Rhodes Travel Guide

Rhodes is not an island you can see on foot. You need wheels of some sort: public bus, group-shared taxi, rental car, or organized bus tour for around-the-island excursions. Rhodes City is a different story. Walking is the best and most pleasurable mode of transport; you'll need a taxi only if you're going to treat yourself to a meal at one of the farther-flung restaurants or if you're decked out for the casino and don't want to walk. Note that wheeled vehicles, except those driven by permanent Old Town residents, are not allowed within the walls. This goes for all taxis, unless you have luggage and are arriving or leaving.

By Bus

Public buses provide good service throughout the island; the tourist office publishes a schedule of routes and times. Buses to points east (except for the eastern coastal road as far as Falilraki) leave from the East Side Bus Station on Plateia Rimini, whereas buses to points 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. Island fares range from 1€ ($1.30) within the city to 15€ ($20) for the most remote destinations. The city bus system also offers six different tours; details are available from the tourist office.

By Bicycle, Moped & Motorcycle

Even where there are strips set aside for bicyclists, it can be risky cycling on Greek highways. You must have a proper license to rent anything motorized. We can recommend several outfits that rent motorbikes and bicycles: Bicycle Center, 39 Griva (tel. 22410/28-315); Mike's Motor Club, 23 Kazouli (tel. 22410/37-420); Moto Pilot, 12 Kritis (tel. 22410/32-285). Starting prices per day are roughly 10€ ($13) for a mountain bike; from 15€ ($20) for a moped; and 30€ to 40€ ($39-$52) for a motorcycle.

By Taxi

In Rhodes city, the largest of many taxi stands is in front of the old town, on the harborfront in Plateia Rimini (tel. 22410/27-666). There, posted for all to see, are the set fares for one-way trips throughout the island. (A sample fare to Lindos is 40€/$52.) Since many of the cabdrivers speak sightseer English, a few friends can be chauffeured and lectured at a reasonable cost. Taxis are metered, but fares should not exceed the minimum on short round-the-city jaunts. For longer trips, negotiate directly with the drivers. Better yet, Triton Holidays , will at no extra charge arrange for a private full- or half-day taxi with a driver who not only speaks fluent English, but will also respect your wishes regarding smoking or nonsmoking en route. For radio taxis, call tel. 22410/64-712. There is a slight additional pickup charge when you call for a taxi.

By Car

Apart from the array of international companies -- among them Alamo/National (tel. 22410/73-570), Avis (tel. 22410/82-896), Europcar (tel. 22410/21-958), and Hertz (tel. 22410/21-819) -- there is a large number of local companies. The latter may offer the lowest rates but have only a handful of cars, so they may be unable to back you up in the event of an accident. Be very certain that you are fully covered, for all minor scrapes as well as major accidents, before signing anything. An established Greek company with some 300 cars -- reputedly the newest fleet on Rhodes -- is DRIVE Rent-a-Car (tel. 22410/68-243; www.driverentacar.gr). It has an excellent reputation for personal service, as well as low prices from about 60€ ($78) per day. 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.

By Organized Tour & Excursion Boats

Several operators feature nature, archaeology, shopping, and beach tours. In Rhodes city, Triton Holidays is one of the largest and most reliable agencies and specializes in trips designed for independent travelers. Triton offers day and evening cruises, hiking tours, and excursions in Rhodes, as well as in the other Dodecanese islands and in Mamaris in Turkey. We recommend the full-day guided tours, either the one to Lindos (40€/$52); or the "Island Tour" (45€/$59), which takes you to small villages, churches, and monasteries, and includes lunch in the village of Embonas, known for its local wines and fresh-grilled meat. There is also a fascinating half-day guided tour to Filerimos Monastery, Valley of the Butterflies, and the ancient city of Kamiros for 35€ ($46). Along Mandraki Harbor, you can find excursion boats that leave for Lindos at 9am and return around 6pm, costing 25€ ($33); and daily excursions to Simi for 35€ ($46). For an in-depth island experience, Triton Holidays also offers a combination package of car rental and hotel accommodations in four small villages around the island (Kalavarda, Monolithos, Prasonisi, and Asklepion), ranging from 4 to 10 nights.