Prassonissi and the south of Rhodes

Although the south of Rhodes is not very popular with tourists, there is one site that attracts many curious visitors at the southernmost tip of the island: Prassonissi, a beautiful sandy beach, a famous kitesurfing spot and a superb place for walking.

Prassonissi, which refers to both the beach and the small island that faces it, translates as "the green island": yet it is just as bare as the south of Rhodes! Depending on the winds, tides and currents, the island is sometimes separated by an arm of the sea, sometimes joined by an isthmus of sand. It then becomes a peninsula, accessible on foot: you can venture as far as the lighthouse for a great view of this junction of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

Prassonissi is the place to be in Rhodes for kitesurfing enthusiasts: the isthmus on the west side is particularly exposed to the meltem, the powerful northerly wind that blows strongly in summer. The water is superb, so much so that some kitesurfers set up camp with their tents or caravans right on the beach! There are also rooms to rent, kitesurfing equipment for hire, and 2-3 café-taverns to get you by for a few days: so there's something for everyone...

On the eastern side of the isthmus, the sea is calmer, making it ideal for swimming and even snorkelling around Prassonissi. Some rubbish deposited by the sea, or a wind that is sometimes too strong, are the drawbacks for inveterate beach-goers.

Apart from Prassonissi, you won't come across many people in the south of Rhodes: it's a great way to discover the island off the beaten track, that's for sure! The large sandy beaches on the east coast, such as Agios Georgios, attract visitors for their tranquillity, even if there is some rubbish from the sea... On the west coast, the beaches are even less popular, due to their exposure to the wind and the pebbles: avoid swimming unless the weather is very calm.

So we turn to the island's interior and its small villages, where the influence of tourism is minimal: stop off at Lachania, Kattavia or Apolakkia to discover a real Greek island village atmosphere, drenched in sunshine, where the hustle and bustle is concentrated in the evening on the terrace of a taverna serving tasty specialities made from local produce... which you can also take home!

While the south-east, sheltered from the wind, is dry and covered in scrubland, the west, which receives more humidity, is greener: a very pleasant, little-travelled road eventually leads to Monolithos and its kastro built by the Knights of the Order of St John on a rocky outcrop. The panorama of the surrounding area, between the sea and the highest peaks in Rhodes, is breathtaking.

🚌 How do I get there?

• By car, Prassonissi is a 1.5-hour drive via Lindos from Rhodes. In one day, it's possible to drive around the island: allow 3h30 in all. An express discovery of the south.
• Day trips by bus are possible, with around 2 connections a day between Rhodes and Prassonissi in high season. Timetables and information on the KTEL website. As there are very few bus services from Rhodes city to the south, it is strongly recommended that you hire a car to explore this part of the island, as you will be completely self-sufficient.
• Those who prefer an authentic holiday in areas not frequented by tourists will make the south of Rhodes their home for a few days... some even spend their whole holiday there!

⚠️Prudence however, when it comes to petrol: stations are rare in the south, so make sure you fill up whenever possible.

🌊 Kitesurfing at Prassonissi

A spot whose reputation extends far beyond the shores of Rhodes. Accessible to beginners and experienced kitesurfers alike. Equipment hire available on site. For more information, click on the links below.

• Kite Prasso
• Wind4Fun