10 Best Things to Do in Faliraki

Faliraki Beach is arguably the main attraction of the small town, thanks to its 5-km-long stretch of golden sand and clear azure waters. It’s one of the most popular beaches on Rhodes – in the afternoon, the stretch of beach chairs is usually all taken by keen sunbakers.

The beach is also popular for water sports, from banana boat rides to jet-skiing, all offered by local companies. You can easily spend an entire day just at Faliraki Beach. Come sunset time, the crowds tend to migrate up to the beachfront bars, so the best time to visit for a quiet stroll is either in the early morning or late evening.

Anthony Quinn Bay in Kallithea is one of the most beautiful natural attractions on Rhodes Island. Its deep emerald-coloured waters and stunning underwater scenery are what attracts most visitors to this tiny cove, which is around 4 km south of Faliraki.

The small bay was named after the Hollywood actor, Anthony Quinn, who filmed The Guns of Navarone on the beach in 1960. It’s also a popular place for snorkelling, with crystal clear water and vibrant underwater life. You can rent snorkelling gear from a nearby diving centre. There is only a small sandy area between the water’s edge and the lush vegetation of the surrounding land. In summer, this fills up quickly with a limited number of sunbeds and umbrellas.

Faliraki Harbour is one of the most picturesque sights in the small fishing village. It has been a mooring and docking place for boats for generations, with the calm waters of Faliraki keeping the vessels safe overnight.

The area comes to life at about 7am, with fishermen bringing in their daily catch and selling it at the local markets. Wandering along the harbour during this time provides an insight into the local life. You shouldn’t miss a visit to the small Greek Orthodox monastery, Agioi Apostoloi, at the end of the pier, which often hosts weddings and religious ceremonies.

Faliraki Water Park is one of the biggest waterparks in Europe, covering a massive 100, 000 square metres. There are plenty of rides to choose from, including giant water slides up to 140 metres long, freefalls, kamikaze slides and a huge wave pool.

The waterpark has some gentler experiences such as a lazy river ride and a kid’s section, making it suitable for all ages and the whole family. At just 4.5 km away from downtown Faliraki, it’s the place to be on a hot summer’s day – besides the beach.

Saint Nectarios Church is an Eastern Orthodox place of worship that was founded in 1967. Although it’s not necessarily a historical site, it’s an incredibly beautiful complex in the middle of Faliraki town and one of the largest churches in the area.

It’s a sandy-coloured stone church with striking collonaded archways and a red-tiled roof. It draws just about everyone – from local worshippers to tourists – to sit in its relaxing palm-tree-lined courtyard. Every Sunday, the beautifully decorated interior hosts mass that’s open to all.

At Faliraki Harbour, many great boat trips are available to get you away from the bustling beaches and out on the Aegean Sea. Sea cruises range from half- to full-day excursions, as well as group tours and private charters.

Popular sea cruises usually head to some of Rhodes' most beautiful bays, such as Ladiko, Afandou Caves and Anthony Quinn Bay. You can even go as far as other Greek islands like Symi, where you are free to roam around the fishing villages before returning to Faliraki. In the summer, it’s worth organising a boat trip from one of the companies at least a day in advance.

Faliraki is known for its incredibly fresh seafood, freshly brought in every morning down at the harbour. There are many Greek tavernas and seafood restaurants strung along the town’s 2 main streets, the Rhodes-Lindos Highway and Kallithea Avenue.

Many of the traditional tavernas serve up Greek favourites, from tzatziki and meatballs to moussaka. However, local seafood dishes are the culinary highlight, such as swordfish, grilled octopus, and lobster. A popular place to head to try the local catch of the day is Desert Rose Restaurant on the Rhodes-Lindos Highway, where you’ll get consistently excellent service and food.