RHODES ISLAND

Welcome to the Island of Rhodes, capital of the Dodecanese Islands, Greece. Rhodes, the island of the sun, the pearl of the Mediterranean, is of enormous interest both for its natural beauties and for its archaeological treasures. With its marvellous climate and excellent tourist infrastructure, it is suitable for holidays all year round. Miles of sandy and pebble beaches, picturesque harbours, a sea of impressive depth, deeply shaded valleys, green mountains, dazzling white villages, archaeological monuments and beautiful ruins from all periods of time are the main hallmarks of this beautiful island. Its capital, the magnificent medieval city of Rhodes, is the capital of the prefecture of the Dodecanese. UNESCO has proclaimed Rhodes as a monument of global heritage. Rhodes Island lies in the south-eastern part of the Aegean Sea. It is the largest island of the Dodecanese Islands. Rhodes is 270 nautical miles from Piraeus and has an area of 1400 sq km and a length of 78 km. Rhodes boasts on an average 300 days of sunshine per year. Its population today is approximately 100,000.

1. How To Get Here By Air

A large number of airlines from several cities operate charter flights within the holiday period (April to late October), which fly direct to Rhodes. Alternatively, if you are reaching Rhodes through Athens, there are many connecting flights daily, and the average flight time is approx. 45 minutes. Other domestic flights link Rhodes direct to Thessaloniki, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, Karpathos and Kastellorizo (Megisti island).

By Sea If you prefer to travel by boat, Ferries to Rhodes leave regularly from the port of Piraeus (Athens) with an average journey time of 15 hours. A list of ship companies that connect Rhodes to the mainland and other Greek islands are included below.

U SEFUL C ONTACTS Olympic Airways (Rhodos Office) Tel:+30 22410 24571 http://www.olympicairlines.com Aegean Airlines (Rhodos Office) Tel:+30 22410 22400 http://www.aegeanair.com Blue Star Ferries (Rhodos Office) Tel:+30 22410 22461 http://www.bluestarferries.com GA Ferries (Rhodos Office) Tel:+30 22410 30406 http://www.gaferries.com ANES Sea Lines (Rhodos Office) Tel:+30 22410 77760 http://www.anes.gr Dodekanisos Naftiliaki Tel:+30 22410 70590 http://www.12ne.gr LANE Sea Lines Tel:+30 2241020625, 2241026745

http://www.lane.gr

2. Discover The Island What to See The Medieval City of Rhodes and the Palace of Grand Masters within it. (World Heritage) Simply fascinating, the old town carries twenty four centuries of history and is the largest living medieval town in Europe. Over 5000 habitants live and work in the same buildings in which the Knights of St. John lived six centuries ago. This is where Medieval walls, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Street of the Knights, Mosques and water fountains, Byzantine and Gothic Churches blend perfectly with bustling shops, restaurants and cafeterias. Thousands of fascinated tourists wonder around the streets of the old town all day long. Life continues in the streets of the old town (mainly Sokratous st) even till late at night where night bars are packed mainly by locals and Italians.

Valley of the Butterflies Arguably the most attractive natural destination on the island, home to the Panaxia butterfly (Quadripunctaria Poda), the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes) lies 20km South of Diagoras Airport, close to the village of Thelogos (Tholos). From late July to early September, thousands of butterflies overwhelm the valley in order to reproduce. Despite the fact that the number of butterflies declines as the years go by (due to a number of reasons including tourist disturbance) the valley of the butterflies remains a remarkable site one should not miss when visiting the island of Rhodes.

Kalithea Spings Recently restructured to resemble what it originally looked like when its waters were thought to carry therapeutical properties, this picturesque anchorage surrounded by pine trees, provides both an archaeological site of remarkable interest as well as magnificent scenery ideal for swimming and relaxing. A popular cafeteria with refreshments and light snacks operates all day, while there is also a diving school on site for those interested in exploring its fascinating sea world.

Acropolis of Rhodes (Temple of Apollo) The panoramic view of the city of Rhodes and the Aegean Sea is simply breathtaking. Unbeatable for a romantic evening stroll, the sunset at Acropolis is probably as good as it gets. The view extends over the sea across to the Turkish coast. The Green and beautifully laid out archaeological park contains the Hellenistic stadium, built in the 3rd century BC, where the Athletic events of the Aleia Games took place.

Lindos Village (and Acropolis) The lovely village of Lindos is one of the most attractive and beautiful villages of Rhodes, and is located south of the capital, on the eastern coast of the island, at a distance of 50km from the city of Rhodes. Beautiful scenery, a lively traditional village, colours and atmosphere of another era and traditional white houses in absolute semmetry attract thousands of visitors each year. The paths of the village are filled with fine restaurants, bars and interesting gift shops. Overlooking Lindos bay and the Aegean Sea stands the famous Acropolis of Lindos and the remains of Lyndia Athenas’ temple.

7 Springs ‘’Epta piges’’ (seven springs) lies on the way to Archipolis Village. It is a valley flowing with clear springs and covered with enormous plane and pine trees. One of the most charming destinations on Rhodes, Seven Springs offers a cool, peaceful landscape, even in the heat of high summer, swamped in greenery. Waters come out from the springs all year around to form a small lake accessible through a narrow tunnel of 186cm. Definitely recommended if visiting Rhodes during a heat wave.

Filerimos Hill Filerimos is a hill 15 km away from Rhodes-town. The upper part of Filerimos is a large plateau and most of the buildings are found on the eastern side. They include the foundations of a temple, an Early Christian basilica and a Byzantine church which was destroyed during Turkish occupation and rebuilt by the Italians. A cobbled walkway leads you through the tree lined avenue to a large Cross where overwhelming panoramic views stretch out around your feet.

Beaches Afandou Located 22km south east from the city of Rhodes, Afandou beach is the longest beach on the island, and as a result, one of the less crowded ones. This well maintained pebbled beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters and the popular golf course nearby (Afandou Golf). Tsampika If you prefer sandy beaches, Tsampika’s golden beach and turquoise waters are definitely the best option on the island. The beach is very shallow for about 100m, and is recommended for water sports of all kinds. Nice scenery of the imposing rock of the Monastery of the Virgin of Tsampika, from which the beach has taken its name. There is a good choice of water sports and beach tavernas. Traganou Beach Just before Afandou beach, basically sharing the same bay, this beach is also formed by small pebbles and boarded by crystal clear water. There is a cave located on one of the beach’s extremities which really gives the entire place a magical surrounding. Local specialties are available at the fish tavern, and umbrellas and sun beds are available for hire. Lindos Located about 50km South of Rhodes city centre, Lindos is well known for its impressive scenic beauty. Lindos bay is overlooked by the Acropolis and is a friendly sandy beach ideal for relaxing and sunbathing. In addition, St Pauls bay (Ag. Pavlos) is a small rocky bay very close to Lindos town, ideal for snorkelling and sunbathing. There are two beaches, both relatively un-crowded and peaceful, one is a mix of natural sand and gravel, and the other is a manmade beach of golden sand. Faliraki The beach of Faliraki is probably the most organised beach on the island. Water and extreme sports, shops and restaurants, golden sand and crystal clear waters welcome thousands of tourists all summer long. Haraki & Agathi Beaches Haraki beach is set on a curved bay and is a mixture of shingle and sand. Perfectly clear water is excellent for swimming & snorkelling. Agathi beach, also known as the golden beach of Agathi, is a small sandy bay considered one of the very finest beaches on the island. Prassonissi Beach This long, sandy beach located in south part of the island, 92 km/57 miles from the City of Rhodes. The beach is a paradise for surfers mostly during July and August. The water is crystal clear and the landscape is impressive. Other beaches worth visiting: Antony Quinn bay, Vlicha Beach, Elli Beach (City Center), Gennadi beach.

3. Map of Rhodes

4. Useful Information U SEFUL N UMBERS Below is a list of useful numbers to have when visiting the island of Rhodos. Emergency Numbers* Police

100

Fire Brigade

199

Ambulance Services

166

Forestry Fire Service

191

*Dial from any Public Phone without charge

Other Numbers Hellenic Tourism Organisation (EOT)

+30 22410 44335/44336

Lindos Tourist Information

+30 22440 31900/31227

Tourist Police

+30 22410 27423/23329

Traffic Police

+30 22410 22346/26480

Diagoras Airport

+30 22410 88700

Port

+30 22410 27695/27690

P UBLIC T RANSPORT The bus network covers the island efficiently and the vehicles are in good condition. Within the town there are bus routes that cover all the areas of the city of Rodos operated by RODA which serves the West coast and part of the East coast up to Faliraki. The other operator is KTEL. It serves the East coast of the island up to Kattavia village. The buses of both operators leave from the New Market area at Mandraki. Local Buses RODA

+30 22410 24129/36370

KTEL

+30 22410 27706/75134

Taxis Radio Taxi

+30 22410 64712/64734/62179

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

Central Station (Mandraki)

+30 22410 27666

For disabled

+30 22410 77079