Chapter 1 of 8
Where is Kalathos Beach?
Kalathos Beach stretches along the southeast coast of Rhodes. It’s very much in the orbit of Lindos, which is only about 7 km or a 10-minute drive to the south. From Rhodes Town, it's a longer trip of around 50 km.
Because of its location, it’s an easy beach to visit if you're staying in Lindos, Pefkos, or Vlycha. It's also a great, relaxing stop if you're exploring this side of the island by car and need a break from the more crowded tourist hotspots. You can't miss it on the main coastal road.
Chapter 2 of 8
What is the beach itself like?
The first thing that strikes you about Kalathos is its scale. This isn't a cosy cove; it’s a massive, open bay with a seemingly endless shoreline against a backdrop of dusty hills. The water is typically Aegean—crystal clear and inviting.
A shoreline of sand and pebbles
Let's be clear: this is not a pure, soft-sand beach. The shoreline is a mix of coarse sand and small, smooth pebbles. The texture changes as you walk along, but you should generally expect a pebbly feel, especially right at the water's edge. For me, this is a 'bring your beach shoes' kind of place, as it makes walking into the sea much more comfortable. If you’re dreaming of powder-soft sand between your toes, I’d probably point you towards Agia Agathi instead.
Four kilometres of space
The beach's length is its superpower. Even on the busiest day in August, you can find a quiet spot. The areas around the sunbeds and tavernas naturally draw more people, but if you walk just a few hundred metres in either direction, the crowds thin out dramatically. This is why I like it so much—it’s a beach where you can hear the sound of the waves without a constant buzz of conversation in the background.
Chapter 3 of 8
Is Kalathos the right beach for you?
I’d come to Kalathos for a relaxed, uncomplicated beach day. It's the perfect place to switch off, listen to some music, and enjoy a good swim in beautiful, clear water. It appeals to people who value space and a natural setting over a polished resort scene.
Who will love it
- Couples or solo travellers looking for a quiet day.
- Anyone who feels claustrophobic on packed beaches.
- Confident swimmers who enjoy deep, clear water.
- Visitors who have a car and want to find an easy, accessible beach with plenty of parking.
Who might prefer another beach
- Families with toddlers who need shallow water and soft sand for digging.
- Travellers looking for a lively atmosphere with beach bars and music.
- Anyone who dislikes pebbles and wants a pure sand experience.
- People relying on public transport who don't want a walk from the bus stop to the beach.
Chapter 4 of 8
What facilities will you find?
Kalathos strikes a good balance between being organised and feeling wild. You won't find sunbeds lining all four kilometres, and that’s a good thing. Instead, there are a few distinct organised sections where you can rent a pair of loungers and an umbrella for the day. These are easy to spot as you drive along the coast road.
If you want a sunbed, just head to one of these spots when you arrive. Prices are fairly standard for Rhodes, but it's always worth asking the operator before you get settled. Outside of these areas, the beach is completely open, so you're free to lay your towel wherever you like. There are no public showers or changing rooms that I'm aware of, so expect a simple setup.
Chapter 5 of 8
Food, drinks, and water sports
There are a handful of small, traditional tavernas and simpler canteens at Kalathos, usually located right on the beach near the organised sections. Don't expect high-end dining; this is the place for a classic Greek salad, some fries, and a cold Mythos beer. They are perfect for a casual, sandy-toed lunch without having to pack up and leave the beach.
For activities, you’ll usually find at least one water sports operator on the beach offering things like jet skis and inflatable rides. The offerings can vary, so if your heart is set on a specific activity, it's best to see what's available on the day. My advice is to treat these as a fun extra rather than the main reason for your visit.
Chapter 6 of 8
How to get to Kalathos Beach
By far the easiest way to get to Kalathos is with your own transport. Renting a car gives you the freedom to drive along the access road that runs behind the beach and choose the perfect spot. There’s plenty of informal parking all along the shoreline, so you can usually park just metres from where you decide to set up.
If you're relying on public transport, buses running between Rhodes Town and Lindos pass by Kalathos. You can check the latest timetables in our Rhodes Bus Guide. Be prepared for a bit of a walk from the main road down to the shore, which can be hot in the middle of the day, especially when carrying beach gear.
Chapter 7 of 8
Swimming, safety, and access
The sea at Kalathos is wonderfully clear and refreshing, but it's important to know that the seabed shelves quite steeply. Just a few steps in and the water gets deep quickly. This is fantastic if you're a keen swimmer who loves having deep water to swim in, but it means you need to be extra vigilant if you have children with you.
Personally, I wouldn't choose this as my primary beach for toddlers or nervous swimmers. For little ones, the quick drop-off and pebbly entry can be challenging. For everyone else, it’s a delight. As always, take a moment to judge the waves on the day you visit; while it’s often calm, a windy day can bring some chop.
In terms of accessibility, the flat parking areas behind the beach make it relatively easy to get close to the shore by car. However, moving from the car park across the sand and pebbles to the water could be difficult for anyone with mobility issues. There are no dedicated accessibility ramps or equipment.
Chapter 8 of 8
What's nearby?
One of the best things about Kalathos is its proximity to some of the island's top sights and other great beaches. The main attraction, of course, is Lindos, with its spectacular Acropolis and charming white-washed village. It's just a 10-minute drive away and a must-see.
If you want to do some beach-hopping, Vlycha Beach is a large, sandy bay just to the south and is very popular with families. A little further on, you could visit the beautiful sandy cove of Agia Agathi or the lovely pebble beachfront and castle ruins at Haraki. You have plenty of fantastic options for the rest of your day. If you're still deciding which beach suits you, start with my Rhodes beaches guide.
Book transport for your Kalathos beach day
transfersFrequently asked questions
Where is Kalathos Beach in Rhodes?
You'll find it on the southeast coast of Rhodes, just a 10-minute drive north of Lindos. It's about 50 km from Rhodes Town.
Is Kalathos Beach sandy or pebbly?
It's a mix of both. There's plenty of sand, but it's mixed with small, smooth pebbles, especially at the water's edge. I'd recommend bringing beach shoes.
How long is Kalathos Beach?
It's huge – about four kilometres long. This means you can almost always find a quiet spot to yourself, even in summer.
Is Kalathos Beach crowded?
Generally, no. Because it's so long, it never feels packed. The areas with sunbeds can be busier, but there are vast stretches where you'll have plenty of space.
Does Kalathos Beach have sunbeds?
Yes, there are organised sections with sun loungers and umbrellas for rent. These are clustered in certain spots, leaving most of the beach natural and open.
Can you get food at Kalathos Beach?
Yes, there are a few small tavernas and canteens dotted along the beach, usually near the organised sections. They're great for a simple lunch or a cold drink.
Are there water sports at Kalathos Beach?
Water sports are usually available. It's best to check on the day what's running, as the operators and activities can change.
Is Kalathos Beach good for young children?
I'd say it's better for families with older children or confident swimmers. The water gets deep quite quickly and the pebble shoreline can be tricky for toddlers.
How do I get to Kalathos Beach?
A car is the easiest way, giving you the freedom to choose your spot along the 4km shoreline. Buses run along the main road, but you may have a short walk to the beach itself.
Which nearby beaches are worth visiting?
Vlycha Beach is just around the corner and very popular. For a beautiful sandy cove, try Agathi Beach, or for a charming village feel, Haraki Beach is a short drive away.