10 Best Beaches on Rhodes

Once a hidden gem on the island’s east coast, Agathi Beach attracts a good mix of local and foreign sun-lovers in Rhodes. Its shoreline has golden sand and gorgeous surroundings, along with beach facilities like parasol rental and canteens serving refreshments throughout the day.  

While Agathi is an attractive spot to touch down for a couple of hours, you can work up a sweat by climbing picturesque rock formations enclosing the beach or taking a short stroll to a monumental, 14th-century cave chapel that’s carved into the limestone cliffs. 

Anthony Quinn Bay lies on the east coast of Rhodes, where you’ll be greeted by transparent waters and enormous boulders dotting the beach. The lush pine trees surrounding this inlet are also a major draw. Make sure to bring snorkelling gear when you visit the bay, as the underwater rocks and reefs collectively create one of the best snorkelling spots in Rhodes.

Plan your trip to this scenic bay carefully – during the summer months, Anthony Quinn Bay gets quite crowded during the day. Consider a visit during the early morning for some relaxing quality time.

Elli Beach, or Rhodes Town Beach, is an excellent stop for those looking to combine a city trip with quality time on the sand. The beach is around 1.5 km north of the heart of the old quarter in Rhodes Town.

Elli Beach appeals to families with its child-friendly facilities. Along the waterfront, you’ll find restaurants, toilets, showers, and lounge chairs. The springboard and beach volleyball court cater to those looking for a dash of action in Rhodes. 

Although Haraki Beach is only a stone’s throw away from Agathi Beach, it receives significantly fewer visitors than its neighbour. Offering uninterrupted views over the Mediterranean Sea, Haraki is a superior location to watch the sunrise. Close to the beach, you'll find cosy streets with typical white-plastered Greek houses and tavernas serving excellent seafood.

Besides relaxing activities such as swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the Mediterranean sun, you can test your fitness level with a walk up to the iconic Feraklos Castle. This 15th-century limestone fortress towers above the beach and surrounding villages. Its unique architecture is also well worth the challenging climb.

Ixia is technically a chain of beaches on the west side of Rhodes, where you can enjoy public and private beaches. It’s often buzzing with activity – surfboards and jet skis are available for a day in the Mediterranean, while shopping centres and restaurants along the coast stay busy into the night.

With windy conditions and moderate waves, Ixia Beach is excellent for windsurfing in Rhodes. The beach is around 4 km south of Rhodes Town, making it a convenient stop if you want to stay close to the main area. 

Ladiko Beach is sheltered by 2 headlands, resulting in calm water that’s excellent for swimming and snorkelling. When it comes to natural beauty, the beach genuinely has very few rivals. The combination of the turquoise sea, rocks rising from the water, and encircling olive trees induce a spectacle that's hard to neglect when visiting Rhodes.

Just like on many beaches on Rhodes, you’ll find comfy deck chairs and a bar for refreshing beverages. Snorkelling probably is the highlight of this charming cove – excellent visibility, large schools of fish, and mysterious rock gardens bundle together into an exciting snorkelling point. 

Pefki Beach is a narrow waterfront on the eastern side of the island, around 55 km away from Rhodes Town. You won't find many activities on this beach, apart from swimming and reclining on your towel or beach chair. This makes you feel like you've travelled to a pristine island getaway, with only the waves and wind blowing through the pine trees to break the silence.

At the southernmost tip of Rhodes, you’ll find Prasonisi Beach – a gorgeous strip of sand connecting Rhodes with a tiny island. The best part of this beach is the weather as the wind and waves on the west side of Prasonisi create the ideal environment for windsurfing and kitesurfing.

Head for to the eastern part if you want to swim in calm waters and enjoy the fantastic scenery this peninsula is famous for. Depending on the tide, you can either walk or swim to the island. On Prasonisi Island itself, it’s worth taking a walk to the lighthouse. This very photogenic vantage point is especially beautiful at sunset.

Saint Paul’s Bay is a pretty cove some 50 km south of Rhodes Town. Almost entirely enclosed by rock outcrops, it almost feels like a small-scale lake. The bay has 2 beaches, the largest of which is excellent for cliff diving, snorkelling, and swimming in the calm water. You can also find toilets, a café, as well as parasols and sunbeds for rent.

Saint Paul’s Bay was named after the apostle, who locals believe came to preach the gospel to the people of Rhodes in AD 51. You can visit Saint Paul’s Chapel, which occupies a hill south of the bay, for splendid views of the coastline and Lindos Acropolis.

Theologos Beach has a 10-km-long shoreline that attracts windsurfers looking to tackle the large waves caused by western winds. If you’re interested in this extreme sport, the beach has several schools providing quality windsurfing equipment and lessons.

Theologos is just next to an area with plenty of restaurants and nightclubs, making it an appropriate destination if you want a fun night out in Rhodes.