Anthony Quinn Bay
Hollywood's cove: emerald water, rocky drama, real history
About
Anthony Quinn Bay is a narrow, pine-fringed cove on Rhodes' east coast where emerald water fills a tight rock enclosure roughly 250 metres across. The mixed-pebble and rock shoreline gives way almost immediately to deep, glass-clear water — the kind that rewards snorkellers with exceptional visibility. Pine-covered cliffs wrap the cove on three sides, creating a sheltered, almost theatrical geometry that explains why film crews chose this spot. The bay takes its name from the actor Anthony Quinn, linking it permanently to the cinematic history of the island. It's romantic, iconic, and genuinely beautiful — but it demands respect from anyone who enters the water.
How to get there
From Faliraki it's a 10-minute drive south; from Rhodes City allow around 25 minutes. Free parking is available near the cove, but spaces are extremely limited — the main car park fills by 9am in July and August, forcing latecomers onto the roadside. The cove is also reachable by sea via Faliraki Sealines ferry services. Access to the water itself is easy in terms of the path down, but entry is over rocks — not sand.
Who it's for
For couples
The narrow cove geometry, pine-scented air, and emerald water make this one of the most romantic spots on Rhodes' east coast — arrive early, claim a flat rock, and you'll have a near-private amphitheatre of sea and cliff to yourselves.
For families
Families with strong swimmers and older children can enjoy the snorkelling clarity, but the immediate deep-water rock entry and complete absence of a sandy shallows make this a poor choice for toddlers or non-swimmers — Faliraki Beach 2km north is a far safer family option.
Our take
Anthony Quinn Bay earns its reputation — the emerald water inside those pine-wrapped cliffs is as striking as any cove on the Dodecanese. But go in clear-eyed: deep water starts the moment you step off the rocks, there is no sandy shallows, and non-swimmers should stay dry. The no-anchoring rule keeps the cove cleaner than most, and the snorkelling clarity is genuinely exceptional. Visit in June or early September and you'll find it busy but manageable; July and August are a different story — parking gone by 9am, rocks packed by 10am. The film-history connection and the geometry of the place make it worth the trip. Just bring water shoes, arrive early, and know your swimming limits before you step in.
What to do
The restored Italian-era thermal spa complex at Kallithea Springs is just 3km away — its Art Deco rotunda architecture and beach club make it a half-day stop in its own right. Ladiko Bay, only 0.5km along the coast, is the adjacent cove also used during the filming of The Guns of Navarone and tends to be slightly less packed. Faliraki Beach, 2km north, offers a full four-kilometre resort stretch with watersports facilities if you want something more active.
The aerial-style view from the cliff path above the cove — emerald water framed by dark rock and pine — is the defining shot of Anthony Quinn Bay.
At water level, the rock entry point looking back toward the pine-covered cliffs gives a dramatic low angle, especially in the golden hour before 9am.
Where to eat
Diamantoula Beach Taverna and Terra are both around 0.8km from the cove and are the closest dining options after a swim. For something a little further afield, Cavos and Charlie's X sit about 1.2km away, with Marios another 100 metres beyond that.
Where to stay
Ladiko Suites and Ladiko Inn are the closest options at just 0.4km — well placed for an early-morning visit before the car park fills. Casa Mikele by Sarikas, Miva Search View, and Ladiko Garden are all within 0.5km, giving you a compact cluster of choices right on the doorstep.
Photography
The best shot is from the cliff edge above the cove looking straight down into the emerald water — early morning light before 8am keeps the scene clean and the surface glassy. For a ground-level frame, position yourself on the rocks at the water's edge with the pine-covered cliffs rising behind swimmers.
Good to know
Wear water shoes: there is no sandy beach entry, and the rocks can be sharp and slippery. The water is deep immediately at the point of entry, making this unsuitable for non-swimmers and young children who can't yet tread water confidently. Anchoring inside the cove is prohibited — if you arrive by boat, respect this rule. July and August turn this small cove elbow-to-elbow with visitors; if you can visit in June or September you'll find a completely different experience.
Map
Nearby places
Diamantoula Beach Taverna
Terra
Cavos
Charlies's X
Marios
Ladiko Suites
Ladiko Inn
Casa Mikele by Sarikas
Miva Search View
Ladiko Garden
Things to see around Faliraki
Kallithea Springs
Restored Italian-era thermal spa complex with Art Deco rotunda architecture, now a beach club and filming location.
Faliraki Beach
Four-kilometre resort beach immediately north, offering full watersports facilities.
Ladiko Bay
Adjacent small cove also used during filming of The Guns of Navarone, slightly less crowded than Anthony Quinn Bay.
Frequently asked
The information on this page is provided for guidance only and may evolve. Access conditions, safety and infrastructure can change without notice. Always check official sources before traveling.
Nearest beaches
Other romantic beaches in Greece
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Photo credits
Sources and licenses for the photos shown above.
- Photo 1 — andre.reif · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 2 — andre.reif · source · CC BY-ND 2.0
- Photo 3 — Andrzej Szkopiński · source · CC BY 3.0
- Photo 4 — w_lemay · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 5 — w_lemay · source · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Photo 6 — Andrzej Szkopiński · source · CC BY 3.0