Beyond its historical sites - spanning from the 16th-century BC Minoans to the 20th-century Italian occupation - Rhodes is famed for its beaches. As the largest of Greece’s Dodecanese islands, the "Island of the Sun" (so nicknamed thanks to its patron sun God, Helios) has no shortage of pristine coastline, meaning there is stiff competition for a place among this prestigious list. Here at Plum Guide, we're on hand to help you plan a stellar beach day, whether you’re hoping to lie back with a good book, take the kids paddling or try your hand at kitesurfing. We are the travel experts after all. So without further ado, here are the best beaches in Rhodes.

• Anthony Quinn Bay

• St Paul’s Bay

• Tsambika Beach

• Prasonisi

• Lindos Beach

• Ialyssos Beach and Ixia Beach

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While filming The Guns of Navarone, famous Mexican actor Anthony Quinn fell in love with this slice of Rhodes, later purchasing land in the hopes of developing a global centre for filmmakers and artists. Though his plan didn’t come to fruition, the name has stuck since the 60s. Today, visitors flock to swim in the secluded bay’s emerald and lagoon-esque waters, which owe their colour to the pine trees that line the shore. Due to the petite size of this enchanting but narrow stretch of sand and rock, we recommend arriving early to secure your sun lounger, and get prime position to enjoy some of the island’s best snorkelling - and a snack at the chic Kounna beach bar, of course. Better yet, enjoy a beer - thanks to the bus service from Rhodes Town, you needn’t worry about driving.

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They say that good things come in small packages, and St Paul’s Bay (Agios Pavlos) is a case in point. This charming cove is set on the edge of the historic village of Lindos, and features two sheltered beaches equipped with sun loungers, umbrellas, toilets, and a cafe. So called because St Paul, as the story goes, landed here in the year 51 AD, St Paul’s Bay now has a postcard-perfect church built onto its hillside - an exceedingly popular wedding location, and excellent viewpoint. Head into the calm waters to experience top-class snorkelling, but be sure to take your eyes off the marine life for a second to look up and admire the ruins of the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. Regular buses run from Rhodes Town to Lindos, with St Paul’s Bay a short walk away.

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When it comes to the best beaches in Rhodes, Tsambika is a shoo-in. Golden sands, clear turquoise waters, and a dramatic landscape - need we say more? If that wasn’t enough, this expansive bay is family friendly with paddle-perfect shallows, lined with tavernas and bars, and equipped with plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas. Water sports enthusiasts can set out on a kayaking adventure or take to the skies parasailing, while there is also an inflatable water park for children. Sandwiched between two rocky headlands, the bay is home to the hilltop Tsambika Monastery, a Byzantine church that is home to a revered icon of the Virgin Mary. If renting a car isn’t part of your holiday plan, local buses also run here.

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If your dream holiday is a little more high octane than kicking back with a cocktail in hand, make a beeline for Rhodes’s southernmost point: Prasonisi. During the summer months, the small islet of Prasonisi (meaning ‘green island’ in Greek) is linked to Rhodes by a spit of golden sand, creating two beaches. It’s here that the Mediterranean and Aegean meet, with sheltered conditions on the eastern side, and altogether rougher days on the western side. It’s thanks to this wind that Prasonisi is renowned for windsurfing and kitesurfing, with the bars and tavernas overlooking the beach also reflecting the laid back surfer vibe. If you’d rather simply watch the thrillseekers, there’s no shortage of sun loungers on offer - relax here before heading to the Prasonisi Lighthouse for sunset views, or check out the nearby ancient ruins at Vroulia.

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No guide to the best beaches in Rhodes would be complete without mentioning Lindos Beach - a sheltered sandy bay overlooked by the impressive Lindos Acropolis, and one of the island’s most accessible and well-organised beaches. Strictly speaking, Lindos is made up of two beaches: the main beach, and the quieter Pallas Beach. Whichever you opt for, you’ll find plenty of sun loungers, choices for eating and drinking, and shallow waters ideal for young children. To admire the bay from the water, rent a pedalo, paddle board, or kayak from Lindos Seasports, towards the northern end of the main beach.

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Thanks to the meltemi - the strong, dry, northerly Aegean wind - the northwestern coast of Rhodes is a windsurfer's paradise. Here we find the adjacent beaches of Ialyssos and Ixia, both of which enjoy near constant winds and are made up of pristine white pebbles. If you’re not into water sports, fear not: many visitors simply come here to channel their inner child and jump in the waves. The atmosphere at Ialyssos and Ixia strikes the perfect balance between lively and laidback, with dozens of restaurants and bars to choose from - whether you’re in the mood for traditional taverna fare or cocktails.

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