Chapter 1 of 6
Who will love Plimmiri Beach?
I come to Plimmiri when I want a proper escape. It’s perfect for long walks along the shore, reading a book in peace, or just enjoying the sound of the waves without much else going on. It suits independent travellers, couples, or anyone who prefers a natural landscape to a polished resort.
If your idea of a perfect beach day involves packing a cool box and finding your own private spot on a seemingly endless stretch of sand, you’ll love it here. I wouldn’t choose this one if you need easy access to facilities, watersports, and a bustling atmosphere. This is a beach where you make your own entertainment.
Chapter 2 of 6
Finding Plimmiri: Location & Names
Plimmiri is on the east coast in the far south of Rhodes, around 80 km from Rhodes Town. You'll find it in the wider area known as Lachania, a region characterised by its rugged, natural beauty.
Don't get too tangled up in the names. You might see signs for Lachania Beach or see hotel names used as reference points, as the municipal guide associates both the Tui Magic Life and Atrium Prestige resorts with this stretch of coast. Just know that Plimmiri generally refers to the long, main bay here. Because it's so far south, it feels a world away from the busy resorts of the north.
Chapter 3 of 6
The Beach and the Water
Plimmiri is a huge beach—officially 4.5 km long—so you’ll never feel crowded. The shoreline is made of dark, coarse sand mixed with some fine shingle. It’s not the soft, white powder you find elsewhere, but it's perfect for laying down a towel and claiming a massive patch of coast for yourself. The real appeal is the sheer sense of space.
For swimming, the water is beautifully clear and inviting. One thing to keep in mind, especially if you have children, is that the seabed shelves quite steeply and gets deep a few steps from the shore. This makes it great for a proper swim if you're comfortable in the water, but you’ll want to keep a close watch on less confident swimmers. As always, take a look at the sea conditions on the day before you jump in.
Chapter 4 of 6
A Special Place for Sea Turtles
One of the most wonderful things about Plimmiri is that its dunes are a nesting site for the protected Caretta caretta (Loggerhead) sea turtles. Seeing their tracks in the sand early in the morning is a magical experience, though sightings of the turtles themselves are rare and should be left to chance.
It's a privilege to share the beach with them, and it’s vital we don't disturb their habitat. The rules are simple and based on respect:
Stay off the sand dunes completely. Don't walk on them or use them for shelter.
If you see a nest (often marked by a small cage or sign from a conservation group), give it a very wide berth.
Never leave any litter behind. Plastic bags and other rubbish are a serious threat to marine life.
If you are lucky enough to see a turtle on the beach or in the water, keep your distance. Never try to touch it or block its path to or from the sea.
Chapter 5 of 6
Planning Your Visit to Plimmiri
Plimmiri is a back-to-basics beach, and that's its greatest strength. To make the most of it, a little preparation goes a long way.
How to Get There
Honestly, you need a car to visit Plimmiri properly. It’s in a quiet, remote part of the island, and trying to get here by bus isn't practical for a day trip. Driving gives you the freedom to arrive when you want, stay as long as you like, and maybe explore other parts of the southern coast.
Use your GPS to navigate towards 'Plimmiri Beach', and be prepared for the final approach road which leads you down to the coast. There's informal parking available near the beach. A pre-booked private transfer could also work, but make sure you arrange a clear pickup time and place for your return journey before you commit.
Food, Drinks and Facilities
Don’t come here expecting rows of sunbeds or waiters bringing you cocktails. The best plan is to treat this as a picnic day. Pack a cool box with plenty of drinking water, drinks, and all the food you’ll need. There are a couple of large hotel complexes in the wider Lachania area, but their facilities are generally for their own guests. You might find a simple local taverna open nearby, but I would never rely on it. For me, the joy of Plimmiri is being self-sufficient and enjoying the natural setting.
What to Bring
- Plenty of drinking water and food.
- An umbrella or tent for shade, as there is very little natural shade.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Beach shoes for the hot sand and pebbly patches.
- A bag to take all your rubbish away with you.
Chapter 6 of 6
What to Combine with Your Trip
A day trip to Plimmiri is a great excuse to explore the rest of Rhodes' wild south. The drive itself is part of the experience, taking you through different landscapes away from the main tourist trail.
You could easily combine a few hours at Plimmiri with a stop at nearby Gennadi Beach, which has a different character with more beach bars at its northern end. Or you could take a detour to wander through one of the traditional southern villages like Lachania or Asklipio with its medieval castle.
My personal advice is not to pack too much in. The whole point of coming down here is to slow down. If you have a rental car, you have the freedom to be spontaneous and see where the day takes you. I compare all the main beaches coast by coast in my guide to the best beaches in Rhodes.
Transport for your beach day
transfersFrequently asked questions
Where is Plimmiri Beach?
Plimmiri is a long, natural beach on the east coast in the far south of Rhodes, located within the wider Lachania area.
Is Plimmiri a sandy beach?
Yes, it’s a vast 4.5 km beach with dark, coarse sand and some fine shingle. It’s not a fine white powder-sand beach.
Are there sunbeds and restaurants at Plimmiri?
Generally, no. It’s a wild-feeling, natural beach, so you should plan on bringing your own food, drinks, and shade. There are large hotels in the area, but their facilities are typically for guests.
Is Plimmiri Beach good for families?
It offers incredible space for kids to run around, but the sea gets deep quite quickly near the shore. I'd say it’s better suited for families with older children or confident swimmers. You'll need to supervise little ones very closely near the water.
How do I get to Plimmiri Beach?
A car is the best way by far. It's in a remote part of southern Rhodes where public transport isn't a practical option for a beach trip.
Can you see sea turtles at Plimmiri?
Plimmiri is an important nesting site for Caretta caretta sea turtles, but actually seeing one is a rare and lucky event. To protect them, you must stay off the dunes, leave nests undisturbed, and take all your rubbish with you.