Beach Lover’s Guide: Best Beaches on Rhodes Island

Let’s get one thing straight—Rhodes is a beach lover’s dream. The island stretches for nearly 80 km from top to bottom, wrapping you in a mix of golden sand, dramatic coves, and clear-as-glass water. But not all beaches are created equal. Some are family favorites, others are surf magnets, and a few still fly under the radar.

Whether you're looking to relax, snorkel, or just catch a killer sunset, this is your no-nonsense guide to the best beaches on Rhodes.

Tsambika Beach

Best for: Classic beach day with all the perks
Long, wide, and golden, Tsambika Beach is one of the most popular on the island for good reason. It’s got calm, shallow water, soft sand, and plenty of room to stretch out. There are loungers, umbrellas, and beach bars—but still space to go low-key if you bring your own gear.

Local tip: Take the short hike up to the Monastery of Tsambika for a wild panoramic view of the entire coast.

St. Paul’s Bay, Lindos

Best for: Instagram-worthy swims and romantic vibes
This postcard-perfect bay sits just below Lindos’ acropolis and feels tailor-made for couples or chill travelers. The water is turquoise, calm, and surrounded by rugged cliffs. You can rent sunbeds or float in the shallows while gazing up at ancient ruins.

Bring: Water shoes—the beach is part pebbly, part sandy.

Anthony Quinn Bay

Best for: Snorkeling and cinematic coves
Named after the actor who fell in love with it during the filming of The Guns of Navarone, this rocky cove is one of the most beautiful spots on the island. The water is crystal-clear and deep—perfect for snorkeling.

Heads up: It gets packed in high season. Go early to snag a spot and bring your own shade if you can.

Agathi Beach

Best for: Families with young kids
Soft golden sand? Check. Gentle, shallow waters? Check. A few laid-back tavernas right on the beach? Triple check. Agathi Beach, near Haraki, is easygoing and safe—especially good for toddlers and early swimmers.

Pro tip: Skip the pricey sunbeds and bring your own umbrella. This beach still has enough untouched charm to DIY your setup.

Prasonisi

Best for: Windsurfing and natural drama
At the southern tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi is where two seas meet: the Aegean and the Mediterranean. One side is calm, the other windy and wild. It’s a hot spot for windsurfers and kite surfers, but even if you don’t join them, it’s worth the drive for the unique landscape.

Bonus: You can walk to the little islet when the tide is low—an adventure in itself.

Stegna Beach

Best for: Relaxing like a local
Less crowded than nearby Tsambika, Stegna is a favorite for those in the know. The beach is a mix of pebbles and sand, with calm water and a string of excellent seafood tavernas along the shore. It’s not flashy, just low-key and lovely.

Ideal for: Couples, foodies, and people who don’t want the all-inclusive chaos.

Glystra Beach

Best for: A quiet, calm swim
Tucked between Lardos and Kiotari, Glystra is one of the calmest beaches on the island—small, sheltered, and peaceful. It’s got clean sand, crystal water, and just enough facilities to make it easy.

Great for: Solo travelers, couples, and anyone looking to read a book in peace.

Faliraki Beach (South End)

Best for: Families, teens, and all-day convenience
Ignore the nightlife reputation—Faliraki Beach, especially the southern end, is super family-friendly. The beach is huge, the sand is soft, and you’ll find water slides, banana boats, and even trampolines. It’s full-service and ideal for one-and-done beach days.

Expect: Crowds in July and August. But it’s easy to navigate, with clear signage and facilities.

Kallithea Springs

Best for: Beauty, history, and a touch of glam
Kallithea isn’t just a beach—it’s an experience. The old spa complex has been beautifully restored with mosaic paths, domed buildings, and palm-lined gardens. You can swim in the rocky coves, rent loungers on the platforms, and explore the old spa buildings in between dips.

Perfect for: Travelers who want beach + culture in one go.

Plimmiri Beach

Best for: Total seclusion
On the island’s southern coast, Plimmiri is wide, sandy, and empty—especially on weekdays. You won’t find much beyond a taverna and some occasional windsurfers. It’s ideal if you want to unplug and hear nothing but waves.

Bring: Everything. There’s no shop, no rental stand, no ATM—just you and the sea.

Quick Tips for Beach Days in Rhodes

• Go early: Beat the heat and the crowds.
• Pack reef-safe sunscreen: The waters are clear and sensitive.
• Bring water shoes: Many beaches are part-pebble or have rocky entry points.
• Always carry cash: Some beach bars and taverna-only beaches don’t take cards.
• Rent a car: The best beaches are often down winding roads or off main routes.

Rhodes has a beach for every kind of traveler—families, couples, loners, adventurers, sun worshipers. Whether you stick to the famous bays or go digging for hidden shores, you’ll never run out of coastline to explore.