12 Best beaches in Rhodes, Greece

Few Greek islands combine ancient history and stunning beaches like Rhodes. Here, you feel like a true explorer wandering the centuries-old streets of the UNESCO-protected walled capital, taking hundreds of photos of Lindos’ white houses and hopping from beach to beach. The island’s coastline is varied and impressive—from the dramatic scenery of Anthony Quinn Bay to laid-back sandy Agia Agathi, windsurfing-friendly Prasonisi and breathtakingly turquoise Agios Pavlos. My visits to Rhodes have always included some of the most rewarding beach experiences. Here’s a collection of the best beaches on the island. Choose your favorite, and don’t forget to apply sunscreen—this Dodecanese destination enjoys over 300 days of sunshine annually.

Best for magnificent views

There’s something magical about swimming at Lindos Beach. With views of the whitewashed houses of the eponymous village and the massive Acropolis dating to the 4th century BC, this stretch is among the most awe-inspiring in Greece. Your kids will love the soft golden sand—Lindos is a pleasant alternative to the mostly stony beaches of Rhodes. Thanks to its location in a gorgeous blue bay, the beach offers tranquil waters. Parking costs 7 EUR (all day) and sunbed and umbrella rentals are available on the beach. A great thing about Lindos Beach is that you’re steps away from the picturesque labyrinthine streets of the town. The Acropolis is another must-see. The ascending hike takes around 20 minutes, but the attraction is worth every step.

Best for a laid-back family leisure

A hidden gem, Glistra is a small bay with crystal-clear water 8 miles south of Lindos. The golden soft sand is what makes it a special spot for families. The access is shallow and the sea is tranquil. The perfect recipe for laid-back beachgoing with kids. The beach also works great for snorkeling, as there are several rocks at the edges. Apart from loungers, there are no facilities here, so bring snacks with you.

Best for shallow waters

Rhodes is full of surprises, and Agia Agathi Beach is one of them. Fine golden sand, goats roaming freely, cave dwellings nearby and a picturesque chapel in the stone. It can’t get more Greek than this. Far from the buzz of the tourist towns, Agia Agathi offers a soothing retreat accompanied by the caressing music of the Aegean waves. Families love it for the shallow water and all the play opportunities the sand provides. There’s an inflatable amusement water park to keep children busy. Snorkeling is an option thanks to the rocky coastline on both sides of Agia Agathi. Shade is scarce, so bring your own umbrella or rent one on-site.

Best for windsurfing

Wild Prasonisi is spectacular. Located at the southernmost tip of Rhodes, it’s at the spot where the Mediterranean meets the Aegean. The energy of nature is felt vividly at this remote corner of the island (you’ll find the strongest winds here.) Prasonisi also serves as one of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Greece. The large strip is reminiscent of the Atlantic coast in Portugal or France. The wind conditions make this stretch a perfect place for windsurfing. You’ll find many rentals in Prasonisi, offering kites and boards. There are also a handful of boutique hotels in the tourist village to experience the magic of this desolate place firsthand. 

Best for turquoise waters

Located on the other side of Lindos Acropolis hill, Agios Pavlos is another stunning Rhodes beach highlight. The view here is picture-perfect: the tall rocky outcrop with the ancient archaeological site on top, the calm cyan bay and barren lunar landscape around. Be aware that Agios Pavlos is tiny, and an upscale beach bar occupies almost the entire stretch. An umbrella and sunbed combo costs around 40 EUR per day and a tent costs around 70 EUR. You don’t have to pay to swim, though. Take a walk to the incredibly scenic Chapel of Agios Pavlos nearby. The beach is made of tiny pebbles mixed with sand, so it’s suitable for children. 

Best urban beach

Apart from being the Aegean’s most spellbinding historic port city, Rhodes is also a superb beach town. Set on the northern edge, Elli is one of the reasons for that reputation. It’s a large pebbly stretch filled with vibrant beach bars. Its trademark is a striking diving platform in the middle of the blue sea. Swim there for unforgettable sea jumping with views of Rhodes town and the Turkish coast. It’s popular for cooling down and relaxing after exploring the city’s many wonders—the beach is just 15 minutes away from the Old Town on foot. It’s also the ultimate place to be during sunset when beach clubs and restaurants come alive with DJ sets.

Best for snorkeling

The East Coast of Rhodes is a collection of charming beach towns, and Stegna is the one to visit. The local pebbly beach has that trademark Greek azure water and perfect visibility. Its urban part is an ideal family beach, with moderately priced loungers, many traditional tavernas on the promenade and water sports rentals. Walk further south to find the rocky coastline, which is a snorkeling dream. Take steps to reach Archangelos Cave, a tiny idyllic strip with rich marine life. But that’s not all. A little further is Grande Blue Beach: a stunning turquoise bay with more snorkeling potential. Come to Stegna with your own gear to save on rental costs. 

Best for golden sands and no crowds

Visiting Tsambika feels like traveling to another island. Mountains rise over the spacious stretch of golden sand. The access is shallow, giving your kids a superb area to wade, play and swim. Apart from several laid-back beach bars, there’s no development around. You can park right at the edge of the beach, and it’s free—quite a rarity for the mostly commercialized beach areas of Rhodes. There’s also an inflatable water park for even more family fun. Tsambika is a good spot to try water sports without the hassle. Parasailing and waterskiing are very popular here, but you can also go for less extreme options like banana boats, SUP, or ring riding.

Best for yachting 

It’s not only the marvels of the ancient world in Rhodes, the island is also steeped in cinematic history. The 1961 war movie “The Guns of Navarone” was filmed here. One particular bay, just outside Faliraki, made an impact on the movie’s leading star, Anthony Quinn. So powerful was the Rhodes spell that the actor bought the land. Although the island authorities reclaimed the stretch in the ’80s, it was renamed to honor Anthony Quinn. Today, it’s among the most popular spots to sail in Rhodes. There’s a tiny stretch with a beach bar that you can reach by land. Whichever way you choose, you’re greeted by unreal turquoise waters and fantastic Mediterranean panoramas. 

Best for naturists

While one may think that Greece, with its never-ending supply of idyllic coves, is a naturist paradise, there aren’t many stretches where you can bare it all. Mandomata is where nudists go in Rhodes. Located between Faliraki and Anthony Quinn Bay, it’s a scenic pebbly beach surrounded by rocky hills. Quite unexpectedly, the stretch isn’t as desolate as you may think. You can rent a lounger and an umbrella on the spot, parking is free and you’ve also got toilets and showers. And it’s not often that you encounter a restaurant on a nudist beach, but Mandomata has one, serving Greek dishes. Enjoying the Aegean without clothes is definitely better with souvlaki and gyros.

Best for party vibes

If you’re looking for raucous nightlife, Faliraki fits the bill. The atmosphere here is far from the calm, family-friendly vibe of most of the smaller towns of Rhodes. Bass is pumping, the buzz of the bar street is loud and the beach bars keep the night party going. Faliraki Beach is a perfect accompaniment to your nights out. By day, it’s among Rhodes’ most charming stretches with clear water, pebbly surface and plenty of water activities to choose from. When dusk falls, it’s where the action is. There’s also a huge water park (the largest on the island) nearby, offering water fun for all ages. For something more scenic and calm, drive to the idyllic Ladiko Beach. Preferably with snorkeling gear, as the bay has abundant underwater life. 

Best for an affordable beach holiday

A short trip away from Lindos, Vlicha is a wide, long pebbly stretch backed by cliffs. Some would even say that it’s Rhodes’ best beach. Crowds are unheard of, the prices of facilities are surprisingly affordable and you’ll find a good variety of local restaurants. In other words, Vlicha is a perfect recipe for a hassle-free family holiday. Distances are minimal in town and you’re literally five minutes away by car from stunning Lindos.