Traounou Beach: Clear Water, Quiet Pebbles and a Hidden Cave

On the north-eastern stretch of Rhodes, about 20 kilometres south of the capital, lies a beach that rewards those who like their coastline calm and clear. Traounou — also spelled Traganou — is a spacious, flat expanse of pebbles in many sizes that continue out beneath the surface, where the sea turns wonderfully transparent and alive with marine life. The beach carries an EU Blue Flag for its water quality.

The cave that draws the divers

At the northern end of Traounou, a beautiful sea cave has become a magnet for snorkellers and divers. Beyond the colourful fish, small octopuses are a frequent sight, and on a bright day the sunlight slipping through the cave’s openings to dapple the water is a spectacle all its own. It’s the kind of detail that turns a good beach into a memorable one.

Half wild, half organised

Traounou strikes a nice balance. Part of the beach is set up with sunloungers and umbrellas to hire, plus a fish taverna and a snack stall when hunger strikes. But most of the shore is left in its natural state, so finding a quiet patch to call your own is never a problem.

Where it sits

The beach connects loosely to long, sandy Afandou just to the south, while popular Faliraki lies around four kilometres north. Traounou itself stays peaceful — it’s mostly locals who make their way here — and is often associated with the resort of Afandou, whose nearby caves are a well-known stop for boat trips that include swimming and diving. Anthony Quinn and Ladiko beaches are also close at hand.