Rhodes, the Island of the Knights, is, not fortuitously, the country’s most popular destination. It features numerous interesting attractions, the biggest of all being the Old Town, a place of special character. Beyond the capital, Rhodes offers magical locations and superb beaches, the majority of these sandy with warm waters. Virtually all the beaches on the island are serviced with sunbeds, beach umbrellas and beach bars. We have chosen the top five.
Prasonisi
This is one of Greece’s most ideal and scenic spots for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Situated at the southern edge of the island, this islet, occasionally also a peninsula, is linked to Rhodes by a narrow strip of land that is covered in the winter when water levels are high and remains uncovered in summer. If you are a water sports enthusiast, the spot, besides windsurfing and kitesurfing, also offers wakeboard and jet ski options. The narrow strip of land is covered with fine sand. If the weather is gusty on one side, you can choose the other. Canteens serving coffee and snacks are situated close to the beach.
Traganou
A favourite spot for locals, Traganou, one of the island’s few beaches covered with pebbles instead of sand, is located between Afantou and Faliraki. Its waters are crystal-clean and deepen abruptly. A beach bar with umbrellas and sunbeds is situated close to the middle of the beach, while, further to the left, you can lay out your own towel. On the left edge, interesting sea caves can be explored. The water’s salt concentration is very high at the caves, which, it is said, were salt-gathering spots for locals in the past.
Anthony Quinn
Upon reaching the bay named after the Mexican-American actor Anthony Quinn, located slightly beyond Faliraki, it becomes instantly apparent why Quinn fell in love with this spot when he was on Rhodes back in 1961 for the filming of “The Guns of Navarone”. The turquoise water and rock formations surrounding the beach create a magical setting, nowadays attracting numerous visitors. The beach is serviced with umbrellas, sunbeds and a beach bar. If here in August, arriving early in the morning is advisable.
Tsabika
A wide beach with fine golden sand and shallow waters, Tsabika is ideal for children. It is lined with cafes and many tavernas. The greatest part of this beach is filled with sunbeds and umbrellas, but a free section exists to the right. At the back, large sand dunes give the location a desert feel. The beach was named after the nearby Panagia Tsabika monastery.
Kallithea
Don’t skip the opportunity to visit the Kallithea Springs, an architectural masterpiece built by the Italians in the late 1920s, during the Italian occupation of the Dodecanese islands. The springs are not open to the public but visitors may reach a small beach here through a pebble-surfaced route with water fountains. Many sun umbrellas and sunbeds are available for hire to the side, an ideal spot for swimming in full-blue waters.
