Chapter 1 of 7
A small cove with a big presence
The cliffs and rocks form a natural amphitheatre around the water. From the shore, you get that lovely combination of pine-green slopes, pale rock and a sea that shifts between turquoise and emerald. It feels enclosed and distinctive, quite different from the open beachfront around Faliraki.
The beach itself is narrow, with organised sunbeds arranged on rocky terraces overlooking the bay. There isn't a long sweep of sand where you can wander until you find an empty patch. On a busy day, people and loungers become a noticeable part of the view.
That is the trade-off here: memorable scenery, but limited room to spread out. A swim-and-relax visit plays to the bay's strengths much better than arriving with lots of beach equipment and expecting space for everyone.
For soft sand, room for beach play and a more conventional full day by the sea, Tsambika Beach is the stronger choice. Anthony Quinn Bay earns its place through its character, not by being the easiest beach for every kind of visitor.
Chapter 2 of 7
The real reason to come: swimming and snorkelling
Bring a mask. The clear water, fish around the rocks and varied underwater formations give you plenty to look at without making a long-distance swim the aim of your visit.
Visibility is often excellent on calm mornings, when you can appreciate the shapes and textures of the rocky seabed. The view beneath the surface is a big part of the appeal, so it's worth spending more of your visit in the water than on a sunbed.
Rocky, slippery entries, quickly deepening water and trickier exits in waves make this a bay for confident swimmers rather than toddlers or beginners.
For an organised snorkelling outing, the Rhodes snorkelling boat-trip guide is a useful place to compare the experience with an independent beach visit.
Chapter 3 of 7
Arrive early, or leave it until late afternoon
Aim to arrive before 09:30, especially in July and August. That gives you a better chance of finding parking and a comfortable place to settle before the cove reaches its busiest point.
The least appealing window is roughly 11:00–16:00 in peak summer, when the narrow shore feels crowded and the midday heat is strong. Sunbeds can already be taken by mid-morning.
Late afternoon is a good alternative. Crowds tend to ease after 16:00, and the softer light changes the feel of the cliffs and water. It's a lovely time for a shorter visit without the pressure of claiming a place for the whole day.
May, early June and late September offer a better balance of beach weather and smaller crowds. April is appealing for the scenery and a quieter visit, though less compelling when a long swim is the main event.
Chapter 4 of 7
Getting to the bay by road or boat
A car works well for an east-coast beach day with several stops. A taxi is simpler for a single visit from your accommodation, while a boat trip gives you a different experience altogether: a timed swim stop instead of an open-ended day on shore.
Driving and taxis
Head towards Faliraki, then follow signs for Ladiko and Anthony Quinn Bay. Set your navigation to the bay itself, not just Faliraki. Compare Rhodes car rental options when planning several coastal stops; that flexibility is less important for a single beach outing.
For a taxi, get a quote from your actual starting point and agree the return pickup place and time. Sorting out both journeys at once saves you having to arrange the return while you're still at the beach.
Using public transport
A bus serving Faliraki isn't automatically a complete journey to the bay. Use the Rhodes transport guide to establish the current service, exact stop, final walk or onward taxi, and return timetable.
The last part of the journey matters as much as the bus fare. A direct taxi is a better option when the connection leaves your group with an awkward walk or an inconvenient return.
Visiting on a boat trip
Choose a route that explicitly includes Anthony Quinn Bay when comparing Rhodes boat trips. A swim stop from a boat lets you enjoy the water without dealing with beach parking, but your time here follows the excursion schedule.
Look at the departure harbour and the time allocated to the bay as well as the overall trip length. A longer excursion doesn't necessarily mean a longer swim here.
Chapter 5 of 7
Parking above the cove and walking down
Parking is above the bay, with limited spaces. Finding somewhere to leave the car can be frustrating in summer, so allow for that rather than planning an arrival immediately before another booking.
Follow the displayed parking signs and any charges or restrictions, and leave vehicle and walking access clear. Take valuables with you instead of leaving them in the car.
From the parking area, the descent is short but rocky and uneven, with steep sections. You will need to make the same climb back after your swim, so secure footwear is more useful than loose beach sandals.
This is not a step-free beach and is a poor choice for wheelchair access or keeping a child in a pushchair throughout the approach. Nearby Ladiko has an easier approach; there is more on that pairing below.
Chapter 6 of 7
Sunbeds, the beach bar and what to pack
The sunbeds sit on different rocky levels, so comfort and shade matter as much as the view. Before paying, establish whether the price is for one bed or a two-person set and whether an umbrella is included.
There is a small beach bar, but this isn't a beachfront lined with restaurants. Bring drinking water and a snack, especially for a longer stay, and don't build your day around finding natural shade.
For a beach day centred on restaurants, beach bars and water sports, Faliraki Beach offers a much broader choice.
- A mask and snorkel to make the most of the underwater scenery.
- Water shoes for the rocky entry, plus secure footwear for the approach.
- Drinking water and a small snack.
- Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses.
- A towel for drying off and sitting on.
Chapter 7 of 7
Pair it with Ladiko, not a packed sightseeing day
Ladiko Beach is the natural second stop. A path connects the two coves, so you can see another nearby beach without turning the outing into a series of drives.
I'd swim at Anthony Quinn Bay first, then decide whether to head over. There is no need to divide your time equally between the two; staying longer at the one you're enjoying is a perfectly good plan.
For walking and coastal photography, Anthony Quinn Hill Viewpoint offers another perspective. Treat it as a separate outing, not part of the route down to the beach, and use the dedicated guide to plan the walk.
A cove, a swim and perhaps a neighbouring beach are enough for a satisfying day here. The setting deserves a little unhurried time. For more beaches nearby and ideas for beach hopping, see the complete guide to Rhodes beaches.
Book transport for your beach day
transfersFrequently asked questions
Are Anthony Quinn Beach and Anthony Quinn Bay the same place?
Yes. Both names refer to the same coastal destination near Faliraki on Rhodes.
Why is it called Anthony Quinn Bay?
The name is linked to actor Anthony Quinn, who fell in love with this part of Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone.
Is Anthony Quinn Bay suitable for toddlers or children learning to swim?
It isn't the best choice for either. Tsambika Beach is a better fit for sand play and paddling; Anthony Quinn Bay is more rewarding for children who already swim confidently and enjoy watching fish.
How much are sunbeds at Anthony Quinn Bay?
Use the displayed tariff on the day, noting whether the charge covers a single bed, a pair and an umbrella.
Do boat trips to Anthony Quinn Bay let you go onto the beach?
Not necessarily. A listed stop may mean swimming from the boat only, so choose an itinerary that specifically includes shore access when beach time matters to you.
Is Anthony Quinn Bay worth visiting without swimming?
Yes, for the coastal scenery and photographs. A shorter visit makes more sense than planning a whole day on the compact shore when you won't be spending time in the water.