RHODES - GETTING AROUND

Because of its large area, Rhodes is not an island that you can see on foot. You will definitely need to avail yourself of a wheeled vehicle of some sort to explore it properly, be it public bus, shared taxi, rental car, or organized bus tour for round-the-island excursions. Rhodes Town is a perfect base for exploring the whole island by local bus, coach excursions, or boats that every day takes tourists to the most popular beaches of the eastern coast. You can even catch a hydrofoil, a catamaran or an excursion boat and hand hop across to some of the nearby islands for a day trip from Rhodes Town. Yachting is yet another excellent way to get around. Walking is the best and most pleasurable way to discover Rhodes town.
By Car

The island of Rhodes is 50 miles long and has a dense road network. Most of the roads in Rhodes are in good condition, there is one main road that connects the capital of Rhodes to Lindos continuing until Prasonisi giving you the chance to drive around the entire island. To get around the island of Rhodes is advisable to rent a car. It`s a wonderful way to be able enjoy the beautiful beaches with calm and at the same time to visit the various towns and villages.

By Bus

Public bus system in Rhodes provides good service throughout the island. Local buses linking Rhodes Town with resorts on the east coast and north-west coast are frequent, the further south you go though, the less often you`ll see a local bus.

Rhodian bus services are split between two companies,
Departing from the town`s New Market. KTEL (00 30 22410 27706) runs frequent departures down the east coast to southern Rhodes as far as Faliraki, leave from the East Side Bus Station on Plateia Rimini in Rhodes Town.

RODA (00 30 22410 26300)
covers the entire west coast, but including the airport, leave from the West Side Bus Station on Averof.
The tourist office in Rhodes town publishes a schedule of routes and times each year. The city bus system offers also a variety of tours; details are available at the tourist office.

By Taxi

Rhodes Town has plenty of taxis. The largest taxi stand can be found just in front Old Town, on the harbor front at Plateia Rimini. Taxis in Rhodes are metered and you can get a list of taxi fares and charges from any tourist information office on the island. Note that when you call for a taxi, there is a slight standard pick up surcharge.
There are special taxi stations where you can wait for a taxi. This is where the empty cabs usually go. If you are four people or more you should try getting to a taxi station or dividing up into smaller groups.

Do not forget that:
Your hotel can make the call for you and make sure that the driver knows where you want to go.
Most restaurants will call a taxi for you without charge.

Taxi phone numbers:
Central Station (Mandraki): +30 22410 27666
Faliraki: +30 22410 85444
Lindos: +30 22440 31466
Ialysos: +30 22410 92515
Archangelos: +30 22440 24111
Afantou: +30 22410 51777
Paradisi (Airport): +30 22410 81461
Radio Taxi: +30 22410 64712/64734/62179
For disabled: +30 22410 77079

Boat Excursions

There is quite a number of daily sailings around the island in late spring and throughout the summer. Take an East Coast cruise and you sure will be amazed by the beauty of the island of Rhodes from the waves.

The main coastal resort is Lindos and it`s basically included on every boat trip from Mandraki harbor in Rhodes Town. When on Rhodes, however, you shouldn`t miss the opportunity to check out the nearby islands on one day excursions. There are daily sailings (some with high-speed hydrofoils or catamarans) to many other islands in the Dodecanese chain, such as Kos, Symi (reputed to be one of the pretties of the Dodecanese group of Islands), Leros, Patmos, Kalymnos, Lipsi, as well as other island in the eastern Aegean.

When already in Rhodes you might also want to get a taste of Turkey. Day excursions to the Turkish resort of Marmaris, a shopper`s paradise, are popular and the journey takes around 50 minutes. There are regular catamaran and car ferry sailings to/from Mamaris every day but Thursday. Please note that ferry Service and schedules may change at any time so you`d better check with the tourist office or a travel agency for the latest information.

Scooter or Motorcycle

Due to the size of the island of Rhodes, the ideal way of transport is a car, however with the scooter you can visit closer resorts and beaches. There are many rental companies on the island, it is advisable to book the scooter in advance for the period of July-August, or if you want a particular model. Care must be taken insurance aspect; many scooter rentals include la`ssicurazione that only covers damage to third parties and damage to your vehicle.