Rhodes
Rhodes is one of the principal Dodecanese islands. The Dodecanese are the easternmost of the Greek islands, neighboring Asia Minor, and some of the most beautiful and diversified. Rhodes is the most traveled of the twelve Dodecanese, enticing tourists with its gorgeous land and fascinating history. It is also the largest Greek island, with 540 square miles of beautiful land. It is believed that Rhodes was once a part of nearby Turkey, as evidenced by the similarities in their terrains. A volcanic eruption separated the two.
Helios, the Sun god, is the signature god of Rhodes. This is perfectly fitting, as Rhodes enjoys an average of three hundred or so days of blissful sunshine a year. Obviously, its sun-drenched environment is enough to draw visitors from all over the world, but it is Rhodes' impeccably maintained terrain that charms them to come back over and over again. Rhodes has remained seemingly unspoiled by pollution and a growing population, and this is a testament to how much pride residents of Rhodes take in their home. Rhodes has a reputation for kindness that is unrivaled by other European destinations. It is not unusual here for strangers to engage in conversation, and the locals love to share their warmth and tradition with tourists. Hospitality is nearly a given, especially if you are new to the island.
From sleepy mountainous village areas to the vibrancy of Rhodes Old and New Towns, this island is a lovely display of rich earth and sparkling beaches crowned by an aura of history that links East to West with an indescribable magic.
Rhodes is a tourist's dream. For that reason, it has earned itself the reputation of being the most crowded of the Dodecanese. If you are visiting Rhodes in late summer months like July and August, brace yourself for crowds. Reservations are recommended at most restaurants during those months, and some museums also offer reservations in addition to regular walk-in availability. But if you are fortunate enough to visit Rhodes during off-peak times such as October or November, you will be able to enjoy all of the beauty and festivities that the island has to offer without the lines and crowds. Either way, you are sure to take pleasure in the rich history and natural beauty that is Rhodes.
Docking & Local Transportation
Cruise ships dock at the port on Mandraki Harbor in the New Town section of Rhodes Town, on the northeast end of the island.
Buses are a popular and inexpensive choice. Bus schedules are available at the National Tourist Information Office (22410-21690). Buses are also a way to see the city, as the public bus system offers several different city tours. Taxis are another way to get around, and fares are posted all over so that tourists are aware of costs. Taxi drivers on Rhodes have a reputation of being great tour guides as well. Most taxis pass through Plateia Rimini in Old Town, so they are quite accessible from there.
Local Interests
When exploring Rhodes, keep in mind that both Old Town and New Town have plenty to offer, but time of day is crucial to truly experiencing each. Old Town is best seen during the day, because it is where you will find most of Rhodes' museums, historical sites, and parks. New Town is the ultimate nighttime destination, with a myriad of clubs, restaurants, and bars.
Old Town Rhodes is the oldest medieval town in Europe. Keep in mind as you travel Old Town that Odos Sokratous is the main street. It is a good central locator in an otherwise winding, potentially confusing town. It is also one of the few named streets, as many of the area's roads have no names. The walls of Old Town are a highlight in and of themselves. They exemplify the ingenuity and engineering capabilities of the Knights in ancient Rhodes. Old Town is gated, and visitors have a number of ways to enter the town. Liberty Gate is a highly traveled option. From there you can walk to The Municipal Art Gallery where modern Greek art is displayed. Nearby is the Street of the Knights, an ancient passageway that has been preserved and still looks as it did in medieval times. It is a cobble-stoned wonder that will bring antiquity to life for tourists. The Palace of the Grand Masters is the city's highest peak. Today it houses maps and relics of ancient Greece and will amaze you with its archaeological grandeur. Throughout Old Town, visitors will be met with beauty and history that is unmatched in the Mediterranean. Nearby Rodini park is a nice place to picnic, with a glorious surplus of trees and flowers. Follow that up with a trip to the Archaeological Museum, (Plateia Mouseou, 22410-27657) which offers tourists an educational history of Rhodes.
New Town's beaches are its biggest daytime attractions. The municipal beach is always packed, as is Elli Beach. Here you will find windsurfers, boats, and umbrellas for rent that will enhance your day at the beach. But for those looking for locations inland, the Acropolis of Rhodes houses a theater, a stadium, and several pillars and columns that offer a breathtaking view of ancient Rhodes. Mt. Smith is a must-see, looming above the city with its beautiful gardens. It is a quick walk from the acropolis and offers an interesting juxtaposition between the antiquity of Rhodes and the modern buildings and town homes that lie at the base of the mountain.
Activities
Beaches and Sporting
Beaches are loaded with rental equipment like jet skis, surfboards, and canoes. Elli Beach is a great spot for beginners at any water sport, as the waters are calm and the atmosphere is friendly. Scuba divers will want to visit Dive Med (33 Lissavonas, 22410-61115), where diving equipment can be rented and lessons are available to anyone wanting to learn. Nearby Kalithea Beach is a fabulous place to watch the sunsets.
Tennis is quite popular here. Visit the Rhodes Tennis Club (22410-25705) and book yourself a court for a nice morning start. Or, go in the afternoon when courts are slightly less crowded. And golfers can go to Afandou Golf Course (22410-51451) for 18 holes.
Shopping
Old Town is a wonderful place to shop. It is here that you will find some of Greece's most beautiful jewelry and art. The amount of gold and silver on the island will leave you no excuse for coming home empty handed. Alexandra Gold (18 Sokratous) offers an enormous selection of gold-plated dishes, platinum jewelry, and silver goods.
Antique shoppers will want to spend some time at Kalogirou Art (30 Panetiou), where paintings, furniture, and porcelain antiques will leave you speechless. This shop is an experience for anyone, not just antique collectors. Its museum-like feel is created by mosaic floors and gardens throughout.
In Old Town you will also find street vendors selling gourmet products like Rhodian olive oil, fruits, and honey. Look for them and bargain for the best prices on delightful foods.
Dining and Nightlife
Old Town offers a host of spectacular dining opportunities. Alexis Taverna (18 Sokratous, 22410-29347) has been the Rhodian industry standard for decades. The seafood is the freshest you will find anywhere, and the attention to detail allows for an enchanting dining experience. Make reservations well in advance, though, because Alexis Taverna is always in demand. Kafenio Turkiko (76 Sokratous) is an inexpensive and popular restaurant as well. This is a fabulous place to lunch and enjoy some coffee during a day of sightseeing. The café style setting is casual and the portions are generous.Nightclubs are a great way to top off your Rhodes experience after dark. Some say that Rhodes nightlife beats New York and London, and with over one hundred bars and discos, this argument is not inconceivable. Stefanos Bar in Lindos is a good place to enjoy a drink or two. Faliraki Beach is where most of the best bars and discos are. Sting Club, Chaplin's Beach Bar, and Cosmos are some of the more glamorous places to sip and be seen.