Rhodes, a favored isle among Germans in Greece, presents a most beguiling spectacle with its over 300 days of sunshine each year, undulating green landscapes, quaint ancient villages, and sandy coves kissed by crystalline waters. Sun-worshippers, culture aficionados, families with children, and revelers alike find their solace in this splendid place.
This island, colloquially known as the “Emerald Isle,” is the largest and southeastern-most in the Dodecanese Archipelago.
Rhodes boasts a multitude of tourist destinations, attracting over a million visitors each year. While many tourists are drawn to Rhodes Town or Faliraki, others prefer to explore the picturesque environs of Lindos. Moreover, charter trips to Afandou, Kolymbia, Ixia, Tholos, Kalithea, Lardos, and Pefkos are available.
To experience Rhodes in luxury, consider renting a villa on the island, ideally suited for a group of up to six individuals. Rhodes Town beckons with its charming medieval streets, inviting restaurants, lively bars, and delightful shopping opportunities. History enthusiasts will find much to see, including the Hassan Pasha Mosque, the Grand Master’s Castle from the time of the Knights Hospitaller, and the Byzantine chapels.
Meander through the narrow streets of Rhodes Town, where shopping abounds with options ranging from sandals, olive soap, and honey to designer clothing and bags. For a taste of local life, visit the grand Agios Dimitris Market located at the cemetery in the old town, open on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Stroll among the fruit and vegetable stalls, soaking in the unique atmosphere.
Faliraki, once notorious for its rowdy parties, has been transformed. Its beach is long and lovely, and for those fond of water sports, it is the place to be. The famous WaterPark, one of the largest in Europe, is also located here.
For those who yearn for a less-trodden experience, the island’s west coast offers wilder nature, ancient monasteries, and antiquities. Beaches here are less windy than those on the west coast, nestled protectively within coves.
For those who crave more than basking on the beach, there are many splendid excursions to embark upon. The Butterfly Valley, Petaloudes, attracts numerous visitors who marvel at the thousands of vibrant butterflies that gather here for procreation. This verdant valley is situated less than three miles from Rhodes Town.
The natural springs of Kallithea present another beautiful destination—an Italian spa from the 1920s, nestled in a scenic cove roughly a mile south of Rhodes Town.
For gourmands seeking delectable fare, good restaurants are easily found. As always, avoid the tourist traps and seek out authentic eateries offering classic Greek cuisine.
Examples include Melitzanes Imam Baildi, oven-baked eggplants stuffed with onions, tomatoes, and herbs; Psaria Plaki, oven-baked fish with vegetables and tomato sauce; and Kleftiko, a lamb stew with herbs and feta cheese.
Though Greece is not particularly cheap, dining and drinking can still be relatively affordable. A three-course meal for two may cost around 24 euros, while a local beer at a bar is about three euros.
Beaches on Rhodes
The child-friendly Tsambika beach
The beach of Tsambika on the island of Rhodes is a beautiful destination, especially for families with children. The golden crescent-shaped strand, nestled between two rocky cliffs, offers calm and shallow waves, making it an excellent retreat for children.
Sunbathers in their natural state can be seen towards the beach’s southern end, while there is plenty of room for those who prefer to keep their distance. The monastery sits on a peak near the northern end, providing beautiful views of the beach and sea.
Tsambika beach is brimming with activities for both children and families, such as building sand castles, swimming and snorkelling. There are also numerous sun loungers and umbrellas to provide shade from the sun’s rays.
Tsambika is unquestionably worth a visit if you’re looking for a family-friendly beach on Rhodes. It provides all you need for an ideal day by the shore, leaving your family with memories to cherish.
Location: About 5 km south of Rhodes Town.
Travel: The most convenient ways of transportation are rental vehicles or mopeds, or the daily bus service that runs along the route.
Remote and picturesque Fourni
The beach at Fourni on Rhodes is a genuine gem for beach lovers seeking a bit more challenging adventure. The beach’s location makes access fairly difficult, involving a fall down a steep cliff. Those who make the effort, though, are rewarded with a beautiful, quiet cove.
Fourni is significantly more distant and thus less popular than other beaches in Rhodes, such as Tsambika. This means you may enjoy the peace and seclusion while admiring the splendour of the turquoise waves and the enticing sandy shore.
Fourni is a great place for snorkelers and divers because the crystal-clear waters are home to a diverse array of corals and fish species. The beach’s remote location gives the impression of discovering an unexplored aquatic realm.
Fourni is well worth a visit if you want an exciting beach experience and are willing to ascend the sheer cliff. Here, you may fully appreciate nature’s splendour and make amazing memories.
Location: Situated in the southwest at the end of a mountain road near the village of Monolithos.
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is by rental car or motorbike.
The surf-friendly Prasoní beach
Prasonisi is a must-see for surfers looking for a wild and windy beach excursion on Rhodes. The beach is well-known for its huge waves and is a popular windsurfing location. You can rent surf equipment and jump into the waves yourself here.
The scenery along the way to the beach is spectacular, as you travel through gorgeous villages and landscapes. Prasonisi is a natural beach that is encircled by steep cliffs and has a rugged, wild appeal.
Though popular with surfers, Prasonisi is less crowded than other beaches on Rhodes, making it an ideal spot for those seeking solitude. If you have the opportunity to visit the beach during the surf season, you will surely encounter a large number of eager surfers and onlookers.
Prasonisi beach provides a one-of-a-kind and thrilling experience for surfers and beachgoers alike. Prasonisi is the ideal spot for those who want to dive into the waves and enjoy the beauty of wild, natural beaches.
Location: Situated on the southern tip of Rhodes.
How to get there: The easiest way is to arrive by rental car or motorbike and drive along the coastal road.
The snorkel-friendly Anthony Quinn Bay
Anthony Quinn Bay on Rhodes is a well-known and popular snorkelling and diving location. The beach was named after the famous actor who filmed scenes here for the film “The Guns of Navarone.” The bay’s crystal-clear water supports a diverse array of marine life and corals.
The bay, however, is not appropriate for children due to the rough rocks beneath the sea. It is critical to exercise caution and pay attention to warning indicators. Anthony Quinn Bay, on the other hand, is a must-see for adults who enjoy snorkelling.
Because the beach is quite rocky, it is recommended that you bring water shoes. Nonetheless, the bay is a lovely place to spend a day at the beach and take in the natural beauty of Rhodes.
If you enjoy snorkelling or simply want to experience the beauty of the underwater world, Anthony Quinn Bay is a must-see. The gorgeous, blue sea and richness of aquatic life will wow you.
Location: about four kilometres south of Faliraki.
How to get there: The easiest way to get there is by rental car or motorbike. Or by bus from Rhodes Town or by boat from Mandraki harbour.
Beaches around Rhodes Town
There are numerous beautiful beaches in Rhodes Town that are worth exploring. Windy Beach, located to the west, fully lives up to its name with its strong winds. Windy Beach is a popular destination for surfers and kite surfers because of its exciting waves and wind conditions.
Elli Beach is located across town and, in contrast to its windier sister, is warm and shallow. The beach is a sanctuary for families with children who like splashing around in the shallow waters. A plethora of sun loungers and umbrellas provide for a relaxing day at the beach.
The lovely Afandou Beach lies a short distance south of Rhodes Town. This beach is ideal for swimming and surfing, and you may hire surf equipment and enjoy the waves.
To summarise, Rhodes Town and its environs are home to a variety of beautiful beaches, each catering to different tastes and interests. There is a beach for everyone, whether you enjoy swimming, surfing, or simply relaxing.
Tasos Beach – the beach for the whole family
Your Rhodes family vacation as a couple with children and grandparents will be complete with a visit to the lovely Tasos Beach. The beach is relatively safe, making it excellent for kids who want to play in the shallow water pools. A fantastic snorkelling location promises adventure for the adults.
Dive into the deeper waters with snorkels, masks, and fins to discover extraordinary rock formations and an abundance of marine life. After exploring the underwater world, relax on comfortable sun loungers and sip a delicious cocktail or cold beverage at the family-run beach bar. Traditional Greek foods are also available in the cantina.
The beach is in a great location, just a few hundred metres from the famous Kallithea Springs and well-connected. The beach is easily accessible by bus, or you may take a leisurely stroll from Faliraki. The beach is also easily reached from Kallithea Springs.
Prasonisi Beach – Peninsula at the southern end of Rhodes Island
Prasonisi Beach is without a doubt one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes. This beach, located on the island’s southern extremity, gets its name from the peninsula that surrounds it. Except for the nightlife, one can find everything they need here.
On one side of the elevated sandbar, calm seas allow relaxing and frolicking, while windsurfers and kitesurfers are active on the other. Unfortunately, these waters are not appropriate for beginners, but the beach is an excellent site on Rhodes for nature enthusiasts looking to travel the island. Several dive and surf schools provide equipment rentals and guidance in navigating the safer waters for water sports enthusiasts and those aspiring to be such.
Be wary of weever fish! These creatures are known to burrow in the sands of this beach, and an unintentional tread on them might result in a painful sting. Plastic swim shoes are recommended. But don’t let it stop you from enjoying the unimpeded vista of the Aegean.
Lardos Beach – the beach classic
Lardos Beach, located on Rhodes’ southern east coast, is a veritable classic for a restorative island beach vacation. It offers a magnificent background framed by two mountain ranges that welcomes leisure. Numerous all-inclusive hotels, cantinas, restaurants, and water sports are located nearby, all along the finest sandy beaches.
Lardos Beach provides boat trips, such as those aboard a glass-bottomed catamaran, in addition to sunbathing and swimming in the clear waters. Although some sections of the beach are claimed by hotels, the entire stretch beckons for a leisurely stroll. Sun loungers and umbrellas are given here, whereas they can be rented elsewhere. Lifeguards keep a close eye on bathers to ensure their safety.
Lardos Beach offers a range of sporting activities, from surfing and sailing to parasailing and more, ensuring an adrenaline thrill. However, keep in mind that the signage to the beach can be a little confusing. Look for signs pointing to Lothiarika Beach, as this is how Lardos Beach is identified.
Agathi Beach- beautiful beach to relax
Agathi Beach, a gorgeous length of shoreline on Rhodes’ eastern beaches, is an ideal location for a relaxing day at the beach. The beach is lined with fine, golden sand, and the water is pure and clean. You can relax here under the Greek sun, taking in the beauty of the surrounding area.
Agathi Beach also provides excellent options for water sports such as swimming, snorkelling, and diving. There are a few schools that offer surf lessons to beginners. Sun loungers and umbrellas are also available for hire, ensuring a relaxing day at the beach.
A few steps from the shore, there are various restaurants and tavernas serving excellent local cuisine. Enjoy the fresh fish and seafood caught in the region.
Agathi Beach, with its tranquil and gorgeous location, is ideal for a day vacation or a longer stay. Agathi Beach in Rhodes is unquestionably worth a visit if you’re looking for a relaxing sanctuary, a location to appreciate the sea, and a setting to observe nature’s beauty.
Kolymbia Beach – quiet and beautiful
Rhodes’ Kolymbia Beach, a peaceful holiday resort, is regarded as one of the island’s most gorgeous beaches. It is located roughly 26 kilometres south of Rhodes Town, in a small natural harbour on the island’s eastern shore. This pebble beach, like many others in Rhodes, is well-kept, with sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, and a variety of water sports available. The beach’s crystal-clear waves and lush backdrop are a major magnet for visitors and an excellent subject for photography.
The most picturesque route to the neighbourhood is via Efkalipto Road, a lush boulevard lined with towering eucalyptus trees. The beach is now a favourite destination for many families and is easily accessible from the Seven Springs, a wonderful site about 6 kilometres away. Despite considerable visitor expansion in recent years, the beach remains a tranquil and peaceful retreat, without the bustling ambiance of other well-known Rhodes beaches. The Paramithia Monastery is around 6 kilometres north of the resort.
Lindos Beach – beautiful place for a day trip
Lindos Beach on Rhodes is an excellent day trip destination where you can enjoy the golden sands, learn about the marine life, and explore a village overshadowed by a historic stronghold. Lindos Beach, once a jet-set hangout, is now popular with couples, honeymooners, day-trippers, and families with children. Bask in the sun and enjoy leisure activities at Lindos Beach, which is set in a lovely cove surrounded by rocky hills. Paddle boats and kayaks are available for rent for water sports enthusiasts. Glass-bottom boat trips leave from the pier on the quieter Pallas Beach on the bay’s southern side, which is particularly popular with locals.
Sunbeds and umbrellas can be hired at both beaches. The bay’s taverns provide traditional Greek cuisine and provide stunning views of the cliffs and the Aegean Sea.
Interrupt your beach vacation with a trip through Lindos village’s small passageways. Many of the whitewashed houses have been converted into boutiques, hotels, cafes, and taverns. It’s also worth seeing the majestic ruins of Lindos’ Acropolis. The massive columns, the Temple of Athena, and the amphitheatre are all visible reminders of its past. The coastline, with its various bays and steep hills, makes for wonderful photography.
Saint Paul’s Bay, south of Lindos, is well worth seeing. The warm, shallow water beckons you to swim and snorkel among the rocky coves, exploring the colourful underwater environment. At the beach, you can rent equipment. Lindos Beach is about an hour away from Rhodes Town. There is free parking at the main beach and at Saint Paul’s Bay, however places fill up rapidly between June and August. From the island’s capital, the beach is also accessible via boat or bus.
