Beaches on the Northeast Coast

The northeast coast of Rhodes is home to some of the island’s most popular and varied beaches. This is the part of Rhodes where you will find Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Kolymbia and several of the island’s best-known beaches.

The coastline offers a good mix of lively resort beaches, family-friendly holiday areas, small rocky coves and long stretches of golden sand. Some beaches are fully organised with sunbeds, restaurants and water sports, while others feel more natural and scenic.

Beaches in Rhodes Town

Rhodes Town has several beaches within easy reach of the historic centre, hotels, restaurants and harbour area. The best-known beach is Elli beach, located at the northern tip of the town. It is a lively and well-organised beach with clear water, sunbeds, beach bars and a very central location.

Southeast of the old town, Zephyros Beach has a more local and relaxed atmosphere. It is not as famous as Elli, but it is a good choice for visitors staying nearby who want a quieter day at the beach.

Further south, Kalithea offers some of the most attractive bathing spots close to the capital, and this area is one of our favourite spots on Rhodes. Kalithea beach is known for its clear water and rocky surroundings, while Kalithea Springs is one of the most picturesque places on the island. The restored spa buildings, elegant architecture and small bathing areas make it much more than just a beach.

Faliraki and nearby beaches

Faliraki is the largest beach resort on Rhodes and one of the most popular places for a classic beach holiday. The main beach is long, sandy and very well organised, with plenty of sunbeds, restaurants, beach bars and water sports. The water is usually calm and shallow near the shore, which also makes Faliraki beach popular with families.

Just south of the main beach, Kathara beach offers a quieter alternative. It is still close to Faliraki, but the atmosphere is more relaxed, and the beach is smaller and less busy than the main resort beach. There are several restaurants and tavernas close by.

A little further along the coast are two of the most scenic beaches in this part of Rhodes: Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Bay. Both beaches are surrounded by rocks and green hillsides, and the water is beautifully clear. Anthony Quinn Bay is especially famous and can be very busy in high season. Many visitors are not aware that the small beach of Plaka is located between the two bays, offering an often less crowded alternative.

Kolymbia, Afandou and beaches further south

South of Faliraki, the coastline becomes a little quieter, although it still has several well-known holiday areas. Kolymbia is the main resort in this part of Rhodes and is a popular choice for families and couples who want a more relaxed atmosphere than Faliraki.

The beaches around Kolymbia are well organised and easy to reach from the hotels in the resort. The beaches are a mixture of sand and pebbles, with clear water and views towards the surrounding hills. It is not as lively as Faliraki, but that is part of its appeal.

North of Kolymbia, Afandou beach is one of the longest beaches on Rhodes. There is almost always plenty of space, even in summer, and the atmosphere is generally calm. The beach is partly organised, but it still feels open and far less crowded than many of the beaches closer to Rhodes Town.

Further south, Stegna and Haraki are smaller seaside villages with a more traditional feel. Stegna beach lies below the village of Archangelos and has a relaxed local atmosphere with tavernas close to the water. Haraki is a small and charming bay with a calm beachfront, restaurants and views towards the ruins of Feraklos Castle.

Natural beaches on the east coast of Rhodes

Some of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast of Rhodes are the more natural beaches south of the main resort areas. Tsambika beach is one of the best examples and a place we return to again and again. It is a wide sandy beach set below the hilltop monastery of Tsambika, with shallow water, soft sand and dramatic scenery behind the beach.

Agathi beach is another favourite for visitors looking for golden sand and calm, clear water. The beach is smaller than Tsambika, but it has a warm and sheltered feel, making it especially popular with families. Grande Blue beach is more hidden and less developed than the major resort beaches. It is a scenic spot with clear water and a more peaceful atmosphere, suited to visitors who prefer a beach that feels a little away from the main tourist areas.

Mandomata beach is located close to Faliraki and is best known as the main naturist beach on Rhodes. It is a small, relaxed beach in a natural setting with a peaceful and laid-back atmosphere.