Best beaches with parking in Rhodes

Best beaches with parking in Rhodes

So, you’ve arrived in Rhodes, you’ve picked up your hire car (still need to sort one? No problem!) and you’re ready to explore the island’s famous beaches.

But where to start when there are more than 40 beaches to pick from? We’ve created this ultimate guide to help you make the most of your holiday by rating Rhodes’ best beaches with convenient parking on their facilities, activities, beauty and accessibility for kids.

In peak season finding parking (and a sunbed) at the popular beaches can be difficult, so this guide is meant to save you time and give you plenty of options to enjoy a great day out at the beach no matter which part of the island you’re staying in. Whether you’re a family, single sunbathers, culture vultures or thrillseekers - there’s something for everyone on this list.

North Rhodes Beaches

Faliraki Beach

Image credit: Pjotr Mahhonin, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No changes made.

Found on Rhodes’ north-east coast, Faliraki is one of the island’s most popular beaches so it gets very busy in peak season.

Where to park: there’s free parking for cars and scooters just off the beach (per RodosBeaches).
Facilities: Faliraki Beach has a huge range of facilities. There are a number of restaurants/cafes near the beach, as well as a shop, and it’s not too far to Faliraki itself which has plenty more. You’ll even find public toilets, showers and changing rooms. As you’d expect, you can easily rent sunbeds and umbrellas here.
Activities: It’s a brilliant base for activities, too. There are lots of water sports facilities, including banana boats, kayaking and jet-skiing, especially at the southern end of the beach. You’ll also find tour providers offering fishing trips and boat trips and even cruises from Faliraki Harbour to places like Rhodes Old Town, Symi and Lindos.
What kind of beach is it? Faliraki Beach is a classic sandy beach straight out of a holiday brochure with beautiful turquoise water.
Accessibility: The water is shallow so there aren’t many waves, making it child-friendly, and there are lifeguards in the summer.

Anthony Quinn Bay

Slightly further down Rhodes’ north-east coast you’ll find Anthony Quinn Bay, one of our island’s most famous beaches. It’s named after the American actor who was so besotted with it while filming The Guns of Navarone here in 1961 that he bought up the land around it. While his plans to build an international resort didn’t come to fruition, the beauty spot remains open to the public to enjoy.

Where to park: there’s a large free car park right near the beach, but be prepared: it gets very busy in peak season so finding a space might be tricky.
Facilities: Fewer than Faliraki, but you’ll still be able to rent sunbeds and parasols and there are public toilets, showers and changing huts. There’s a bar serving food and drinks too.
Activities: There’s a watersports centre offering scuba diving and snorkel hire - the crystal clear waters here make it one of the best places on the island for these activities.
What kind of beach is it? While beautiful, it’s rocky and pebbly so beach shoes are advised for swimming.
Accessibility: Less suited for children.

Elli Beach

At the very northern tip of the island is Rhodes Town’s main beach, Paralia Elli. Its proximity to the capital of the island makes it a popular choice but as well as being convenient it’s a lovely beach in its own right. After a busy day sightseeing in Rhodes Old Town, go for a dip here!

Where to park: there isn’t parking at the beach itself but you can find on-street parking close to the beach.
Facilities: Sunlounger and umbrella hire and some nice beach bars and restaurants, plus showers, toilets and changing rooms.
Activities: There are plenty of watersports available, including a diving platform, water-skiing, jet-skiing and windsurfing. Sometimes beach volleyball or tennis will be available too. You’re also very close to Rhodes Aquarium, which is worth a visit to see a wide range of sea life including rescued seals and turtles being cared for there.
What kind of beach is it? The beach is stony and pebbly, so swimming shoes are recommended.
Accessibility: The calm and clear waters and range of activities make it a suitable beach for everyone, but it can get crowded.

East Rhodes Beaches

St Paul’s Bay, Lindos

A stunning beach towered over by Lindos Acropolis, it’s named after St Paul who, it’s claimed, landed here to shelter from a storm and came ashore to spread Christianity to the locals. The bay provides a suitably dramatic backdrop for the story, and the tiny chapel overlooking the beach is now a popular wedding venue.

Where to park: there are large car parks to either side of the beach, although these are paid for (but you can sometimes book spaces online which makes things easier!) You may find a few free spaces higher up the winding coastal road, but these get snapped up quickly.
Facilities: You can hire sunbeds and umbrellas, and there are a couple of beach bars/restaurants and some toilets. It’s not too far to walk into Lindos, where you’ll find a huge range of restaurants, cafes and shops.
Activities: You’ll find boat rentals and boat trip options, and it’s a great spot for snorkeling and kayaking due to the calm waters.
What kind of beach is it? The beach is man-made, so it’s a lovely sheltered cove with golden sands.
Accessibility: While the water is calm, it’s a very steep walk down from the road above. Those with limited mobility will want to use the golf buggies which go up and down the path to the beach.

Tsambika Beach

Located just above the beautiful village of Stegna, Tsambika is a popular and busy beach that attracts drivers from all over Rhodes. Named after the nearby monastery, it’s considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

Where to park: There’s a large, free car park.
Facilities: Sunbed and umbrella hire are available, as well as toilets and showers. There’s a shop and a few restaurants/cafes too.
Activities: There’s a variety of watersports activities and sometimes even an inflatable assault course in the sea!
What kind of beach is it? Located in dramatic scenery between mountains, Tsambika is a beautiful sandy beach with a rugged backdrop.
Accessibility: Very child-friendly due to the shallow waters.

Agathi Beach

If you’re after a quieter, no-frills beach, check out Agathi near Haraki. It’s also near Feraklos Castle, a popular spot for watching the sunset.

Where to park: There’s free parking close to the beach, but arrive early in peak season to secure a good spot.
Facilities: None - and that’s part of the appeal for those who love this beach! It means the view is completely unspoilt.
Activities: It’s a great spot for snorkelling if you have your own gear but you’re unlikely to find actual activity providers.
What kind of beach is it? A sandy beach with crystal clear waters, making it a popular choice despite the comparative lack of facilities/activities.
Accessibility: The waters are shallow here too, so swimming is kid-friendly, but the lack of facilities mean families may prefer other beaches on this list.

West Rhodes Beaches

Fourni Beach

Image credit: Sylva-ae, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No changes made.

Sandy beaches are harder to come by on Rhodes’ west coast, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still some beautiful beaches to visit. Found below the small village of Monolithos, Fourni is set amongst the mountains, giving it a dramatic backdrop.

Where to park: There’s free parking right next to the beach.
Facilities: All the basics: beach cafe (not always open), sunbed hire (when the cafe’s open), showers, toilets.
Activities: Not much - but that’s why Fourni is known for its peaceful ambience! If you want to do watersports, try one of the other beaches on this list.
What kind of beach is it? Fourni is a mixture of sand and pebbles, with beautiful turquoise water.
Accessibility: As it’s pebbly and the waves are higher here than other beaches in Rhodes, Fourni is less suitable for children - so families might prefer to go elsewhere.

Kamiros Beach

Further up the west coast, Kamiros is one of the few sandy beaches on this side of the island.

Where to park: There’s free parking near the beach, and visitors report it’s easier to park here than other Rhodes beaches as Kamiros is quieter owing to its location.
Facilities: There are three restaurants and a playground for children. You’ll also find changing rooms, showers and toilets.
Activities: As with Fourni, there isn’t much in the way of activities at Kamiros. You won’t find water sports here - if you want beaches with activities on the west coast, try Paradisi, Ixia or Ialyssos instead. If you’re into history, check out the ruins of the ancient city of Kamiros nearby and travel almost 3,000 years back into history!
What kind of beach is it? Sandy with some gravel, set amid a lovely natural backdrop of flowers and trees, with clear waters.
Accessibility: Kamiros Beach is spacious and quiet, which is why rhodes-beaches.com calls it “one of the most child-friendly beaches on the west coast”.

Paradisi Beach

Further up the west coast towards Rhodes Town, Paradisi is the opposite of Fourni and Kamiros in many ways.

Where to park: There’s a small car park near the beach.
Facilities: Changing rooms and showers, some sunbeds and shade.
Activities: Paradisi is great for water sports.
What kind of beach is it? Paradisi is a pebbly beach, so swim shoes are recommended.
Accessibility: Paradisi is known for its big waves which makes it great for water sports but not so suitable for children or less strong swimmers.

South Rhodes Beaches

Prasonisi Beach

Image credit: Tomisti, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. No changes made.

One of Rhodes’ most famous beaches, Prasonisi (Greek for “green island”) is located at the very southern tip of the island. It’s a windsurfer’s dream and a peninsula that becomes an island itself at high tide, leading it to be described as “one of the most awe-inspiring beaches” all in of Greece. Located 1.5-2 hours’ drive from Rhodes Town, Prasonisi is commonly cited as one of the best reasons to hire a car in Rhodes. Check out our guide on how to drive to Prasonisi from Rhodes Town here.

Where to park: There is plenty of free parking on the road leading to the beach, and in peak season you can find more spaces further away if needed.
Facilities: A few restaurants, a small shop and sunbeds and parasols on the east side which is more suited for sunbathing.
Activities: This is the best spot on the island (and world-renowned) for windsurfing and kitesurfing, and you’ll find several surfing centres based here.
What kind of beach is it? A beautiful sandy beach with shallow water.
Accessibility: The west side is exposed and windy, while the east side is more sheltered with shallow water and soft sand, making that side more suitable for inexperienced windsurfers or children.

Gennadi Beach

Found on Rhodes’ south-east coast near Kiotari, Gennadi offers a different vibe to Prasonisi close to a charming Greek village. You won’t find activities here but it’s known for its seafood, authentic feel and luxury hotels.

Where to park: There’s free parking on the main road behind the beach, but you can also pay to park in the beach clubs’ car parks. It’s also only a 5-10 minute walk from the village of Gennadi if you’d prefer to park there and explore the village first.
Facilities: You can pay to rent sunbeds and parasols on parts of the beach, but a lot of it is untouched. The seafood restaurants nearby are known to dangle their squid by the beach which makes for a great picture!
Activities: This isn’t a beach for watersports, so head to Kiotari or Prasonisi if you’re looking for a beach with activities on the south coast.
What kind of beach is it? It’s quite stony, but has a nice setting.
Accessibility: The stones and deep water mean Gennadi is less suited to children.

Agios Georgios Beach

Last on our list but not least is a hidden secret, perfect for those seeking solitude. It’s so unknown, in fact, that locals can’t even agree on its name - it’s also called Agios Pavlos; both names refer to churches nearby which are the last landmarks on the road before you leave civilization for the hidden dirt track down to the beach.

Where to park: Taking the road from Gennadi to Kattavia, turn left just before the old Italian monastery down a dirt track lined by cypress trees. Turn left for the beach when you reach Agios Georgios church. Be warned: the access road is a bit bumpy, but ti’s worth it for the unspoilt beach at the end! There is a car park near the beach but some people park on the beach itself.
Facilities: Absolutely none - and that’s part of the appeal. Just make sure to bring your own water!
Activities: None - enjoy the peace! You’ll even see that the 1-star ratings for the beach on Tripadvisor are from locals trying to keep it a secret.
What kind of beach is it? This is a beautiful sandy beach
Accessibility: While the water is shallow, the lack of facilities mean families may want to go somewhere closer to civilization.

Having a hire car or bike allows you to experience the best of Rhodes’ beaches from all four coasts. AutoRhodes provides affordable, reliable car hire with pickup points across the island - get a quote today.