All are welcome to Medieval Rhodes. Rhodes is one of the Mediterranean’s favourite destinations. It is the largest and most developed of the dodeka or 12 islands that constitute the Dodecanese (Dodekanisos) and form Greece’s far eastern strategic border,within kissing distance of neighbouring Turkey. Of all those who overran the island,the Italians have left the greatest mark.Romans, Venetians, Grusarders constructed most of the islands’ magnificent temples and fortresses such as the impressive walled monastery of the Knights of St. John.Great temples were erected on the Akropoli and a wide, straight road was built down to the harbour.
The Colossus one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, a symbol of Rhodian strength and wealth. If there is one thing the beautiful island of Rhodes
seems never to run short of, that’s its endless supply of sunshine.
With the best record of sun of all the Greek islands, it’s no wonder Rhodes continues to prove a regular haven for every serious unworshipper, year in, year out.
However, sunsoaked sandy beaches, warm blue waters and bleached white villages, no matter how seductive, are far from its only attractions. Rhodes is a fascinating island by any standards, with literally something for everyone. A good example of which is the rare mix of ancient and modern in Rhodes Town itself. A mere cannon shot away and you will find the new part of town,with fashionable and luxurious hotels, trendy shops, boutiques, restaurants and as many lively discos and clubs as you’ve got the energy for.Further down the coast, a visit to Lindos is a must. Here, overlooked by the Acropolis,the suntrap inlet of St. Paul’s Bay acts as a magnet to every bronzed sunlover determined to develop the ultimate tan.
How to get to Rhodes
By Sea: Daily car ferries and cruise ships from Piraeus and also service from Rafina.
There are also ferries from Crete (Aghios Nikolaos), & Santorini. Several ferries ply the Dodecanese waters to Tilos, Nissiros, Halkis and Karpathos, while daily ferries service the more popular Symi, Kos, Leros, Kalymnos and Patmos.
For the romantics ones, there are also caique excursions between Rhodes and many other small islands.
The Dodecanese hydrofoil company is based in Rhodes with daily service to Kos and Patmos.
BY AIR: Daily flights from Athens. Also flights from Crete (Heraklion), Kos, Paros, Mykonos, Santorini. There’s a duty free shop at Rhodes International Airport to accommodate European charter travellers.
Getting around Rodos
Within the town, walking is the best and the most pleasurable mode of transport.
However, Rhodes is so big that you’ll need public buses, group - shared taxis, a rental car, or an organised bus tour for around - the - island excursions.
BY BUS: There is a good public system throughout the island.
E.O.T. publishes a schedule of routes and times.
BY TAXI: In Rhodes city, there’s a large, well organised taxi stand in front of Old Town.
BY CAR or BIKE: There are several car - rentals companies in each community, and a local travel agent may be able to give you the best price.
BY TOUR / CRUISES:There are several tour operators featuring nature, archaeology, shopping, and beach tours of the island.
However, the old walled city offers important and worthwhile sightseeing such as:
The street of the knights which is one of the best preserved and most delightful medieval relics in the world.
The Palace of the Villiers of the Isle of Adam, housing the Archaeological Service of the Dodecanese.
The Inn of the Order of the Tounge (language) of Italy.
The Inn of France which now hosts the French Language Institute.
The amazing Palace of the Knights, also known as the Palace of the Grand Masters or Magisters)
Byzantine Museum of Rhodes with several exquisite Greek sculptures.
The Mosque of Suleyman, the public baths, the Municipal Baths.
Last but not least, note that in the old town you can shop classic and contemporary gold and silver jewellery, leather goods and furs, favourite sculptures, tiles and many other beautiful works from throughout ancient Greece.
Faliraki , Lindos, Ialyssos, are very popular and interesting resorts.
One interesting excursion, often done as day trip,
is Petaloudes, a valley full of butterflies about 25 km from the city.
BEACHES
Rhodes is the island of Helios, the God of sun.
So....enjoy the sun, sunbathing in its endless sandy magnificent beaches.
Faliraki is 5 km south from Kalithea and it is a very popular resort with rocking nightlife.
Lindos, a sheltered sweep of sandy beach - backed by popular taverns, a maze of winding narrow streets.
Pefkos spreads around a sandy beach and pretty bay.
Afandou is a charming village that successfully blends tradition and tourism. It spreads behind an 8 km sand and single beach.
Tholos is a rural resort on the western coastline. Its resort’s pebble beach is long and fairly narrow.
USEFUL INFORMATION
National Bank of Greece Tel: + 30 - 241 - 23377
Post Office Tel: 22201
Hospital Tel: 25555
Police Tel: 31111
Olympic Airways: 24555