The 10 best beaches in Rhodes

Tsambika Beach scores points for the opportunity to combine a beach day with a bit of culture. High on the hills above the beach sits the eponymous monastery, offering fabulous views for those who make the steep climb up to visit – best done early, or after the heat of the day has subsided. When you get back down, you’ll want to jump right in the sea. The beach is long and sandy, with plenty of lounger rental options, as well as restaurants, bars, and famed watersports including parasailing and banana boats.

Anthony Quinn Bay was bought by the actor of the same name after he fell in love with it while filming – and you can see why. This picturesque cove is one of the best beaches in Rhodes for swimming and snorkelling thanks to its rocky bottom and the shelter of the lush headland. You’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas occupying the narrow, pebbly shore, although some people prefer the shade of the palms. There’s a small bar at the back of the beach, and a dive centre for the adventurous.

Afandou Beach is a dream, with miles of sand and pebbly shore to choose from. Just cruise along the road behind the beach seeking your perfect spot: either an organised section with loungers and umbrellas or a more secluded haven (you can park off the road behind the sand). It’s pleasantly rustic and unspoilt, with just a few bars and cafés – perfect for escaping the crowds. When you’ve had your fill of sun, sea and sand, the charming village of Afandou awaits, offering up restaurants, tavernas and bars.

Escape the crowds and find the laid-back and traditional side of Rhodes in Theologos, an unfussy and quintessential Greek island village that stretches down to the sea. Like most of the west coast beaches in Rhodes, the wind conditions make it ideal for kitesurfing, but plenty of people take a dip here too when the wind isn’t up. You’ll find windsurf and kitesurf rental near the pebbly shoreline, as well as a few bars, mini-markets and restaurants. Loungers and shade are available, but the beach remains blissfully uncrowded, with some very secluded spots.

Prasonisi Beach is one of the best beaches in Rhodes for scenery. This windswept spit of sand connects the almost-island of Prasonisi, with just a lighthouse, to the mainland. One side of the beach is more sheltered, while the other is always breezy, making it a haven for kitesurfers and windsurfers. You can hire the right gear on the beach, or simply pitch up and watch the multicoloured spectacle as beginners and pros hit the waves. Make the drive to the far south of the island for a sense of remoteness and adventure.

The seaside village of Stegna is home to two phenomenal beaches. Stegna Beach is a mostly sandy bay, treasured by locals for its peaceful atmosphere and calm sea. With tavernas and amenities along the promenade, and loungers if you want them, it’s a family’s dream. Stegna’s almost-secret beach, meanwhile, is located just up the hill, below the Grande Blue bar. Descend the steps to reach the tiny shingle cove, packed with blue umbrellas. With its fabulously clear water and rocky bottom, this is one of the best beaches in Rhodes for snorkelling.

The ancient town of Lindos has it all: an iconic acropolis, a pretty white-walled centre, heaps of eateries and bars, and one of the best beaches in Rhodes. The sandy bay with crystalline water is sheltered by the headlands, creating pond-like swimming conditions (only quite a lot warmer). You’ll find loungers and umbrellas, restaurants and cafés, and speedboat trips, pedalos, paddleboards and kayaks. There’s even a wedding venue if you fall so in love with the location you decide to host your big day there.

Haraki (or Charaki) Beach is a truly romantic spot. A gently curving pebble-and-sand bay hugs a blissfully calm, azure sea, half-encircled by a quaint promenade lined with low-slung guesthouses and white-walled shops. It’s a picture-perfect Rhodian seaside town, with everything you could need at your fingertips and a peaceful shore for swimming, sunbathing and shell collecting. What’s more, you’re close to plenty of sights, and there’s an ancient castle up on the hill. In the evening, the little promenade twinkles with restaurant lights, making for a magical end to the day.

Glystra Beach is a silvery crescent of sand near the pretty town of Lardos, popular with local families. Surrounded by olive trees running almost down to the calm water, its mix of sand and pebbles makes for a paradise that feels truly under the radar. You can rent a lounger or find a secluded spot in the shade of a tree to rest between swims in the pleasingly shallow sea, and there’s one small café-cum-bar at the back. Some pedalos or kayaks are available, but it’s largely a serene spot with children splashing in the shallows or rockpooling.

Looking for golden sands but fewer crowds? Agathi Beach is one of the lesser-known beaches in Rhodes, but it’s well loved by those with insider info. The sea here is gentle and sheltered, offering something for everyone: kids will love the sandy shallows, while older visitors might enjoy snorkelling around the rocks that shelter the bay. The honey-hued sands have plenty of loungers, but lots of space on either side too, and there are spots for refreshments at the back of the beach. The sea here often has barely a ripple on its pond-like surface, and the vibe is incredibly relaxed.