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The Best Beaches in Rhodes, Greece

Mandraki Harbour is a short walk from Elli Beach
Mandraki Harbour is a short walk from Elli Beach | © ian woolcock / Alamy Stock Photo

Rhodes, the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, is the perfect place to enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean. Get your sunscreen and hat at the ready – these are the best beaches in Rhodes.

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The coastline of Rhodes is dotted with diverse beaches, from well-equipped sandy stretches to remote coves. Whether it’s relaxing with the family in the shallow waters of Agathi or surfing at Ialyssos, Rhodes does not disappoint when it comes to the seaside.

Afantou

Natural Feature

© Lubos kovalik / Alamy Stock Photo

One of the most popular beaches for families, Afantou is a long sand-and-pebble stretch that offers the best of both worlds: there is an organised section, offering umbrellas, sunbeds, showers and snack bars, or you can easily find a quiet space with no one around. If you are a golf lover, take a break from the beach and play a round at the famous Afantou Golf Course. Afantou is set 19km (12mi) south of Rhodes Town. To get there, take the KTEL bus service or rent a car – there is plenty of parking available.

Elli Beach

Natural Feature

© Peter Forsberg / Alamy Stock Photo

Choosing accommodation in Rhodes Town doesn’t mean having to sacrifice easy access to the beach: Elli Beach is just a stroll away. Elli is sandy and well organised, with beach bars, sunbeds, showers and umbrellas all available. Nearby, there are also hotels, traditional tavernas and shops. Due to its location, this beach tends to get crowded during the peak summer months, but there are also sections with fewer visitors. If you love to make a splash, Elli Beach even has a diving board. It’s easy to reach Elli Beach on foot from Rhodes Town or using Roda public transport (which serves Rhodes Town and the west side of the island). Alternatively, the beach is accessible by car, and parking is available.

Anthony Quinn Beach

Natural Feature

© Michele Falzone / Alamy Stock Photo

Around 20km (12.5mi) south of Rhodes Town lies a small cove of golden sand, pebble and rock. This beautiful rocky beach takes its name from the actor Anthony Quinn, who would swim here when filming Guns of Navarone. Picturesque Anthony Quinn beach has some sunbeds, but due to limited space and its popularity, you’ll have to get there early to grab a spot. Thanks to the rocky seabed, the beach’s emerald green waters are great for scuba diving and snorkelling – just ask the diving centre on the beach for more information on equipment rental. You can get to Anthony Quinn beach using the KTEL public buses or your own vehicle. There is parking available near the beach.

Ialyssos

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© mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

This is one of the most highly organised beaches on the island, backed by hotels, restaurants and cafés. On the beach, you will find umbrellas, sunbeds, beach bars and several water sports centres. The beach is sandy, and the water is known for its crystal-clear quality, though it’s worth noting that it becomes deep quite sharply. For fans of windsurfing, Ialyssos is your best bet, since the winds are often favourable. Located approximately 10km (6mi) from Rhodes Town, Ialyssos is accessible via Roda public buses or by car. There are numerous parking areas nearby.

Faliraki

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© Michele Falzone / Alamy Stock Photo

Faliraki is probably the most famous place on Rhodes, largely by virtue of its nightlife. However, Faliraki also boasts a golden sandy beach, lined by restaurants and bars and excellent water sports facilities. Near the beach, you will also find the largest aqua park in Greece – the Faliraki Waterpark. Expect a range of kid-friendly and more thrilling slides, as well as a lazy river and wave machine. Faliraki is 14km (9mi) from Rhodes Town. The beach at Faliraki can be reached using KTEL public transport or by car. There are plenty of parking spaces nearby.

Prasonisi

Natural Feature

© Image Professionals GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Located at the southernmost tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi may seem a little remote, but the landscape will be more than worth the journey. Prasonisi is an islet that is connected to the mainland by a spit, creating a double sandy beach. One side is windy and suitable for surfing (you’ll find stores renting gear on the beach), while the other is calm and ideal for relaxing. Next to the beach are a few tavernas and mini markets, meaning there’s no problem if you forget to pack a picnic. If you love hiking and exploring hidden places, venture out to the 19th-century lighthouse on the Prasonisi islet. Prasonisi is around 85km (53mi) from Rhodes Town, and accessible using KTEL public buses or by car (there is parking available).

Tsambika

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© Hercules Milas / Alamy Stock Photo

Tsambika is a well-organised beach and an ideal choice for families, thanks to its soft sand and shallow waters. This beach offers a range of facilities, including restaurants, beach bars, sunbeds and water sports. Early in the evening, when the heat has subsided, you can climb up to Tsambika Monastery on the hill behind the beach to enjoy an unforgettable view. Tsambika is 25km (15.5mi) southwest of Rhodes Town and accessible from Rhodes Town by boat, KTEL public bus services or car.

Lindos

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© Ian Dagnall / Alamy Stock Photo

Many visitors choose the town of Lindos – famed for its clifftop acropolis – for their accommodation. In addition to drawing lovers of ancient history, Lindos equally delights anyone looking to relax on the beach. Lindos boasts two beaches – one small and one large – both with crystal-clear waters. They are well equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds, and offer a number of beach bars and tavernas. Another option, accessible on foot from Lindos, is Agios Pavlos beach. You can reach these beaches on foot from Lindos Town or using the KTEL public buses from Rhodes Town, about 50km (31mi) away. If you decide to use your own vehicle, parking is available.

Fourni

Natural Feature

© imageBROKER / Alamy Stock Photo

Fourni is located on the southwestern coast of Rhodes. This pebble bay is characterised by a rugged, wild beauty, quite different from some of the island’s more popular beaches. The rocks and sizeable waves, however, make Fourni less suitable for children. The beach is not usually crowded and, although there is a café that offers some snacks and refreshments, don’t forget to bring your own umbrella and sun cream. Fourni is located 80km (50mi) from Rhodes Town and is accessible only by car.

Agathi

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© mauritius images GmbH / Alamy Stock Photo

Agathi is one of the less well-known beaches on Rhodes. The golden sands and turquoise waters create an idyllic environment in which to unwind, with umbrellas, sunbeds and refreshments readily available. If you are travelling with children, Agathi’s shallow waters are ideal for younger swimmers. Agathi is located 38km (24mi) from Rhodes Town. As well as by car, Agathi is accessible using the KTEL public bus – take the bus to Haraki, then walk for approximately 20 minutes.

Kopria

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If you are searching for a small, picturesque beach away from the crowds, Kopria is a perfect choice. On the western, less touristy part of the island, Kopria is a pristine pebbly beach with clear waters – a hidden paradise away from the hustle and bustle. There is only one restaurant and limited umbrellas and sunbeds, so it is advisable to bring your own umbrella and some snacks. Accessible only by car, Kopria is 44km (27mi) from Rhodes Town.

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