Best beaches in Rhodes

It’s time to head over to some of the best beaches in Rhodes.

We visited a few historical locations so far and learned a couple of myths in previous posts, but even though there is still a lot to come, it’s time to take a break. I am sure you will agree after checking out these best beaches in Rhodes. And yes, even I need a rest from time to time and have to remind myself to slow down since I am totally restless when coming to places I have never been.

While rushing around Rhodes these days a friend said that “it wouldn’t be hard to picture me hanging from the palm leaf just to find a better angle for a photo”. So true.

(So, Renata, see, I’m slowing down, wait for me at Elli Beach. Read your book and have a coffee, and I’ll be coming soon… At least after I visit all the beaches around the island!)

And let me just say, this Greek island has it all. I love places that get me thrilled with their history and stories, mythology, and where I can still have a good day at the beach. It is like soaking up so much knowledge and culture, “uploading” interesting new information, taking some time to “save, and archive” and then freeing some more space among those “gray cells” for what is to come the next day. So, take your bathing suit and sunscreen (since it’s always hot and windy, and we don’t want you to get sunburned), and let me take you – to the best beaches in Rhodes.

Best beaches in Rhodes

Wind or no wind

If you are here from the beginning of this Rhodes Greece travel series, you read thus far that the west side of the island, the one that faces the Aegean Sea, is always windy and hence, offers a range of water sports. Beaches on this side of the island are quite similar with various rock formations in numerous coves, or they are covered with pebbles.

Although this side seems a bit rough and it is less “organized”, there are still spots with sunbeds and parasols. Go to Glyfada or Skala Kamirou for example, or to the Kamiros beach beneath the ancient town on the hill, or to Paradissi and Kremasti. You can just lay on the beach here, under the parasol, with showers nearby and a restaurant or two to have lunch and coffee at.

However, if you prefer parts of the shore a bit wilder and unspoiled by tourism, you can just stop along the coast where ever you choose. Almost the whole western coastline is just one long rocky beach dotted with coves. It mostly stretches along the road. The traffic is scarce which makes it easy to park and take a plunge with nobody around. It might get tricky if the wind is a bit stronger with huge waves and some sharp rocks one tries to avoid. But still, a cove will be all yours.

Pebbles or rocks

Since the city of Rhodes is located at the peak of the island, you will find Windy and Ellie Beach, both pebbled, but the latter is with calmer and warmer waters. From here, when you go along the east coast, there is such a range of beautiful beaches and coves, that it is hard to choose from. Let’s start from the beginning, like following the map – going from the capital to Prassonissi and seeing the best beaches in Rhodes.

The first and very popular spot is Therme Kallitheas. Not far from Rhodes (less than 10 kilometers), it can easily be reached by local bus. They go every 20 minutes in both directions and you can stay in this charming little bay the whole day since the last bus goes back to Rhodes around 11 pm. If you go by car/scooter, there are signs on the road where to turn left and a vast parking area next to the entrance.

Kallithea is well known for its springs and was the spa area back in the 7th century BC. When ruling the island, Italians restored the spa. Today, there is a lovely bay with restaurants on both sides, sunbeds, a pleasant breeze, and a beautiful white pavilion on the small hill where weddings often take place. The sea is amazing, and clear, with surreal shades of blue and green, perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s getting warmer, but it was cold a couple of weeks ago when I went there for the first time (at the beginning of June).

The fee for the beach entrance is about 3 euros and bear in mind that all the prices here are a bit higher than in Rhodes city. While coffee (the Greek frappe) at Ellie Beach is two euros (next to the Aquarium) or three (next to the Casino), in Therme Kallitheas you will pay 3.60. If you paid 7 euros for souvlaki in Rhodes, here it’s going to be 14, sandwiches are from 5 to 9, and calamari (9-12 in Rhodes) is around 15 euros here. Sunbeds are free but you are expected to spend at least 4 euros per person for food and drinks.

Sunbeds or a “wild” beach

Another four or five kilometers or so, and you will get to probably the most popular beach on the island – Faliraki. A long sandy shore makes it alluring to vacationers with a lot of facilities around. There is a small town nearby with everything you need. They say that it was extremely popular with European youth, so much so that the town actually cut its relations with some of the travel agencies at some point because it became chaotic. Kids were drunk all the time, partying, but also fighting and injuring one another. Now, it’s just a nice, peaceful little village with a wonderful coast, and one of the best beaches in Rhodes.

Going forward along the eastern, Mediterranean coast, there is another long pebbled bay – Afantou Beach. It’s probably the longest beach that is almost all “wild” and deserted. There are a few spots where you can come across sunbeds and parasols (for around 5 euros per person, but it will soon hit 6 or 7 because the season is on). Even though the sea is amazingly clear, there is a bit of a breeze (of course), and the view of the horizon is just beautiful. It seems like there is nowhere to hide from the sun though. It reminded me of a few beaches in Arab countries, with dry land next to the sea. Still, if you want to be “alone” on the beach, to have a vast space just for the two of you, or you and your kids, or friends, this is the perfect spot. (Just make sure to bring a parasol or two.)

Sunbathing or kite-surfing

Another beautiful bay called Tsampika is about 15 minutes away from the Afantou. There, you will be greeted by fine yellow sand and a lovely range of blue and green waters. There is a fantastic view of the beach from the Tsampika Monastery above.

Also, if you go to Lindos, even though the place is full of things to see and explore, make sure to spend some time on the beach as well. If you come on cruise tours from Rhodes, the boat will stop right next to the beach. Fine sand, a clear sea, and a few nice places to rest. There is a lovely white restaurant Pallas Beach Taverna, with sunbeds that have sort of safety boxes attached, so that you don’t have to worry about your things while enjoying the swim. Not expensive, charming, and with delicious fried calamari rings for a bit over 9 euros.

Further “down” the eastern coast, you will also find lovely spots like Lardos Bay or Gennady Bay, but they are not worth coming to for the sole purpose of the beach. But there is one that is so worth it. Another 50 km or so from Lindos and you will see the sign to turn from Kattania village towards – Prassonissi.

This is the opposite peak of the island, opposite Rhodes city. And there lies a small strip of sand by which a huge rock is joined to the island. The landscape is surreal. On one side of that sandy strip, there are sunbeds staggered at one half of the beach, while surfers took over the other half. The other side of the strip is reserved for numerous kite surfers.

The sand seems yellow on the Mediterranean beach, but almost white on the Aegean shore on the other side. There are restaurants, cafes, a supermarket, and water sports facilities with all the gear you need. Such a vivid beach! It’s not too crowded yet, but still with lots of surfing sails on the surface and in the air that it looks so colorful and bursting with energy.

So, just take a pick, since there are some beautiful beaches here to choose from.

As for me, I think it’s time to go find that friend of mine under the parasol on Elli’s. She probably read the whole book by now…

Next: WHITE TOWN OF LINDOS, WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The full Rhodes Greece SERIES