Rhodes beaches by boat: a sailing guide

When you think of Greece you might think of islands like Mykonos, Crete, or Santorini, but a trip to Greece is incomplete without a stop at Rhodes. Rhodes, Greece is the largest of the Dodecanese islands and the fourth largest in the country. What makes Rhodes so unique is its impressive history, blend of medieval and Greek charm, and of course its beautiful beaches. It’s located just a few short miles off the coast of Turkey, on the southern Aegean Sea. Because of its mild climate year-round, it’s the perfect place for a sailing holiday. When you dock your boat and set foot on the island, you’ll notice the abundant greenery decorating the landscape like dense forests and cypress trees, making Rhodes a nature lover’s paradise. 

With Click&Boat you can set sail and discover the best of Rhodes, one of the most fascinating Greek islands and home to some of the most stunning beaches in the country!

The best Rhodes beaches for sailing

Ladiko

If you’re looking for a cosy, cosmopolitan beach in Rhodes, you can’t go wrong with a trip to Ladiko. It is a great place to start your exploration of Rhodes beaches. It offers the perfect balance between relaxation and fun in the sun. If you’d like to rest, you can sunbathe on the soft sand or on a hired sunbed.

However, if you’re keen to do something a bit more active, you don’t have to go very far. Ladiko is a cute little cove where you can swim and snorkel, and it has a centre for water-sports activities. However, most tourists that frequent this beach enjoy out-of-water activities; Ladiko is known as one of the best places on the island for rock climbing! Amenities on the beach also include parasols, freshwater showers, and tavernas to grab a bite to eat. It’s also close to other popular beaches that you can get to by boat or on foot. 

Anthony Quinn Bay

Next on our journey, you’ll find Anthony Quinn Bay, which many consider one of the most charming Rhodes beaches. It’s located on the eastern side of the island, only 1.3 nautical miles away from Ladiko. Anthony Quinn is one of the smaller beaches on the island and is relatively secluded. It’s the perfect place to relax away from the crowds that gather at bigger beaches like Faliraki, which is only a few minutes away. One of the things this beach is famous for is its stunning natural beauty, which has been largely preserved. This is because there are no bars or restaurants, minimising human interference. If you’re feeling hungry, you can go to the top of the staircase. There, you will find a small beach bar for drinks and snacks. The fabulous view of the bay doesn’t hurt either!

When you get to the beach, you can dock your boat in the bay. Spend the day enjoying the crystal clear, turquoise water surrounded by steep cliffs and tall pines. The terrain includes a combination of sand and pebbles, and the seabed can be a bit rocky, so be careful when swimming. You can also rent scuba diving and snorkelling gear. You will get a better glimpse of the underwater rock structures and the schools of fish that swim through them. When you’re done exploring the cove, you can also rent sunbeds and parasols to relax on land.

Kallithea Springs

This next beach is one of the most beloved by locals. You can get there relatively easily from Anthony Quinn Bay, as it is only 4.8nm away by boat. Kallithea is a natural thermal spa by the sea which was built by the Italians back when they ruled the island in the 1920s. According to legend, the waters there had healing powers. In fact, it wasn’t uncommon for physicians to use the waters as a natural remedy to cure ailments. Though the water there has dried up, you can still visit the spa and marvel at dome-shaped pavilions and archways. 

After visiting the spa, explore the rest of the area. The land consists of a series of small creeks sandwiched between emerald green pines. Like other beaches in the area, you will find rock formations and caves to explore. Because the water here is especially deep, it is a popular place for diving. 

Symi

If you’re looking for a day trip away from Rhodes or if you have some time after visiting Kallithea, Symi is the place to go. It is about 1.5-2 hours away by boat or 1 hour by speedboat, departing from the Port of Mandraki, in Rhodes city. The route from Kallithea to Symi is about 37nm, as opposed to 33nm from Rhodes City. Therefore, if you leave from Kallithea Springs, the journey will be a bit longer.

You will arrive in the harbour town of Yialos, where you will be greeted by neoclassical buildings and brightly coloured mansions. From there, you can stroll into the Old Town and admire the island’s unique architecture. If you want to cool off, take a dip in Paradise Beach or the gorgeous cove of Sarah Beach. On the way back to Rhodes, you should stop to go swimming in St. George’s Bay to take in the vibrant sea life against the backdrop of imposing mountains. 

Other beaches in Rhodes

For more Rhodes Beaches, sail to some of these destinations:

• Tsambika Beach, where you can hike to the Tsambika Monastery.
• Faliraki Beach, where you can windsurf, waterski, and wear your birthday suit.
• Lindos Beach, where you can visit the Lindos Acropolis and see the white houses dotting the landscape.
• Elli Beach, for diving and beach volleyball.
• Prasonisi Beach, for views of the mountains and kitesurfing.

Things to do on the island

Do you want a break from the sea? Here is what you can expect from a day in Rhodes.

Stroll through the Old Town

The Old Town of Rhodes is a must-see place in Greece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of medieval architecture. When you explore its labyrinth of cobblestone streets, it can feel a bit like travelling back in time. While there, visit sights like the Palace of the Knights, the Roloi Clock Tower, and the Suleman Mosque. You can also see the churches of Agia Triada and Agia Aikaterini.

Visit the modern part of the city 

Leaving the Old Town through the fortified walls, go into the new part of the city known as Mandraki. Here you will see the iconic three Windmills of Rhodes. This is also where the famous Colossus of Rhodes once stood before an earthquake destroyed it in 226 B.C. You can also see the remnants of the Rhodes’ Acropolis.

Get your daily dose of nature at Petaloudes

If you’re visiting Rhodes, Greece between the months of June and September, you should visit “The Valley of the Butterflies”. You’ll be mesmerised by hundreds of butterflies sprinkled among the trees. Nature lovers can learn more about Rhodes’ wildlife at the Natural History Museum.

Want to learn more about Rhodes and other destinations in Greece? Check out our blog!