With its long sandy beach and lively nightlife, Faliraki on the island of Rhodes has been attracting party-goers for many years. During the day, you'll find a relaxed Mediterranean atmosphere throughout the resort, while at night, the town becomes a vibrant, lively party zone with numerous bars and nightclubs. With something to suit all tastes, from five-star luxury hotels to budget campsites, whichever option you choose, you won't be short of sun and fun.
The charming coastal village of Faliraki is just over 12 km from Rhodes International Airport (RHO). You can fly direct from London and other major UK cities. The average flight time from London to Rhodes is four hours and five minutes. You can get from Rhodes airport to Faliraki by private taxi, hire car or bus.
It's true that Faliraki is a little quieter than it used to be, with other places like Kavos, Malia and Zante having taken over as the centre of the party scene, but don't expect to find tumbleweed rolling down the strip, as the resort is still a lively assault on the senses and remains popular for stag and hen dos. Faliraki's nightlife centres around two main areas, imaginatively named Bar Street and Club Street. Bar Street is where most people start the evening with cocktails in bars such as Bliss, The Loft and Climax. It usually starts to come alive around 10pm and stays lively until people start to migrate to Club Street where the fun continues into the early hours at favourites such as Liquid and DC.
Many of Faliraki's restaurants offer traditional local cuisine and international dishes such as burgers and pizzas. For home cooking, head to Taverna Manolis, where you can try slow-cooked kleftiko or geminista, tomatoes and peppers stuffed with beef and rice, all washed down with excellent house wines. A little further out of town is the Kostas Village Taverna, a traditional establishment serving hearty, no-fuss dishes such as souvlaki and gyros. If you want something a little more upmarket, we recommend the Opera Steak House, which we think serves the best ribeye in the area as well as excellent seafood. Of course, you'll also find plenty of fast food options, offering burgers and kebabs. If that's the food you're craving, we think the best is at Bros Kebab.
Faliraki has one of the largest shopping areas on Rhodes, with over 120 shops located mainly near the taxi rank and bus station. Independent food lovers will find plenty of small supermarkets and grocery shops, as well as stores selling holiday essentials you may have forgotten to pack, such as towels, beachwear and sun cream. Faliraki is also home to a number of small boutiques selling handcrafted jewellery, leather goods and skincare products. Shopping in Rhodes is tax-free, so you'll be able to pick up some bargains, but watch out for 'fakes' when you go shopping.
Partying may be the number one pastime in Faliraki, and rightly so, but there are plenty of interesting things to do during the day too. Have fun on the beach or in the sea, where you'll find plenty of exciting ways to have fun, whether it's mastering a new hobby or having mindless fun on an inflatable banana. Rhodes Old Town is close to the resort, where you can wander the cobbled streets in the footsteps of medieval knights. Or head for the thrills of the island's huge water park.
The clear, warm waters of the Aegean create excellent conditions for underwater exploration and welcome divers of all levels.
Faliraki's professional diving schools offer PADI-certified courses for beginners and advanced divers, as well as fun dives for those who just want to enjoy the experience. Qualified instructors guide divers as they explore the diversity of marine life, fascinating wrecks and beautiful underwater scenery.
One of Faliraki's most popular dive sites is Anthony Quinn Bay, home to beautiful reefs teeming with various species of fish, colourful sponges and other marine life. The bay is named after the famous actor who loved the area and bought much of the surrounding land.
Other dive sites include the Ladiko and Traganou caves, where divers can explore interesting rock formations and encounter moray eels, octopus and groupers. Wreck diving is also possible in Faliraki, with sites such as the Kologeriko, a cargo ship that sank in 1978, proving an exciting exploration for the more experienced diver.
The island of Rhodes experiences consistent winds, and while these conditions can be ideal for windsurfing and kitesurfing, traditional surfing can be more challenging.
However, those interested in casual surfing or learning to surf can find some spots in Faliraki to do so. The beach in Faliraki is sandy and has a gentle slope into the water, making it suitable for beginners. Surf schools and rental facilities are also available where you can take lessons or hire surfboards.
Most experienced surfers might prefer the winter months, when the swells are typically larger due to stronger winds. However, it's always important to check local surf reports before heading out to the water, as conditions can change rapidly.
Besides surfing, Faliraki offers a range of other water activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, making it a fun-filled destination for water sports enthusiasts.
With its warm, Mediterranean climate and ideal wind conditions, Faliraki is a popular spot for wind sports including windsurfing and kitesurfing. Located on the east coast of Rhodes, the area boasts a vibrant windsurfing and kitesurfing scene that attracts both beginners and experienced riders.
The meltemi wind from the north brings in strong and steady gusts, especially during the summer months of July and August. This makes it the perfect setting for both windsurfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts who seek out these conditions.
Several centres and schools in Faliraki offer equipment rental and lessons for windsurfing and kitesurfing. These cater to a range of skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced surfers. Instruction is typically available in multiple languages and includes all necessary safety equipment.
For kitesurfers, nearby beaches such as Prasonisi Beach on the southern tip of Rhodes are also worth a visit. It is renowned worldwide for its excellent kitesurfing conditions and windsurfing conditions.
Despite its popularity, the waters around Faliraki rarely feel crowded thanks to the long stretch of coastline available, so you'll have plenty of space to enjoy your windsurfing or kitesurfing experience.
Faliraki Harbour is the starting point for many of the great variety of boat trips available from this vibrant resort. Cruises can last a whole day or just a morning or afternoon and romantic evening trips with dinner are also popular. You can choose from themed party boats to relaxing sail ships on which you can relax on deck enjoying views of the stunning Rhodes coastline. Most excursions will include stops for swimming and snorkelling whilst traversing favourite locations such as Ladiko Beach, Afandou Caves and Anthony Quinn Bay. Longer trips will head towards some of the neighbouring islands where you can disembark to explore the local fishing villages before heading back to Faliraki.
Sailing courses are also available for those who wish to learn or refine their skills. These courses can range from basic introductions to sailing to more advanced lessons covering navigation, seamanship, and other essential skills. Remember to respect the local marine environment, ensuring you don't disturb the marine life and always dispose of your waste responsibly.
Crystalline waters around this part of the island are abundant with a variety of marine life, making it a hotspot for fishing.
Try your hand at shore fishing along the coastline, with rocky outcrops providing excellent spots for casting a line. Common catches include species like sea bass, mullet, and octopus!
For the more adventurous, pick a deep-sea fishing trip. Boat charters are available, often with knowledgeable local guides who can help you navigate the best fishing spots, to take you further off the coast to target larger species like swordfish, tuna, and amberjack. Certain species may be catch and release only due to conservation measures.
As always, it's important to adhere to local fishing regulations to protect the marine ecosystem. This includes having the required fishing license, following size and catch limits, and respecting closed seasons. Fishing equipment can be bought or rented from local shops in Faliraki.
A fun and adventurous way to explore the island's stunning coastline and crystal clear waters!
Many local beachside resorts and rental shops in Faliraki offer kayak and canoe rentals, and some even offer guided tours. This can be a great way to navigate the local waters safely and gain insights into the area's marine life, landmarks, and hidden coves.
Exploring the coastline on a kayak or canoe allows you to discover secluded beaches and quiet inlets inaccessible by land. Paddling at your own pace also provides opportunities to pause and enjoy the scenic views, take a dip in the water, or even have a picnic on a hidden beach.
Faliraki's calm, clear waters are generally safe for beginners, and the equipment rentals often include basic instruction for those new to the sports. For the more experienced paddlers, the opportunity to explore further out at sea can be an exciting challenge.
Whether you're out for a gentle paddle in the shallows or an adventurous excursion further offshore, canoeing and kayaking in Faliraki offer a unique perspective on the natural beauty of the Greek islands. It's an experience that blends adventure, relaxation, and a connection with nature in one of the most beautiful settings in the Mediterranean.
The only golf club on the island, the Afandou Golf Course is located just a few minutes from Faliraki, on the road to Rhodes. This verdant 18-hole sanctuary, overlooking the breathtaking Afandou Bay, is the epitome of beauty and a real treat for golfers. The course was designed by the renowned British golf architect Donald Harradine, who opened his greens to players for the first time in 1973. The par-73 course covers more than 6,800 metres, with enough trees, bunkers and ingenious features to provide a challenge for golfers of all abilities. Open all year round, the course uses several types of turf to keep it green and playable all year round.
Numerous bike rental shops cater to every kind of cyclist, from the casual rider looking for a leisurely exploration of the town to the more experienced mountain biker in search of off-road adventures.
The flat coastal areas around Faliraki are perfect for relaxed rides, offering scenic views of the sea and easy access to a variety of beaches. Here, you can cycle at your own pace, taking in the sights and sounds of the vibrant coastal town.
For the more adventurous, the hilly and mountainous terrains inland offer challenging biking trails. These trails wind through forests, olive groves, and traditional villages, providing breathtaking views of the island's natural beauty.
Guided cycling tours are also available, offering both half-day and full-day options. These tours often include stops at local attractions, giving cyclists the chance to combine their love for biking with some sightseeing.
Faliraki beach is the ideal place for a quiet stroll. The beach has a long stretch of sand where you can stroll in peace and quiet while enjoying the view of the Aegean Sea. You can also wander around the town of Faliraki, exploring its charming streets, local shops and restaurants.
For a bit of nature, you can take a stroll to Anthony Quinn Bay, a picturesque cove just a few kilometres from Faliraki. This picturesque bay is surrounded by pine-covered hills and has crystal-clear water, making it an excellent place for a leisurely stroll.
For hikers looking for a bit more of a challenge, the island of Rhodes offers several trails. The Profitis Ilias mountain, accessible by car from Faliraki, offers several hiking trails. Here you can admire breathtaking panoramic views of the island and surrounding sea.
If you're interested in history, you can also opt to hike to the monastery of Tsambika. The path to the monastery may be steep, but the view from the top is undeniably rewarding, offering panoramic views of the island.