The best beaches in Rhodes are on the calm east coast: Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay, Agathi, Glystra and St Paul's Bay in Lindos. Prasonisi at the southern tip is the top spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The best beaches in Rhodes are on the sheltered east coast: Tsambika for golden sand, Anthony Quinn Bay for clear water among rocks, Agathi and Glystra for small sandy bays, and St Paul’s Bay under the acropolis of Lindos. At the southern tip, Prasonisi is the island’s great windsurfing and kitesurfing beach. The west coast faces the prevailing summer wind and is wilder and pebblier, better for surfers and solitude than for a calm swim with children. Here is how the coasts compare, with honest notes on each beach.
Quick facts
- Calmest water: the east coast, especially Tsambika, Stegna, Agathi and Glystra.
- Best for families: Tsambika, Stegna, Agathi and the main beach at Lindos, all sandy and organised.
- Best for wind sports: Prasonisi in the far south, and Ixia and Ialysos near Rhodes Town.
- Swimming season: roughly late May to October; the sea is warmest in August and September.
- Getting there: KTEL buses reach the main resorts; a hire car opens up the quieter beaches.
East coast versus west coast
Rhodes runs roughly north to south, about 80 km long. In summer the meltemi blows from the north and northwest, so the west coast often has waves and a stiff breeze, while the east coast, protected by the island’s hills, is usually calmer. Most resorts, the sandiest beaches and the best snorkelling are therefore in the east. On the occasional day of easterly wind, the pattern reverses, so always check the forecast before driving across the island.
Beaches near Rhodes Town
Elli
The town beach at the northern tip of the island, a short walk from the Old Town, is organised from end to end with sunbeds, bars and a diving platform off the shore. It is mixed sand and pebble and drops off quickly. Not wild or beautiful, but very convenient for a swim after sightseeing; our walking guide to the Old Town ends close by.
Kallithea Springs
About 8 km south of town, the restored Italian-era spa of Kallithea has domed pavilions, palm trees and rocky coves with clear water, small platforms and steps into the sea. There is an entrance fee to the complex, and it is busy in high season, but it is one of the most photogenic swims on the island and good for snorkelling.
The east coast, from Faliraki to Lindos
Faliraki
Faliraki has a long sandy beach with every water sport, rows of sunbeds and a big water park nearby. It is lively and well equipped; it is not the place for peace and quiet.
Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko
Just south of Faliraki, Anthony Quinn Bay is a small cove of turquoise water framed by pine-covered rocks, named after the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes. The beach itself is tiny and pebbly, with sunbeds packed into the available space, and it fills up quickly in summer, so arrive early. The snorkelling around the rocks is excellent. Next door, Ladiko is a slightly larger pebble bay with a similar feel. Neighbouring Traganou is a calmer alternative with sea caves at one end.
Tsambika
For many people Tsambika is the best beach on Rhodes: a broad curve of fine golden sand under a rocky headland topped by the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika. The water is shallow for a long way out, which makes it ideal for children, and it is organised with sunbeds and snack bars, with space to spread out at either end. The steep path up to the monastery takes about half an hour and gives a superb view over the bay; go early or late, as there is no shade.
Stegna and Agathi
Stegna, below the village of Archangelos, is a long beach of sand and fine pebbles lined with fish tavernas, popular with Greek families. Further south, Agathi (also called Golden Beach) is a sheltered sandy bay near Charaki with shallow water and the ruined castle of Feraklos on the headland. Both are good choices for families who want sand and calm water.
Lindos: the main beach and St Paul’s Bay
Below the village of Lindos, the main beach curves round a sheltered bay with sand, water sports and sunbeds, while small St Paul’s Bay, almost enclosed by rocks under the acropolis, has calm water and a little white chapel that is a favourite for weddings. Tradition says the Apostle Paul landed here. Both are crowded at midday in summer; combine a swim with an early or late visit to the acropolis, as described in our Rhodes travel guide.
The south
Pefkos, Glystra and Lardos
South of Lindos, the coast becomes quieter. Pefkos has several small sandy beaches, and Glystra, near Lardos, is a pretty little bay of golden sand with trees behind it and a relaxed atmosphere. Beyond, the long shingle shores of Kiotari, Gennadi and Lachania offer space even in August, with simple beach tavernas.
Prasonisi
At the southern tip, about 85 km from Rhodes Town, Prasonisi is a sand spit joining Rhodes to a small rocky islet. On most summer days the side facing the wind is choppy while the other side is flatter: windsurfers and kitesurfers use both, and the beach is famous across Europe for wind sports, with several schools and rental centres. When the sea is low and the wind is light you can walk across to the islet. It is not ideal for a peaceful swim when the wind is up, but the scenery is spectacular.
The west coast
The west coast is less developed and more dramatic. Ixia and Ialysos, close to Rhodes Town, have long pebble shores lined with hotels and are popular with windsurfers. Further south, near the castle of Monolithos, Fourni is a quiet pebble cove surrounded by rocks, with old caves cut into the cliffs nearby. Beaches here often have waves, so take care with children and check the conditions before swimming.
Which beach for whom?
- Young children: Tsambika or Agathi, for shallow water over sand and space to dig.
- Snorkellers: Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs and the rocky ends of Traganou and Stegna.
- Couples looking for quiet: Glystra out of high season, or the long shores of Gennadi and Lachania.
- Wind sports: Prasonisi for experienced riders and schools, Ixia for a session near town.
- No car: Elli in town, Faliraki and Lindos, all well served by buses.
Day trips to other islands’ beaches
If you fancy a change of scene, boats from Mandraki go to Symi, whose coves such as Agios Georgios Dysalona and Nanou are reached by local boat from the harbour; see our Symi travel guide. For longer trips around the Dodecanese, our Greek ferry guide explains how the routes work.
Practical tips
- Hire a car for a few days to reach Tsambika, Agathi, Glystra and Prasonisi on your own schedule; our guide to renting a car in Greece covers licences and insurance.
- Arrive early at small beaches such as Anthony Quinn Bay and St Paul’s Bay, which fill up by late morning in July and August.
- Sunbeds: most organised beaches charge per set of two sunbeds and an umbrella, with prices higher in the most popular spots. Free space is usually available at either end.
- Bring water shoes for the pebbly and rocky beaches, and a mask for Kallithea, Anthony Quinn Bay and Traganou.
- Watch the wind: if the forecast shows a strong northwesterly, head for the east coast; check for flags and lifeguard warnings on exposed beaches.
- Shade: natural shade is scarce on most beaches, so bring a hat and use the sunbeds and umbrellas in the middle of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the best beach in Rhodes?
Tsambika is often named the best for its long stretch of fine golden sand and shallow water. Anthony Quinn Bay is the most striking for clear water and snorkelling, though it is small and crowded in summer.
Which side of Rhodes is less windy?
The east coast is usually calmer because it is sheltered from the summer meltemi, which blows from the north and northwest. The west coast is often windy, which suits windsurfers better than swimmers.
What are the best beaches in Rhodes for families?
Tsambika, Stegna, Agathi and the main beach at Lindos have sand, shallow water and facilities. Elli in Rhodes Town is convenient but drops off quickly.
Is Prasonisi good for swimming?
It depends on the wind. Prasonisi is famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and on windy days one side is choppy. On calm days the flatter side can be pleasant for a swim, but most people go for the scenery and the wind sports.
Can you reach Rhodes beaches by bus?
KTEL buses from Rhodes Town serve the main east coast resorts, including Faliraki and Lindos, with frequent services in summer. For Tsambika, Glystra, Prasonisi and the west coast, a hire car is far more practical.
