Rhodes City

Trip preparation

At a Glance Rhodes, Greece is the biggest island of the archipelago called Dodecanese and is the capital of the group of Greek Islands. It is world known for its colossus. It is located between Karpathos and Kos. The capital lies within the walls of a very well preserved Venetian castle, built by the Knights of Saint John. Its interesting sites and the wonderful beaches make Rhodes City one of the most popular places in Greece. Rhodes city has a population of around 80,000 people. Best time to travel Rhodes city enjoys an exceptionally mild climate. Rhodes has the longest season of any of the Greek islands as itis one of the southern most islands. The season generally lasts from the beginning of April until the end of November.  The hottest time of the year is during the summer months of July and August where the heat may be unbearable for some! But even in the hottest days of summer you’ll find plenty of places to sit in the shade, while you cool off at a café. April and May, as well as September and October are considered to be the most ideal time to visit the city of Rhodes as you still get warm and sunny days, and warm nights with pleasant island breeze. Living Costs Here is what you can typically expect to pay for certain items in the city of Rhodes: Meal, InexpensiveRestaurant €12.75 or £10.29 Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant, Three-course€40.00 or £32.12 Combo Meal at McDonalds or Similar€6.00 or £4.81 Domestic Beer (0.5 liter draught)€3.00 or £2.40 Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)€3.00 or £2.40 Cappuccino (regular)€3.00 or £2.40 Coke/Pepsi (0.33 liter bottle) €1.00 or £0.80 Water (0.33 liter bottle) €0.50 or £0.40      

Language

The official language spoken in the city of Rhodes is Greek. Since the advent of mass tourism, you will find that a good deal of Turkish, German, Italian and English is also spoken amongst the city.

Currency

The Euro € was adopted as the formal currency of Greece in January 2002 replacing the drachma. Banks are usually open Monday toThursday 08.30-14.30 hours and Fridays until 13.30 hours (closed public holidays). All have foreign exchange facilities and a valid passport must be presented when changing travellers cheques or with drawing money on credit cards. You will also find that there are numerous ATM machines jotted around the city. You can also exchange money in Local tourist offices that will charge commission for exchange of any form of monies. Most hotels, shops and restaurants do now receive major credit cards and it is rare for them to charge a commission.

Communication

Here are some important telephone numbers of the City: Emergency Police: 100 Town of Rhodes Police: 22410 23849 Tourist Police: 22410 27423 Emergency Tourist Police: 177 Traffic Police: 22410 26480 Fire Department: 22410 23333 Emergency Fire Department: 199 Emergnecy Port Police: 108

History

You cannot talk about the city of Rhodes without mentioning its history.  The city was inhabited by the main protagonists of Hellenic history, from the Byzantines and the Romans. Famous is also the myth of the Colossus of Rhodes, which once stood at the entrance of the port of Mandrake (Rodhos). The Colossus was made of bronze, had a height of 31 meters and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. On the island are the remains of some ancient Acropolises.

Traditions and Culture

The island is imbued with a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Despite the fact that the islanders have received almost constant influence from foreign visitors this has not changed them. Carnival is called “Apokries” and it consists of two weeks of a huge feast, beginning from the Sunday of Meat Fare and ends with the start of Lent, called “Clean Monday” (Kathari Deutera). Everyone is costumed and parties in the streets and bars, throwing coloured confetti to one another. Easter is the more important celebration for the Greeks, even more than Christmas. Women dye eggs in red, godparents buy news shoes, clothes and a candle to the kids and, in villages, the exterior of the houses and the streets are white washed.

Religion

Over 90% of the population is Greek Orthodox. Religious ceremonies are a very impressive performance, as the Orthodox liturgy is based on a number of rituals. In the country there are also minoritiesof Jews, Protestants, Catholics and Muslims.

Landscape

Rhodes interior is a mosaic of traditional villages and chalky mountains. Apolakkia, in the west, for instance, serves up scenery in big portions. The hamlet is home to white washed villas, old windmills, a monastery, and a shaded lake that’s ideal for swimming.

By boat

If you need to go up or down the coasts, the quickest way is to take a boat ride. Many small fishing boats are available for hire, and these connect the ports of Mandraki with Lindos and Kallithea.          

By bus

Bus services are available across Rhodes and are a cheap, pleasant way to experience the city. Modern local buses regularly depart from the City of Rhodes to Rodini and Agios Stefanos Hill. There are also suburban buses daily too, and these travel to many of the island’s most popular destinations. Be sure to confirm schedules and return times.

By car

If you are adventurous and fancy roaming the city at your own pace, and explore some major attractions then renting a car moped is a great option for you. Rental car and moped services in the city will usually provide you with maps and offer tips on where the best places to go are. The largest independent car rental companies on the island are"Drive" and "Galaxy Rent A Car". All their vehicles are available in every major resort as well as in the City of Rhodes. EU citizens can use their own driving license whilst other nationalities should have an International Drivers License, though in practice, a recognizable photo license is usually accepted. As like anywhere speed limits vary from different types of roads: Urban areas: 30 mph/50 kmh Outside cities: 68 mph/110 kph Freeways/Expressways:75 mph/120 kph Do consider when driving that there are some roads that have been badly surfaced and that it is not uncommon fo rlocals to drive in the middle of the road.

By plane

There is only one main airport on the island and this is Rhodes International Airport. The airport is situated on the west coast approximately 14 km from Rhodes Town. From here you are able to reach Rhodes city via bus, car or taxi.

By taxi

Taxis in Rhodes City are actually much cheaper than in most other European cities, and will allow you to get back to your hotel late at night. Cab stations are available throughout Rhodes City and at other destinations throughout the island. You can also use the knowledgeable drivers of www.rhodesprivatetours.comto explore the Island in comfort and style. "Rhodes Private Tours" is a highly recommended taxi service mainly aimed at people visiting Rhodes for a short period of time and who would really like to make the most of their stay on this majestic island.

Sights

Rhodes city is home to several remarkable landmarks. Some of them date backto antiquity and most of the others remain from the Knights' Period. These include: - Grand Master's Palace - Knights Street - Acropolis of Rhodes - Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent

Shopping

The city of Rhodes is a paradise for those of you who love to shop. There is a plethora of shops in the streets in both the new and old part of the city, that offer everything from fine reproductions of ancient statues, friezes, tiles and vases, antique carpets, furniture, porcelain, jewelry and you can also find many shops for modern clothing and shoes throughout the city.

Sport

Bicycle rentals are available throughout the city, and while itis far from flat there are plenty of roads and trails for casual rides as wellas those that will offer a serious workout. There is certainly no shortage of sport activities for everyone to enjoy whilst in Rhodes including: Canoeing- kayaking can be enjoyed in the marine area of Rhodes Town. The Nautical Club of Rhodes has various types for training from beginners to professionals. Scuba diving Scuba diving can be enjoyed all year round in Rhodes. There are no shortage of dive operators operating throughout the city including Mandraki Harbour, Rhodes Town: Rhodos Diving Centre, Trident and Waterhoppers. All centres offer a variety of different courses from professionals to first timers. Walking/Hiking Walking and hiking around Rhodes has become more popular, there are many paths of varying grades to suit all abilities, walking books are freefrom the tourist information in Rhodes town for self guided walks, a walking guide is recommended if you want to walk on the mountains of Rhodes.

Theaters

From July throughout to September the City of Rhodes hosts several art exhibitions and theatrical performances. Each Monday folkdance performances are held in the Municipal Theatre of Rhodes, where children and adults from communities from across the island perform local and traditional Greek dances. On  summer evenings the Greek National Tourism Office organizes a sound and light show in the Old Fort in the Medieval Town, displaying the history of the city which is translated in French, English, Italian and Greek.

Nightlife

The nightlife in the city of Rhodes has often been described as multicultural, for there is a range of happenings from large traditional dance clubs, flash casinos and cozy pubs to suit all. There is also an excessive deal of live music around the city, from relaxing piano restaurants, lively night clubs and other venues where you can hear traditional, and modern Greek music. The most lively hot sopts are the clubs such as; Amazone, Loft, La Scala, Versus, Alaloum and Laser; while the most popular bars and smaller clubs are Roli, Veggera, Allegria, BlueLagoon, Sticky Fingers and Juke Box.

Food

You will find all your Greek favorites in Rhodes including Taramosalata, Feta and Tzatziki. There is no better way to experience them than as part of a taverna ‘meze’ line up which is similar to Spanish tapas where you experience little bit of everything. If traditional Greek food does not water your taste buds, do not fear as there is a plethora of places that sell international foods to suit all. The prices are considerable cheaper compared to the rest of Europe, so you will not spend a lot for your food. It will cost on average around 20 euros per person for a good quality lunch/dinner at arestaurant. Fish of course is much more expensive than anything else, so expect some fish dishes to be a little steep. Some top restuarants in the city include; Romeo Garden, Rustico Restaurant and Ippotikon.