Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko, Traganou Caves and Golden Tsambika Beach

Halfway down the sheltered eastern coast between Rhodes Town and Lindos (15 to 26 kilometres south of town, connected by regular KTEL buses and daily swimming boats from Mandraki), four completely different beaches sit within fifteen minutes of one another, ranging from a tiny emerald snorkelling inlet to the widest ribbon of fine golden sand on the island.

1. Anthony Quinn Bay (Vagies) & Twin Ladiko Cove (17 km south of Rhodes Town)

Originally named Vagies, this small, horseshoe-shaped rocky inlet surrounded by pine trees and jagged limestone ledges got its modern name in 1960 when Hollywood actor Anthony Quinn filmed The Guns of Navarone on Rhodes and sought to buy the cove to create an international artists' retreat:

• Why the Water is Emerald Green: because pine-covered cliffs ring the narrow bay and flat, stepped underwater rock shelves reflect the sunlight at 2 to 6 metres depth, the water glows a vivid emerald-jade and is teeming with damselfish, sea bream and octopuses, making it the #1 snorkelling bay on Rhodes.
• Crucial Timing Tip: the narrow pebble-and-rock beach at Anthony Quinn Bay is tiny; arrive early in the morning (or in the afternoon when tour boats leave), bring swim shoes and a snorkel mask, and walk 5 minutes over the saddle to calmer, wider Ladiko Bay right next door for a seafood lunch.

2. Traganou Sea Caves (Afandou) & Golden Tsambika Beach (26 km south)

• Traganou Beach (Northern End of Afandou Bay): a wide, uncrowded pebble beach with deep, crystal-clear water where a series of natural vaulted limestone sea caves stand right at the northern end of the shore so you can walk and swim inside them.
• Tsambika Beach (Below the Cliff Monastery of Panagia Tsambika): if you prefer 100% soft, fine golden sand with zero pebbles, continue ten minutes south to Tsambika. Because the entire 800-metre-long sandy bay is owned by the historic church rather than private developers, building hotels on the beach is strictly forbidden. Before swimming in its shallow turquoise water, drive up the shaded mountain road and climb the 300 stone steps to Old Panagia Tsambika Monastery (at 320m elevation) for the most sweeping coastal panorama on the east coast.