Best Rhodes Beaches and Day Trips from the Cruise Port
Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting my work!
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my full disclosure here.
Rhodes is one of those islands that stays with you.
I first came here on a longer holiday, using Rhodes Town as my base, and later visited again on a cruise stop with just one day to explore. Both times, I found that the island has so much more to offer beyond the Old Town.
If your ship docks in Rhodes, the medieval city is right next to the port and easy to explore on foot (I cover that in detail in my Rhodes Cruise Port Guide).
But if you’ve already explored the Old Town and want to get further out, there are plenty of Rhodes beaches and day trips you can enjoy even with limited time.
This guide covers the best beaches and day trips from the Rhodes cruise port, perfect if you want to see more of the island in just one day.
Best Rhodes Beaches Near the Cruise Port
Rhodes is famous for its beaches, and the good news is that some of them are close enough to visit even if you’re here on a cruise stop. Here are the best options:
🏖️ Elli Beach
This is the main beach in Rhodes Town, just a 15-minute walk from the port.
It’s wide, lively, and packed with amenities: beach bars, chair and umbrella rentals, showers, restrooms, and supermarkets nearby.
The beach itself is a mix of sand and pebbles with crystal-clear water. A fun highlight is the concrete trampoline set in the sea, with three diving platforms for those who want a little adventure.
During my longer stay, this was our go-to spot. We often rented sunbeds at Elli Beach Club — back then, it was around €30 for three loungers and an umbrella, with towels and bottled water included.
Prices have probably changed since, and there are also cheaper options and other clubs along the beach.
✅ Cruise note: Elli Beach is the easiest choice if you want a relaxed beach day without leaving town.
🌊 Rhodes Beach Excursions
If you’d like to visit Rhodes beaches on a tour instead of arranging transport yourself, check options on Viator or GetYourGuide — my favorite platforms for booking reliable excursions.
🏖️ Faliraki Beach
Faliraki is one of the largest resorts on Rhodes, about 20 minutes from Rhodes Town (13 km/8 miles).
The area has over 5 km of Blue Flag golden sand, backed by hotels, beach bars, shops, and plenty of facilities. It’s lively and often busy, but there’s no shortage of space.
The wider Faliraki area also includes smaller bays and beaches such as Traganou, Kathara, and even the nudist-friendly Mandomata Beach.
At its southern end lies Anthony Quinn Bay, while inland you’ll find the largest water park in Greece — a big draw for families.
I only passed through Faliraki and didn’t stay here, but it’s often recommended as one of the best spots for those who want a mix of beach time, activities, and nightlife.
✅ Cruise note: Easy to reach from the port by taxi or bus. A good option if you want more variety and space than Elli Beach, but don’t want to travel too far.
👉 Book the Faliraki Waterpark admission ticket
🏖️ Anthony Quinn Bay
Anthony Quinn Bay is one of the most scenic beaches on Rhodes, named after the actor who bought land here while filming The Guns of Navarone.
It’s about a 30-minute drive (19 km/12 miles) from Rhodes Town, tucked into a small cove surrounded by pine trees and rocky cliffs.
The beach itself is narrow and pebbly, with emerald-green water that’s ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Water shoes are a good idea because of the sharp rocks.
Despite its size, you’ll find sunbed rentals, kayaks, paddleboats, and even a restaurant above the bay with stunning views.
It can get very crowded in July and August, so the best times to visit are early morning or late afternoon.
If you like hiking, the cliffs around the bay are spectacular — just be cautious, as the trails are not fenced.
When I walked up, the views of the surrounding coastline completely stole the show!
✅ Cruise note: Reachable by taxi or tour in about 30 minutes. Possible on a cruise stop, but keep in mind the small size and popularity, so plan carefully if you want to fit in other sights the same day.
🏖️ Tsambika Beach
Tsambika is one of the most beautiful beaches on Rhodes, a long stretch of golden sand about 40 minutes from Rhodes Town (30 km/19 miles).
The water is shallow and warm, making it great for families, and the beach is wide enough to never feel too crowded. There are plenty of clubs, sunbeds, water sports, and easy parking.
Above the beach stands the Monastery of Panagia Tsambika, reached by climbing 298 steps. This centuries-old sanctuary is important in the Orthodox tradition, especially for women praying for fertility.
The climb is steep, but the views from the top are absolutely spectacular — one of my personal highlights in Rhodes!
✅ Cruise note: Tsambika can be visited on a cruise stop, but you’ll need to go by taxi, rental car, or an organized excursion from the port.
Plan for at least two hours just for the round-trip transfers. If you decide to go, bring water for the climb and dress appropriately to enter the monastery.
🏖️ Ladiko Bay
Just a five-minute walk from Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko is a smaller but equally beautiful beach — in fact, I liked it even more.
The water is crystal clear, great for swimming and snorkeling, and the sandy shore makes it a comfortable spot to spend a few hours.
There are sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, plus showers, restrooms, free parking, and even a small restaurant nearby.
When I visited with friends, we combined it with Anthony Quinn Bay since both can easily be done without moving the car.
✅ Cruise note: If you’re heading out to Anthony Quinn Bay, it’s worth planning a quick stop at Ladiko too — the two beaches are so close that you can enjoy both in the same visit.
🏖️ Prasonisi Beach
At the southernmost tip of Rhodes, about a 1.5-hour drive from Rhodes Town (90 km/56 miles), lies Prasonisi, one of the island’s most unique and scenic spots.
It’s a small islet that, at low tide, connects to Rhodes, creating two sandy beaches: a windy western side and a calmer eastern one.
The beach is famous for surfing, kiteboarding, and windsurfing, and you’ll often see dozens of surfers out on the waves.
On the calmer side, you’ll find sunbeds and umbrellas for swimming, while the shallow, crystal-clear waters are also good for kids and non-swimmers.
Around the area are surf schools, cafés, and restaurants, and there’s plenty of free parking near the beach.
✅ Cruise note: Prasonisi is too far for most cruise stops (about 3 hours round trip just in transfers), but it’s a spectacular destination if you’re staying longer on the island.
Best Rhodes Day Trips from the Cruise Port
If you have time to go beyond Rhodes Town and decide to skip the beach, there are some great day trips worth doing.
From ancient ruins to mountain villages and nature spots, many of these places can be reached in under an hour, so they work even if you’re here just for the day on a cruise.
🚗 Planning to explore Rhodes by car? Don’t miss my full Rhodes 3-Day Itinerary with maps, routes, and tips to help you plan your trip.
🏛️ Lindos
About 50 km (31 miles) south of Rhodes Town, Lindos is one of the island’s most famous sights.
The whitewashed village spreads beneath the Acropolis of Lindos, a hilltop fortress with ruins from the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St John, and Ottomans.
At the top, you’ll find the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia (300 BC) and incredible views over the coast and the village.
The village itself is a maze of narrow lanes with shops, cafés, and rooftop restaurants.
Nearby are two beautiful beaches: Lindos Beach with Pallas Beach at its end, and the smaller St. Paul’s Bay with its chapel that’s popular for weddings.
I recommend driving or taking a tour if you want to make the most of your time, as the bus can be slower.
There’s a large parking area above the village, from where it’s about a 10-minute walk into Lindos.
The climb to the Acropolis is a bit steep, but worth it for the views.
✅ Cruise note: At about an hour each way from the port, Lindos is doable on a full-day cruise stop, but will likely take most of your time. If you go, plan for at least half a day here — the Acropolis and the views are beautiful!
👉 You can also book Lindos tours and excursions here to save time and make sure you don’t miss the highlights.
💧 Kallithea Springs
Only 15 minutes from Rhodes Town (9 km/5.6 miles), Kallithea Springs combines history, architecture, and beautiful swimming spots.
The area was famous for its therapeutic springs since antiquity, and in the 1920s, the Italians rebuilt it into an elegant spa complex.
After years of closure, it has been fully restored and today it’s one of the prettiest places to visit near Rhodes.
The complex features Art Deco, Arabic, and Baroque design, with shaded courtyards, mosaics, and coves perfect for swimming.
There’s also a small beach with a bar and all the facilities you need, plus a short film and photo exhibition about its history.
✅ Cruise note: Kallithea is an easy half-day trip from the port and often included on cruise excursions. You can get there by taxi, bus, or even by boat for a swim stop.
👉 Check out Kalithea Springs tours and cruises
🦋 Butterfly Valley
About 40 minutes from Rhodes Town (27 km/17 miles), Butterfly Valley is one of the island’s most unique nature reserves.
From June to September, millions of butterflies, especially the Panaxia Quadripunctaria, gather here to breed, covering the trees in clouds of color.
The reserve is full of shaded paths, wooden bridges, ponds, and small waterfalls that create a peaceful atmosphere.
It can get crowded, but it’s still a beautiful place for a walk. Allow around 1.5 to 2 hours for a visit.
A tip from my own visit: if you’re going by car, park at the top entrance if you can. We left our car at the bottom, and only later realized we’d have to walk the whole way back up through the valley to reach the car again!
✅ Cruise note: The valley is about 40 minutes each way from the port, so it’s doable on a cruise stop if you plan carefully. Best in summer when the butterflies are in season.
👉 Explore Butterfly Valley tours and activities
🌿 Seven Springs
Seven Springs (Epta Piges) is a green oasis about 30 km (19 miles) from Rhodes Town, a 40–45 minute drive from the port.
Surrounded by pine and plane trees, it’s a popular summer retreat with a stream, small waterfalls, and of course, the seven natural springs.
The highlight here is the narrow tunnel that carries water to a lake. Visitors can walk through it barefoot or in water shoes, but it’s dark and not for everyone.
Even if you skip it, the area offers walking paths and a traditional taverna for a relaxed stop.
I didn’t visit Seven Springs myself, but it’s often recommended as a nice break from the heat and crowds.
✅ Cruise note: It can be reached in under an hour from the port and is usually best combined with another stop like Lindos or Butterfly Valley.
👉 Browse Seven Springs tour options
🏺 Kamiros Archaeological Site
On the northwest coast of Rhodes, about 50 minutes from Rhodes Town (37 km/23 miles), lies the ancient city of Kamiros.
Founded by the Dorians in the 8th century BC, it was one of the island’s three great cities along with Lindos and Ialyssos.
The city was built on three levels: the Acropolis at the top, residential streets on the middle terrace, and temples and public spaces on the lower level.
Two earthquakes eventually destroyed it, but the ruins are still impressive and the setting, overlooking the Aegean, is beautiful.
The site is easy to reach by car along the west coast road.
✅ Cruise note: At nearly an hour each way from the port, Kamiros is best for a longer stop in Rhodes. Possible on a cruise if you skip other major sights, but most suited for travelers staying on the island.
🏰 Kritinia Castle
About an hour from Rhodes Town (46 km/28.5 miles) and just 15 minutes south of Kamiros, Kritinia Castle is worth combining with a visit to the archaeological site if you’re exploring the west coast by car.
Built by the Knights of St John in 1472, the castle stands 130 meters above the village of Kritinia and overlooks the sea, with views stretching toward Halki, Alimia, and even the Turkish coast.
The ruins are free to enter, and although the climb isn’t too demanding, you’ll want to be careful, as some areas aren’t fenced.
What I loved most about Kritinia were the panoramic views — bring your camera, because the scenery is spectacular! There’s also a small free parking area at the entrance.
✅ Cruise note: At about an hour each way, Kritinia is a bit too far for most cruise stops unless you rent a car and dedicate the whole day to the west coast. It’s best suited for longer stays on the island.
🏰 Monolithos Castle
On the southwest coast of Rhodes, Monolithos Castle is about 1.5 hours from Rhodes Town (72 km/45 miles) and 30–40 minutes from Kritinia Castle.
Built by the Knights of St John in 1480, it stands on a 300-foot rock — “Monolithos” means “The Lonely Rock.”
To reach the castle, you’ll park below and climb a steep staircase that takes about 5–10 minutes.
At the top, you’ll find the ruins and a small white chapel of Agios Panteleimon from the 15th century. Another medieval chapel, Agios Georgios, is mostly in ruins.
The real highlight here is the view — absolutely breathtaking in every direction. If you want the best photo of the rock and the white chapel, stop on the road before you reach the castle.
✅ Cruise note: At over 1.5 hours from the port, Monolithos is not realistic on a cruise stop unless you rent a car and dedicate the whole day to the west coast. Best suited for a longer stay in Rhodes.
🏝️ Symi Island
A boat trip to Symi is one of the most popular excursions from Rhodes. The ride takes about 1 hour 20 minutes from Mandraki Marina, where you’ll find plenty of day tours and ferries.
Symi is famous for its colorful neoclassical houses, the 15th-century Panormitis Monastery, and its small bays with turquoise water.
Boats usually stop at the monastery before heading to Symi Town, where you can stroll the seafront promenade, climb up for panoramic views, or relax in a café by the harbor.
✅ Cruise note: Symi is a full-day trip and not realistic on a short cruise stop in Rhodes, but it’s highly recommended if you’re staying longer on the island.
FAQ about Rhodes Beaches and Day Trips
❓What are the best beaches near Rhodes cruise port?
Elli Beach is the closest — you can walk there in 15 minutes from the ship. If you have more time, Faliraki and Anthony Quinn Bay are also popular choices within a short drive.
❓Can you visit Lindos on a cruise stop?
Yes, but allow at least an hour each way from the port. If your ship stays in Rhodes for a full day, the Acropolis of Lindos and the village are well worth the trip.
❓Is Butterfly Valley worth visiting on a cruise stop?
It depends on your schedule. The valley is about 40 minutes from the port and is best from June to September, when the butterflies are in season.
❓What’s the best day trip from Rhodes if you’re staying longer?
A boat trip to Symi Island is one of the top excursions. The colorful harbor town, monasteries, and bays make it a fantastic full-day trip.
Final Thoughts
Rhodes is an island that has it all, from beaches, history, nature, and nearby islands you can reach on a day trip.
Whether you’re here for just a few hours on a cruise or staying longer, this guide to Rhodes beaches and day trips will help you discover the best of the island.
👉 You might also like:
- Rhodes 3 Day Itinerary by Car (Day 1 Cruise-Friendly Option)
- Rhodes Cruise Port Guide + 10 Best Things to Do in Rhodes Town
- 7 Great Rhodes Restaurants That I Highly Recommend
You may also like our cruise port guides to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Middle East, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand
This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my disclaimer here.
I read your blog, I think you describe every aspect of Greece. Good work. Keep it up