Rhodes, the largest island of Greece’s Dodecanese archipelago, also known as the “Knights’ Island,” has lovely beach resorts, as well as ancient ruins and beautiful historical buildings to explore.
The idyllic island has many iconic buildings left from the time of its occupation by the Knights of St. John during the Crusades.
The city of Rhodes has an Old Town, featuring the famous medieval “Street of the Knights” as well as the castle-like Palace of the Grand Masters. Captured by the Ottomans and then held by the Italians, the palace is now a history museum.
The Old Town truly creates the illusion that you have traveled back to the age of the medieval knights, with its medieval castle, stone-paved alleys, and strong walls, creating a unique atmosphere.
The fairy tale castles, as well as the nightlife, the friendliness of the local people, and its lovely beaches make Rhodes a popular destination for vacationers.
We have compiled a list of the top ten beaches on Rhodes, according to TripAdvisor, the well-known travel review company. However, feel free to visit and judge for yourself which is the most enchanting.
Agathi
Agathi is a small sandy beach which lies on a scenic cove, close to the Medieval castle of Faraklos and Haraki Beach, located 10 kilometers (six miles) north of Lindos village and 38 km (24 miles) southeast of Rhodes City.
The beautiful scenery of this area is complemented by rose-gold sands and turquoise waters. The beach offers sun beds, showers, and umbrellas, as well as three canteens that offer refreshments and snacks.
Kallithea
Found 8 km (five miles) south of Rhodes town, Kallithea Beach is well known for its hot medicinal springs, which were exploited by the Italians but are no longer functional.
It is a truly breathtaking place, with beautifully-renovated buildings set among pine and palm trees, and there are Arabic-inspired mosaics at the springs.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Located 20 km (12 miles) south of Rhodes Town, this well-known beach was named after the lead actor of the film The Guns of Navarone, which was shot there. The original name of the beach was Vagies.
The beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful on the island and is the calmest beach on Rhodes. It is a rather narrow beach, with a combination of rocks, sand, and pebbles.
Ladiko
Located on a lovely bay 2 km (1.2 miles) from Faliraki village and 20km (12 miles) south of Rhodes Town, Ladiko is a small, pocket beach, featuring a small scenic cove chichis a delight to the eye as well as a calm respite on windy days.
The seashore has fine clean sand, although some small rocks are scattered around, which provide visual interest and make the area even more scenic. There are ample beach facilities, and the beach is surrounded by lush vegetation.
Ladiko Beach. Source: Wikipedia
Faliraki Beach
Found 10 km (6.2 miles) away from the airport and 16 km south of the Rhodes Town, Faliraki offers a well-organized beach which is covered with multiple colorful umbrellas and sun loungers. Plenty of restaurants, tavernas, and beach bars from which to choose can be found nearby.
The beach offers you water sports, including wind surfing and water skiing. The golden sand of the beach combines perfectly with the turquoise waters of the Aegean sea, which makes for attractive and relaxing scenery.
Afandou Beach
Located 19 km (12 miles) south of Rhodes town, Afandou is very long, spacious beach. A village of the same name is arrayed in a crescent around the bay. Afandou has pebbles and sand and includes many rental facilities and fish tavernas.
The clear, sparkling waters remain fresh even during the hottest summer days, offering an ideal swim for visitors. This beach is also a favorite of windsurfers.
Agios Pavlos Beach
The little bay of Agios Pavlos (Saint Paul), located close to the ancient acropolis of Lindos, lies 48 km (30 miles) south of Rhodes town. The beach features golden sand, pebbles, and plenty of sunbeds from which to choose.
The beach was named after the white chapel which stands on the beach. The chapel is dedicated to Saint Paul, who came to Greece and preached Christianity in the year 43 AD.
Pefkos Beach
Pefkos Beach consists of pebbles and soft, golden sand. A number of rocky coves, with ideal shallow-water swimming spots, can be found at the very end of the beach.
Many shops, bars, and tavernas, can also be found there. Indulge in a variety of fresh sea food by visiting any of the waterfront tavernas.
Haraki Beach
Located 36 km (22 miles) of Rhodes town, Haraki is a very quiet beach with crystal clear waters ideal for water sports such as scuba diving. The cove provides a lovely landscape, and the neighboring beaches such as Agia Agathi and Kokkini Ammos have idyllic water in which to swim, as well as rocks and caves to explore.
Haraki has an archaeological story as well. The castle of Feraklos can be found on the left side of the beach. This castle was the first fortress on the island that was used as a base of operations by Aegean pirates.
Kalathos
Found 65 km (40 miles) from the airport, and 50 km south east of Rhodes City, Kalathos Beach offers soft, golden sands with crystalline waters.
Bamboo umbrellas and wooden sun beds may be had for just a few euros. Some accommodations are available near the beach, while more can be found in the village of Kalathos itself.