Welcome to the GreeceMonkey guide to Faliraki, Rhodes.

Faliraki is situated on the east coast of the beautiful island of Rhodes; just 12 miles from the airport, on a 4 mile stretch of golden sandy beach which extends the length of the resort. It is one of the most cosmopolitan areas of Rhodes, every year this lively resort is visited by thousands of people - families, couples and singles from around the world; it is a dream destination covering all tastes for its daytime activities and its nightlife. Renowned for its bustling nightlife with many bars, restaurants, snack bars, shops and discos, this lively resort offers plenty to do on and off the beach. For those who expect more than a sun, sea and sand holiday, the island has a rich cultural and historical background; In Faliraki there are many places to see, it has many important historical and cultural monuments that are well worth a visit.

What to do in the Daytime:

Beaches:

The 4 miles stretch of golden sandy beaches is packed with sun beds and umbrellas for you to relax and enjoy the glorious sun and the crystal clear waters of the Aegean sea. If you prefer something a little quieter there are numerous beaches between Faliraki and Lindos that will suit your requirements. Rhodes Beach is a well kept beach in Rhodes town, within walking distance of its centre, and is very close the Mandraki harbour. Lindos beach is situated just below the acropolis and has very fine sand, sun beds, umbrellas and water sports, there are several tavernas along the sea front where you will find good fresh food. Palace beach is further round from Lindos beach as is a lot quieter, the sea is shallow here so is ideal for families with children. Anthony Quinn beach is officially called Vaghis beach, the film “The Guns of Naverone” was filmed here and the beach has now taken the name of the star of the film. This secluded beach can be found between Faliraki and Ladiko, it is a small cove with fine sand and rocks, and beautiful clear crystal water, and ideal place for snorkelling. The windsurfing beach is Prassonissi, it consists of two sandy coves and an island which you can walk or swim to depending on the tides. Windsurfing equipment can be hired on the beach. There is also the only Nudist Beach on Rhodes situated between Kathara Beach and Anthony Quinn Beach, it is a managed beach with sun beds and umbrellas and also has a small taverna.

Water Sports:

Water sports are in abundance in Faliraki, there are several centres based on the beach which offer all kinds of water sports for you to take part in. They include: Jet skies, parasailing, banana boats, pedalos, ringos and flying bananas. You can also take lessons in surfing, sailing and water skiing. You can also discover the underwater world of Rhodes by Scuba Diving in the crystal clear waters of Kallithea Bay; boats leave Faliraki and Mandraki daily for you to enjoy this wonderful experience.

Boat trips:

Explore the bays of Kallithea, Anthony Quinn, Ladiko, Traganou and Kathara on one of the many boats leaving Faliraki or Mandraki daily, It is also possible to go further afield to the beautiful island of Symi or to Marmaris in Turkey where you can visit the bustling bazaars.

Water Park:

The aptly named “Water Park” in Faliraki which is open from 9.30am until 6 pm, has been built amphitheatre style into the side of the hill above Faliraki beach, it has the latest facilities and is the biggest in Europe with water slides, a lazy river, black holes, rafting slides, giant and kamikaze slides, a wave pool and an aqua gym. There is also an area which has been specifically designed for children. There are many bars and food outlets which cover a wide selection of food and beverages to suit everyone’s taste. Free transfers to and from the water park are available from Mandraki Harbour. See www.water-park.gr for more details.

Other Day Time Activities

Horse Riding:

View Faliraki and the surrounding area from a different prospective.. on horse back, take a ride to the beach or to the mountains and lakes. Not so experienced then take riding lessons whilst you are on holiday or for the children there are pony rides. All the equipment that you need will be supplied.

Land Rover Safari:

Take a tour with a difference - A unique mix of island culture and 4 x 4 fun, a great day out exploring the south and west coasts of the island, see some of the beautiful sites of the island.

Cycling:

Hire a bike and see the area for yourself, or join an organized group cycling up into the mountains. Bikes and equipment are readily available.

Karting & Rally Karting:

This is only available in Faliraki, you can find the Go kart track near to Luna Park, ask there for Rally Karting (off road)

Golf:

An 18 hole, 72 par, golf course can be found 5 km outside of Faliraki in the town of Afandou, the course is laid with different types of grass to ensure that the course is kept green all year round. It is possible to hire all the equipment there, including Golf clubs, Balls, Caddies and Caddy Carts. The course is open all year round and an Open Tournament takes place each October.

Food:

Eating out will be one of the best experiences of your stay in Faliraki; the variety of cafes, snack bars and restaurants is truly amazing. Everyone’s taste and cost are covered.

Whether you want to taste the local cuisine at one of the many tavernas specialising in traditional Greek dishes or you want to experience different types of international food, from English, Chinese, Indian, Italian or Mexican in Faliraki you will find numerous places to choose from.

Accommodation:

Accommodation in Faliraki ranges from the large cosmopolitan hotels which offer a wide range of facilities to small family hotels and rooms which can be found in the centre of town.

Shopping:

Faliraki Square Shopping Centre, has everything you can possibly need for your stay, whether you have forgotten your toothpaste, need a lilo or a present to take home this is the place to go. For the serious shopper the best place to go is to the atmospheric, narrow cobbled streets of old town of Rhodes, wind your way around the labyrinth of tavernas and souvenir shops where you can get all different types of local crafts, and bargain items such as Leather goods, silver and gold jewellery and china.

Nightlife:

The impressive nightlife in Faliraki is a paradise for young tourist, situated in two streets aptly named 'Bar Street' and 'Club Street'which are both packed with bars and clubs giving numerous options for a night out. Whether you want to watch football on huge screens, sing all night long at a karaoke bar, or dance the night away you will find some where to suit your needs in these wonderful streets. If you would prefer to have a more relaxing evening, there are many small cafes and tavernas where you can enjoy a quiet drink many over looking the calm beaches.

Sightseeing:

hodes is an island that is steeped in history with some fascinating sites which should be seen.

Rhodes Old Town

Is the oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe and is now a World Heritage Site. The town is surround by a large wall and in some places is up to 12 meters wide. Once inside the walls explore the labyrinth of narrow cobbled streets and don’t forget to look out for the medieval buildings, the Mosques, fountains, Gothic and Byzantine Churches, all mixed up with shops and tavernas, which create a unique atmosphere.

Places to visit:

The Palace of the Grand Masters

The Great Hospital now the Archaeological Museum

The Street of the Knights

The Public Baths

Lindos

Is the prettiest and most photographed village in Greece, with its brilliant white houses and winding streets nesting in the hill side as it rises up from the sea, culminating in the Acropolis at the top where you will find the most amazing views of the area. The old town is a maze of narrow streets; some of the buildings date back to the 15th Century and are a mixture of Gothic, Byzantine and Eastern influences.

Places to visit:

The Acropolis - Reached by foot or donkey

The Amphitheatre

The Tomb of Cleoboulos

The Church

Valley of the Butterflies

Petaloudes is a scenic lush valley with a small river running through it situated near to Kalamonas Village, between June and September it is the home of the Kalimorfa Butterfly, attracted by the resin in storax trees. There are shady walks through the woods with little wooden bridges, stepping stones and an up hill path that leads up to the Monastery of the Virgin of Kalopetra. There is also a restaurant overlooking a waterfall where you can relax and have a drink and something to eat. Please note it is strictly forbidden to disturb the butterflies in any way as they are now in decline.

This Resort Review was written by Angela Sharman.

Any comments please contact her on angela.sharman@greecemonkey.eu