RHODES FAQ'S

How do I get from the airport to my hotel?

The Rhodes Paradissi Airport is located eight miles southwest of the city. The bus to the city center (Plateia Rimini) operates from 6am to 10:30pm and costs about 6€. A taxi will cost approximately 22€. Although private vehicles must have permits to enter the Old Town, a taxi may enter if carrying luggage, no matter what a reluctant driver tells you. Alternately, you may wish to make arrangements with your hotel to be met at one of the main gates.

How do I get from the port to my hotel?

Rhodes is a major port with sea routes to Athens, Crete and the islands of the Aegean as well as to Cyprus, Turkey and Israel. There are bus and taxi services available from the port. Although private vehicles must have permits to enter the Old Town, a taxi may enter if carrying luggage, no matter what a reluctant driver tells you. Alternately, you may wish to make arrangements with your hotel to be met at one of the main gates.

Please Note: It's a good idea to get a transfer service of some type (either bus or taxi) as Rhodes shares the country's aversion to street signs and numbers making hotels in Rhodes a challenge to find.

When do the hydrofoils operate between the islands?

Boat travel in Greece is common and relatively inexpensive. Timetables change according to seasonal demand and boats may be delayed by weather conditions, so your plans should be flexible. That being said, ferries and hydrofoils for the Greek Islands only operate between May and September due to annual weather changes including rough seas and high winds. For travel beyond these months, your itinerary will include transportation by flight between the islands.

Note: The Athens airport authority advises you to allow a minimum of 45 minutes to make a flight connection; which should be adequate if you arrive and depart from the main terminal and do not have to clear Customs. Allow at least 60 to 90 minutes if you have to clear Customs or if you arrive or depart from the satellite terminal. At present, many charter flights use the satellite terminal.

How do I get around the city using public transportation?

Rhodes is not an island you can see on foot so you will need to utilize the public bus system, taxi service or rental car to get around. However, within Rhodes town, walking is the most enjoyable (and only) way to see the sights. Just be aware that the Old Town is not laid out on a grid. There are roughly 200 streets or alleys that have no name. But getting lost here is an opportunity to explore, and whenever you need to find your bearings, ask for Sokratous, the closest Old Town comes to having a main street.

Public buses provide good service throughout the island and the tourist office should be able to give you a schedule with routes and times. Buses to locations in the east leave from the East Side Bus Station on Plateia Rimini, while buses to locations in the west, including the airport, leave from the nearby West Side Bus Station on Averof. Buses for the eastern coastal road (as far as Falilraki) also leave from the West Side Bus Station. Fares range from 1€ (within the city) to 20€ (for remote destinations).

Where can I rent a bicycle in Rhodes?

One of the most popular means of getting around the island is by moped or bicycle. But even where there are lanes set aside for bicyclists, it can be dangerous cycling on Greek highways; and you must have a proper license to rent anything motorized. There are several shops that rent motorbikes and bicycles: Bicycle Center, 39 Griva (tel. 22410/28-315); Mike's Motor Club, 23 Kazouli (tel. 22410/37-420); and Moto Pilot, 12 Kritis (tel. 22410/32-285). Daily rates are about 15€ for a mountain bike, 25€ and up for a moped, and 40€ to 70€ for a motorcycle. It's a good idea to check the brakes and steering before you ride off. Greek law now requires wearing a helmet, but not all agents supply one. Also, don't wear shorts or sandals; be sure to get full insurance and get a phone number, in case of breakdown.

Warning: The roads can be dangerous due to cars and motorbikes overtaking you at high speed. When you are cycling, be sure to ride behind one another, not next to each other! Beware of the heat (sunstroke) and take plenty of water with you!

How do I call/hail a taxi?

Taxis are available throughout most of Rhodes. In Rhodes city, the largest of the many taxi stands is in front of Old Town, on the harbor front in Plateia Rimini. All taxi stands have a sign listing the set fares to destinations around the island. For radio taxis, call tel. 22410/69-800. There is a minimal additional pick up fee when you call for a taxi and you can expect delays when calling radio taxis in high season.

Please Note: Since many of the cabdrivers speak 'tourist' English, a shared taxi can be hired for sightseeing at a reasonable cost.

Should I rent a car on Rhodes?

Hiring a car is an option to get around Rhodes as it will provide the most freedom and comfort for travel. Car rentals are available at the airport and in town. While there are not many roads on Rhodes, the good news is that they are all in fine condition and detailed maps are available. It is possible to tour the island in one day if you rent a car and traffic is likely to be heavy only from Rhodes town to Lindos. Keep in mind that some of the more remote roads on Rhodes require all-terrain vehicles, and Rhodian rental car companies usually stipulate that their standard vehicles be driven only on fully paved roads.

Please Note: If you park in a no-parking area, the police will remove your license plates, and you, not the car rental office, will have to pay a hefty fine to get them back!

Warning: Drive with caution, especially at night, when you will undoubtedly be sharing the roads with motorists returning from an evening of drinking.

Can I pay/tip in US dollars?

The currency of Greece is the Euro. US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for euros upon arrival. Many banks in the New Town will exchange currency as will commercial exchange offices, however most everyone relies on the ATMs found throughout town. Bank hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00am until 2:00pm. For more detailed information, consult our guide to tipping in Greece by clicking here.

I don't speak Greek. Will many people speak English?

English may be spoken at your hotel and in the tourist areas, but not everywhere. Greeks do have great regard for those that try to speak Greek so it is a good idea to learn a few phrases. We suggest you get a good English-Greek guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, excuse me and numbers 1-10.

What is Greek food like? What is the standard for tipping?

Greek food comes in many shapes, forms and varieties to keep even the most demanding traveler satisfied! Rhodes has its own culinary specilaties and food products. Don't be afraid to sample the best each island has to offer.

A service charge of 15 percent is usually included in the bill, but if service is good, then it is customary to leave 10 percent.

Where can I buy necessities like bottled water and toiletries?

Most villages have small markets where you can buy water and food and other household items. Greek pharmacies are usually excellent with a qualified doctor or medic on staff (who usually speaks some English), but medicines can be more expensive than at home.

What are the best beaches in Rhodes?

The mild weather of Rhodes affords it the longest season of any of the islands, lasting from the beginning of April until the end of November. Its many spectacular beaches feature crystal clear waters and sandy coves offering various amenities, including hotels, taverns, bars and watersports. For the best beaches, head to Rhodes' east coast. Faliraki Beach is the most popular, if you can tolerate the crowds, while some of the best beaches are Tsambika, Saint Paul's bay, Ladiko and Kallithea. Prasonisi beach, on the southernmost coast of Rhodes, is ideal for windsurfing and kite surfing. Please visit our dedicated page on Rhodes' beaches for more information.

Please note: It is common for women to go topless on beaches. And while public nudity is illegal in Greece, every island has at least one beach where nudity is allowed.

What are the most popular clubs in Rhodes? Where are they located?

Rhodes' nightlife is famously vibrant, with plenty of drinking and dancing venues for an exciting night out. There must be some 100 nightclubs on Rhodes so you're sure to find one to your liking! If you want to find out where 'barotsarka' (bar hopping) is, then Old City of Rhodes is the place! A boozing and multiethnic crowd can be found in Lindos and at Faliraki beach bars, but as on all the islands, what's a hot place this year is often forgotten by the next.

Gambling is a popular nighttime activity in Greece, and for many years Rhodes was home to one of Greece's six legal casinos. Now in private hands, the Casino Rodos, is located in the Grande Albergo delle Rose, in the New Town. There is an admission fee and patrons must be at least 23 years old.

What else is there to do on Rhodes?

There is more to Rhodes than its nightlife and beaches! We recommend exploring Rhodes in depth to get a true feel for this island. With its rich history, medieval villages and other attractions, there is plenty to keep you busy! Rhodes offers water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling, water skiing and wind surfing. The Acropolis of Rhodes and the Acropolis of Lindos archaeological sites are a must see for any visitor to Rhodes. And if you want to visit Rhodes to see its famous butterflies, remember that they come here from May through September.

What are the best areas for shopping?

There is no shortage of shopping opportunities on Rhodes! In Rhodes city, the Old Town is the best area for shopping. You'll find classic and contemporary gold and silver jewelry almost everywhere as well as leather goods (usually from Turkey). Rhodes is also famed for handmade carpets and kilims, an enduring legacy from centuries of Ottoman occupation. And then there is 'Rhodian' lace and embroidery, much of which now comes from Hong Kong. Insist on knowing the difference between what's local and what's imported.

Most of what you find on Rhodes can be purchased throughout Greece, but several products are specific to Rhodes. Rhodian wine has a good reputation, and there are two distinguished island wineries. Another local product of Rhodes is a rare form of honey, made by bees who favor thimati (similar to oregano). You may have to drive to the villages of Siana or Vati and ask if anyone has some to sell as it's mostly sold out of private homes. Olive oil is another local product, and again the best is sold out of private homes.

Please note: Most of the shops close at the end of November and don't reopen until March.