Located off the southern east coast of Greece, Rhodes is a small island which is known for its warm temperatures, sunny weather and fabulous beaches. The ideal holiday destination for solo travellers, couples and families, Rhodes offers an unparalleled selection of coastlines, with everything from secluded pebble bays and lively water sport locations to the best snorkelling beaches in Greece and incredible surfing opportunities.
Lively spots
Found along the south east coast of the island in Lindos, the Blue Flag Gennadi boasts a number of facilities and services, including sun lounger and shade rental, water sports, bars, restaurants and kiosks which serve Greek food and drinks throughout the day. Mostly popular with the locals, Gennadi is split into sections vast stretches of sand with plenty of room for the little ones to play and the lively areas where you'll find regular parties held on Sundays with guest DJs attracting people from all over the island.
Situated in the north of the island, just off Ialysos, Ialyssos beach is a well-organised bay with plenty to see and do. Lined by a number of cafes, shops, hotels, bars and restaurants, this beach offers plenty of useful facilities, such as sun loungers and shades, toilets, cafes and restaurants. The floor comprises of a mixture of sand and pebbles which gives way to crystal clear waters.
Family-friendly
When it comes to family-friendly beaches, St Paul's Bay is one of the best. Situated in Lindos, this bay is known for its soft pale sands which provide plenty of room for the little ones to play and calm clear waters which are ideal for swimming or snorkelling. This beach is divided into two halves one close to a chapel where couples get married and a smaller, quieter section popular with families. You'll find many facilities available here to enjoy, such as sun bed and parasol hire, boat trips, toilets and beach bar.
Lindos Beach on the eastern coast of the island is made up of two smaller beaches, each of which provides sun beds, shades, taverns and a lively family-friendly atmosphere. The water here is very shallow and waves are almost unheard of, making it a popular location for children to swim safely.
Water sports
Water sport enthusiasts won't want to miss the chance to spend the day at Tsambika. Situated just below Kolimpia, this beach boasts fine, golden sands which stretch on for miles with a number of colourful flags signposting water sport kiosks and beachside restaurants. There is a handful of facilities available here, such as sun loungers, parasols, toilets and even a mini market. Water sports available include snorkelling, jet skiing, boat hire, amongst many other inflatable games.
A popular place for families and couples to spend the day, Faliraki is full of things to see and do. Stretching on for over 5km, this beach offers sun loungers, shades, water sports, cafes, night clubs, restaurants, bungee jumping and shops onsite or very close to the beach. Aquatic activities are numerous and include water skiing, wind surfing, jet skiing and parasailing.
Located within the village of Afandou, Afandou Beach is popular amongst tourists and locals alike. Here you'll find a great mix of young Italians who have come to spend the day racing jet skis, alongside holidaymakers who are here to try the fresh fish at the local taverns. The sea at this beach gets deep very suddenly, providing ample opportunity for snorkelling and diving. Sun worshippers have a wealth of facilities to enjoy, including sun bed and parasol rental, bar-restaurants, water sports and nearby parking.
Surf's up
Found in the very south of the island, Prasonisi is the ideal place for surfers to spend the day during July and August when the waves are at their highest. One of the most appealing beaches on the island, Prasonisi is made up of two sandy coves where you'll find wet suits and surf board available to hire. Even if you don't want to try surfing yourself, this beach is a great place to admire the skill and talent of those who do. As well as the water sports, there is a handful of facilities available, such as sun beds, parasols and parking.
Pebble & rocks
Those who prefer their beaches to be made of pebbles and rocks should spend the day at Anthony Quinn. Located in Faliraki, this beach is comprised of natural stone surfaces, pine trees and clear waters ideal for swimming or snorkelling. Due to the various sharp rocks, this beach is unsuitable for families with young children although it's very popular with the locals during July and August.
Made up of sand and tiny pebbles, Kalathos is a remote beach where you'll always find the perfect spot to lie down your towel. This beach stretches on for more than 4km, with a number of commercially-run and free sections. You'll find a handful of amenities available for guests to enjoy, such as sun loungers and parasols, with several canteens, taverns and supermarkets lining the beach.
Secluded & naturist
One of the finest beaches in Rhodes, Agathi is found on the eastern coast of the island, just south of Archangelos. This sheltered, cosy beach is quite difficult to reach, although the journey is more than worth it. Here you'll find sun loungers and umbrellas available to hire, toilets, showers and several canteens which serve food and drinks. Camping is allowed at this beach, making it a fantastic place to visit if you fancy a night under the starts.
The only official nudist beach in Rhodes, the bay found toward the south of Faliraki is the place to go if you want an all-over tan. This Blue Flag beach offers a number of facilities, such as sun bed and shade hire, showers, toilets and a restaurant which serves food and drinks throughout the day. Although the sea is very calm, there are some rocks on the seabed, making protective footwear necessary.