Beaches · Rhodes · Greece
The best beaches in and near Rhodes
Where to swim and spend a beach day, and when the water is warm.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Thomas Berwing, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
The best-known beach is Elli Beach (In Rhodes New Town; 15 minutes' walk from the Old Town). The sea is usually warm enough for a comfortable swim (21°C+) in May–November.
Key facts
- Beaches in this guide
- 7
- Swimming season
- May–November
- Warmest sea
- 27°C (81°F)
The beaches
In Rhodes New Town; 15 minutes' walk from the Old Town · A swim between sights in town
1.Elli Beach
Rhodes Town's main beach on the northern tip, with sunbeds, cafés and a diving platform offshore; the water deepens quickly and is often livelier than the east coast.
About 15 km south of Rhodes Town · Families and water sports
2.Faliraki Beach
A long, wide sandy beach with shallow water, water sports and plenty of sunbeds and cafés behind it.
About 26 km south of Rhodes Town · Young children and sandy-beach lovers
3.Tsambika Beach
A long curve of golden sand with very shallow, calm water below the hill of Tsambika Monastery; it has sunbeds and a few beach cafés but no buildings behind it.
About 35 km south of Rhodes Town · Calm water away from the big resorts
4.Agathi Beach
A sheltered bay of fine sand near Haraki, below the ruined Feraklos Castle, with clear, shallow water and a relaxed feel.
Walk from Lindos village; about 50 km from Rhodes Town · Couples and photographs
5.St Paul's Bay
An almost enclosed lagoon under the Lindos acropolis with a small chapel, clear water and limited sunbeds that fill early.
About 90 km south of Rhodes Town · Windsurfing and kitesurfing
6.Prasonisi
A sand spit at the southern tip with wind-whipped waves on one side and flatter water on the other, home to windsurfing and kitesurfing schools.
About 16 km south of Rhodes Town, near Faliraki · Snorkelling early in the day
7.Anthony Quinn Bay
A small, rocky cove with deep turquoise water that is excellent for snorkelling but very crowded at midday.
Sea temperature by month
| Month | Sea | Air high |
|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C (63°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| February | 16°C (61°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| March | 17°C (63°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| April | 18°C (64°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| May | 21°C (70°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| June | 24°C (75°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 31°C (88°F) |
| August | 27°C (81°F) | 32°C (90°F) |
| September | 26°C (79°F) | 29°C (84°F) |
| October | 24°C (75°F) | 25°C (77°F) |
| November | 21°C (70°F) | 21°C (70°F) |
| December | 18°C (64°F) | 17°C (63°F) |
Staying near the beach
$$ · Best for families, nightlife, budget and beach
Faliraki
About 15 km south of Rhodes Town on the east coast, Faliraki has a wide sandy beach with water sports, a large water park and a pedestrian centre of bars and restaurants. Its party reputation has calmed, and today many hotels cater to families. Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay are small rocky coves just to the south.
- Good
- Sandy beach with calm water; Frequent buses to Rhodes Town; Plenty for children
- Watch out
- Built-up, package-resort feel; Late-night noise near the bar area in summer
- Nearby
- Anthony Quinn Bay, Kallithea Springs, Faliraki Water Park
Getting to the beaches
- Bus — KTEL and RODA buses leave from stops beside the New Market (Nea Agora) next to Mandraki Harbour.
- Car — A small hire car opens up the west coast, Embonas, Siana, Monolithos and Prasonisi, and main roads are in good condition.
- Boat — Excursion boats from Mandraki run to Lindos along the east coast and to Symi, and fast catamarans link Rhodes with Symi, Kos and other Dodecanese islands.
Beach-weather months
Days of 24°C (75°F) or more with no more than nine rainy days come in May–October. The busiest of those is July, so book early.
Beach safety
Rhodes is generally relaxed for visitors. Take care with heat and sunburn in July and August, strong currents on windy west-coast beaches, and scooter and quad-bike accidents on narrow roads. Keep an eye on bags in the crowded Old Town lanes when cruise ships are in port. Swim at lifeguarded beaches where possible and follow local flag warnings.
Questions travellers ask
+Does Rhodes have beaches?
Yes: Elli Beach, Faliraki Beach, Tsambika Beach, Agathi Beach, St Paul's Bay, Prasonisi and Anthony Quinn Bay.
+When is the sea warm enough to swim in Rhodes?
Usually May–November, when the sea averages 21°C or more.
+What is the best beach near Rhodes?
Elli Beach: Rhodes Town's main beach on the northern tip, with sunbeds, cafés and a diving platform offshore; the water deepens quickly and is often livelier than the east coast.