What is the difference between the east and west coast beaches in Rhodes?

The east coast is calmer, sheltered from the prevailing north-westerly winds, and has warmer, clearer water — better for swimming and snorkelling. The west coast is windier and has rougher sea conditions, making it better for windsurfing and kitesurfing (especially at Prasonisi in the south) but less pleasant for casual swimming.

How do you get to Tsambika beach?

Local buses from Rhodes Town's East Bus Station run to Tsambika (journey approximately 45 minutes, around €3.50 each way as of 2026). By car it takes about 35 minutes. A steep stepped path also leads down from the Tsambika monastery above, adding a pilgrimage element to the visit. The beach has its own car park with a short walk to the shore.

Is Anthony Quinn Bay actually named after the actor?

Yes — Anthony Quinn filmed The Guns of Navarone here in 1960 and reportedly loved the bay so much that the Greek government gifted him the land. He later had to sell it after legal disputes. The bay was informally named after him and the name stuck, though officially it is called Vagies Bay.

Is Faliraki still a party beach?

The intense party scene of the early 2000s has significantly calmed down following Greek government crackdowns on nightlife in the resort. Faliraki now functions more as a standard family beach resort with organised sunbeds, water sports, and hotels. The beach itself is long and well-organised — good for swimming, not for all-night clubbing.

Best Beaches in Rhodes | The Greece Guides

Rhodes has beaches along almost its entire coastline, but the character divides sharply between the calmer east side and the windier west. Most visitors base themselves on the east coast and with good reason — the water is clearer, the beaches more sheltered, and the south-east coast from Tsambika to Lindos has the best combination of scenery and swimming quality. Prices listed here are approximate as of 2026.

Tsambika

Tsambika is the most popular beach on Rhodes and consistently ranked among the best in Greece — a long, wide crescent of golden sand on the east coast, with crystal-clear water and excellent facilities. The name comes from the monastery on the steep hill above, visible from the beach.

Location: East coast, approximately 26km from Rhodes Town (35 minutes by car).
Facilities: Multiple sunbed operators (approximately €8–12 per set as of 2026), restaurants, beach bars, water sports.
Access: Bus from East Bus Station (approximately €3.50), car park on-site.
Note: Gets very crowded in July and August — arrive before 9:30am for a sunbed. The far ends of the beach are less packed.

Lindos Beach

Lindos Beach occupies the bay directly below the village and acropolis — a long sandy arc with the dramatic white cliff and fortress rising above. The combination of scenery and swimming quality makes it one of the most impressive beach settings on the island.

Location: East coast, 58km from Rhodes Town (50 minutes by car).
Facilities: Sunbeds (approximately €10–15 per set), multiple restaurants and cafes, water sports.
Access: Walk from Lindos village (about 10 minutes). Very crowded in peak season.

St Paul’s Bay

St Paul’s Bay (Agios Pavlos) is a sheltered, shallow inlet below the Lindos acropolis cliff — according to tradition, the bay where St Paul landed in 51 AD during his third missionary journey. A tiny whitewashed chapel sits at the water’s edge.

The bay is smaller and calmer than Lindos Beach and has a more peaceful atmosphere. Limited sunbeds, clear water, and an exceptionally photogenic setting with the Lindos acropolis visible above. Walk down from Lindos village (10 minutes past Lindos Beach).

Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay (officially Vagies Bay) is named for the actor who filmed The Guns of Navarone here in 1960 and was reportedly gifted the land by the Greek government. The bay has jagged volcanic rock formations, crystal-clear water particularly suited to snorkelling, and a sheltered cove atmosphere.

Location: East coast, approximately 14km from Rhodes Town (20 minutes by car).
Facilities: Minimal — small cantina, no organised sunbeds. Bring your own shade.
Access: Short walk from the road; small car park. Popular with divers and snorkellers for the underwater rock formations.

Faliraki

Faliraki is the longest beach in the northern part of Rhodes — a broad, straight stretch of pale sand approximately 5km long on the east coast, well-organised with sunbeds, water sports, and the full range of beach resort facilities.

Location: East coast, approximately 16km from Rhodes Town (20 minutes by car).
Facilities: Sunbeds (approximately €8–12), extensive water sports (jet skis, parasailing, banana boat), restaurants, beach bars.
Access: Regular bus from Rhodes Town, car park on-site.

The party reputation of the 1990s and early 2000s has largely dissipated — Faliraki is now a mainstream family resort beach. Still one of the best-organised beaches on the island for those who want full facilities.

Prasonisi

Prasonisi, at the southern tip of Rhodes, has a unique geography: a sandy isthmus connecting the small rocky headland of Cape Prasonisi to the main island, with two distinct beaches on either side — one calmer, one exposed to the prevailing winds. This creates ideal windsurfing and kitesurfing conditions, and Prasonisi is one of the top spots in the Mediterranean for both sports.

Location: Southern tip of Rhodes, 100km from Rhodes Town (1h 15m by car).
Facilities: Windsurfing and kitesurfing centres with rental and instruction, tavernas, accommodation.
Note: The road to Prasonisi is fully paved. In winter, the isthmus floods and Prasonisi becomes a true island — the summer connection is seasonal.

Agathi

Agathi (sometimes spelled Agati) is a small, crescent-shaped beach on the east coast north of Lindos — golden sand, clear turquoise water, and significantly less crowded than Tsambika or Faliraki.

Location: East coast near Charaki, approximately 45km from Rhodes Town (50 minutes).
Facilities: Sunbeds (approximately €8–10), small taverna. No large-scale facilities.
Access: Car or bus to Charaki village (short walk to beach). Good choice for a quieter day.

Kallithea Springs

Kallithea (also known as Thermes Kallithea) is not a standard beach — it is a thermal spa complex from the 1920s set in a garden of palms and stone pavilions at the water’s edge, now operating as a heritage site and swimming area.

Location: East coast, approximately 10km from Rhodes Town (15 minutes).
Entry: Approximately €3 as of 2026.
Facilities: Maintained grounds and swimming access in the cove, cafe. The restored Italian Rationalist architecture is the primary reason to visit rather than the swimming.

For the complete Rhodes island guide including where to stay and how to get here, see our Rhodes travel guide. For things to do including the Old Town, Lindos, and Valley of the Butterflies, see things to do in Rhodes. For restaurants in the Old Town, New Town, and Lindos, see best restaurants in Rhodes. Comparing Rhodes with Crete? See our Rhodes vs Crete guide.

Book Rhodes tours and excursions with GetYourGuide. Pick up a Greece eSIM before you fly — keeps you connected without roaming charges. Compare car hire options in Greece — essential for exploring beyond the main towns.

Best Beaches in Rhodes: East Coast Calm, West Coast Waves