Rhodes may be known for its medieval Old Town, ancient ruins, and whitewashed villages, but it is also one of the best Greek islands for a beach holiday. Its long coastline has everything from sandy, family-friendly bays on the sheltered east coast to windswept shores and watersports beaches in the south.
Some of the best beaches in Rhodes are lively, while others are tucked beneath cliffs or reached by quiet coastal roads. You can swim in the emerald water of Anthony Quinn Bay, try windsurfing at Prasonisi, or find a peaceful patch of sand beneath Monolithos Castle.
Planning a beach day during your villa holiday? Here are seven of the best beaches in Rhodes for swimming, families, watersports, scenery, and escaping the crowds.
Rhodes’ Best Beaches
Map of the Best Beaches in Rhodes
Best for water sports: Prasonísi Beach
At the southern tip of Rhodes, Prasonisi is one of the island’s best-known windsurfing and kitesurfing destinations. A sandy isthmus connects Rhodes to the small Prasonisi peninsula, with water on either side and strong seasonal winds creating excellent conditions for watersports.
Conditions vary across the beach, so there are areas suitable for different levels of experience. Several watersports centres operate nearby, offering equipment hire and lessons for beginners as well as more experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers. The prevailing north-westerly Meltemi makes Prasonisi particularly popular during the summer months.
Even without a board, the landscape makes the long journey south worthwhile. Bear in mind that the sandy connection to the peninsula can be partly or completely covered by water during the winter and in rough conditions.
Best for swimming: Anthony Quinn Bay
Anthony Quinn Bay is a small, rocky cove on the east coast of Rhodes, around 20 kilometres south of Rhodes Town – and also one of the island’s most famous beaches. It takes its name from the actor who starred in The Guns of Navarone, which was filmed partly on the island.
Pine-covered slopes and rocky outcrops enclose the bay, giving its clear water a rich emerald colour. The sheltered setting is particularly good for swimming and snorkelling, with rocky underwater scenery and plenty to see beneath the surface.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas, but relatively little space on the shore, so arrive early during July and August. The beach is rocky rather than sandy, and water shoes are useful. Nearby Ladiko Bay is another attractive option when Anthony Quinn Bay feels too busy.
Best for sunbathing: Afandou (Afantou) Beach
Stretching for several kilometres along the east coast, Afandou Beach is one of the longest beaches in Rhodes. Its size means it rarely feels as crowded, even during the height of summer.
The shore is largely made up of sand, shingle, and smooth pebbles, with clear water that becomes deep fairly quickly. Some sections have sunbeds, umbrellas, tavernas, and watersports facilities, while others remain quiet and undeveloped. This makes Afandou a good choice for travellers who want facilities without being surrounded by rows of loungers.
The beach is around 20 kilometres from Rhodes Town and can be reached by car or bus. Afandou village lies a little inland, where you will find traditional tavernas and one of the oldest settlements on the island.
Best for scenic landscapes: Traganou Beach
At the northern end of Afandou’s coastline, Traganou Beach pairs clear blue water with a rugged backdrop of pale cliffs. It is sometimes also written as Traanou or Traganoú, so you may see different spellings on local signs and maps.
Rock caves at the beach’s northern end make Traganou particularly distinctive. They can be explored from the shore or reached from the water, making Traganou one of the most scenic beaches in Rhodes for swimming and snorkelling.
Much of the beach is covered in small, light-coloured pebbles, and only part of it is organised with sunbeds and umbrellas. Bring water shoes and snorkelling equipment, then stay until later in the afternoon, when the cliffs offer pockets of welcome shade.
Best for families: Tsambika Beach
Tsambika Beach is one of the best sandy beaches in Rhodes for families. Its broad sweep of soft, golden sand and gently shelving water give children plenty of room to paddle and play, while the surrounding hills create an impressive natural backdrop.
The beach has sunbeds, umbrellas, cafés, and a choice of watersports. And despite its popularity, its generous size means it usually feels less enclosed than smaller bays such as Anthony Quinn.
High above the beach stands the Monastery of Tsambika. Reaching it involves a steep climb and hundreds of steps, but the view across the east coast is among the best on the island. Tsambika Beach is roughly halfway between Rhodes Town and Lindos, making it an easy stop while exploring eastern Rhodes.
Best for seclusion: Alyki Beach
Below the mountain village of Monolithos, Alyki Beach is a peaceful alternative to the better-known beaches of eastern Rhodes. Rocky headlands curve around a small bay, where deep-blue water meets a mixture of sand, shingle, and pebbles.
The beach has far fewer facilities than Coral Bay or Tsambika, which is part of its appeal. Bring water, food, and anything else you need for the day, particularly outside the busiest summer months.
Combine your stay with a visit to Monolithos Castle, a 15th-century fortress built on a steep rocky outcrop above the coast. The road through western Rhodes is slower and quieter than the main east-coast route, revealing a more rugged side of the island along the way.
Best for a relaxed family day: Glystra Beach
Glystra Beach is a small, sheltered bay on the south-east coast of Rhodes, between Lardos and Kiotari. Its soft sand, clear water, and gently shelving shallows make it a particularly easy choice for families with younger children.
Glystra is also within easy reach of Lindos, Lardos, and the beaches around Kiotari. Arrive in the morning for calmer surroundings and a better choice of places near the water.
Which Side of Rhodes Has the Best Beaches?
The east coast of Rhodes is generally best for sandy beaches, calm water, and family swimming. Popular beaches on this side of the island include Tsambika, Anthony Quinn Bay, Afandou, Traganou, and Glystra.
The west coast is windier and more rugged, with shingle beaches and fewer large resorts. It is a good choice for dramatic scenery, quieter coastal drives, and watching the sunset.
At the island’s southern tip, Prasonisi is the leading choice for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Its exposed position creates very different conditions from the sheltered bays of eastern Rhodes.
Are the Beaches in Rhodes Sandy or Pebbly?
Rhodes has both sandy and pebbly beaches. Tsambika and Glystra are among the best sandy beaches in Rhodes, while Anthony Quinn Bay and Traganou have rockier, pebbled shores. Afandou varies along its considerable length, with a mixture of sand, shingle, and smooth stones.
Water shoes are worth packing, particularly for Anthony Quinn Bay, Traganou, and the more rugged beaches on the west coast.
Where to Stay Near the Best Beaches in Rhodes
Our collection of villas in Rhodes places some of the island’s most beautiful beaches within easy reach. Stay close to the sandy bays of the east coast, find a peaceful base near Lindos, or choose a villa in southern Rhodes for quieter shores and easy access to Prasonisi. Once you have chosen your villa, our concierge team can help with the details, including airport transfers, private chefs, boat trips, and experiences around the island. Take a look at our handpicked villas in Rhodes and start planning your next Greek island escape.
