Navarone Bay is one of those places you picture when you think of dreamy Greek waters. Deep turquoise, quiet, scenic and almost cinematic when the light hits right.

We first discovered it on the Hippo Submarine boat trip last year, where we swam in the bay surrounded by the most vivid blue water we had ever seen. It was the kind of swim you remember long after the holiday ends. In fact, my favourite and most memorable swim in the sea to date.

This year we returned to experience it from the beach. We’d seen the beach from the boat and it looked so peaceful. So quiet and like the sand was white rather than golden. It looked ideal for a beach to visit another time, so that’s what we did when we returned to Rhodes. But the beach itself didn’t quite live up to our expectations.

First Impressions

Navarone Bay is visually stunning, framed by rugged rocky mountains and dotted with boats resting in calm postcard coloured waters. The shoreline feels natural and open, free from crowds and with a simple, peaceful atmosphere.

Parking was easy, just behind AquaGrand Hotel on the main road. The hotel uses part of the beach for its guests, and is adult only, but the remaining stretch is accessible to the public. It has a quiet feel which we really liked.

Sand, Shoreline and Swimming Conditions

Here’s where our opinion splits.

The water in Navarone Bay is incredible. Clear, blue, vibrant. When Ben snorkelled here, he said it was the most fish he had ever seen in Rhodes, and he spent a long time drifting around filming them. If you love snorkelling, this bay will be great for you.

But the beach itself wasn’t what we hoped for. The sand looks almost white and soft from a distance, but up close it’s mixed with small stones, shells, twigs and so much colourful plastic debris washed in from the sea. Barefoot walking was virtually impossible. I tried. But I was spiked in the feet so much, I had to put on my sandals.

It does make you think. We never see this level of micro-plastic back home in Cornwall, in fact barely any is on the beaches, so noticing so much here became a point of conversation. Different coastal currents, different attitudes to litter, different environmental pressures. We saw something similar in Lara Bay in Cyprus, so perhaps certain Mediterranean stretches collect more debris than others.

For the kids, the mixed sand turned into an activity of its own. They searched for shells, interesting stones and odd little treasures, happy to explore while we relaxed and watched the bay.

It’s the same with the sea from the beach. Although Ben had an amazing time snorkelling, the shore is very rocky when entering the sea. Water shoes are a must here! It’s not easy to get in and go swimming, as you need to get past all the rocks. Once you do, however, then you reach the incredible blue waters we loved so much on our previous swimming stop by boat.

The water, further out in the bay, however, is incredible. It looks like a turquoise swimming pool on a sunny day. Clear, bright and perfect for swimming. You just want to dive right in, if you visit by boat, and you don’t want to get out.

Best For

Snorkelling and swimming further out
The clearest, bluest water appears away from the shore and deeper in the bay.

Quiet beach time
If you want space, calmness and a natural setting without built-up beach bars, you’re in the right place.

Boat trips
If you get the chance, approach Navarone Bay by boat at least once. The colour of the water away from the shore is unbelievable.

Final Thoughts

Navarone Bay is one of the most beautiful colours of seawater we have seen in Rhodes. Last year’s swim here remains my most memorable sea swim, and this year Ben loved the fish he saw while snorkelling. From the water, the bay is stunning.

From the beach itself, we felt differently. Although beautiful to look at from a distance, the sand was stony and full of debris and plastic fragments which made it less enjoyable to walk or paddle on. Beautiful to look at, less enjoyable for walking or paddling.

Would we return to Navarone Bay?

Yes. But by boat again rather than to sit on the beach. The colour of the water further out is something special and absolutely worth experiencing again for swimming and snorkelling.

Navarone Bay is a great choice if you love swimming, quiet natural scenery and underwater exploring. Just go for the water rather than the sand.

(And water shoes are essential here if you plan to swim from the shore to avoid the spiky rocks!)

More Things to Do in Rhodes

If you are planning to explore Rhodes beyond Navarone Bay, there are so many places worth adding to your itinerary. We’ve spent time across the island over two separate October trips and still haven’t seen everything. Here are a few experiences you might enjoy, all tried and shared honestly here on Travel Vixta, with a mix of family-friendly spots, nature, beaches and history.

You could spend the morning at Navarone Bay then continue to Lindos for rooftop views, wander the medieval stone streets of Rhodes Old Town, or drive through the island’s green centre in search of waterfalls, monasteries and hidden coves. Rhodes is full of places that reward slow exploring.

Below are ideas you can click through to read more:

For beach days and coastal exploring:
St. Paul’s Bay Mikros Gialos Beach, Lindos Rhodes
Tsambika Mountain Hike and White Rock Beach, Kolymbia Rhodes
Rhodes Weather in October

For history and sightseeing:
Wandering the Streets of Lindos, Rhodes
Lindos Acropolis, Rhodes
Rhodes Old Town Review, Photos and Videos

Nature visits and inland adventures:
Seven Springs (Epta Piges), Rhodes Waterfalls and Tunnel Walk
Is it Worth Visiting Butterfly Valley Out of Season?

Family day trips and unique experiences:
Hippo Submarine Cruise Lindos Navarone Bay Boat Trip Rhodes
Chalki Island and Butterfly Valley TUI Trip Review

Travel diaries and where to stay:
Zen Club Luxury Villas Review, Kolymbia Rhodes
Rhodes Family Holiday Travel Diary Kolymbia
Atlantica Aegean Blue Hotel Review
10 Reasons to Visit Rhodes in October

Rhodes is one of those places that keeps pulling us back. Every visit we find something new, sometimes planned and sometimes just by taking the long road home. If Navarone Bay is on your list, it pairs perfectly with a day in Lindos, a boat trip, or a slow inland wander through the mountains to waterfalls and shaded springs.