Your Guide To Anthony Quinn Bay in Rhodes, Greece

Anthony Quinn Bay in Rhodes, Greece, must be one of the most photographed spots on the island. Surrounded by cliffs and pine trees, Anthony Quinn Bay is great for families and couples with its shallow and clean pale turquoise waters, sunbeds and parasols. There’s also a convenient beach bar where you can enjoy delicious food and an amazing view of the gorgeous bay below. 

Come early to grab a good spot and stay all day to really soak up the natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere of this beach.

If you’re doing a day trip to Anthony Quinn Bay on your holiday to Rhodes, here’s what to know before you go.

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A Guide To Anthony Quinn Bay 

Why is it called Anthony Quinn Bay?

The name of this beach, originally called “Vagies”, comes from the Mexican actor Anthony Quinn who starred in a 1961 film called “Guns of Navarone”. The actor fell in love with the beach, as well as the island of Rhodes, and went on to purchase the beach from the government. 

In return for making it a private beach, the government asked Anthony Quinn to publicize and promote the island of Rhodes, and Greece in general, as a wonderful place to visit.

Anthony Quinn had envisioned a place where creatives could come and relax and socialize. However, as governments changed, he sadly lost the rights to the beach and it became public again. Since the 60s though, this bay has been known as Anthony Quinn Bay, thanks to the actor who showed its beauty, and that of Rhodes, to the world.

Where is Anthony Quinn Bay?

4km south of Faliraki, Anthony Quinn Bay is on the east coast of Rhodes, the biggest of the Dodecanese Islands in Greece. 

How Do I Get To Anthony Quinn Bay?

You can drive, get a bus, or hop on a boat to visit Anthony Quinn Bay. 

From Faliraki: You can drive in less than 10 minutes from Faliraki to Anthony Quinn Bay. Use the EO95 for the quickest journey. You’ll be able to drive straight down to the car park and the beach is only a few minutes walk from here. You can also walk from Faliraki which will take around 40 minutes.

From Rhodes Town: You can drive in 20 minutes from Rhodes Town to Anthony Quinn Bay in 20 minutes. Use the EO95 as the quickest route. You can also get a bus to Anthony Quinn Bay from Rhodes Town in less than 1 hour. This includes a 20 minute walk from the bus stop on the main road and down the hill towards the beach.

From Lindos: You can drive for just over 30 minutes from Lindos to reach Anthony Quinn Bay. Again, follow the EO95 for the quickest route. Alternatively, you can take a bus and this could take up to 90 minutes depending on the route.

Alternatively, there are many tour operators who offer boat trips to Anthony Quinn Bay for the day. This is ideal if you really want to make a day of it, enjoy a few drinks, a good lunch on the boat, swim and snorkel in the sea. Some boat trips may also combine a stop at Anthony Quinn’s Bay with a visit to other beaches on the east coast of Rhodes.

What Facilities Are There at Anthony Quinn Bay?

The facilities at Anthony Quinn Bay make a visit here an absolute breeze. There’s a large car park which is free for visitors, this is only a few minutes walk from the beach. There’s Kounna Beach and Resto Bar for great food throughout the day, clean toilets, a changing hut, sunbeds and parasols to rent at €6 euros a bed, and a watersports center.

Is Anthony Quinn Bay Accessible?

Anthony Quinn Bay’s main route of entry is a set of steps leading down from the car park. Therefore, if you have mobility issues, they might cause a bit of a problem. However, there is a slope down to the beach so if you have a pushchair, or find stairs difficult, this can offer a more suitable route to the beach.

We didn’t use this route to the beach but it did look steep in parts, however people were bringing toddlers and prams this way so it’s an option if you can’t use the stairs.

Can I Get Food At Anthony Quinn Bay?

Yes, Kounna Beach and Resto Bar is the ideal spot for food when you’re visiting Anthony Quinn Bay. Located at the top of the bay, next to the car park, Kounna Beach and Resto Bar not only offers incredible views of Anthony Quinn Bay but also dishes up incredible food too.

With traditional Greek and also western European food on offer, this place is worth making a reservation at. We visited in May and were able to walk in, and grab one of the coveted seats looking out onto the beach. In the summer months though, either call ahead or stop by before you hit the beach to save your seat for later in the day.

For food, I would recommend ordering one of the smoothies, along with the tacos – all three taco options to share if there’s a couple of you. Next time I visit, I’ll be really tempted to go with the Greek Salad though. This dish is brought in a giant jar with layers of feta, olive oil, tomatoes, olives, herbs, peppers, cucumbers and red onions. Piled on to your plate right in front of you, this Greek Salad is enough for two people along with a couple of sides.

Finish your meal off with a desert, coffee, or cocktail with a view of one of Rhodes’s most beautiful beaches in front of you.

What’s The Best View Point Of Anthony Quinn Bay

I think there are three great view points of Anthony Quinn Bay:

1. The view point from the far end of the bay. As you come down the steps onto the beach, turn right and walk to where the pier and the concrete and stone platform is. From here, you’ll get a view of the whole bay, almost like what you would do if you were on a boat.
   
2. Another view is as you’re coming down the steps on to the beach. I think this is the most special as it gives you your first glimpse to Anthony Quinn Bay. Many people stop to take photos here and you’ll see why if you visit.
   
3. The third view is accessible if you have a car or if you want a long walk up a steep road.  The “Profitas Ilias” Monastery is perched high upon the hill overlooking Anthony Quinn Bay. I’d recommend visiting at a time when the sun shines on the beach – any time up until early evening.
   
   We visited while the bay was covered in shade and although the view was still spectacular, I can imagine it’s even more photogenic when you can see the blue sea glittering with sunlight. Be aware though, the road leading up to the monastery is very steep, I’d recommend a confident driver take the wheel for this one!

Should I Visit Anthony Quinn Bay or St Paul’s Bay?

Now, both of these beaches are beautiful and I’d recommend visiting both on your holiday to Rhodes if you can. I’d definitely go back to both if visiting Rhodes again. However, in terms of value for money (€6 sunbeds compared to €12.50), a chic beach bar to enjoy lunch at (hello Kounna Beach and Resto Bar), better toilets, beautiful scenery and ease of access from Rhodes Town, I’d go for Anthony Quinn Bay.

But, St Paul’s Bay, although more expensive, has a sandy beach, is really convenient if you’re staying in Lindos, has nicer sunbeds, still has beautiful scenery and has another beach you could probably swim to. There’s still also a place here to grab food with amazing views of the bay. 

So there’s your guide to Anthony Quinn Bay in Rhodes, Greece. I hope you find it useful on your holiday to Rhodes!