Chapter 1 of 8
Is Kiotari Beach worth visiting?
Yes—especially if you're staying around Kiotari. It's a long southeast-coast beach, mainly pebbly with some mixed sand-and-pebble sections, and a good base for an unhurried beach day. It isn't a perfect powder-sand beach, but it has space and one real bonus: it's a great starting point for boat trips along the southeast coast.
Where Kiotari Beach is
Kiotari Beach lines the southeast coast of Rhodes, south of Lardos and north of Gennadi. Use the Rhodes island map to see how it sits in relation to where you're staying.
Who it suits
I'd pick Kiotari for a relaxed beach day where the beach is the point, not a packed sightseeing schedule. It's also ideal if you want to mix swimming with a boat trip or a few hours on a licence-free boat.
- Couples and friends who want space and an easy-going day by the sea.
- Anyone staying in Kiotari who wants to see the coast and Lindos from the water.
- If soft sand is your priority, Glystra Beach is the better nearby choice.
Chapter 2 of 8
What is the beach itself like?
Kiotari Beach in Kiotari on southeast Rhodes is mainly pebbly, with some stretches where sand and pebbles mix. Because the shoreline is long, the feel underfoot changes a little as you walk along it.
Pebbles, with some mixed sections
Expect pebbles in most areas. A pair of water shoes makes walking in and out much more comfortable if you don't enjoy pebbles.
Want sand instead?
If sand is what you're after, Glystra Beach is the nearest sandy alternative, between Kiotari and Lardos. If you like Kiotari's long coastline and don't mind pebbles, stay put—you'll have more room to spread out.
Chapter 3 of 8
Boat trips and boat rental from Kiotari
If you're staying in Kiotari, I'd seriously consider doing a boat trip as part of your holiday. From here you can explore the southeast coast, swim in nearby bays and see Lindos from the sea. You can spend the morning on the beach and the afternoon on the water.
Explore on your own: licence-free boat rental
If you like the idea of being your own captain, a licence-free boat lets you set your own pace along the coast, stopping at quiet bays for a swim. See the licence-free boat option to Lindos and nearby bays.
Let someone else drive: private skippered trips
If you'd rather relax while a local captain handles the boat, private skippered trips leave from Kiotari and suit couples, families and small groups. See private boat trips from Kiotari.
- Lindos from the sea: a sightseeing trip combining the coast with views of Lindos and its acropolis—see the Lindos boat tour.
- Shorter option: a two-hour trip along the south coast—see the 2-hour south coast trip.
- Longer option: a three-hour half-day tour with more time for swim stops—see the 3-hour half-day boat tour.
Chapter 4 of 8
How do you get to Kiotari Beach?
A car is the easiest way to reach Kiotari, especially if you want to visit another beach the same day. Buses run down the east coast too, and taxis and transfers are straightforward if you're staying nearby.
By car
Kiotari is on the main road south of Lardos, so driving down from Rhodes Town or Lindos is simple. Compare Rhodes car rental prices or browse car hire if you want the freedom to beach-hop.
By bus, taxi or transfer
Public buses serve the southeast coast—see the Rhodes bus guide for the nearest stop and return times. Arriving from the airport? Compare Rhodes airport transfers. The Rhodes Island Guide's getting-around section covers the wider choices.
Chapter 5 of 8
Is Kiotari Beach good for families?
Kiotari can work well for a family beach day. Because it's mainly pebbly, pick the part of the beach that feels comfortable for your children and pack water shoes. Sea conditions vary with the wind, so keep the usual close eye on children in the water.
Planning a family day
If the kids want a sandy beach to dig in, Glystra Beach nearby is the better pick. For days that don't revolve around swimming, the family activities section of the Rhodes Island Guide has ideas.
Chapter 6 of 8
What facilities are there?
Kiotari's beachfront has had sunbeds, umbrellas and water sports, with tavernas along the coastal road behind the beach. What's operating changes with the season and some stretches are linked to hotels, so treat sunbeds as something you'll often find rather than something you can count on everywhere.
Food and drink
For lunch, the tavernas along the coast road are the easy option. Our Kiotari restaurant guide will help you pick somewhere.
Hotel beach areas
Some sunbeds in front of hotels are for guests. If you're not staying there, look for public sunbed areas or bring your own shade.
Chapter 7 of 8
When should you go, and what should you bring?
Mornings and late afternoons are the most comfortable times in summer. Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, water shoes for the pebbles and your own shade if you won't rent an umbrella.
Timing
I'd avoid the strongest midday sun—that's a good time for a long lunch in a taverna, or for being out on a boat with a breeze. The Rhodes Island Guide's timing advice covers the best months to visit.
What I'd pack
- Drinking water and snacks.
- Sunscreen, a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Towel and swimwear.
- Water shoes—very handy on Kiotari's pebbles.
- Portable shade if you're not renting an umbrella.
- Children's essentials, including spare clothes.
Chapter 8 of 8
Which nearby beaches could you consider instead?
Kiotari sits on a lovely stretch of coast, so it's easy to try a neighbouring beach. For me, the most useful comparison is with Glystra if you want sand. If you want to compare this beach with others around Rhodes, my Rhodes beach guide is the best place to start.
Glystra Beach
The nearest sandy alternative, between Kiotari and Lardos—read the Glystra Beach guide.
Lardos and Gennadi
Lardos lies just north and Gennadi just south; see the Lardos Beach and Gennadi Beach guides to compare.
Book boats and transport for your Kiotari day
Frequently asked questions
Is Kiotari Beach sandy or pebbly?
Mainly pebbly, with some sections mixing sand and pebbles. Water shoes make it more comfortable.
Is Kiotari Beach worth visiting?
Yes, especially if you're staying in Kiotari. It's a long, relaxed beach and a great starting point for boat trips along the southeast coast. If you want soft sand, Glystra is the better choice.
What is the nearest sandy beach to Kiotari?
Glystra Beach, between Kiotari and Lardos, is the nearest sandy alternative.
Is Glystra Beach near Kiotari?
Yes. Glystra is just up the coast between Kiotari and Lardos, a short drive away.
Can you take boat trips from Kiotari?
Yes. Private skippered boat trips leave from Kiotari, including a two-hour south coast trip and a three-hour half-day tour.
Can you rent a licence-free boat from Kiotari?
Yes. There's a licence-free boat rental option for exploring Lindos and nearby bays at your own pace.
Can you take a boat trip to Lindos from Kiotari?
Yes. There's a private sightseeing boat tour to Lindos from Kiotari, and the licence-free boats can also head towards Lindos.
Is Kiotari good for families?
It can be. Choose the part of the beach that's most comfortable for your children, bring water shoes for the pebbles and keep the usual close supervision in the water.
How do you get to Kiotari Beach?
A car is easiest. Buses also run along the southeast coast, and taxis or airport transfers are simple options.