Faliraki holidays

How to reach Faliraki

• Flight time: Flights to Rhodes from London and other major UK cities take just over 4 hours.

• Transfer time: From Rhodes International Airport (RHO), it’s a 20-minute taxi ride to Faliraki. Alternatively, you can catch a bus from the airport to the centre of Rhodes and then another bus to Faliraki, which takes around 1 hour in total.

• Price: A taxi from the airport to Faliraki costs around €35. The bus is cheaper, with a total fare of approximately €7 for both segments.

Best time to visit Faliraki

Choosing the best time for holidays to Faliraki depends on what kind of holiday you have in mind.

• April to June sees temperatures ranging from 18 to 25°C, around 8–10 hours of sunshine daily and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

• July to August pretty much guarantees dry, hot, sunny weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. This is the high season, so expect crowds. These months are ideal if you want a beach holiday and lively nightlife.

• September to October ushers in more comfortable temperatures, typically in the mid- to low-20s. You’ll get plenty of sunshine. The sea is still warm enough for swimming, and the crowds will thin out.

• November to March is off-season. Temperatures drop from 18°C in November to 12°C in January before climbing to 15°C in March. This period sees more rainfall, but it’s a quieter time to explore the area.

Practical information

• Spoken languages: Greek is the official language, but English is widely spoken.

• Currency: Greece uses the euro (€).

• Getting around: KTEL buses serve Faliraki. Tickets can be purchased from kiosks or the driver. As an indication, a one-way ticket to Rhodes costs €2.50. Taxis are also readily available. Agree on a price before you set off.

• Electricity and plug types: The standard voltage is 230V 50 Hz. Plugs are two-pin Type C and F.

• Time zone: Greece uses Eastern European Time, 2 hours ahead of GMT (3 hours ahead during Daylight Saving Time).

• Required travel documentation: UK citizens need a valid passport (issued less than 10 years before the entry date and valid for at least 3 months after the departure date) but don’t need a visa for stays up to 90 days in a rolling 180-day period.

Best things to do in Faliraki

Holidays to Faliraki offer beautiful beaches, lively nightlife and family-friendly attractions.

Viewpoints and panoramas

• Anthony Quinn Bay: This picturesque bay offers stunning views of the turquoise waters and rocky landscape.

• Astronomy Café: With two observatories, this is the perfect spot for star-gazing.

The best districts

• Faliraki Strip: Faliraki’s action takes place on the rather self-explanatory Bar and Club streets. Drink and dance til dawn.

• Old Town Faliraki: A bit quieter and more traditional, this part of Faliraki offers charming streets, local markets and quaint cafés. It’s a lovely place to explore during a leisurely afternoon.

Parks and gardens

• Rodini Park: Located a short drive from Faliraki, on the outskirts of Rhodes Town, this is said to be the oldest landscaped park in the world. It’s beginning to show its age and is in dire need of some TLC, but not without a certain wild charm.

Museums

• Archaeological Museum of Rhodes: Roughly 15km from Faliraki in Rhodes Town, housed in the medieval Hospital of the Knights (worth a look-see in its own right), the museum’s collection centres on fantastic finds from Ialissos and Kamiros.

Historical monuments

• Kallithea Springs: The thermal springs are no longer operating, but this historic spa complex has beautiful architecture and landscaped gardens.

• Filerimos Monastery: Located on a hilltop near Faliraki, this ancient monastery offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The site also features the ruins of an ancient acropolis and a Byzantine church.

Day trips in the area

• Butterfly Valley: Roughly a 30-minute drive from Faliraki, the valley is named for the thousands of butterflies that congregate here, especially during summer. It’s a magical place for nature lovers and a great spot for a relaxing walk.

• Lindos: About 40 minutes away by car, Lindos is known for its stunning Acropolis and picturesque whitewashed houses – perfect for history enthusiasts and beach lovers alike.

• Symi Island: Take a boat trip to the nearby island of Symi, known for its colourful neoclassical houses and beautiful harbour. It’s an excellent place for a day of exploration and relaxation.

Activities for families in Faliraki

Faliraki is a fantastic destination for families, offering a variety of activities that cater to all ages.

• Water parks: With numerous slides, pools and attractions, Faliraki Waterpark is great for a fun-filled day with the family.

• Family-friendly beaches: Many of Faliraki’s beaches are family-friendly, with shallow waters and plenty of space for children to play. The main beach offers water sports, sunloungers and beachside cafés.

• Aquariums and zoos: The small but interesting Aquarium of Faliraki (Aquaworld) is more of a rescue centre, so temper your expectations. It’s the perfect place for a close encounter with crabs, starfish, sea turtles and other rescues. It also features a museum.

• Entertainment centres: SkyPark Faliraki is a one-stop destination for family fun, with a roller skating rink, trampolines, mini-golf course, bowling alley and go-karting.

Free things to do in Faliraki

Enjoying Faliraki doesn’t have to cost a fortune, whether it’s a lazy day at the beach or a free event.

• Annual festivals and free events: Faliraki hosts various free cultural events throughout the year, from traditional music and dance performances to art exhibitions. Local festivals include the Festival of St Amos in June.

• Beaches: Access to the island’s beautiful beaches is free. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, though you’ll have to ignore the sunloungers.

Wellness in Faliraki

• Spas and thermal baths: Many luxury hotels in Faliraki have spa facilities offering a range of treatments, from massages to facials.

• Traditional body care: Experience traditional body treatments such as kessa glove scrubs and herbal wraps. These treatments are often available at local spas and wellness centres, such as Loutron Turkish Hammam, Massage and Wellness.

• Yoga and meditation centres: Align mind and body. Mitsis Faliraki Beach Hotel & Spa offers outdoor morning yoga sessions.

Nature and outdoor activities

• Hiking: The island has several scenic trails, including the path to Profitis Ilias and coastal walks around Kallithea. These trails offer stunning views and a chance to see local wildlife.

• Cycling: Rhodes’s terrain and beautiful landscapes make it a great place for cycling enthusiasts. Get Active Rhodes rents road, gravel and mountain bikes and offers island-wide delivery.

• Snorkelling and diving: Discover the Aegean Sea's underwater world and rich marine life. Big Fish Diving Centre offers PADI courses and multiday dives.

• Kayaking: Rent a kayak and explore the coastline at your own pace. It’s a fantastic way to see hidden coves and beaches inaccessible by land.

• Parasailing: For a thrilling adventure, glide over the Aegean Sea with Sotos Water Sports.

Beaches in Faliraki

Faliraki is renowned for its beautiful beaches, making it a popular destination for sun-seekers and water sports enthusiasts. Here are some of the top beaches to explore during your holidays to Faliraki:

• Faliraki Beach: Stretching over 5 km, this sandy beach is the main attraction of Faliraki. Its shallow waters and wide array of amenities, including sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars, make it perfect for families and relaxation. Water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating are also available for those seeking adventure.

• Anthony Quinn Bay: Just a short drive from Faliraki, this small, picturesque bay offers crystal-clear waters and a more secluded atmosphere. Named after the actor who fell in love with the area during filming, it’s an ideal spot for snorkelling and enjoying the natural beauty of Rhodes.

• Kathara Beach: A quieter option located near the town centre, Kathara Beach is a lovely spot for those who prefer a more peaceful experience. With calm, shallow waters, it’s a great choice for families with young children.

• Ladiko Beach: Another beautiful bay close to Faliraki, Ladiko Beach is known for its rocky coastline and tranquil setting. It’s perfect for those looking to escape the busier beaches while still enjoying the sun and sea.

With its mix of lively and serene beaches, Faliraki offers something for every traveller, ensuring a perfect day by the sea.

Local dishes in Faliraki

You'll eat well on your Faliraki holidays with an island larder of legumes, cereals, wild greens, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables. If that all sounds very healthy, Rhodians are well known for having a sweet tooth, so you’ll find no end of indulgent treats.

Some typical dishes

• Moussaka: Greece’s most iconic dish consists of layers of aubergine, minced meat and potatoes topped with béchamel sauce.

• Horta: Wild greens drizzled with olive oil and lemon.

Meze dishes

• Dolmades: Vine leaves stuffed with rice, herbs and sometimes meat, paired with a lemony sauce.

• Pitaroudia: Fluffy, golden brown chickpea fritters seasoned with herbs and spices, yummy with tzatziki.

Meat dishes

• Kleftiko: Slow-cooked lamb marinated with herbs and lemon, traditionally baked in a clay pot to seal the flavours.

• Stifado: A rich beef stew made with tomatoes, onions and a hint of cinnamon, slow-cooked until tender.

Fish and seafood dishes

• Chtapodi Si Schara: Fresh octopus grilled and served with lemon and olive oil, a simple yet flavourful dish.

• Tsipoura (Sea bream): This popular fish is typically grilled whole and served with herbs, lemon and olive oil.

Street food

• Koulouri: A sesame-covered bread ring (similar to a bagel), commonly enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item.

• Souvlaki: Skewers of marinated meat, typically pork or chicken, grilled and served with pitta, salad and tzatziki.

• Gyros: Pitta loaded with thin slices of rotisserie meat, tomatoes, onions and tzatziki.

Sweets and desserts

• Loukoumades: Greek doughnuts drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon, a sweet treat often found at local fairs and festivals.

• Baklava: Layers of filo pastry filled with chopped nuts and sweetened with honey.

• Galaktoboureko: This custard-filled, syrup-soaked pastry is deliciously crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

• Melekouni: A Rhodian speciality made from sesame seeds, almonds and thyme honey spiced with cinnamon and cloves.

Local drinks

• Ouzo: With its strong aniseed flavour, Ouzo is often likened to French pastis or Italian sambuca. It’s best drunk diluted with water, which turns it cloudy, and sipped slowly (shots will result in the worst hangover of your life).

• Retsina: With a unique flavour imparted by pine resin, Retsina is either something you’ll love or hate.

• Mandilaria (Amorghiano): These medium-bodied, dark red wines have a rustic, earthy character.