We embarked on an impromptu trip to Rhodes when we booked a week-long last-minute getaway in early July.
Rhodes is one of Greece’s most popular islands, and it’s not hard to see why with over 300 days of sunshine a year, inviting beaches, and crystal-clear waters. The island is also of a convenient size for exploration, offering a plethora of sights and activities to fill a week or more. While we typically enjoy exploring our surroundings independently, on this vacation, we decided to take it easy and focus on relaxation.
Faliraki – 5 Kilometers of Sandy Beaches and Coastal Vibes
Our hotel was located in Faliraki, a traditional beach destination with hotels, restaurants, and shops. While Faliraki itself doesn’t boast many attractions, the village is pleasant and just the right size to keep you entertained for a week. With a 5-kilometer-long beach, finding your spot on the sand is a breeze. Faliraki’s location is also convenient for exploring other parts of the island, such as the popular destinations of Rhodes Old Town and Lindos.
Our stay at the Orion Hotel was delightful. The hotel was clean, the rooms spacious, and our balcony overlooked the pool area. The poolside area had plenty of sun loungers, seating, and a pool bar offering drinks and foods, all served by friendly staff. We found the location of the hotel ideal – on the main street but tucked away enough to be peaceful. It was only 400 meters to the beach and 700 meters to the central area, where we found plenty of dining options.
Faliraki offers a variety of dining options, from seafood to steaks to traditional Greek cuisine. Shopping opportunities are also plentiful, with numerous boutiques offering clothing, jewelry, and souvenirs. For a wider selection and chain stores, a trip to Rhodes Town is recommended.
The sandy beach, light and fine, stretches for an impressive 5 kilometers and is stunning, with clear waters. Naturally, there are plenty of sun loungers on the beach, as well as a wide selection of beach bars and restaurants. Towards Lindos from the main beach, you’ll find a smaller beach on the outskirts of the village.
As for activities, you’ll find pretty much everything you’d expect from a beach destination, including parasailing, inflatable water parks, and more, so adrenaline junkies won’t be disappointed. In the town, there’s mini-golf, which is a must-try for us alongside air hockey, and we always compete for the title of holiday champion in each game. The winner holds the title until the next vacation! ๐
Additionally, on the outskirts of the village, there’s a small hill (you can find it here) where you can admire the views over Faliraki and the sea from a slightly elevated position. You can bring along some snacks and enjoy the beautiful sunset coloring the sky.
The Old Town of Rhodes – UNESCO World Heritage Site
We took a day trip to the Old Town of Rhodes, which turned out to be charming and beautiful. There’s so much to see in Rhodes Town that you could easily spend several days exploring.
We arrived in Rhodes Town from Faliraki by water taxi, which provided stunning views along the way. The round-trip ticket cost โฌ15 per person, and the journey took about 30 minutes.
Entering Rhodes Harbor, you’re greeted by imposing stone pillars, remnants of the Colossus of Rhodes, a 30-meter-high bronze statue depicting the sun god Helios, one of the original Seven Wonders of the World. The Old Town of Rhodes is exceptionally well-preserved, with its thick walls dating back to the 14th century. It’s no wonder that Rhodes Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the island’s most popular tourist destination.
The narrow, winding streets are adorned with beautiful and colorful flower beds, adding vibrancy to the city. The town boasts many restaurants and various shops offering local crafts, olive oil, and traditional souvenirs. Walking aimlessly through the streets, admiring the old buildings and squares, is the highlight of the visit.
Key attractions in the Old Town include theย
- Palace of the Grand Masterย
- The Medieval Clock Towerย
- The Suleimaniye Mosque
- Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
One of the most beautiful gates in the city is the Liberty Gate, leading from the Old Town to the harbor and the city’s iconic landmarks, the old windmills. These windmills are truly picturesque and give the city its distinctive character. Beyond the windmills lies the Saint Nicholas Fortress, built in the 15th century.
Understanding Rhodes’ Popularity
Rhodes Town and Rhodes as a whole offer so much to see and do, and when you add almost guaranteed sunshine, it’s easy to understand why it’s such a popular holiday destination. We would gladly return again and explore more of Rhodes Old Town and next time would definitely visit Lindos and other parts of the island to get a more comprehensive experience of the island.ย
