I left my hotel just after breakfast, taking the small coastal road eastward. The air was already warm, and the sea shimmered in the morning light. My goal was Tsambika Beach, one of the most talked-about stretches of sand on Rhodes, but I wanted more than just a swim. I wanted to see if I could find those quiet corners and local tricks that make a popular place feel like your own.
The drive was short but beautiful. Hills rose gently from the roadside, and glimpses of the blue sea kept me company. When I arrived, the first thing I saw was the golden sand stretching far and wide. The beach here is long enough that even on busy days you can find space if you keep walking. Most people stop near the main entrance, where sunbeds and umbrellas are lined up in neat rows. I chose to keep going, heading toward the far end where the crowd thinned.
On the way, I noticed a small kiosk selling water and snacks for much less than the main bars. The owner, an older man with a friendly smile, told me in simple English that he has been here for decades. He pointed out a cluster of rocks at the far edge of the beach and said, “Good for quiet, good for swim.” I took his advice and set my towel on the sand just before the rocks began.
The water at Tsambika is shallow and warm, making it perfect for long swims without worrying about waves. I slipped in and floated on my back, watching the white clouds drift slowly overhead. A few small fish swam around my feet, curious but cautious. The sound of children playing drifted over, but from this end of the beach it was soft, not overwhelming.
Around midday, I decided to explore a little more. Behind the beach there is a dusty path that leads up toward the hillside. I did not go far, as the climb looked like it would take a while and the sun was already strong, but even a short walk gave me a better view of the bay. From above, the sand looked like gold against the turquoise water, and the umbrellas like tiny dots.
For lunch, I followed another tip from the kiosk owner. Instead of eating at the beach bars, I crossed the road to a small taverna tucked under the shade of olive trees. The menu was simple and the prices much better than I expected for a tourist area. I ordered a Greek salad and a plate of grilled sardines. The owner brought me fresh bread and a small glass of local wine, “on the house.” I sat there for almost an hour, enjoying the breeze and the sound of cicadas.
In the afternoon, I returned to the beach, but this time I rented a paddleboard from a small stand halfway down the shore. It was not expensive, and the man renting them gave me a quick lesson. Out on the water, Tsambika looked even more beautiful. I could see the chapel high on the hill, the famous Tsambika Monastery, and the gentle slope of the beach curving away into the distance.
As the day cooled, more families packed up their umbrellas and headed for the car park. I stayed until the sand turned a darker gold in the evening light. The kiosk owner waved at me as I passed by, and I promised to visit again.
Driving back, I thought about how easy it is to enjoy a popular beach without spending much, as long as you take a few steps away from the crowd. Tsambika gave me exactly what I came for: soft sand, clear water, and a few simple secrets that made it feel like my own little discovery.