Rhodes is not a small island you can explore on a scooter in an afternoon. It is massive, stretching almost 80 kilometers from north to south. To truly understand its geographical diversity, you have to rent a car, get on the main eastern highway, and drive until the road literally runs out.
Location – East Coast Route (Faliraki down to the Southern Tip)
Time – 10 00 AM
Temperature – 31°C (88°F) and increasingly windy toward the south
Mood – Free and driving fast
Soundtrack – Open windows and the heavy bass of a local Greek radio station
The Green Start
I started my journey just south of Faliraki at Anthony Quinn Bay. Named after the legendary actor who fell in love with the spot while filming “The Guns of Navarone,” this bay is a masterpiece of nature. The water is a deep, emerald green, perfectly reflecting the thick pine trees that grow right up to the edge of the jagged rocks. I took a quick, cold morning swim in the enclosed lagoon before the crowds arrived, dried off, and got behind the wheel.
The Long Highway
Driving south, the landscape of Rhodes changes dramatically. The dense, green forests of the north slowly give way to vast, arid plains, endless olive groves, and dry, sun-baked mountains. The main eastern highway is wide, smooth, and incredibly easy to navigate. Passing through small, working villages like Archangelos and Gennadi, you see a completely different, much slower side of the island compared to the frantic energy of Rhodes Town.
The End of the World
After about an hour and a half of driving, the road descends toward the southernmost tip of the island—Prasonisi. The sight from the hill looking down is staggering. Prasonisi is a massive sandbar that connects the mainland of Rhodes to a small, rocky islet. But the real magic is the water.
This narrow strip of sand is the exact dividing line where the Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean Sea. Because of the unique geography, the wind here is fierce and relentless. The sky was filled with dozens of colorful kitesurfers jumping massive waves on the rough Aegean side, while just a few meters away, people were swimming calmly in the perfectly flat Mediterranean waters.
The Verdict
The drive from Anthony Quinn to Prasonisi is the ultimate Rhodes road trip. It takes you from Hollywood-level scenic coves to the wild, elemental edge of the island where you can stand with one foot in two different seas.
My “Eat Walk Repeat” Note for Today
Eat – Halfway down the coast, pull off the highway into a local village and find a roadside grill. Order a massive Pork Souvlaki wrapped in thick pita bread. It is cheap, heavily salted, and the perfect road trip fuel.
Walk – When you reach Prasonisi, walk all the way across the sandbar (if the tide is low enough) and hike up the rocky hill to the abandoned lighthouse. The view looking back at the island is incredible.
Repeat – Pay attention to your gas gauge. Gas stations are plentiful in the north, but they become extremely rare once you pass the village of Kiotari in the deep south. Always fill your tank before you begin the long drive down.
