Prasonisi beach (Παραλία Πρασονησίου) is a very special place in Rhodes island, Greece, where Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean sea. The location of Prasonisi is also unique, because it is situated on the southernmost side of Rhodes, far away from most of the villages and it is characterized by sand dunes, shallow emerald waters, and exceptional surf options.
In last decades Prasonisi beach became extremely popular surf spot not just in Rhodes, but also in Greece due for its wind conditions, where thousands of windsurfers and kitesurfers arrive and enjoy the special features of this amazing place. The beach got its name after Prasinisi island, which is usually connected by a sandbar to Rhodes, depending on actual sea currents and weather conditions: the long sandbar is literally this wonderful beach itself.
- Known as: Παραλία Πρασονησίου, Paralia Prasonisiou, Παραλία Πρασονησίου
- Coordinates and map: 35.890196, 27.774276
- Location: Rhodes south, Prasonisi 851 09, Greece
Apartments and hotels in Rhodes: click here for prices, reviews and booking!
Where to find Prasonisi beach in Rhodes, and how to get there
If you would like to travel to Prasonisi beach, take a look to the southernmost point in Rhodes maps. The nearest village is Kattavia, which is approx. 8 kilometers away from the beach, while Kiotari (33 km), Lardos (40 km), Lindos (45 km), Kolymbia (68 km), Faliraki (75 km), Rhodes town (90 km), and the airport of the island (95 km) are situated much far away from here.
A lot of visitors must drive through the island to reach Prasonisi, but look on the bright side of life: you can discover more parts of the island, and you can discover hidden gems and interesting places while you drive to the south. The fastest and easiest way to visit Prasonisi is travelling by car, because the route is quite simple and easy, and road conditions are good. When you come from the north areas, just drive on National Road of Rhodes, and after leaving Lardos you have to follow the coastal road in the direction of Kiotari – Gennadi – Kattavia.
In the ourtskirts of Kattavia village road signs show the right way to Prasinisi beach and to the southernmost point of Rhodes, Greece. You don’t have to worry about parking, because at the end of the road there were built is a large parking lot, which is free.
Prasonisi beach can be accessed also by local buses, during summer season KTEL company operates the line. For actual bus schedules to Prasonisi always take a look to the official KTEL website or the timetables in the bus stops. The local buses to Prasonisi beach don’t run during out of season! If you stay in the western side of Rhodes (Ialyssos, Ixia, Paradisi, etc) and you plan your trip to Prasonisi by bus, you have to travel to the main bus station of Rhodes town, from where the local buses depart.
Taxi service is also available to Prasonisi, but due to long distances the prices are much higher than the public bus transport – it may worth to look other passengers to split the costs, or rent a car in Rhodes to discover the area.
What you should know about Prasonisi beach
The beach got its name from Prasonisi island, which is a small islet, situated just a few hundred meters from the mainland of Rhodes. The island of Prasonisi is usually looks much more a peninsula than an island, because it is connected by a long and narrow sandbar to Rhodes. This sandbar is one of the most iconic features of the beach, but you should know that its shape changes frequently. The strong currents of the sea sometimes brake through the sandbar, and the small island is separated by the sea about 80-100 meters long from the main island.
Despite Prasonisi beach is the southernmost point of Rhodes and it lies far away from most of the villages, but it is not abandoned at all. At the entrance of the beach there can be find a few taverns, beach bars, mini market, some apartments for a stay, and usually (especially between June and August) a lot of visitors. Prasonisi is one of the largest beaches in Rhodes island, so during high season days when there are hundreds of visitors, the beach don’t feels overcrowded.
The coast is characterized by fine golden sand almost everywhere here, and at some places there can be seen some sand dunes, formed by the winds. This features make one of the most exotic look to Prasonisi beach among the best beaches of Rhodes.
There is an important question: where to eat and drink in Prasonisi beach? Near the parking lot and bus stop there were built a few restaurants, such as Lighthouse Tavern, but you can find also a small supermarket to buy cold drinks and snacks.
Where two seas meet in Rhodes island
This place is very special on the island in other ways also. You already know that due to its southernmost location you almost got off the map, but when you visit Prasonisi beach, you will reach also the point where two seas meet in Rhodes! Prasonisi is the meeting point of the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea: the sandbar separates the two seas from each other.
Aegean Sea is located in the western side of Prasonisi (and also of Rhodes), which is easy to recognize for stronger winds and significant waves. On the east side you will see the Mediterranean Sea, where the sea surface is usually much more calm, and the winds are less strong. The meeting point of the seas can be seen very well from the heights, where the road leads down to Prasonisi beach. In that occasions when the winds and waves brake through the sandbar, Aegean Sea and Mediterranean Sea meet directly at the breaking line! If you walk to the end of the sandbar, you can also swim at the meeting point.
Prasonisi surf spot with the best surfing options in Rhodes
Due to the winds of the area, Prasonisi is considered as one of the best surf spots in Rhodes island. The west side of the beach, where Aegean Sea is situated is recommended for kitesurf, while the east coast, the side of Mediterranean Sea is usually better for windsurf. In the area of Prasonisi there can be find local surf clubs, where surfing equipment can be rented, and educations for beginners are also possible.
If you are interested in windsurf or kitesurf, and you spend your holiday in Rhodes, Greece, don’t miss to travel to Prasonisi beach! In Rhodes island the other recommended surf spot can be find near the airport of the island, known as Paradisi beach.
Swimming in Prasonisi
So we know that in Rhodes Prasonisi beach is highly recommended for surfing, but what about swimming? The west side of the beach is usually much windy than the east, so the east coast can be recommended not just for surfers, but for everyone, who like the beaches with golden sand and shallow waters. The east areas of Prasonisi are usually calmer, the winds are not so significant and the waves are smaller.
You will see, the east side can be suitable for children also, but its worth to know that there are some days in the summer months, when the winds are getting stronger everywhere. From June to the end of September parasols and sunbeds can be rented for higher comfort of visitors. The seabed is filled by golden sand, so water shoes are not necessary. Sea temperatures of Prasonisi beach are much warmer on the east side in most cases, where stronger sea currents and the waves don’t influence the water much.
The marine life is not so spectacular as at other beaches of Rhodes, such as as Anthony Quinn bay or Ladiko beach, so if you are looking for a place with exceptional snorkeling options, there are many better options on the island.
About Prasonisi island
The small island of Prasonisi is connected by a sandbar to Rhodes, but sometimes the strong waves break through the natural border. When the sandbar is unharmed, visitors can simply walk to the island. Prasonisi island is approx 1800 meters long, and a narrow footpath leads across the island to its most famous and only one building, to the Lighthouse of Prasonisi (Φάρος Πρασονησίου).
It’s important to know, that when the sandbar is broken between Prasonisi island and Rhodes, the water can be shallow, but sea currents are usually strong here! Prasonisi island has also some tiny, untouched beaches, but keep in mind if you visit this place, there are no natural shades.
Apartments and hotels in Prasonisi
If you would like to stay a few days in Prasonisi and you are looking for rooms, you may have luck. Check the rooms of Prasonisi Lighthouse Boutique Hotel here, which has great guest reviews due for its high quality. Other apartments and villas are situated in Kattavia village, which is the nearest settlement to Prasonisi approx. 9 kilometers away: click here for the accommodations in Kattavia!
For the apartments and hotels of Rhodes island just click here, where you can compare the prices, travellers reviews and available rooms!
Photos
Check these Prasonisi beach photos, which show what you can find here.
Have a great time by visiting Prasonisi beach in Rhodes island, Greece where two sea meets!
