Faliraki vs Rhodes Town
The largest of the Dodecanese Islands, Rhodes is packed with holiday sites from coast to coast. Two of its biggest towns are Rhodes Town and Faliraki – while both make for excellent holiday fodder, they’re both vastly different, though much-loved in their own right.
If you’re trying to make the decision between these two spots, we’ll help break down the merits of both to make your decision a little easier.
Faliraki
Location – East coast
Best for – Nightlife
Faliraki might have once been equivalent to late nights and endless cocktails, but this little Greek resort has moved on to include families into its mix with a waterpark and collection of sizeable beaches. There’s still plenty of groundwork for late nights, here – bars, pubs and discos make sure of that.
Spotlight
Partygoers near and far make the trek out to Faliraki for its nightlife alone. The resort has two designated party strips, equipped with bars, pubs and clubs.
Nightlife here has quieted slightly over the last 10 years when the Greek government began to crack down on the after-hours craziness, but the bars are still full and the atmosphere is still buzzing long into the morning.
Beaches and activities
Faliraki Beach – This is the main set of shores in Faliraki, stretching out for five kilometres and with a Blue Flag award to its name. You’ll find an abundance of sunbeds and umbrellas here, plus watersport opportunities in the shape of jet skis, banana boats and parasailing.
WaterPark Falaraki’s local waterpark is vast and varied, with family sides, kamikazes, a big lazy river and wave pool, plus a splash park with its own pirate ship. And that’s just getting started. For those that want to stay dry, there are bumper cars, a Ferris wheel and a rollercoaster too.
Anthony Quinn Bay This secluded little cove is rocky by nature but still has a few patches of sand to wedge in a few sunbeds. The water is glass clear, though the rocks are on the craggier side, so it’s worth investing in some water shoes before attempting to wade.
Rhodes Town
Location – North coast
Best for – Culture and history
Rhodes Town is the eponymous city of the island, and as such, is the main drag for visitors. It’s Rhodes’ historical hotspot, packed with culture and throwbacks that extend back thousands of years. Split into an old and new town, it also features a contemporary side, where designer shops, restaurants and bars await.
Spotlight
The medieval city within Rhodes Town is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is the place where, way, way back in the day, you could have seen one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodes.
This slice of the city is famous for its historical layers, whose architectural flavours range from Ottoman to Roman and the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of St. John. To walk down these storied streets is to step back in time.
Beaches and activities
Elli Beach – Elli Beach is the closest to town, and though it isn’t very big, it’s always bustling. There are sunbeds and umbrellas onshore, and tavernas to the back, with watersports and diving opportunities in the middle.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes – This whopper of a site is a 7th-century Byzantine citadel, formerly occupied by the Knights of St. John. Among its stony turrets are a museum, old school sculptures and mosaics.
Street of the Knights – This historic avenue has been set up to look like it would back in the days of the Knights of St. John, cobbled and shop-lined. It’s a nice walk on its own, but take a guided tour and you’ll get insight into its hidden past.