Παραλία Μικρός Γιαλός

Nestled away from the bustling crowds of its larger counterparts, Παραλία Μικρός Γιαλός (Mikros Gialos Beach) on Rhodes Island offers a charming and tranquil seaside experience. Located at Rhodes 851 07, Greece, this small bay is a popular tourist attraction and point of interest, ideal for those seeking a more authentic and relaxed beach day.

🌊 Crystal Clear Waters and Marine Life

One of the most praised aspects of Mikros Gialos is its exceptionally clean and crystal clear water. The bay is naturally sheltered, ensuring the waters are almost always calm, making it perfect for swimming and leisurely dips. The sea floor is rich with rocks and marine life, transforming the area into an excellent spot for snorkeling. Visitors frequently report seeing a variety of fish, making underwater exploration a highlight.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-Friendly and Quiet Charm

Mikros Gialos is highly recommended for families with children due to its shallow and warm waters near the shore. Unlike busier beaches, it maintains a relatively less crowded atmosphere, especially when compared to St. Paul's main beach. Reviewers appreciate the absence of boats moving in and out, contributing to a peaceful environment. The lack of commercial sunbeds and umbrellas, a recent change reportedly ordered by the local mayor, further enhances its natural, unspoiled charm, appealing to those who prefer a less commercialized beach experience.

🏞️ Scenic Beauty and Unique Features

The beach boasts a beautiful landscape, with the historic Acropolis just above it, adding a touch of ancient grandeur to the natural scenery. A small cave on the right side of the bay offers an intriguing feature for explorers. This picturesque setting, combined with the calm waters, makes Mikros Gialos a truly captivating destination.

🅿️ Practicalities and Tips for Your Visit

Parking:

There is convenient parking available nearby, with parking n.3 being the closest. The cost for parking is a fixed €7 for the full day, regardless of your stay duration.

Beach Entry & Shade:

While the beach is beautiful, be mindful that the entry and exit points into the water can be stony and rocky. It's advisable to watch your step. Due to the recent removal of sunbeds and umbrellas, shade can be limited. Consider bringing your own small umbrella or arriving early to secure a spot under any natural shade available.

Crowd Levels:

Although generally less crowded than other popular beaches, Mikros Gialos can still get busy, especially during peak daytime hours, with some finding it "full of people, loud music and tight space." For a more tranquil experience, visitors recommend arriving early in the morning or later in the afternoon, closer to sunset, when the atmosphere becomes perfectly serene.

Amenities:

Despite its smaller size, the beach is equipped with essential amenities, including a restaurant/bar for refreshments and a free outdoor shower.

In summary, Παραλία Μικρός Γιαλός offers a delightful alternative to the more commercialized beaches of Rhodes. With its clear, calm waters, excellent snorkeling opportunities, and family-friendly atmosphere, it's a hidden gem well worth discovering, particularly for those seeking a peaceful retreat. While parking and shade are key considerations, the overall experience promises a memorable and refreshing escape.

Fantastic small beach opposite St. Paul main beach. Not so crowded, and no boats moving in and out like at St. Paul. Parking nearby, costs €7 for the full day. No umbrellas/sun beds available on this small beach which add to the charm. We looked for something quieter than St. Paul and we didn't want to pay €50 for sun beds. I would recommend this small beach but go early in the morning or late to find space for towels. Beautiful landscape, great for snorkeling if you swim out of the bay. There is a small cave on the right side, the Acropolis is just above you. There is a restaurant/bar and a free outdoor shower. Great for families with children, shallow and warm water near the beach. Google maps directions are perfect, parking n.3 is the closest.

Lovely small beach, crystal clear water. Watch out for the stones and rocks getting in and out the water. June 2024, the day beds, sun umbrellas have all been removed. Local story was mayor ordered their removal due to cost and impact on locals wanting to use the beach but couldn’t because of high cost beds everywhere. Now they have been removed, there are limited places for shade. Still a lovely bay with good snorkelling and cliff jumping.

One of the best places for a swim in Rhodes. The bay is surrounded so the waters are always calm. The water is clean & clear and the sea floor is rich in rocks and marine life ready to explore with a mask.

The lagoon beach is full of people, loud music and tight space. BUT we saw many different fish and the bluest of blue just outside the lagoon, which was phenomenal! We came in the evening and thought of leaving because it was overstimulating but we tried the waters and loved it.

It is a beautiful, small, sandy beach, great for snorkelling (you can see different fish), with warm and clear water. We enjoyed our stay there. We found it by looking around and were happy with our decision. Parking costs €7, and it doesn't matter how long you will stay (1 hour or all day), it will cost you the same price. There are some stairs, but it is accessible with a small pushchair. I think it is crowded during the day, but close to sunset, it is perfect.