding area, Pefkos is the perfect place to do it. And when you’re ready for a break from the sun, be sure to check out some of the excellent restaurants and bars in town.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Philosophia Beach Restaurant – The best restaurant in the area, hands-down. Particularly nice sunset views!
Pebbles or Sand: Mostly sand
Helpful Tips: This is a great option to beat the crowds and enjoy a more relaxing beach experience than some of the other best beaches in Rhodes.
Faliraki Beach
Faliraki Beach is the most popular beach in Rhodes. If you’re looking for a little taste of everything outside of Rhodes Town, this is the place to be. Faliraki has every amenity you could ask for. Jet skis, windsurfing, kayak, and canoe rentals, restaurants and bars, changing and bath facilities, and more.
So, it’s safe to say that while Faliraki has everything imaginable, it will also be among the most crowded beaches in Rhodes. If crowds don’t scare you off, Faliraki is a great option.
But what really makes Faliraki Beach stand out is its sprawling size. At over 5 kilometers wide, there’s plenty of room for everyone to find their perfect spot. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just take a leisurely stroll along the shore, you’ll be able to do it all at Faliraki.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Desert Rose Restaurant – Definitely try the Saganaki!
Pebbles or Sand: Mostly Sand
Helpful Tips: Feeling the need for some adrenaline? You can also bungee jump at Faliraki Beach!
Anthony Quinn Bay
Anthony Quinn Bay in Rhodes is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the island, though it is a very popular destination. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. It’s consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes, owing to the surrounding lush vegetation and wild vibes.
The bay is named after the late actor Anthony Quinn, who was a big fan of Rhodes. Quinn shot several films on the island, including “The Guns of Navarone” and “The Greek Tycoon.” Today, his statue stands at the entrance to the bay.
If you’re looking for a quiet, secluded beach to relax on while in Rhodes, Anthony Quinn Bay is the perfect spot. The crystal-clear water and stunning scenery will make you feel like you’re in paradise. So grab your towel and sunscreen, and head to this magical spot for a day of fun in the sun. Be forewarned, because it is rather small, it gets quite crowded in the midst of summer.
Best Restaurant Nearby: There is a canteen at the top of the rocks, which is the only real dining option. It gets very crowded since there aren’t many options in the area – pack a picnic if you want!
Pebbles or Sand: Pebbles
Helpful Tips: There are very sharp rocks, both in the water and on shore, making it a great option for adult travelers and travelers with no mobility issues. Best to leave the kiddos behind for this one!
Stegna Beach
There’s something special about Stegna Beach in Rhodes. Maybe it’s the clear turquoise waters. Maybe it’s the long stretches of sand. Or maybe it’s the fact that it feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its relaxing and village vibes make it a great option for family beach days.
Stegna Beach in Rhodes is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the incredible views. The water is crystal clear and the beach is well-maintained.
There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas, so you can really just sit back and relax. If you’re looking for a more active beach day, there are plenty of activities available too. You can go swimming, windsurfing, or kayaking. Or, if you just want to stroll along the shore, that’s perfectly fine too. Whichever way you spend your time at Stegna Beach, you’re sure to have a great time.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Taverna Maria – is among the best restaurants on the island. If Panos is working, you’re in for a treat!
Pebbles or Sand: Mostly Sand
Helpful Tips: When entering the beach, you want to go to the right. On the left, the beach is private for the neighboring hotel.
Prasonisi Beach
Prasonisi is one of the most popular beaches in Rhodes, and it’s easy to see why. With its crystal clear waters and sandy shores, Prasonisi is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Mediterranean sun.
In addition to all of the standards that make up the best beaches in Rhodes, Prasonisi Beach is special in that there is a tiny island that you can even reach by foot depending on the tide.
But there’s more to this beach than meets the eye. Prasonisi is also a great place for surfers, as the strong winds that blow offshore create perfect conditions for surfing. So whether you’re looking to catch some waves or just soak up the sun, Prasonisi Beach is the place for you.
The only downside to Prasonisi Beach is that it can get quite crowded during the peak season. But if you arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon, you should be able to find a spot for yourself.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Oasis Restaurant is really the only option in the immediate vicinity. It’s perfectly decent (it’s been around since 1989, so they know what they are doing). Try the lemonade for something refreshing!
Pebbles or Sand: Sand
Helpful Tips: It gets very crowded in July and August, so if you’re looking to do some surfing or windsurfing, try to reserve your rental equipment in advance.
Agathi Beach
Agathi Beach is one of the best beaches in Rhodes. It’s well-known for its clear water and lovely sand. The beach is situated in a secluded cove with interesting rock formations, making it perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
Visitors to Agathi Beach fall in love with the calm, shallow waters that are perfect for children to play. Not to mention the super-fine sand! Ollie loved splashing in the sea here, as opposed to some of the rougher waters on the northern rim of the island.
There are also plenty of restaurants and bars nearby, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink or bite to eat in between swims. If you’re looking for a beautiful and tranquil spot to spend a day by the sea, Agathi Beach is definitely worth a visit.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Kostas & Elena Restaurant – some of the best seafood on the island! Try the homemade pastas if you’re getting sick of gyros.
Pebbles or Sand: Sand
Helpful Tips: Head to the right of the beach for great snorkeling opportunities around the unique rock formations
Gennadi Beach
Gennadi Beach in Rhodes is one of the most beautiful and fun beaches on the island. The mix of soft, golden sand and smooth, rounded pebbles go on as far as the eye can see.
If you’re looking for water sports, you’ll be able to enjoy boat rentals, windsurfing, surf lessons, jet skiing, and more.
But the main draw at Gennadi Beach is the Sunday parties with host DJs. Avoid Sundays if you’re not in the mood for a bit of drinking and dancing!
There are plenty of beach umbrellas and sun loungers for everyone, so you can relax and soak up the sun. There are also a few restaurants and cafes nearby, so you can grab a bite to eat or drink while you’re here.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Elements Organic Restaurant – Perfect service and perfect food. Probably one of the best restaurants in all of Greece.
Pebbles or Sand: Mix
Helpful Tips: If you’re looking for a party, this is where you’ll find it! The best day for a party is Sunday.
Kiotari Beach
If you’re looking for a breathtaking beach to enjoy while in Rhodes, look no further than Kiotari Beach. The neighborhood is bustling with fun-loving tourists all eager to make epic memories while in Rhodes.
It’s a very popular tourist destination on the island, so if you’re looking to meet other travelers and new friends, it’s the perfect spot. Join in on a game of beach volleyball or find a spot on the shore to people-watch.
This stunning spot is located on the island’s southeastern coast and offers incredible views of the Aegean Sea. The sparkling water and soft sand make it the perfect place to spend a day lounging and soaking up the sun. Bring your water shoes, however, as a few areas have sharp shells and stones.
Visitors can enjoy plenty of activities such as swimming, sunbathing, windsurfing, and more. There are also several restaurants and cafes nearby, making it the perfect spot to spend a day in the sun.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Sirocco Beach Bar and Restaurant – Go for the sea bream and zucchini fritters!
Pebbles or Sand: Mix
Helpful Tips: Most of the hotels in the area are all-inclusive if you’re looking for a worry-free vacation spot in Rhodes without having to leave the hotel grounds.
Elli Beach
Elli Beach in Rhodes is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Greece. It is situated on the northeastern coast of the island and it is well-known for its crystal clear water and epic diving platform. The beach is also a great place for swimming, sunbathing and windsurfing.
There are plenty of sun loungers and parasols available for hire, though they are fairly pricey (60 euro for a beach bed on the shoreline). There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area, though some are sorely overpriced.
Rhodes Casino is a short walk away in case you want to try your luck at the slots or some table games!
Lawrence Durell, an English writer, once described Elli Beach (aka Rhodes Town Beach) as the ‘finest beach in the Mediterranean’.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Ronda – Great sushi, but the prices are high for both food and drink. The service is very attentive, though not too friendly.
Pebbles or Sand: Pebbles
Helpful Tips: Most of the restaurants that operate the sun beds don’t allow you to bring your own food or drinks (aside from bottled water). The prices at these places are pretty high, so we recommend being a bit stealthy if you want to bring your own! For example, we ordered a beer from the restaurant and simply refilled it with our own from our bag.
Lardos Beach
Lardos Beach is famous with tourists and locals alike for its dark golden sand, perfectly clear waters, and prestigious Blue Flag designation. The waters here are gentle and shallow, allowing you to bring the kids along without the added fears of strong currents or deep drop-offs.
There are plenty of amenities at Lardos Beach, meaning you’ll never have to venture far to get refreshments or entertainment. There’s even a Go Kart track for families to enjoy!
Lardos Beach is easily accessible from both the village of Lardos and neighboring Lindos.
Best Restaurant Nearby: Kanaloa Smart Cocktail & Dining – Extremely knowledgeable staff, delicious food and cocktails, stunning views – what more could you ask for?
Pebbles or Sand: Sand
Helpful Tips: Spend some time exploring the village of Lardos, a quintessential Greek village that’s just begging to be photographed.
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