Chapter 1 of 7
Finding your part of the shoreline
Kolymbia’s shoreline isn’t identical from end to end. The central organised stretches put sunbeds, refreshments and hotel access close together, while the quieter edges offer more breathing room.
That balance is its main attraction. You can spend a sociable day near a beach bar without committing to a lively beach-club atmosphere, or move away from the busiest sunbed rows for a slower afternoon.
Central and hotel-facing stretches
The central area is the most convenient starting point for a first visit. There are organised sunbed sections, cafés and tavernas nearby, with sand mixed with small pebbles underfoot.
The southern, hotel-facing stretches are particularly handy for people staying close by. Their appeal is convenience: a short beach session can fit easily between breakfast, lunch and an afternoon break.
The quieter northern edge
Towards the northern end, the shore becomes more pebbly and stony, with rockier edges and slightly deeper water. It’s a better match for swimmers who value a quieter setting more than having refreshments immediately behind their lounger.
Don’t judge the whole beach by the first patch you reach. A short look along the shore before unpacking is more useful than assuming every part will have the same surface and atmosphere.
Chapter 2 of 7
Swimming and a little snorkelling
Clear, usually calm water is one of Kolymbia’s strengths. The east-coast setting is generally more sheltered than Rhodes’ windy west coast, though strong wind can disturb the bay.
This is an enjoyable beach for ordinary holiday swimming: a dip to cool down, a longer swim, then back to your towel. It doesn’t need dramatic scenery to make that feel worthwhile.
For young children, the central stretches with their gentler, shallower entry are the better choice; the rockier, deeper northern edges suit confident swimmers.
A mask is worth bringing for the rockier northern edges. They offer more underwater interest than the open sandy patches, making snorkelling a pleasant extra on a clear, calm day rather than the sole reason to visit.
Chapter 3 of 7
Sunbeds, lunch and things to do on the water
Kolymbia is an organised resort beach, so you don’t need to approach it like a remote picnic stop. Sunbeds and umbrellas are part of the beach setup, with beachfront tavernas, cafés and bars serving the busier stretches.
Lunch can be as simple as leaving your lounger for Greek salads, grilled food or seafood nearby. The resort also has shops and restaurants within walking distance of parts of the shore, which helps when everyone in the group wants something different.
Pedalos are among the activities available at Kolymbia, and some organised sections offer water sports such as SUP. Activities and hire prices change seasonally.
An umbrella is the simplest way to arrange shade for a longer stay. Ask the beach business serving your spot about toilet access; nearby hotel facilities aren’t automatically open to beach visitors.
Chapter 4 of 7
Getting to Kolymbia without complicating the day
Kolymbia sits on the east coast between Rhodes Town and Lindos, south of Faliraki and north of Tsambika. It works well as either a beach outing or a base for exploring in both directions.
By car or arranged transfer
A car is most useful when you’re combining the beach with a village, viewpoint or another coastal stop. Compare Rhodes car rental options for a day with several stops; there’s less reason to hire one solely for a beach you can walk to from your accommodation.
Navigate to the part of the shoreline you intend to visit, not just to Kolymbia as a resort. That keeps the final approach relevant to where you actually want to spend the day.
For a day without driving, you can arrange a transfer. Agree a precise beach drop-off and return collection point, rather than leaving the destination as simply “Kolymbia”.
By bus
The bus is a sensible option for an unhurried visit. Use the Rhodes bus guide and the current seasonal timetable to plan your stop, the walk to the shore and the return service.
With children or bulky beach bags, the final walk matters just as much as the bus journey.
Chapter 5 of 7
Beach access for travellers with limited mobility
At Kolymbia, the route to a particular sunbed, the toilet facilities and access into the sea need to be considered separately.
Before booking transport, get details for one specific entrance: any steps or slopes, where the firm surface ends, how much sand or pebbles you’ll cross, and whether a suitable toilet is available to you.
Arrange any beach wheelchair, sea-entry equipment or assistance you need in advance. The guide to accessible beaches in Rhodes will help you compare options.
Chapter 6 of 7
When to go and what to pack
I’d go in the morning, especially in July or August. It’s a pleasant time for a swim before the strongest heat, and you can stay for lunch or retreat indoors without feeling you’ve missed the beach day.
Late afternoon works well too, particularly when you can follow the swim with dinner in the resort. The eucalyptus-lined avenue is a lovely change of setting for an evening stroll.
June offers a good balance of warmth and activity, while September is appealing for warm seawater and a gentler pace after the summer peak. May brings cooler swimming; October offers quieter days and cooler air. The Rhodes seasonal planning guide covers the wider choice of travel dates.
- Bring drinking water, sunscreen, a hat and a light cover-up.
- Pack a towel even when hiring a sunbed.
- Add a mask for snorkelling, or water shoes for comfort on the pebbles.
- For a shorter visit, keep the bag light enough for the walk from your bus stop or drop-off.
Chapter 7 of 7
A relaxed base, with more of Rhodes nearby
Kolymbia makes particular sense when you want to return somewhere peaceful after exploring. Hotels, meals out and evening drinks are all part of the resort, but nightlife isn’t its main draw.
For a contrasting beach day, Tsambika Beach is the natural comparison when a broad sandy shore matters most. Kolymbia is stronger on the everyday convenience of staying in a resort beside the water.
Another worthwhile outing is Stegna Beach, where the seaside village setting gives the day a different feel. Seven Springs and Archangelos also add variety without turning every excursion into another beach visit.
There’s no need to squeeze all of these into one day. Give Kolymbia a proper swim-and-lunch stop, then use the Rhodes Island Guide to build the rest of your stay around the places that genuinely interest you. I compare all the main beaches coast by coast in my guide to the best beaches in Rhodes.
Transport for your Kolymbia Beach visit
transfersFrequently asked questions
Is Kolymbia Beach suitable for families?
Yes, particularly for families who prefer a beach-and-hotel routine to a busy entertainment resort. Older children and teenagers who want lots of nightlife may find the evenings too quiet.
Is Kolymbia or Faliraki better for a holiday?
Kolymbia suits a quieter stay; Faliraki has more nightlife, a long sandy beach and the waterpark.
Is Kolymbia a good base for visiting Rhodes Town and Lindos?
Yes. Its position between them makes it a practical base for visiting both without changing accommodation, especially with a rental car.
Do you need a car when staying in Kolymbia?
Not necessarily for a beach-focused holiday with accommodation close to the shore and restaurants. A car becomes more valuable when you want frequent day trips or several stops in one outing.
Is Kolymbia Beach worth a special trip across Rhodes?
It’s a stronger choice for convenience and a relaxed stay than for a once-in-a-holiday sightseeing detour. From the other side of the island, a more distinctive bay or a beach near another planned stop may make better use of your day.