11 of the best beaches in Rhodes

1. Anthony Quinn Bay

Best beach in Rhodes for snorkellers and divers

Fans of classic films will recognise the name of the American actor who starred in WWII blockbuster, The Guns of Navarone, which was filmed here in Rhodes in the 1960s.

Protected on either side by pine-studded hills, the turquoise waters of this camel-coloured sandy cove is rarely ruffled by waves, making it a magnet for snorkellers who come here to spot octopus and other marine fauna hovering above algae-dotted rocks further out in the bay.

Need to know: Although it’s just around the corner from lively Faliraki, this lesser-visited beach has a calmer vibe.

2. Faliraki

Best beach in Rhodes for family fun

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Rhodes Town, this golden, sandy beach that's backed by bustling beach bars, busy restaurants and lively hotels is popular with families who come here to enjoy the excellent facilities.

Parents can relax on parasol-shaded sun-loungers while watching their toddlers making sandcastles on the beach’s fine sand, and teens will love splashing about in sparkling waters or trying their hand at watersports, which range from windsurfing to waterskiing.

When hunger kicks in, there are plenty of nearby tavernas serving food that’s guaranteed to suit even the pickiest eaters.

Need to know: Lifeguards survey the beach during the summer months.

3. Kalithea

Best beach in Rhodes for health-seekers

Famed for its mineral rich springs that are said to cure everything from eczema to depression, Kalithea is a legend among Rhodes’s beaches.

Once popular with royals and celebrities, nowadays Kalithea’s scimitar curve of sand attracts sunseekers who come to lounge on sunbeds near the seafront, splash about in those mineral-rich waters or hang out in one of the bamboo-roofed cafés lining the rock-studded seafront.

Find it on the island’s northeast coast.

Need to know: There’s an entry fee for the beach. Make it worthwhile by staying all day.

4. Tsambika

Best beach in Rhodes for activity lovers

Half way between Rhodes’s magnificent medieval town and lovely Lindos further along the island’s east coast, Tsambika’s wide, golden swathe of sand is paradise for active beachgoers. There’s a wide range of watersports available and plenty to do on the water, including a waterpark with slides and pontoons that are perfect for toddlers.

It’s well worth hiking the 292 steps to Tsambika’s tiny Byzantine chapel behind the beach to admire breathtaking views over the bay. Time your climb with the sun sinking over its sparkling turquoise seas.

Need to know: There’s plenty of space to park above the beach, which has several tavernas serving drinks and snacks.

5. St Paul’s Bay

Best beach in Rhodes for Insta feeds

Seen from afar, the tiny, almost circular bay of Agios Pavlos (St Paul), with its glistening scoop of golden sand and Lindos’ 4th century BC Acropolis looking down from the hillside high above, is as pretty as a postcard.

Up close, this lovely beach, which is lapped by warm shallow waters and dotted with vanilla sand dunes that have been licked to creamy peaks by the wind, is equally picturesque.

Need to know: The facilities at St Paul’s Bay are excellent; think sunbeds, tavernas and watersports. It’s popular, too, so arrive early or linger until sunset to get the best photos.

6. Agathi

Best beach in Rhodes for off-the-beaten-track adventures

Fans of remote beaches will adore Agathi’s silk-soft sands and scattering of feet-in-the-water tavernas lining a scenic cove that’s overlooked by the atmospheric ruins of Feraklos’ medieval castle.

Although it’s an hour’s winding drive from Rhodes Town – followed by a jolting ten-minute ride along a dirt track – families will also enjoy this rarely crowded strand with its golden sands and toddler-friendly shallow seas.

Need to know: There are a few beach shacks renting out sunbeds and parasols, but they’re only open during the height of summer.

7. Prasonisi

Best beach in Rhodes for surfers

The islet of Prasonisi, linked to the mainland by a 3km-long (1.8 miles) sandy causeway, is like a slice of Caribbean tropical bliss set down on the remote tip of Rhodes’s southwest coast.

The western edge of this tiny islet is lapped by the waters of the Aegean Sea and swept by near-constant winds making it one of the best beaches in Rhodes for surfers, while the eastern side, which shelves into the Mediterranean, has calmer waters that are suitable for family adventures.

Endangered loggerhead (caretta caretta) turtles are fans too, and they come to lay their eggs on its dusky golden sands in summer.

Need to know: The sandy causeway is covered at high tide so make sure to cross over when the sea level is low.

8. Pefki

Best beach in Rhodes away from the crowds

This long sandy beach on the island’s remote south-eastern coastline is named for the citrus-scented pine trees (pefki) that cling to a line of craggy cliffs above.

As there aren’t many facilities apart from a scattering of sunbeds and a handful of tavernas, this hidden gem of a beach is perfect for tranquillity seekers. Visit to paddle in translucent waters or laze in the sun with only the sounds of the wind in the pine trees and the sigh of the waves for company.

Need to know: Pefki is an hour’s drive from Rhodes Town.

9. Afandou

Best beach in Rhodes for all day sunbathing

As Rhodes’s longest beach, you won’t struggle to find a spot to lay your towel at Afandou. The Blue Flag beauty stretches for 4km (2.5 miles) along the northeast coast, eventually blending into Traganou Beach just south of Falaraki.

It rarely feels crowded, so it's a great one for lazy days soaking up some sun. The beach is a mix of sand and smooth pebbles – so smooth that they’re used to make the island’s mosaic floors.

There are sun-loungers for hire and beach bars to keep you hydrated. When you need to cool off, its topaz waters are calm and clear.

Need to know: There is a free car park behind the beach.

10. Glystra

Best beach in Rhodes for scenic swimming

Rolling dunes, dense with cedar and holly bushes, give way to a small sheltered cove at Glystera, slowly lapped by crystalline sea. It’s one of the best sandy beaches in Rhodes – powder soft and pearly white.

Its gently sloping sea bed and wonderfully warm shallows makes it popular with local swimmers and families with little learners.

You’ll find it 15 minutes from Lindos, accessible by car.

Need to know: There’s a small beach café selling basic snacks and drinks. Bring your own picnic for top ups.

11. Elli

Best all-rounder

Within easy strolling distance of Rhodes’s medieval town, this chic city beach descends in a lazy arc of sand and pebbles to meet Mandraki harbour’s white-sailed windmills and sleek sailing yachts.

As befits an urban beach, facilities here are excellent. Along with changing cabins, toilets and a wide range of watersports options, there are also specially adapted ramps facilitating access for differently abled beachgoers.

Need to know: Adventure lovers with a head for heights should take a leap from Elli’s middle-of-the-sea diving board – thrills guaranteed!