Beaches in Rhodes at a glance
The 12 beaches below are an editorial selection, not an official ranking. They cover the south tip with its wind, a pine-fringed bay, the long strands of the east coast, the village beaches around Lindos and a city beach in Rhodes Town.
Details such as sunbed prices, parking charges and lifeguard hours differ from beach to beach and from season to season. Ask on arrival, and do not assume a lifeguard is on duty. Check the flags and the sea before you swim.
The best beaches in Rhodes: 12 beaches and coves
Numbered in no particular order, with what each place is known for.
1. Anthony Quinn Bay
A bay lined with pines. The national tourism organisation links the landscape to the film The Guns of Navarone.
2. Prasonisi
The southern tip of Rhodes, described as a surfing area. A local centre offers windsurf and wingfoil lessons. That does not make every side of the tip suitable for every sport, and it is not a guaranteed easy beach for beginners. Check the wind before you go.
3. Tsambika
Fine sand at the foot of the monastery hill. A steep climb leads to the monastery above. See the full Tsambika beach guide for the steps, access and parking.
Tsambika guide →4. Ladiko
A mix of sand and rocks on the east side of the island. Water shoes are a good idea.
Beach, boat and coast tours on Rhodes
Boat trips, snorkelling cruises and day tours along the coast, with live prices and availability.
5. Kallithea
The area is known for diving and water sports. The restored spa monument at Kallithea Springs has a separate entrance fee, listed at €5 from 1 May to 31 October and €3 in winter. Read the Kallithea Springs guide before you plan the day.
Kallithea guide →6. Faliraki
A broad sandy beach. An older municipal description gives its length as about 4 km, so there is room to walk. The resort also has a seasonal water park. More in our Faliraki guide.
Faliraki guide →7. Lindos main beach
The village beach lies below the acropolis and the sanctuary of Athena Lindia, so you can swim and look up at the ruins. It is a different place from St Paul's Bay. See the Lindos guide.
8. Saint Paul / Agios Pavlos
A small bay near Lindos with two little beach sections of sand and pebbles. It is easy to spot from the top of the acropolis.
9. Elli
The city beach of Rhodes Town, next to the aquarium and with a diving platform. It is the easiest swim if you are staying in town. Combine it with a walk through the Old Town.
10. Agathi
A sandy beach near Charaki.
11. Afandou
A long beach with space for beach volleyball and beach football, according to the national tourism organisation.
12. Ixia
A beach with infrastructure for water sports. Good to know if you want to try something active. Do not assume steady wind or calm swimming conditions on any given day.
Which beach for which day?
A quick comparison by what each place is known for.
| Beach | Known for | Water sports mentioned |
|---|---|---|
| Anthony Quinn Bay | Pines, film link | – |
| Prasonisi | Southern tip, wind | Windsurf, wingfoil |
| Tsambika | Fine sand, monastery hill | – |
| Ladiko | Sand and rocks | – |
| Kallithea | Spa monument nearby | Diving, water sports |
| Faliraki | Long sandy strand | – |
| Lindos main beach | Below the acropolis | – |
| Saint Paul | Two small beaches | – |
| Elli | City beach, aquarium | Diving platform |
| Agathi | Sand near Charaki | – |
| Afandou | Long beach | Beach volleyball, beach football |
| Ixia | Water sport infrastructure | Water sports |
Sandy, pebbly or rocky: choosing a beach
Best sandy beaches in Rhodes, Greece
Tsambika has fine sand at the foot of the monastery hill, Faliraki is a broad sandy beach, and Agathi is a sandy beach near Charaki. Ladiko mixes sand and rocks, and the two little beaches of Saint Paul combine sand and pebbles, so water shoes help there.
Best beaches in Rhodes, Greece, close to the sights
Elli is the city beach of Rhodes Town, next to the aquarium, and the Lindos main beach lies below the acropolis. Both are easy to combine with a sightseeing day.
Practical tips for Rhodes beaches
- Season: the sea is warmest late in the summer. October averages about 24.6 °C, with a range of 21.9 to 27.6 °C in recent years. Month by month, see our weather guide.
- Prices: sunbeds, umbrellas and car parks are charged separately at some beaches. There is no single price for the island, so ask before you sit down.
- Safety: a beach listed with water sports is not the same as a safe place for every swimmer. Swim where others swim and respect the flags.
- Fire: no open fires or barbecues near dry vegetation. Call 199 or 112 if you see smoke.
- Where to sleep: match the beach to the base. See where to stay on Rhodes.
Rhodes beaches: frequently asked questions
What is the best beach in Rhodes?
It depends on what you want. Tsambika has fine sand, Anthony Quinn Bay has pines, Prasonisi suits wind sports and Elli is the easy city option.
Which beaches are good for water sports?
Prasonisi has windsurf and wingfoil offers. Ixia and Kallithea are mentioned for water sports and diving. Check conditions on the day.
Are Rhodes beaches free?
There is no single rule. Some beaches have paid sunbeds or car parks, and some sites such as Kallithea charge for the monument. Ask on arrival.
Which beach is closest to Rhodes Town?
Elli, the city beach next to the aquarium.
Is the sea warm in October?
On average about 24.6 °C, so many people still swim. Weather varies, and storm warnings can close sites on a given day.