Anthony Quinn Bay, also called Ladiko, is a small, pine-backed cove on the east coast of Rhodes, about fifteen kilometres south of Rhodes Town. The bay takes its popular name from the Mexican-American actor Anthony Quinn, who spent time on the island while filming The Guns of Navarone in 1961 and is said to have fallen in love with the cove. Local stories about whether he really tried to buy it vary, but the name stuck, and the bay has been a favourite of visitors ever since. What makes it special is the water: sheltered by rocky headlands, it is a deep, clear turquoise that shades to emerald over the sand and pebbles, and the rocky ledges on both sides are good for snorkelling, with small fish close to shore. The beach itself is small and pebbly, with a handful of sunbeds and a beach bar in the main season, so it feels more like a swimming cove than a resort strip. Pine trees run down to the edge of the rocks, which gives welcome shade for picnics.
The best way to enjoy the bay is simply to swim. The entry is easy over the pebbles, though water shoes make the rocks more comfortable, and the cove is calm on most days, which makes it suitable for confident swimmers and for snorkelling. A mask and snorkel are worth bringing, and the cliffs on the left side of the bay give good views of the fish below.
In summer there are rental sunbeds, umbrellas and a beach bar with drinks and simple snacks, but the beach is small, so it fills quickly, and an early start gives you the best chance of a good spot and calm water.
Getting there is easy by car, with a small car park above the bay and a short walk down to the water, and taxis from Rhodes Town take about twenty minutes. Local buses along the east coast stop at the nearby village of Afandou and at Kallithea, but they do not go right to the cove, so a car or a taxi is more practical.
The bay is also a popular stop on swimming cruises from the harbour, and on summer days small boats moor offshore, so the water is lively around midday. Many visitors combine it with Kallithea Springs, which is a short distance north, and with a visit to Lindos further south.
Seasons
Swimming is best from late spring to early autumn, when the sea is warm and the beach bar and sunbeds are open. In the cooler months the cove is quiet and beautiful, but the sea is cold, services are closed and the pebbles can be slippery, so it makes a better walk and photograph than a swim. Strong winds can raise waves in the afternoon in high summer, so check conditions, and bring everything you need, including water and sun protection, if the bar is closed.
Anthony Quinn Bay is a place to slow down for an hour or two rather than a major sight, and it works best as part of a coastal day with Kallithea Springs and Lindos. If you want food nearby, there are small tavernas in the inland villages, and a picnic under the pines is a good plan on a quiet day.
What to expect
The experience
A small, free pebble cove with very clear water, rocky ledges for snorkelling, pine shade and a seasonal beach bar and sunbeds.
Best time
Morning in the warm months for calm water and space; late spring to early autumn for swimming.
How long
One to three hours, depending on how long you swim.
Tips
Bring water shoes, a mask and snorkel, a hat and water, and arrive early in summer when the small beach fills.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Swimmers and snorkellers who like a small, clear cove over a big resort beach.
- Families
- Calm water suits children who swim well, but the beach is pebbly and rocky, so water shoes are a must.
- Couples
- Go early for calm water, snorkel along the ledges and have a cold drink at the beach bar.
- Pair with
- Kallithea Springs, Lindos and the Seven Springs.
- Time needed
- One to three hours.
Good questions
Why is it called Anthony Quinn Bay?+
It is named after the actor Anthony Quinn, who spent time on Rhodes while filming The Guns of Navarone in 1961 and is said to have loved the cove.
Is Anthony Quinn Bay good for snorkelling?+
Yes. The water is clear and the rocky ledges on both sides of the cove attract small fish close to shore. Bring your own mask and snorkel.
How far is it from Rhodes Town?+
About fifteen kilometres south on the east coast, roughly twenty minutes by car or taxi.
Is the beach sandy?+
No, it is small and pebbly with rocky edges, so water shoes make swimming more comfortable.
Can I visit Anthony Quinn Bay in winter?+
Yes, the cove is open and beautiful, but the sea is cold and the beach bar and sunbeds are closed, so it is better for a walk than a swim.
