Best Beaches in Rhodes: 15 Top Spots for Sun, Sand & Sea

Rhodes has over 220 km of coastline stretching from rocky northern coves to sweeping southern sandbanks. This guide covers the best beaches in Rhodes, from the iconic bay below the Acropolis of Lindos to the wild windsurfing isthmus at Prasonisi.

A wide sandy cove with turquoise water below dramatic cliffs and the Acropolis of Lindos, boats and sunbathers dotting the famous Rhodes coastline.

Rhodes rewards beach lovers with remarkable variety: sheltered turquoise coves, long sandy stretches lined with tavernas, dramatic bays carved beneath clifftop ruins, and a unique southern isthmus where two seas collide. The east coast is the place to start, with calmer water and the island's most scenic settings. For a deeper look at planning your time, a 7-day Rhodes itinerary helps you pair beach days with the island's history and villages. The beaches here range from fully organised, lounger-lined stretches near Faliraki to quiet, drive-to-yourself spots in the south. Whatever pace you prefer, you will not run short of options.

💡 Local tip

East coast beaches (Lindos, Tsambika, Pefkos) have calmer, more sheltered water than the west. In July and August, the Meltemi wind picks up, making west-facing beaches choppy but perfect for windsurfers and kitesurfers at Prasonisi.

Iconic Beaches with Dramatic Settings

Aerial view of Lindos Acropolis perched on a cliff above turquoise bay, with dramatic coastline and moored boats in Rhodes, Greece. — Photo Ka Hem

Some beaches in Rhodes are about more than swimming. These are the spots where the scenery does as much work as the water, pairing turquoise bays with clifftop ruins, volcanic rock formations, and near-perfect natural geometry. Lindos is the epicentre of this category, with two of the most photographed bays in the Aegean within walking distance of each other.

A stunning aerial view of Saint Paul's Bay in Lindos, Rhodes, showing the near-circular turquoise cove framed by rocky cliffs and the shimmering Aegean Sea beyond.

1. Swim in the Picture-Perfect Circle of Saint Paul's Bay

A near-circular turquoise bay beneath the Acropolis of Lindos, traditionally linked to St Paul's landing. The geometry is extraordinary: calm, clear water enclosed by golden rock. Arrive early in summer as it fills fast.

1. Swim in the Picture-Perfect Circle of Saint Paul's Bay

A near-circular turquoise bay beneath the Acropolis of Lindos, traditionally linked to St Paul's landing. The geometry is extraordinary: calm, clear water enclosed by golden rock. Arrive early in summer as it fills fast.

A stunning aerial view of Saint Paul's Bay in Lindos, Rhodes, showing the near-circular turquoise cove framed by rocky cliffs and the shimmering Aegean Sea beyond.

Lindos Beach (Megali Paralia) on Rhodes with crystal-clear turquoise water, sunbathers on sandy shore, and the Acropolis of Lindos above whitewashed houses.

2. Relax on Lindos Beach Beneath the Acropolis

The main sandy arc at Lindos curves below the whitewashed village and clifftop acropolis. Loungers and beach bars line most of it. The backdrop alone makes this one of Greece's most dramatic beach settings.

2. Relax on Lindos Beach Beneath the Acropolis

The main sandy arc at Lindos curves below the whitewashed village and clifftop acropolis. Loungers and beach bars line most of it. The backdrop alone makes this one of Greece's most dramatic beach settings.

Lindos Beach (Megali Paralia) on Rhodes with crystal-clear turquoise water, sunbathers on sandy shore, and the Acropolis of Lindos above whitewashed houses.

Aerial view of Anthony Quinn Bay showing turquoise water, anchored boats, rocky cliffs, and lush green trees along the coastline on a sunny day.

3. Snorkel the Rocky Coves of Anthony Quinn Bay

Named after the actor who fell for it filming The Guns of Navarone, this pebbly cove near Faliraki has exceptional underwater visibility and striking rock formations. No sandy beach, but the snorkelling rivals anywhere on the island.

3. Snorkel the Rocky Coves of Anthony Quinn Bay

Named after the actor who fell for it filming The Guns of Navarone, this pebbly cove near Faliraki has exceptional underwater visibility and striking rock formations. No sandy beach, but the snorkelling rivals anywhere on the island.

Aerial view of Anthony Quinn Bay showing turquoise water, anchored boats, rocky cliffs, and lush green trees along the coastline on a sunny day.

View through an arched Art Deco doorway with circular windows, looking out to the blue sea and shoreline at Kallithea Springs in Rhodes.

4. Swim by the Art Deco Grandeur of Kallithea Springs

Kallithea combines a beautifully restored Italian-era spa complex with sheltered rocky swimming spots by the sea. The architecture is genuinely stunning. It is photogenic at any hour but magical in morning light.

4. Swim by the Art Deco Grandeur of Kallithea Springs

Kallithea combines a beautifully restored Italian-era spa complex with sheltered rocky swimming spots by the sea. The architecture is genuinely stunning. It is photogenic at any hour but magical in morning light.

View through an arched Art Deco doorway with circular windows, looking out to the blue sea and shoreline at Kallithea Springs in Rhodes.

Best Sandy Beaches for Families

Aerial view of a sandy beach in Rhodes lined with umbrellas, shallow turquoise water, and families enjoying the sea with boats nearby. — Photo Nevischi

Families with children need shallow gradients, manageable waves, and facilities nearby. The east coast delivers on all three. Rhodes with kids has more ideas beyond the beach, but for pure sand and sea, Tsambika and Elli are the standout choices for families.

Tsambika Beach with golden sand, sun loungers, and people enjoying the clear turquoise water beneath dramatic hills on Rhodes’ east coast.

5. Build Sandcastles at Tsambika, Rhodes's Best Sandy Beach

A sweeping arc of fine golden sand with shallow, calm turquoise water consistently rated among the best in the Aegean. Sunbeds, tavernas, and watersports are available. The dramatic headland behind it makes every photo worth keeping.

5. Build Sandcastles at Tsambika, Rhodes's Best Sandy Beach

A sweeping arc of fine golden sand with shallow, calm turquoise water consistently rated among the best in the Aegean. Sunbeds, tavernas, and watersports are available. The dramatic headland behind it makes every photo worth keeping.

Tsambika Beach with golden sand, sun loungers, and people enjoying the clear turquoise water beneath dramatic hills on Rhodes’ east coast.

A sweeping aerial view of Elli Beach in Rhodes Town, showing turquoise water, beach umbrellas, a curving road, and the city buildings meeting the shoreline.

6. Swim at Elli Beach, the Most Accessible Beach in Rhodes Town

The city beach of Rhodes Town sits five minutes' walk from the Old Town, with sun loungers, calm water, and a diving platform offshore. Ideal for a quick swim when you are based in town. The northern tip promenade adds a pleasant stroll.

6. Swim at Elli Beach, the Most Accessible Beach in Rhodes Town

The city beach of Rhodes Town sits five minutes' walk from the Old Town, with sun loungers, calm water, and a diving platform offshore. Ideal for a quick swim when you are based in town. The northern tip promenade adds a pleasant stroll.

A sweeping aerial view of Elli Beach in Rhodes Town, showing turquoise water, beach umbrellas, a curving road, and the city buildings meeting the shoreline.

Aerial view of Pefkos Beach showing golden sand, turquoise sea, rocky cliffs, and scattered sunbathers under clear blue skies.

7. Unwind at Pefkos, the Quieter Alternative to Lindos

South of Lindos, Pefkos offers a mix of pebbly and sandy sections fringed by pine trees. It is noticeably calmer than its famous neighbour, with a relaxed taverna scene and clear water well-suited to snorkelling along the rocky edges.

7. Unwind at Pefkos, the Quieter Alternative to Lindos

South of Lindos, Pefkos offers a mix of pebbly and sandy sections fringed by pine trees. It is noticeably calmer than its famous neighbour, with a relaxed taverna scene and clear water well-suited to snorkelling along the rocky edges.

Aerial view of Pefkos Beach showing golden sand, turquoise sea, rocky cliffs, and scattered sunbathers under clear blue skies.

Beaches for Water Sports and Adventure

Pebbled beach in Rhodes with many colorful kitesurf sails in the sky above turquoise waves under a clear blue sky. — Photo Gergely Meszárcsek

For those who want more than a sunlounger, Rhodes offers serious wind and wave conditions in the south and a large-scale water park near Faliraki. The island's southern tip is one of Europe's premier kitesurfing locations. Windsurfing and kitesurfing in Rhodes covers Prasonisi and Ixia in detail, but the essentials are below.

Wide view of Prasonisi Beach in Rhodes, where two sandy shores and blue seas meet, with windsurfers and beachgoers visible.

8. Kitesurf or Swim at Prasonisi's Dual-Sea Isthmus

The sandy tombolo at Rhodes's southern tip has the Aegean on one side, rough and wind-whipped for kitesurfers and windsurfers, and the calmer Mediterranean on the other for swimmers. One of Europe's top kitesurfing venues from June to September.

8. Kitesurf or Swim at Prasonisi's Dual-Sea Isthmus

The sandy tombolo at Rhodes's southern tip has the Aegean on one side, rough and wind-whipped for kitesurfers and windsurfers, and the calmer Mediterranean on the other for swimmers. One of Europe's top kitesurfing venues from June to September.

Wide view of Prasonisi Beach in Rhodes, where two sandy shores and blue seas meet, with windsurfers and beachgoers visible.

Aerial view of Waterpark Faliraki showing colorful water slides, winding pools, and sunbathing areas surrounded by trees and fields in Rhodes, Greece.

9. Spend a Full Day at Europe's Biggest Water Park in Faliraki

Faliraki Water Park is one of the largest in Europe, with dozens of slides, lazy rivers, and pools. It is not a beach but replaces one completely for families wanting rides and action. Allow a full day and book tickets online to skip queues.

9. Spend a Full Day at Europe's Biggest Water Park in Faliraki

Faliraki Water Park is one of the largest in Europe, with dozens of slides, lazy rivers, and pools. It is not a beach but replaces one completely for families wanting rides and action. Allow a full day and book tickets online to skip queues.

Aerial view of Waterpark Faliraki showing colorful water slides, winding pools, and sunbathing areas surrounded by trees and fields in Rhodes, Greece.

Beaches Worth the Drive: Hidden and Southern Shores

Wide sandy beach along a quiet coastline with clear blue water, sparse visitors, and rocky cliffs in the distance. — Photo Mariano Ferrer

The further south you travel, the quieter the beaches become. Rhodes rewards those with a rental car or the willingness to join a day trip. Several of the island's finest spots sit along the southeastern coast, where the crowds thin considerably after Lindos. Check the Rhodes car hire guide for tips on renting and navigating the southern roads.

Close-up of Tsambika Monastery’s whitewashed stone walls with a church bell and cross against a cloudy sky on Rhodes.

10. Hike to Tsambika Monastery for the Best Coastal Views

The Byzantine monastery perched 300 metres above Tsambika Beach rewards a 15-minute climb with panoramic views over the entire eastern coastline. It is a pilgrimage site, so dress modestly. The view of the beach below is unmatchable.

10. Hike to Tsambika Monastery for the Best Coastal Views

The Byzantine monastery perched 300 metres above Tsambika Beach rewards a 15-minute climb with panoramic views over the entire eastern coastline. It is a pilgrimage site, so dress modestly. The view of the beach below is unmatchable.

Close-up of Tsambika Monastery’s whitewashed stone walls with a church bell and cross against a cloudy sky on Rhodes.

✨ Pro tip

South coast beaches like Prasonisi are exposed to stronger Meltemi winds from July onwards. If you are driving south for a swim rather than wind sport, May, June, or September give calmer conditions and fewer people.

Beaches to Combine with Sightseeing

Small sandy beach with two people walking, clear blue water, yachts, and medieval fortifications in the background in Rhodes. — Photo George Alex

Rhodes is unique in Greece for the density of ancient and medieval sights near its best beaches. You can swim below a clifftop acropolis, snorkel past Roman-era ruins, or combine a beach morning with an afternoon in the Rhodes Old Town. These spots make the most of the island's dual appeal as both a beach destination and a historical one.

Ancient stone columns and partial ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos under a sunny, clear sky, with tourists exploring the historic site.

11. Combine a Swim with a Visit to the Acropolis of Lindos

The clifftop acropolis above Lindos holds a Doric temple and Hellenistic stoa with views over both St Paul's Bay and Lindos Beach. Visit the ruins in the morning before the heat builds, then descend for an afternoon swim directly below.

11. Combine a Swim with a Visit to the Acropolis of Lindos

The clifftop acropolis above Lindos holds a Doric temple and Hellenistic stoa with views over both St Paul's Bay and Lindos Beach. Visit the ruins in the morning before the heat builds, then descend for an afternoon swim directly below.

Ancient stone columns and partial ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos under a sunny, clear sky, with tourists exploring the historic site.

Colorful neoclassical mansions stacked along the hillside of Symi Island, overlooking the sparkling blue harbor with arid mountains in the background.

12. Take a Day Boat to Symi Island for Pristine Swimming Coves

Symi is an hour by fast ferry from Rhodes and rewards the trip with crystal-clear swimming coves that no beach on Rhodes itself can match for water clarity. Combine the neoclassical harbour, the Panormitis Monastery, and a cove swim in one day.

12. Take a Day Boat to Symi Island for Pristine Swimming Coves

Symi is an hour by fast ferry from Rhodes and rewards the trip with crystal-clear swimming coves that no beach on Rhodes itself can match for water clarity. Combine the neoclassical harbour, the Panormitis Monastery, and a cove swim in one day.

Colorful neoclassical mansions stacked along the hillside of Symi Island, overlooking the sparkling blue harbor with arid mountains in the background.

A sweeping aerial view of Elli Beach in Rhodes Town, showing turquoise water, beach umbrellas, a curving road, and the city buildings meeting the shoreline.

13. Use Elli Beach as Your Base for a Rhodes Town Beach Day

When you are exploring the New Town and Old Town, Elli is where you end the day. The water is calm, the diving platform offshore is a landmark, and you are never more than 15 minutes from a restaurant or bar in the centre.

13. Use Elli Beach as Your Base for a Rhodes Town Beach Day

When you are exploring the New Town and Old Town, Elli is where you end the day. The water is calm, the diving platform offshore is a landmark, and you are never more than 15 minutes from a restaurant or bar in the centre.

A sweeping aerial view of Elli Beach in Rhodes Town, showing turquoise water, beach umbrellas, a curving road, and the city buildings meeting the shoreline.

FAQ

What is the best beach in Rhodes?

Tsambika Beach is consistently rated the best all-round beach on the island for its fine golden sand and shallow calm water. For scenery, Saint Paul's Bay near Lindos is unmatched, while Anthony Quinn Bay is the top pick for snorkelling.

Which Rhodes beaches are best for families with young children?

Tsambika Beach and Elli Beach are ideal for families: both have shallow, calm water, sun loungers, and nearby facilities. Pefkos also works well for families wanting a quieter setting south of Lindos.

Are there nude or naturist beaches in Rhodes?

Nudism is technically not permitted on most organised beaches in Rhodes, but topless sunbathing is widely accepted. A few quieter coves in the south see informal naturist use, though there are no official nudist beaches on the island.

When is the best time to visit Rhodes beaches?

May, June, and September offer warm water, fewer crowds, and calmer conditions. July and August are busiest and hottest. The Meltemi wind peaks in late July and August, making south and west beaches rough but excellent for wind sports.

How do I get to the beaches in Rhodes without a car?

KTEL buses connect Rhodes Town to major beaches including Faliraki, Lindos, and Tsambika. Taxis and organised beach excursions cover others. For remote south coast beaches and Prasonisi, a rental car gives the most flexibility.