Ladiko Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay and Faliraki ~ Griffmonsters Great Rhodes Walks

A 3 mile walk visiting the idyllic Ladiko Bay and Anthony Quinn bay areas.

Ladiko Bay and Anthony Quinn are secluded coves south of Faliraki that some would describe as paradise. It is certainly worth soaking up the delights of these bays before continuing along a challenging cliff side path over to the southern side of Faliraki to where a chapel presides over a picturesque harbour

Ladiko Bay, Anthony Quinn Bay and Faliraki - Essential Information

Walk Statistics:

Start location: Ladiko Bay
End location: Faliraki
Distance: km ( miles)
Total Gain: metre ( ft)
Total Descent: metre ( ft)
Min Height: metre ( ft)
Max Height: metre ( ft)
Walk Time:
Walk type: Linear
Walk Grade: Moderate
Terrain: Rocky cliff side path

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

GPX Route File

Transport:

Details of public transport that is required for the walk

Rhodes Public Transport - Bus Service

Service Details: Pefkos to Rhodes Town - Rhodes Public bus service Pefki to Rhodes.
Timetable: http://www.ando.gr/upload/files/eot/BUS.pdf

Route Verification Details

Date of Walk: 2017-10-11
Walk Time: 09:30 to 12:30
Walkers: Griffmonster, Kat
Weather Conditions: Bright sunshine

Walk Notes

I love it when a plan comes together may have been the catchphrase originating from an 1980s American Action series where nobody ever got hurt but it is equally apt for this walk. The intention was to visit Ladiko Bay and the so called Anthony Quinn Bay, two secluded coves some 2 km south of Faliraki. The various reviews of the area are enough to draw any tourist to such a location, with teasing quotes such as by far is the most amazing, relaxing place ever, magical looking and secluded and breathtaking being just a few of the descriptions that visitors have used to expound this place.

Therefore an excursion was planned, taking the bus up from Pefki to Ladiko Bay with no intention or firm plan of a walk. This would be a visit to soak in the atmosphere and take in the visual delights. However once there, a footpath out of Anthony Quinn bay, signposted for the Observatory quickly condensed into a plan for a walk. I love it when a plan comes together.

Public Transport along the east coast of Rhodes is excellent with a frequent service, even late in the season, and bus drivers who are always helpful. In this instance it was assumed that one would require to walk down to the bay from the bus stop on the main National Road, Route 95. However, the driver on the 08:25 bus from Pefki to Rhodes, when questioned about the bus stop we would need to alight at, without hesitation, stated I will take you there. Now whether this was just a courtesy to tourists or whether this was part of the planned timetable, or whether some buses took this diversion and some did not is unknown. Timetables in Rhodes merely state departure times and ultimate destinations at each stop with little else as to their specific route. Sure enough, some distance past Afandou, the bus diverged from the National Road onto a little back road to soon come to a halt where the driver announced on the PA system Ladiko Bay. You could not get a better service.

From the bus stop, it is a short distance down the beach access road where a colourful handmade sign greets the visitor with a Welcome to Ladiko. The early start was rewarded with peaceful scene before the onslaught of beach dwellers populated the area and the morning sunshine bathed the bay in a magical light that one could not fail to appreciate. The main beach sits in front of rocky cliffs covered in coarse vegetation and wild herbs and the calm, blue waters are crystal clear allowing views of the bottom of the ocean when stood above on the cliffside road. Yes one could see why visitors raved ecstatically about this cove.

The road then leads out from this bay and over into St Anthony Quinn Bay. Just when one thinks one has seen paradise, something betters it. Obviously this is a matter of opinion and there are those who would argue to the contrary, but to my eyes, Anthony Quinn Bay had a much wilder naturalness to it.

A simple wooden bench sits in the shade of a pine tree overlooking the bay and a sign hangs down from a branch with the hand crafted inscription ANTHONY QUINN BAY 1960. In front of the tree, some stone steps with a hand rail leads down to the small secluded beach and adjacent is a covered kantina which had just opened for business. A coffee was ordered and the only food on offer until they had the place fully operational was some large doughnuts. So, with coffee and doughnuts we sat and admired the scenery. The bay is bounded by large cliffs and, with the sunlight from behind, the sea presented a deep azure blue colour set against a clear and limitless blue sky. Hardly a soul around. One has to go out of ones way to get to this location so only those seeking the solitude appear to frequent the place.

A large boat lumbers into the bay. It turns to present its stern and drops anchor. People dive from its deck into the blue waters. Tourists from Faliraki, presumably. The bay is so long that the boat is far enough away so as to not disturb the tranquillity of the moment. Not a sound could be heard from the revellers on board or in the waters. On the left one could occasionally see people on the cliff side. It didn't take much deduction that there must be a footpath up the cliff side. A man and woman with a child stood at the start of the footpath just beyond the kantina and then the woman and child ventured off onto it. One could track their movement for the first few metres until undergrowth obscured them. A quick investigation revealed a sign stating Path to observatory. A check on the map depicted a path that led over the cliff and down to the beaches of Faliraki. Despite the tranquillity, the thought of a walk was materialising. I love it when a plan comes together.

Now, it has to be said that I am no fan of heights and cliff side paths do not fill me with confidence. However, witnessing the various individuals who were walking down this path did embolden ones reserve to give it a go. The path starts off simple and easy, slowly gaining height. But then it starts to get more difficult. Steep climbs across the rocky cliff and one piece where one has to step close to a sheer edge. Yes it is a little unnerving to anyone who suffers from vertigo, but the distance is short and the views are absolutely amazing. People heading in the opposite direction appeared oblivious to the height seemingly part of their regular routine. A girl passed, stating she was late for work, obviously this was her normal walk to work. What an awesome way to get to work. A group of Germans plodded by in formation as we gingerly ascended, taking time out to allow them to pass.

It has to be said that a completed challenge gives a sense of fulfilment and reaching the top of the cliff clearly provided such a sensation. The whole panorama of the bay can be seen from here and it is worth just standing and admiring before continuing across the flat scrub land to the Hipparchos Observatory. The sign at the bottom had clearly stated that it was not open until 6pm. One can picture some uneducated sun worshippers complaining that they should be able to view the stars at any time of the day but obviously one needs some kind of darkness for an observatory to be of any use. Even so, the observatory panels were open with the telescope firmly pointed to the sky where a large moon was setting. The Hipparchos Observatory complex includes a cafe and apartments for anyone of astronomical mind who wishes to spend their holiday alongside their passion. A youtube video offers some insights into this unique holiday destination.

Beyond the observatory is the wide open bay where Faliraki sits. Full of hotels and long beaches and sun worshippers and nightclubbers. I have to fully admit that I am not a subscriber to such a form of holiday destination and would not want to spend any amount of time in such a location. Even so, this walk does not impinge on the full blown urbanisation but heads down to the small picturesque harbour which is well worth visiting. It must be noted that the first beach is a nudist beach and one should use ones discretion at such places. If one does not want to pass through this beach one can proceed directly onto the next beach where the harbour is located at the far end, with its picturesque Church of the Holy Apostles (Αγίοι Απόστολοι) occupying a position at the entrance to the harbour.

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Church of the Holy Apostles, Faliraki Harbour

Directions

Simple walk across the headland from Anthony Quinn Bay over to the southern end of Faliraki. This route can be found on the ViewRanger app.

Follow the road from the main road, or the back road on which the bus stop is located, to Ladiko Bay. This is adequately signposted and is not difficult to follow. The short walk leads into the bay then the road continues across To Anthony Quinn Bay.

On the left hand side of Anthony Quinn Bay is a footpath with a sign for the observatory. This leads along the cliffside, gaining height until it reaches the top just short of where the cliff turns. Cross the scrubland at the top heading for the observatory.

Take the road from the Observatory and turn off back on oneself at the junction on the right where a road leads down a steep hill. The first turn on the right leads down to a nudist beach. It is thought that the next beach can be reached via this route. However sometimes discretion is called for and to avoid the nudist beach take the second turn on the right which leads down to Kathara Beach. Follow this beach through to the harbour and proceed to the harbour entrance. Take the path through to the road and continue away from the coast. At the junction, turn right then immediately left and follow this road through to the National Road. Cross the road and head right along here for the nearest bus stop where regular buses go back to Lindos and Pefki and destinations beyond.

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Ladiko Bay beach

Refreshments

Kantina Anthony Quinn Bay View in Google Map

Address: Kantina Anthony Quinn Bay

Sitting above the beach on Anthony Quinn Bay, this covered Kantina provides a peaceful view across the bay

Review

Such an idyllic place, this shady kantina presents a perfect place to while away the time over a coffee

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View of Anthony Quinn Bay from cliff side path

Features

Anthony Quinn BayView in Google Map

The 1961 war film, The Guns of Navarone, which was based on Alistair MacLean's 1957 novel of the same name, used the island of Rhodes for several of its filming locations. The film is based on the Battle of Leros which occurred in the Dodecanese Campaign of World War II and sets its plot around an Allied commando unit's attempts to destroy an impregnable German fortress that threatens Allied naval ships in the Aegean Sea. The film, which contains a plethora of stars including Gregory Peck, David Niven, Anthony Quinn, Stanley Baker, Anthony Quayle and James Darren became an instant success and put Rhodes on the map of filming locations.

Various locations on Rhodes were used in the film, including Mandraki Harbour to the north of Rhodes town, Rhodes town itself, Lindos Acropolis and St Pauls Bay. Anthony Quinn, who played a Greek resistance fighter in the film, was said have become so endeared with the island that in 1960 he bought some land in a bay situated in Kallithea, two pieces from individuals and the beach which, like all beach areas, belonged to the state. The purchase price for the beach was agreed to be a mere £1500, which was purely a symbolic sum as recognition of the actor publicising the beauty of the island. This purchase was endorsed by Queen Frederica, the consort of King Paul and by the Greek prime minister of the time. Naturally, this land and beach affectionately became to be known as Anthony Quinns Bay, a name which persists to this present day.

Quinn's original intention for the land was to provide an international centre for artists and film makers. To bring such a dream to fruition he set about making the beach accessible by building a road that had to be cut through the mountains, plus providing fresh water supplies and amenities, all at his own expense.

It was in 1984, after this development had been completed, that the Greek state annulled the original purchase transaction of the beach area, pointing to the fact that, due to regulation, the land should never have been sold to a non-Greek native. This initiated a bitter dispute between Quinn and the Greek authorities that lasted until his death in 2001.

In 2007 Quinns widow, Katherine, mounted a legal battle to reclaim the land with the backing of US politician Hilary Clinton. Despite this, it would appear that the area is still owned by the state.

References

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view from cliff side path

Gallery

Below are a selection of images taken from from the photo album for this walk. Feel free to browse through these or click on an image to view a larger version in the Gallery.