Pastida Beaches

Overview

Pastida, an inland village in the Aegean region of Greece, offers a peaceful retreat for those who prefer a traditional Greek experience away from the bustling coastal resorts. While Pastida itself doesn't have a beach, its location makes it a convenient base for exploring the diverse coastline of Rhodes, provided you have transportation. Many visitors wonder if it's a good spot for a beach holiday, and the answer is yes, if you enjoy a quieter atmosphere and don't mind a short drive to the sea. The nearest beach, Kremasti, is just a 5-minute drive away and offers a long stretch of sand and shingle.

For those staying in or near Pastida, a variety of highly-rated beaches are within easy reach. The most visited beach, Faliraki, known for its lively atmosphere and sandy shores, is about a 20-minute drive. The world-famous Anthony Quinn Bay, celebrated for its stunning beauty and emerald waters, is another must-see destination. For a unique seaside experience combining historic architecture with clear waters, Kallithea Springs is an excellent choice. Families often flock to Tsambika beach, prized for its golden sands and shallow waters. You'll find a mix of sandy and pebbly beaches, so there's something for every preference.

Beyond these highlights, the island boasts numerous other beautiful coastal spots. Whether you're looking for the vibrant party scene of Faliraki or the more tranquil, family-oriented atmosphere of Tsambika, you'll find a beach to suit your taste. While Pastida itself is a quiet village, its proximity to these diverse beaches allows visitors to enjoy both peaceful village life and exciting seaside adventures. Our longer list of beaches in this guide provides even more options for your Greek island getaway.

FAQ

People Also Ask

Is Pastida a good place for a beach holiday?

Pastida is an inland village, so it doesn't have its own beach. However, it's a good base if you prefer a quieter, more traditional Greek village experience and don't mind a short drive to the coast. The nearest beach, Kremasti, is about a 5-minute drive away. Pastida offers a peaceful retreat with local tavernas and is close to olive groves, but for daily beach life, you'll need transportation.

Paralia Kremasti

How far is Pastida from the nearest beach and what's it like?

The closest beach to Pastida is Kremasti beach, which is approximately 3.5 to 5 kilometers away, or about a 5-minute drive. Kremasti beach is a long, wide stretch of sand and shingle with sun loungers and umbrellas available for hire. There are also tavernas and beach bars along the waterfront. It's known for being a good spot for windsurfing.

Paralia Kremasti

What are the best beaches to visit if I'm staying in Pastida?

Besides Kremasti (5-min drive), other popular beaches accessible from Pastida include Ialysos Beach (approx. 4.5km, known for flat stones and sandy bottom), Faliraki beach (about a 20-minute drive, famous for its lively atmosphere and sandy shores), and Kallithea beach (around a 25-minute drive, offering a secluded sandy cove). Traganou Beach (approx. 10.2km) and Tsambika Beach (approx. 17.5km, popular with families) are also highly-rated options further afield.

Can you swim in the sea near Pastida, and what's the water like?

Yes, you can swim in the sea at the nearby beaches. For example, Kremasti beach has clear water and is suitable for swimming, though it's primarily sand and shingle. Faliraki beach offers sandy shores and clear waters. Traganou Beach is known for its clear blue waters. The sea temperature is generally perfect for swimming from June to September.

Paralia Kremasti

Faliraki

Traganou Beach

Are there any hotels in Pastida that are close to the beach or offer beach transport?

Since Pastida is an inland village, hotels in Pastida itself are not directly on the beach. Some accommodations might be a short drive from the nearest beaches like Kremasti (around 5.5km for some hotels). It's best to check with individual hotels like the Garden Hotel or Marietta Aparthotel regarding any shuttle services they might offer to beaches, though renting a car is generally recommended for beach access.

Is Pastida suitable for a family beach holiday?

Pastida can be suitable for a relaxed family holiday if you don't mind being away from the immediate beach buzz. The village itself is quiet. Nearby beaches like Kremasti offer shallow waters for paddling, and Tsambika Beach is particularly frequented by families with young children. You'll likely want a car for easy access to beaches and other family attractions.

Paralia Kremasti

Tsambika

How do I get to the beaches from Pastida?

The most common way to get to the beaches from Pastida is by car, as it offers the most flexibility. Car rentals are available in Pastida. The nearest beach, Kremasti, is a 5-minute drive. Local buses connect Pastida to Rhodes Town and some surrounding areas, from where you might be able to reach other beaches, but direct bus routes to all beaches from Pastida might be limited. Taxis are also an option.

Are there sandy beaches near Pastida or are they mostly pebbly?

There's a mix. Kremasti, the closest beach, is sand and shingle. Faliraki Beach is known for being one of the best sandy beaches on the island. Ialysos Beach has flat stones and a sandy bottom. Traganou Beach has sandy shores, while Paralia Faliraki is mostly pebbles. So, you have options depending on your preference.

What's the best time of year for a beach holiday if I'm staying in Pastida?

The best time for a beach-focused holiday near Pastida is during the summer months, from June to September. During this period, the weather is warm and sunny, and the sea temperature is ideal for swimming and water sports. May and September can also be pleasant with fewer crowds and still good weather for beach activities.

Is Pastida a party destination or more for a quiet holiday?

Pastida itself is a quiet village, ideal for a peaceful and relaxing holiday. Life revolves around a few tavernas in the main square. For lively nightlife and a party atmosphere, you would need to travel to Faliraki (about a 20-minute drive) or Rhodes Town (also about a 20-minute drive).

Faliraki

What are some local quirks or things to know about the beaches accessible from Pastida?

Kremasti beach, being close, is popular with locals and can be a good spot for windsurfing due to local wind conditions. Faliraki can get very busy and is known for its vibrant party scene in some sections, while other parts are more family-oriented. Some smaller coves like Kalithea offer a more secluded experience. Mandomata Beach, near Faliraki, is a known nudist beach.

Is it easy to find parking at the beaches near Pastida?

Parking availability varies by beach and time of year. Larger, organized beaches like Faliraki or Kremasti usually have parking areas, but these can fill up quickly, especially during peak season (July-August). For smaller coves or less developed beaches, parking might be more informal along roadsides. Arriving earlier in the day generally improves your chances of finding convenient parking.

Faliraki

Compared to Faliraki, is Pastida better for a quiet beach experience?

Pastida itself is much quieter than Faliraki as it's an inland village focused on traditional life, not a beach resort. If you stay in Pastida, you can access various beaches by car, including quieter coves like Kalithea or less crowded sections of larger beaches, offering more control over your beach experience. Faliraki is a bustling resort town directly on a very popular and often crowded beach known for its lively atmosphere and nightlife.

Kallithea

Faliraki

Are there sunbeds and umbrellas for rent at the beaches near Pastida?

Yes, most of the popular beaches accessible from Pastida, such as Kremasti, Faliraki, Ialysos, and Kallithea, offer sunbeds and umbrellas for hire. Prices can vary. Some beach bars or tavernas may offer them free to customers.

Faliraki

Kallithea

Are there any 'hidden gem' or less crowded beaches accessible from Pastida?

While the main beaches like Faliraki and Kremasti are well-known, exploring the coastline can lead you to less crowded spots. Kalithea offers a more secluded sandy cove. Paradisi Beach is described as serene and often visited by locals. Exploring smaller access points along the coast between the main resorts, especially if you have a car, might reveal quieter areas, though true 'hidden gems' become popular quickly.

Kallithea