This article is about the island of Rhodes. For the city of the same name, capital of the island, see the separate article Rhodes city.
Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile of the Greek Islands, and because of its combination of beaches, archaeological sites, and extensive medieval town, is one of the most visited. The climate is particularly good, with the weather typically sunny and mild. The island is usually counted as one of the Dodecanese, but due to its importance for travelers is considered separately here.
The rock-rose is so prolific here that it has been named the 'Island of Roses,' though modern scholars doubt the ancient theory that the island's name comes from the Greek word for rose. While the northern coast is renowned for its lively tourist resorts the south offers tranquil beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.
Understand
History
Rhodes has one of the longest and most splendid histories of anyplace in the world. Inhabited since Neolithic times, the island had important Bronze Age settlements, and at the dawn of the historical era was already famous for its three powerful cities of Lindos, Ialysos, and Kameiros, as mentioned in Homer. In 408 bce these three cities joined to found the island's capital city, also called Rhodes. Rhodes city and island played a vigorous role in subsequent ancient Greek and Roman history, its most memorable episode doubtless being the prolonged siege of the city by Demetrios Poliokertes in 305 bce. In Hellenistic times Rhodes became extremely prosperous through trade and was one of the most influential cultural centers of the Greek world. Later as a province of the Roman empire Rhodes' influence declined, though it was still an important regional capital and was one of the earliest centers of Christianity.
Rhodes later became part of the Byzantine Empire and from the 7th century on fell under the general eclipse of the Dark Ages. Later in the Middle Ages, Rhodes' importance again increased, as it came under the influence first of the Venetians, then of the Genoese, and finally of the Knights of Saint John, an organization of Crusaders who took over parts of Palestine but were later expelled by the Saracens and the Knights Templar and took refuge in Rhodes, wresting control of the island from the Genoese in 1306, ruling for two centuries, and building Rhodes once again into a major maritime power, until the island was conquered by Süleyman the Magnificent in 1523, becoming part of the Ottoman Empire.
Attractions
Rhodes is a major tourist attraction for the seekers of sunny beaches. While many of its beaches are gravel, not sand; the island can boast 300+ sun days in a year. Consequently, you will stumble into tourists and hotels and beaches full of deck chairs for rent, into shops and restaurants that cater to these tourists. It can be overwhelming at times. If this bothers you, Rhodes is probably not for you. Still, there are some areas where mass tourism has not yet penetrated too much. And there are advantages too, accommodation on Rhodes itself can be purchased for relatively low prices, and most of the locals speak at least English and German and often some other languages, like Swedish, French, Turkish, Italian or even Finnish.
Tourist information
The local tourist information office for the Dodecanese Islands is located in Rhodes city at Makariou & Papagou Corner (opposite the New Market). Telephone 22410 44335-6, Fax 22410 26955.
The Rhodes Association of Family-Run Studios & Apartments Tourist Info Centre is located in Faliraki,
opposite Snt Nectarios Church
Telephone +302241087407 http://www.travel2rodos.com
Other destinations
Castle of Monolithos - If you are staying on the east coast, drive to Gennadi. North of the village, take the road across the island via Vati to Apollakia. The drive can be windy for moped riders, but the beautiful vistas make up for the work. Apollakia is not very special but has a couple of nice tavernas if you feel like having a refreshment. South of the village is a gas station, which you should use in case you are on a moped. Go on to Monolithos. Behind the village there is the actual attraction, which you will see from the road: The Castle of Monolithos on a 240m-high rock. Do not forget to go to the actual site, which does not offer much architecture-wise, but provides you with splendid views across the west coast. To the north-west, you can see the Castle of Kalki.
Getting there
By boat
Rhodes is accessable via ferry from Symi, Tilos, and Bodrum, as well as Datca and Marmaris in Turkey.
Cruise ships dock at the Commercial Port, east of Rhodes (city)'s Old Town.
All ferry and high speed ferry companies : schedules, connections, availability and prices, between Rhodes , other Greek islands , Turkey (Marmaris or Bodrum) & Piraeus port (Athens) is here
By plane
The island is served by Diagoras International Airport with the IATA code RHO. The airport is situated on the west coast about 14km from Rhodes Town. There are regular flights to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete; charter airlines connect Rhodes with many major cities all over Europe. In 2006 a new wing was built at Diagoras Airport, that opened in 2007 to service only the charter flights, which during high season can reach 150-180 per day!
Notice that the airport parking is small.
Traveling around
By bus
Public buses operate throughout the islands.
The main bus terminal in Rhodes city is the Neá Agorá (New Market). Schedules and prices can be found at the ticket booths.
Tickets can also be bought in the bus from a cashier or directly from the driver. Keep your ticket until the end of your voyage. The price of a bus ticket will depend on the destination. For example, a trip from Rhodes city to Faliraki will cost 2.00 Euros.
Bus stops on the road are marked by a sign, but do not hesitate to signal a bus driver that you wish to board. Bus stops do not have the timetables displayed.
One useful line is the 21, which serves the large hotels on Rhodes' east coast with Faliraki as the final destination, departs from Rhodes city almost every half-hour.
By taxi
Taxis on Rhodes are dark blue with white roofs. There is a list of expected maximum taxi charges you can obtain from the tourist information office. For example, a trip from Rhodes city to Faliraki should not cost more than 13 Euros; the trip from the Airport to Rhodes city a maximum of 16 Euros. The minimum fare for each trip is 4.00 Euros, the taximeter starts at 0.85 Euros. Never let the driver turn off the meter.
You can radio a taxi via telephone number 22410 69800. This adds a standard surcharge of 1.50 Euros. Waiting fare is 7.90 Euros per hour. Between midnight and 5 AM you will have to pay twice the normal rates. You can book ahead to avoid delays at high traffic times such as weekends.
Within Rhodes city limits, fixed rates are applied. If you get a taxi from one of the taxi stations or stop one in the street, the fare is 5.00 Euros. At the main taxi station, close to the New Market (Mandraki), there are hosts that try to cut down waiting time by making sure that the taxis doesn't leave half empty - especially if you are going a bit further. If you share a taxi within the Rhodes city limits the fare is 4.00 Euros.
By car
It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island, although it is in theory possible. You can rent a car at the airport or via any hotel and at many local dealers. Asphalt highways will allow you to reach the entire island, although roads in the interior - especially the south - may turn out to be little more than dirt paths.
By motorcycle
Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Rhodes city. An additional advantage is that they are cheap to rent - 10 to 15 Euros a day is the usual price.
If you start a day-trip with a moped, make you sure you do so on a full tank, as gas stations are sometimes hard to find. An extra stop at a gas station can save a lot of nerves. When renting a moped, check if the profile of the tyres is ok and if the brakes work properly. If it is the last vehicle in store, be suspicious - it could be the one that needs a repair badly. Though helmets are not required on the streets, (although you might well be stopped and fines 50 euros if you are not wearing a helmet on the main roads) it might be a good idea to ask your rent-a-bike for one, especially if you intend to drive on streets with more traffic.
See
Filerimos Hill. Medieval remains, a monastery and chapel. Good views over the north of the island.
Kamiros. Ancient ruins.
Castle with acropolis over Lindos.
Tsambika Peak.
The old town of Rhodes city
Palace of the Prince Grand Master.
Street of Knights.
Fortifications.
Valley of the Butterflies. Since the butterflies - which are actually coloured moths - in this area need quietude for their procreation and since the area is visited by many tourists, the population of the Petaloudes "butterflies" is constantly on the decline; even to a degree that it does not make any sense anymore to go there, as you will hardly see any of the moths.
Epta Piges. (Seven springs) and that is literally all there is to see there except for a short forest walking trail. In the hot summer months, the cool shade provides a pleasant respite from the sun.
Castle of Kastellos.
Castle of Monolithos.
Cape Prasonisi. The southern-most tip of Rhodes. There is a peninsular connected to the main island by a sand bar. Unless you have a 4x4, think twice before driving your car across the sand bar: it becomes progressively less solid and it is easy to get stuck.
Things to do
Sunbathing
Swimming
Snorkeling
Diving
Surfing and Kitesurfing on the west coast and especially on the south end of the island
Many hotels will offer activity programs
Most tour operators will offer excursions
Climb Mt Attavyros. A challenging 2-3 hour climb to the island's highest point (1215m). On leaving Embonas on the road towards Siana, drive up one of the agricultural roads on the left and find a place to park. On foot, you continue up through the wine growing area in the obvious direction. There is no explicit marked path but red paint on rocks towards the top marks the best route. It is a steep climb with many large loose rocks. The descent can be especially tricky. It is also possible to drive up the mountain: the approach road comes from the South.
Prasonisi
Kamiros and Mt. Profitis Ilias
Beaches
There is a good variety of beaches on Rhodes. The east side of the island has almost continuous sandy beaches with calm waters. Beaches on the west are mostly more stony. The wind mostly comes in from the west and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the west so that side of the island is better suited to surfing or kite boarding.
Rhodes Town.
Lindos. The stunningly beautiful town beach on the bay. Very trendy, so wear your thong bikini here if you want to fit in.
Kalithea. Just north of Faliraki, this was originally an Italian built spa. It is very pleasant spot but can be crowded. Currently building work is ongoing to build what looks like it will be a modern spa adjacent to the original buildings. A number of separate beaches, each seemingly with their own taverna lie just south of the spa.
Faliraki. A long sandy beach with plenty of tavernas to choose from. There is also no shortage of people to rent jet skis from or to organise other activities. At the southern end, there is a quiter, more rocky beach but the sea there is inconveniently shallow for swimmers. The only legal nudist beach on the island which has excellent facilities including sunbed hire, toilets and food and drink outlets is also found to the south of Faliraki.
Ladiko Beach (Anthony Quinn Bay). This is a very scenic spot. On one side of the bay is a relatively small beach. The other side is rocky but a man made platform provides further space for sunbathing and access to the sea.
Afandou Beach
Kolymbia Beach.
Tsambika Beach (on the far right of the beach near the rocks nude sunbathing is tolerated)
Gennadi Beach
Agia Marina Beach
Eat
See the Eat section under each town for specific listings.
Drink
The tap water is drinkable and restaurants will serve glasses of ice water upon request. Local drinks include Mythos (beer) and Ouzo.
Sleep
The Rhodes Association of Family-Run Studios & Apartments, +302241087407, +302241087407, Faliraki - Rhodes, Opposite Snt Nectarios Church
Rhodian Sun Hotel, +302241082736, +302241082736, Paradisi - Tholos, 1.5 km from airport
Hotel Kolymbia Star, (+30) 22410 56600, Kolymbia, P.C. 85 102 Rodos - Greece, A superb hotel with great pools and very helpful staff, good rooms and good food.
Sea Breeze Apartments & Studios, +30 22410 69141, Kiotari, The Sea Breeze Apartments and Studios hotel complex is comprised of six spacious and luxuriantly decorated rooms, consisting of three sea view studios and three sea view apartments.
Buy
Sponges
Ceramic watch for the many "Keramik factory" outlets along the roads).
Olive oil
Bottle of wine- local wines are famous (eg CAIR) and tasty
Religious icons
Jewelry stores are common, particularly in Rhodes Town
Umbrellas - manufactured by the two large industries of the island (there is, though, a popular "joke" souvenir - on an island with 300+ sun days a year, these are rarely needed)
Colorful sea shells are a popular souvenir item, but very many of them are actually imported, and have no authentic connection to the island whatsoever.
Many brand name products for sale in the tourist shops may be fakes and/or unlicensed (t-shirts, towels, hand bags, and so on)
Talk
Greek is the native language of the people of Rhodes. However, due to the high level of tourism English, and to a lesser extent German, is likely to be spoken by most people the traveler comes into contact with.
Safety
Rhodes is a generally safe destination. There are a few things to look out for.
In the early 2000's the resort town of Faliráki became infamous for the lewd behavior of young, drunk, mainly British partiers attracted to the cheap alcohol and large numbers of small nightclubs. A string of crimes committed by these young tourists against locals, as well as against other tourists, gained national attention in the summer of 2003; they ranged from vandalism to serious acts of violence. Following this the local Police increased their presence to successfully crack down on such behavior. For families with young children the best times to visit would be daytime even up to 22:00 local time when the clubbers tend to come out en masse.
Taxi drivers will sometimes turn off their meters and charge an arbitrary amount at the destination. Make sure they don't do this.
Settlements
Afandou - One of the big villages on the island. The golf course of Rhodes is situated in this area along with a long beach
Archangelos - The second largest town on the island
Asklipio - inland village, site of an old church and a castle
Faliraki - Rhodes' "action resort". Go there to party, everything else is better somewhere else - altough the hotels north from faliraki are much quieter. Nice beaches, a lot less winds than on the west coast and really good public transport. For example hotels near the water park do not interest clubbers, and are really family friendly.
Gennadi
Haraki (Charaki) - Small former fishing village located next to Lindos. A chain of restaurants surrounds an enclosed beach.
Ixia - West coast resort, close to Rhodes city
Kalithea - snorkeling and resort hotels.
Laerma - inland village near some monuments, contains a few restaurants
Lardos - the market square of that town has restaurants and shops
Lindos - Picturesque village, site of important ancient acropolis.
Pefkos - A smaller tourist resourt close to Lindos. Originally started as a small collection of farms and private residences, but has grown into a town in its own right.
Rhodes city - The biggest city on the island and seat of the local government
Theologos - A traditional village
Get out
Daily excursions via boat to Symi and other islands are offered from Rhodes city
Some photos courtesy of:
. The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at View full credits
Claus Hansen, Piotr Konieczny, Dimitris Valakos, george papadopoulos, Matthew Cannella, David, Henric Ceder, Andrew Washington, Andreas Routsias, Michele Ann Jenkins, Eric G, Todd VerBeek, themadgooose, Nick, Ryan Holliday, Mark Jaroski, Christian Seidel, Niels Elgaard Larsen and glen larson, Whatsinaname, Sailsetter, 3wisemen, Unique, Episteme, Jonboy, Nils, Nzpcmad, Wojsyl and Huttite
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at View full credits
This article is about the island of Rhodes. For the city of the same name, capital of the island, see the separate article Rhodes city.
Rhodes is one of the largest and most fertile of the Greek Islands, and because of its combination of beaches, archaeological sites, and extensive medieval town, is one of the most visited. The climate is particularly good, with the weather typically sunny and mild. The island is usually counted as one of the Dodecanese, but due to its importance for travelers is considered separately here.
The rock-rose is so prolific here that it has been named the 'Island of Roses,' though modern scholars doubt the ancient theory that the island's name comes from the Greek word for rose. While the northern coast is renowned for its lively tourist resorts the south offers tranquil beaches and a slower, more simple pace of life.
Understand
History
Rhodes has one of the longest and most splendid histories of anyplace in the world. Inhabited since Neolithic times, the island had important Bronze Age settlements, and at the dawn of the historical era was already famous for its three powerful cities of Lindos, Ialysos, and Kameiros, as mentioned in Homer. In 408 bce these three cities joined to found the island's capital city, also called Rhodes. Rhodes city and island played a vigorous role in subsequent ancient Greek and Roman history, its most memorable episode doubtless being the prolonged siege of the city by Demetrios Poliokertes in 305 bce. In Hellenistic times Rhodes became extremely prosperous through trade and was one of the most influential cultural centers of the Greek world. Later as a province of the Roman empire Rhodes' influence declined, though it was still an important regional capital and was one of the earliest centers of Christianity.
Rhodes later became part of the Byzantine Empire and from the 7th century on fell under the general eclipse of the Dark Ages. Later in the Middle Ages, Rhodes' importance again increased, as it came under the influence first of the Venetians, then of the Genoese, and finally of the Knights of Saint John, an organization of Crusaders who took over parts of Palestine but were later expelled by the Saracens and the Knights Templar and took refuge in Rhodes, wresting control of the island from the Genoese in 1306, ruling for two centuries, and building Rhodes once again into a major maritime power, until the island was conquered by Süleyman the Magnificent in 1523, becoming part of the Ottoman Empire.
Attractions
Rhodes is a major tourist attraction for the seekers of sunny beaches. While many of its beaches are gravel, not sand; the island can boast 300+ sun days in a year. Consequently, you will stumble into tourists and hotels and beaches full of deck chairs for rent, into shops and restaurants that cater to these tourists. It can be overwhelming at times. If this bothers you, Rhodes is probably not for you. Still, there are some areas where mass tourism has not yet penetrated too much. And there are advantages too, accommodation on Rhodes itself can be purchased for relatively low prices, and most of the locals speak at least English and German and often some other languages, like Swedish, French, Turkish, Italian or even Finnish.
Tourist information
The local tourist information office for the Dodecanese Islands is located in Rhodes city at Makariou & Papagou Corner (opposite the New Market). Telephone 22410 44335-6, Fax 22410 26955.
The Rhodes Association of Family-Run Studios & Apartments Tourist Info Centre is located in Faliraki, opposite Snt Nectarios Church Telephone +302241087407 http://www.travel2rodos.com
Other destinations
Getting there
By boat
Rhodes is accessable via ferry from Symi, Tilos, and Bodrum, as well as Datca and Marmaris in Turkey.
Cruise ships dock at the Commercial Port, east of Rhodes (city)'s Old Town.
All ferry and high speed ferry companies : schedules, connections, availability and prices, between Rhodes , other Greek islands , Turkey (Marmaris or Bodrum) & Piraeus port (Athens) is here
By plane
The island is served by Diagoras International Airport with the IATA code RHO. The airport is situated on the west coast about 14km from Rhodes Town. There are regular flights to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Crete; charter airlines connect Rhodes with many major cities all over Europe. In 2006 a new wing was built at Diagoras Airport, that opened in 2007 to service only the charter flights, which during high season can reach 150-180 per day! Notice that the airport parking is small.
Traveling around
By bus
Public buses operate throughout the islands.
The main bus terminal in Rhodes city is the Neá Agorá (New Market). Schedules and prices can be found at the ticket booths.
Tickets can also be bought in the bus from a cashier or directly from the driver. Keep your ticket until the end of your voyage. The price of a bus ticket will depend on the destination. For example, a trip from Rhodes city to Faliraki will cost 2.00 Euros.
Bus stops on the road are marked by a sign, but do not hesitate to signal a bus driver that you wish to board. Bus stops do not have the timetables displayed.
One useful line is the 21, which serves the large hotels on Rhodes' east coast with Faliraki as the final destination, departs from Rhodes city almost every half-hour.
By taxi
Taxis on Rhodes are dark blue with white roofs. There is a list of expected maximum taxi charges you can obtain from the tourist information office. For example, a trip from Rhodes city to Faliraki should not cost more than 13 Euros; the trip from the Airport to Rhodes city a maximum of 16 Euros. The minimum fare for each trip is 4.00 Euros, the taximeter starts at 0.85 Euros. Never let the driver turn off the meter.
You can radio a taxi via telephone number 22410 69800. This adds a standard surcharge of 1.50 Euros. Waiting fare is 7.90 Euros per hour. Between midnight and 5 AM you will have to pay twice the normal rates. You can book ahead to avoid delays at high traffic times such as weekends.
Within Rhodes city limits, fixed rates are applied. If you get a taxi from one of the taxi stations or stop one in the street, the fare is 5.00 Euros. At the main taxi station, close to the New Market (Mandraki), there are hosts that try to cut down waiting time by making sure that the taxis doesn't leave half empty - especially if you are going a bit further. If you share a taxi within the Rhodes city limits the fare is 4.00 Euros.
By car
It is not worth the hassle to bring your own car to the island, although it is in theory possible. You can rent a car at the airport or via any hotel and at many local dealers. Asphalt highways will allow you to reach the entire island, although roads in the interior - especially the south - may turn out to be little more than dirt paths.
By motorcycle
Motorbikes and mopeds are popular alternatives to cars. Especially mopeds are frequently used by local youths and can go to many places that cars cannot go - for example the twisted narrow streets of Rhodes city. An additional advantage is that they are cheap to rent - 10 to 15 Euros a day is the usual price.
If you start a day-trip with a moped, make you sure you do so on a full tank, as gas stations are sometimes hard to find. An extra stop at a gas station can save a lot of nerves. When renting a moped, check if the profile of the tyres is ok and if the brakes work properly. If it is the last vehicle in store, be suspicious - it could be the one that needs a repair badly. Though helmets are not required on the streets, (although you might well be stopped and fines 50 euros if you are not wearing a helmet on the main roads) it might be a good idea to ask your rent-a-bike for one, especially if you intend to drive on streets with more traffic.
See
Filerimos Hill. Medieval remains, a monastery and chapel. Good views over the north of the island.
Kamiros. Ancient ruins.
Castle with acropolis over Lindos.
Tsambika Peak.
The old town of Rhodes city
Palace of the Prince Grand Master.
Street of Knights.
Fortifications.
Valley of the Butterflies. Since the butterflies - which are actually coloured moths - in this area need quietude for their procreation and since the area is visited by many tourists, the population of the Petaloudes "butterflies" is constantly on the decline; even to a degree that it does not make any sense anymore to go there, as you will hardly see any of the moths.
Epta Piges. (Seven springs) and that is literally all there is to see there except for a short forest walking trail. In the hot summer months, the cool shade provides a pleasant respite from the sun.
Castle of Kastellos.
Castle of Monolithos.
Cape Prasonisi. The southern-most tip of Rhodes. There is a peninsular connected to the main island by a sand bar. Unless you have a 4x4, think twice before driving your car across the sand bar: it becomes progressively less solid and it is easy to get stuck.
Things to do
Sunbathing
Swimming
Snorkeling
Diving
Surfing and Kitesurfing on the west coast and especially on the south end of the island
Many hotels will offer activity programs
Most tour operators will offer excursions
Climb Mt Attavyros. A challenging 2-3 hour climb to the island's highest point (1215m). On leaving Embonas on the road towards Siana, drive up one of the agricultural roads on the left and find a place to park. On foot, you continue up through the wine growing area in the obvious direction. There is no explicit marked path but red paint on rocks towards the top marks the best route. It is a steep climb with many large loose rocks. The descent can be especially tricky. It is also possible to drive up the mountain: the approach road comes from the South.
Prasonisi
Kamiros and Mt. Profitis Ilias
Beaches
There is a good variety of beaches on Rhodes. The east side of the island has almost continuous sandy beaches with calm waters. Beaches on the west are mostly more stony. The wind mostly comes in from the west and also the sea tends to be somewhat rougher to the west so that side of the island is better suited to surfing or kite boarding.
Rhodes Town.
Lindos. The stunningly beautiful town beach on the bay. Very trendy, so wear your thong bikini here if you want to fit in.
Kalithea. Just north of Faliraki, this was originally an Italian built spa. It is very pleasant spot but can be crowded. Currently building work is ongoing to build what looks like it will be a modern spa adjacent to the original buildings. A number of separate beaches, each seemingly with their own taverna lie just south of the spa.
Faliraki. A long sandy beach with plenty of tavernas to choose from. There is also no shortage of people to rent jet skis from or to organise other activities. At the southern end, there is a quiter, more rocky beach but the sea there is inconveniently shallow for swimmers. The only legal nudist beach on the island which has excellent facilities including sunbed hire, toilets and food and drink outlets is also found to the south of Faliraki.
Ladiko Beach (Anthony Quinn Bay). This is a very scenic spot. On one side of the bay is a relatively small beach. The other side is rocky but a man made platform provides further space for sunbathing and access to the sea.
Afandou Beach
Kolymbia Beach.
Tsambika Beach (on the far right of the beach near the rocks nude sunbathing is tolerated)
Gennadi Beach
Agia Marina Beach
Eat
See the Eat section under each town for specific listings.
Drink
The tap water is drinkable and restaurants will serve glasses of ice water upon request. Local drinks include Mythos (beer) and Ouzo.
Sleep
The Rhodes Association of Family-Run Studios & Apartments , +302241087407, +302241087407, Faliraki - Rhodes, Opposite Snt Nectarios Church
Rhodian Sun Hotel , +302241082736, +302241082736, Paradisi - Tholos, 1.5 km from airport
Hotel Kolymbia Star , (+30) 22410 56600, Kolymbia, P.C. 85 102 Rodos - Greece, A superb hotel with great pools and very helpful staff, good rooms and good food.
Sea Breeze Apartments & Studios , +30 22410 69141, Kiotari, The Sea Breeze Apartments and Studios hotel complex is comprised of six spacious and luxuriantly decorated rooms, consisting of three sea view studios and three sea view apartments.
Buy
Sponges
Ceramic watch for the many "Keramik factory" outlets along the roads).
Olive oil
Bottle of wine- local wines are famous (eg CAIR) and tasty
Religious icons
Jewelry stores are common, particularly in Rhodes Town
Umbrellas - manufactured by the two large industries of the island (there is, though, a popular "joke" souvenir - on an island with 300+ sun days a year, these are rarely needed)
Colorful sea shells are a popular souvenir item, but very many of them are actually imported, and have no authentic connection to the island whatsoever.
Many brand name products for sale in the tourist shops may be fakes and/or unlicensed (t-shirts, towels, hand bags, and so on)
Talk
Greek is the native language of the people of Rhodes. However, due to the high level of tourism English, and to a lesser extent German, is likely to be spoken by most people the traveler comes into contact with.
Safety
Rhodes is a generally safe destination. There are a few things to look out for.
In the early 2000's the resort town of Faliráki became infamous for the lewd behavior of young, drunk, mainly British partiers attracted to the cheap alcohol and large numbers of small nightclubs. A string of crimes committed by these young tourists against locals, as well as against other tourists, gained national attention in the summer of 2003; they ranged from vandalism to serious acts of violence. Following this the local Police increased their presence to successfully crack down on such behavior. For families with young children the best times to visit would be daytime even up to 22:00 local time when the clubbers tend to come out en masse.
Taxi drivers will sometimes turn off their meters and charge an arbitrary amount at the destination. Make sure they don't do this.
Settlements
Afandou - One of the big villages on the island. The golf course of Rhodes is situated in this area along with a long beach
Archangelos - The second largest town on the island
Asklipio - inland village, site of an old church and a castle
Faliraki - Rhodes' "action resort". Go there to party, everything else is better somewhere else - altough the hotels north from faliraki are much quieter. Nice beaches, a lot less winds than on the west coast and really good public transport. For example hotels near the water park do not interest clubbers, and are really family friendly.
Gennadi
Haraki (Charaki) - Small former fishing village located next to Lindos. A chain of restaurants surrounds an enclosed beach.
Ixia - West coast resort, close to Rhodes city
Kalithea - snorkeling and resort hotels.
Laerma - inland village near some monuments, contains a few restaurants
Lardos - the market square of that town has restaurants and shops
Lindos - Picturesque village, site of important ancient acropolis.
Pefkos - A smaller tourist resourt close to Lindos. Originally started as a small collection of farms and private residences, but has grown into a town in its own right.
Rhodes city - The biggest city on the island and seat of the local government
Theologos - A traditional village
Get out
Daily excursions via boat to Symi and other islands are offered from Rhodes city
A ferry to Turkey is also available
Contact & location
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Some photos courtesy of:
. The photos provided by Flickr are under the copyright of their owners.
This travel guide also includes text from Wikitravel articles, all available at
View full credits
Claus Hansen, Piotr Konieczny, Dimitris Valakos, george papadopoulos, Matthew Cannella, David, Henric Ceder, Andrew Washington, Andreas Routsias, Michele Ann Jenkins, Eric G, Todd VerBeek, themadgooose, Nick, Ryan Holliday, Mark Jaroski, Christian Seidel, Niels Elgaard Larsen and glen larson, Whatsinaname, Sailsetter, 3wisemen, Unique, Episteme, Jonboy, Nils, Nzpcmad, Wojsyl and Huttite
This travel guide also includes text from Wikipedia articles, all available at
View full credits