If we were to create an unofficial ranking of the most famous resorts in Rhodes, Faliraki would take an honorable first place. And all because here, under the gentle sun of the island of Greece, families with children, nightlife lovers, and those who value beach quality spend their summer vacation. Faliraki in Rhodes is a place where developed infrastructure is combined with sandy beaches, a mild climate, proximity to historical monuments, and entertainment for everyone. And you can enjoy your vacation for half a year: that's how long the tourist season lasts. By May, the sea in Faliraki is warmed up to +22 °C, and by August - up to +26 °C.
How to get
Faliraki is located on the island of Rhodes, 14 km from the capital (the city of Rhodes) and 18 km from Diagoras International Airport. Charter flights from various European countries arrive here year-round.
To get from the airport to Faliraki, you first need to get from the terminal to the city of Rhodes by bus or taxi. Then, buy a ticket for the bus that goes from the main East Side Bus Station to Lindos. You should get off at the "Faliraki" stop. The travel time from the island's capital is about 30 minutes.
If you plan to rent a car, you can pick up a car right at the airport and head to Faliraki. The cost of a day's rental starts from 35 euros. Another option is to take a taxi to Faliraki. This service (from the airport) costs a minimum of 35-40 euros.
How to move?
In Faliraki, there is good communication with other resorts of Rhodes - buses go in all directions through it. Between Faliraki and Kallithea, there is a tourist train. With its help, you can not only see many interesting things but also listen to a story about the history of Rhodes. In Faliraki, there are car and bicycle rental points, as well as taxi stands.
What to see?
In Faliraki and the surrounding areas, there are historical and religious landmarks. So, you won't be bored here. Here is what is worth visiting first:
- The ruins of the fortress of Erimokastro are an ancient acropolis on top of a mountain, not far from Traganou Beach. Due to the steep ascent, the fortress remained impregnable. A ancient legend is associated with Erimokastro. According to it, pirates hid their treasures here, and whoever finds them will find happiness and wealth. Many residents of Rhodes at different times tried to find the treasure, but unsuccessfully. However, archaeologists made valuable discoveries: they found ancient pottery, coins, and elephant fossils, which only confirms the age of the fortress;
- The Church of St. Nektarios with a bell tower is a temple built in honor of Nektarios of Aegina, one of the most revered saints in Greece. He was canonized as a miracle worker in 1961 for cases of healing even during the saint's lifetime. The Church of St. Nektarios is the largest and most visited in Faliraki. It was built in 1967;
- The Monastery of Prophet Amos, built near Faliraki on the ruins of an early Christian basilica from the 5th century BC. The monastery is notable for fragments of frescoes from Byzantine and post-Byzantine times. The monastery complex dates back to 1838. Every year on June 14, festivities in honor of Prophet Amos are held at the monastery;
- The Monastery of Prophet Elias is a monastery built on a hill. It is known for its observation deck, which offers breathtaking views;
- The Church of the Holy Apostles in Faliraki Bay is a picturesque white and blue church surrounded by the sea;
- The St. George Stalactite Cave is located on the slopes of Mount Psalidi, 2 km from Faliraki. At the foot of the mountain is a church, and a hiking trail to the cave starts from there. The ascent takes about 20 minutes and can be managed even by a person with little physical preparation. The St. George Cave was inhabited even during the Neolithic era: this is proven by archaeological finds. Inside the cave, there are stalactites of various shapes and sizes.
From Faliraki, you can reach the neighboring Kalithea, known for its healing springs, around which the architectural complex Kallithea Springs was built. It has been restored and has become a prominent landmark of Rhodes. Just a 20-minute drive from Faliraki are the springs of "Seven Springs". Here, there is a tunnel built by the Italians in the early 20th century. You can walk through it with water up to your ankles. Additionally, "Seven Springs" is a pleasant place for walks: the valley is surrounded by lush coniferous forests where you can encounter mountain goats, turtles, and peacocks.
The main attraction of Faliraki is its beaches. The resort's coastline is usually divided into several sections:
- Central Beach - more than 4 km of coastline covered with clean sand. The beach is well-organized: there are sun loungers, lifeguard towers, showers, water sports;
- Ladiko - a picturesque bay, to which boat trips are organized;
- Traganu - a pebble beach surrounded by cliffs. The sea is always calm here;
- Kafara - a bay protected from the waves with the purest and shallow sea.
What to do?
Faliraki is perhaps the most versatile resort in Rhodes. Here, conditions are created for guests with any preferences. Faliraki is especially popular among those who enjoy new experiences.
Active recreation
Faliraki has become a symbol of active recreation. Water activities, catamaran rentals, windsurfing are available on its beach. And also horseback riding along the coast, paragliding, fishing, and mini cruises. There are diving centers in Faliraki where you can rent diving equipment or find an instructor. For hiking enthusiasts, Faliraki offers numerous hiking trails along the cliffs and forests.
The main entertainment venue in Faliraki is its famous water park. It is recognized as the largest in Greece. And the number of attractions is truly impressive: here you can find wave pools, extreme water slides, and family slides of varying levels of difficulty.
Shopping
When it comes to shopping, Faliraki is no different from other major resorts. Here you can find stores selling jewelry, clothing, shoes, traditional Greek products, natural cosmetics, beach accessories. There are also pharmacies, supermarkets, and souvenir shops.
For children
Faliraki is popular among families with children. And the main reason is a wide selection of entertainment. Here's what you can do in Faliraki if you came here with a child:
- Visit the Aquaworld aquarium to see the inhabitants of the Mediterranean Sea;
- Spend time at the Faliraki water park;
- Take a ride on a boat with a glass bottom;
- Embark on an exciting sea trip along the coast of Rhodes;
- Have fun at the "Fantasia" amusement park, which offers attractions for all ages;
- Visit the Astronomy Cafe Observatory. Here you can admire the night sky over Rhodes.
For children in Faliraki, there are playgrounds, bowling alleys, toy shops. And in taverns, you can find a special children's menu.
Nightlife
Faliraki is one of the nightlife hubs in Rhodes. Here you can find the Bar Street, where you can discover venues to suit every taste: from jazz bars and sports bars to clubs featuring the best European DJs. The main parties take place from June to mid-September. Visitors usually gather around 9:00 PM and party into the early hours of the morning. For those not drawn to nightclubs, traditional Greek tavernas are sure to please. Here, you can enjoy live performances of national music in the evenings.
Excursions
All excursions from Faliraki can be divided into sea and land ones:
- They offer sea excursions here to Lindos (including visits to Tsambika Beach and Anthony Quinn Bay + snorkeling), trips to Symi Island, diving in Kalithea Bay, yacht cruises, and personalized tours with flexible itineraries;
- Bus excursions are available to Lindos, the authentic village of Archangelos, Valley of the Butterflies, to the capital - Rhodes Town, as well as island-wide tours. Some companies offer jeep safaris to explore the most remote corners of Rhodes. This is an opportunity to visit mountainous villages and enjoy breathtaking views.
Where to stay?
In Faliraki, there are accommodation options to suit every taste: from apartments and rental apartments to large hotels operating on an All Inclusive basis. Some hotels are located right on the coast, while others are on the 2nd or 3rd line. Almost all resort hotels are modern and comfortable. Some have pools, children's playgrounds, and a variety of additional services.
What to taste?
Greece is known for its healthy and delicious cuisine, and Rhodes is no exception. In the establishments of Faliraki, you can find the famous moussaka, the classic horiatiki salad, and meze - a selection of appetizers for those who don't want to stick to just one or two dishes. Among the local dishes worth trying are avranes - wild asparagus with onions, olive oil, and a sauce made of lemon juice and flour, pitaroudia - chickpea keftedes served with fresh onions and tomatoes, minced octopus patties or lamb ribs with rice and cinnamon. In Faliraki, there are restaurants to suit every taste: from seaside tavernas to vegetarian cafes, from grill bars to pastry shops. The average bill per person ranges from 15 to 25 euros.
Useful info
- The tourist season in Faliraki lasts from May to October. But the best time to visit (without crowds and heat) is at the end of May, beginning of June, and in September-October;
- Many temples in Faliraki close for siesta - from 12:00 to 17:00.