Ultimate Guide to Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes, Greece

Anthony Quinn Bay, formerly known as Vagies, is a beach on the eastern coast of Rhodes, Greece. It is most famous for being the filming location of the 1961 classic The Guns of Navarone, starring none other than the Mexican-American actor Anthony Quinn. 

When he arrived for filming, he fell in love with Greece, and more specifically, Vagies Cove. Quinn loved the gorgeous landscape so much that he even tried to buy the cove! He had hoped to create an international club for actors to relax, socialize, and enjoy everything the Greek islands offer. Unfortunately, he could never make this dream happen, but the area still bears his name. 

It is no surprise that the famous actor isn’t the only one who fell in love with the bay. Thousands of visitors come through each year, hoping to enjoy some time at this idyllic spot. 

The beach is small, but it is one of the most breathtaking beaches on the entire island. The mix of golden sand and small pebbles is juxtaposed with the crystal-clear turquoise waters that Greece is so famous for.

Things to do in Anthony Quinn Bay:

Enjoy the natural beauty of the bay.

Of course, the number one thing to do here is enjoy the ocean. 

The beach is known for its natural, rugged beauty. Mostly because there is limited human interference here. You won’t find any beach bars, clubs, or vendors as you do on the other beaches in Rhodes. 

Instead, you’ll be treated to a small stretch of pebbles and sand with a few sunbeds and umbrellas for rent. 

As mentioned, the cove is tiny and draws crowds from nearby Ladiko Beach. Only a few chairs will be available, so arrive early, especially during the summer. 

Eat lunch with a stellar view.

While there aren’t any facilities on the beach, the only Anthony Quinn Bay restaurant, Kounna Beach Bar, is on the top of the staircase near where you will park your car or get dropped off by public transport. It serves incredible cocktails, ice-cold beer, and delicious local cuisine. 

Even if you aren’t hungry, you should stop in to take in the views of the surrounding area. This is the best spot to get a photo of the entire bay.

Pro Tip: Call ahead for a table at the beach. This is the only restaurant in the area, and as you can imagine, it fills up fast!

Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

Imagine all the amazing marine life you can enjoy when swimming through the crystalline waters. You’ll see schools of Mediterranean fish, squid, moray eels, scorpion fish, and nudibranchs during your exploration of the underwater world. 

It is possible to rent scuba diving and snorkeling gear from nearby shops. There are also daily boat tours that will bring you to Anthony Quinn Bay for this thrilling experience. 

Explore Faliraki Village 

Just north of Anthony Quinn Bay is Faliraki, a charming village by the sea. 

This is the cove’s bustling big brother, providing everything you might need but can’t get in the rustic area of Anthony Quinn Bay. You can find bars and restaurants, local taverns, shops, and more organized beaches with plenty of sunbeds and parasols to rent. It is definitely worth a visit to compare the stunning scenery of each!

Check out Ladiko Beach

One of the beaches near Faliraki is Ladiko Beach. Here you will find sunbeds, bathrooms, and some delicious local taverns for lunch. 

It’s not just another incredible Rhodes Beach. It’s worth visiting because it is the best place for water sports and rock climbing on the island. If you want to get your adrenaline pumping, you must head here for an afternoon.

Luxuriate in Hot Springs

Kallithea Springs is another excellent attraction close to Anthony Quinn Bay. This is a natural thermal spa close to the sea. Kallithea has been used for hundreds of years and is a fantastic place to relax and enjoy the awe-inspiring architecture. 

Discover the Oldest Village in Rhodes

Afandou is another fantastic location to check out. It’s the largest and oldest village in Rhodes and is the perfect place for any history buff to explore. It also has its own beach, so you can easily make a day scouting out the area.

Weather at Anthony Quinn Bay, Rhodes

Rhodes is best visited during the summer, which lasts from mid-late June through August. You’ll find that temperatures range from 22-31℃ (72-88℉), and there is plenty of sunshine for the ultimate beach vacation. It’s also when the island comes to life. There is vibrant nightlight and lots to keep you busy during the day. 

Because summer is peak season across the island—and the entirety of Greece—be sure to book accommodations and tours early to secure your spot. 

Winter in Rhodes is chilly and rainy. However, the island experiences less rainfall than the rest of Europe, so you shouldn’t completely rule out visiting between November and February. 

You’ll notice that the rain is localized in Rhodes, so it drizzles in pockets. One side of the island may be rainy, while the rest is blanketed in sunshine. 

Temperatures range between 12-16℃ (54-61℉). This may be too cold for swimming, but Anthony Quinn Bay, and the rest of Rhodes for that matter, is still charming, and the views remain spectacular. 

Shoulder season, March through May and September through November, are also great times to visit, especially if you want quiet but still want to enjoy the ocean. Crowds are significantly smaller than they are during the summer, and the temperatures are pleasant. 

Spring temps warm up to 14-20℃ (57-68℉), and there is very little rain. So, it’s a great time to explore the island and soak up the stunning views. Fall tends to be a little warmer coming off the heat of the summer, with temperatures hovering between 19-25℃ (66-77℉). 

Many of the island’s beach activities are still open, so there will be plenty to keep you entertained!  

Packing List Essentials for Rhodes

When planning your perfect beach vacation at Anthony Quinn Bay, or on Rhodes in general, you’ll want to make sure you pack the following essentials:

• A beach mat and towel
• Strong sunscreen
• Sun umbrella or a beach tent for some shade
• Snorkel gear
• Reusable water bottle
• A great book or podcast
• Waterproof shoes
• Beach games
• Waterproof camera or case for underwater photos

Map of Rhodes

Anthony Quinn Bay is only a small part of what Rhodes offers. This map will help you get the most out of your holiday.

How to get to Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Beach is located along the eastern coast of Rhodes, just south of Faliraki. 

You can easily hire a car to get you from the main city of Rhodes town to Faliraki. It is only 15 km (9 miles), so it is easy to visit for a day.

The most straightforward way to reach the beach is by driving. You will take the Provincial Road from Rhodes town or Faliraki (the road goes from Rhodes-Lindos), following signs to Kallithea. It’s about a 20-minute trip. 

If you don’t plan on renting a car, not to worry! You can also visit by shuttle bus, cruise, or taxi. 

Shuttle Bus: Did you know that Rhodes has an excellent shuttle service? They offer direct buses that travel to this beach a few times daily. Check with your accommodation or with Rhodes public transport directly. 

Cruise: Every day, cruises to Anthony Quinn Bay depart from Rhodes Mandraki Harbor. This is the perfect option to take in the stunning Greek scenery. Most cruises offer swimming and snorkeling stops along the way, so wear your bathing suit! 

Taxi: Taxis are the fastest way to get to the bay. They are more expensive but will give you a direct route. Note that most routes on Rhodes are a fixed price. Always ask the taxi driver about the fare before getting into the car and starting off on your journey. This will help avoid any unwanted surprises when you arrive. 

Final Thoughts on Anthony Quinn Bay

Anthony Quinn Bay is a fantastic escape from the chaos of bigger beaches in Rhodes. Come see why the actor loved this spot so much and why it made such an amazing filming location! 

And when you are ready to hop to the next fabulous location, check out all our routes in Greece.

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