Rhodes has only impressive images to offer you. From the morning time, when you watch your ship approaching to the shore, to the afternoon, around 6:00 p.m., when the anchor is pulled, you can only get a day of full satisfaction. However, it’s not only the beauty of this island that makes it ideal for cruise visitors. In practical terms, the diversity of its cultural history and the arrangement of its sights on its coastal line may give you an overdose of fine pictures in too little time.
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| ''Mandraki'' |
Rhodes is probably one of the most suitable destinations for organized tours. By choosing an 8-hour package that includes the Old Town and Lindos, you will cover the must-see attractions of the island, travelling from the middle age to the classical era and back to the traces of St. John’s knights. Nevertheless, there are much more things to do in this picturesque Aegean setting. Some of the most famous beaches of the world, such as Tsambika, Faliraki and Afandou are situated in the western coastal line of the island from the city of Rhodes to Lindos. Most cruise companies are wise enough to offer you a relaxing coach ride to at least one of them.
Families with children may also opt for the mini-train ride –it is offered as an organized excursion by most companies- that covers the most important parts of Rhodes City. In this way, kids will have fun leaving the grownups time to admire some extraordinary sights. Don’t forget to buy them a delicious gelato before returning onboard. Shoppers and souvenir freaks going for shore excursions must make sure that their itinerary is giving them enough time to look around the numerous Old Town shops with plenty of memorabilia, jewelry and every kind of gift.
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| ''Lindos'' |
Ashore alone
It will be an easy task to navigate in the city of Rhodes by yourself. The Old Town and the little port of Mandraki are within walking distance from the main dock. However, depending on the port’s traffic, your ship may anchor in another dock, far from the Old Town entrance. In that case, you will need a coach ride to the city.
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| ''The platonis of Mandraki'' |
Mandraki is a picturesque little port where you can enjoy a coffee break in case you didn’t get enough of the deep blue sea. The symbols of the island, the two platonis*, are clearly visible from every part of that port. Mandraki serves as the main sea entrance to the city and it’s the oldest among the several docks of the island.
Nowadays it is mainly used by yachts and small ferries that transfer visitors from Rhodes city to other parts of the island or to the nearby island of Symi. Mandraki is also the departure point from where tourists can take a ferry that takes them on an organized tour to the most famous beaches. Different companies operate and offer hop-on hop-off to the sea excursions for reasonable prices. You might consider a sea-tour as an alternative to travelling around the island by coach.
If you have enough time or if you just have been to Rhodes before don’t miss to visit Filerimos, which is only about 10km far. You can get there by catching a taxi from Mandraki or by calling a taxi with an extra charge at +302241069800. The impressive cross that is situated on top of Filerimos hill was built by the Italian during Rhode’s occupation by Mussolini’s Italy. Ascending to its top you will get a panoramic view of Rhodes. Another attraction of Filerimos is the numerous peacocks that live there in the wild often breaking the religious silence of the setting.
Shopping and eating
The area of ‘Ekato Magazia’ (transl. ‘one hundred shops’) is the gastronomic heart of the city. You can choose between a typical Greek meal –like souvlaki*, gyros* and Greek salad*- or some ‘pizza al metro’*, an Italian type of fast food pizza. All come in both delicious and economic packages, which make them a much loved place to eat out for locals. You can spoil yourself with some special desserts offered by the two famous patisseries of the island, Mike and Stani. Go for a refreshing gelato* or a galaktomboureko*, one of the Greek’s favorites.
If you feel like you are in shopping mood, Rhodes has everything! Apart from the variety of international brands, women can enjoy shopping from the several local accessories shops that are situated around the city. The cliché souvenir of Rhodes is umbrellas. You can buy an Armani or Christian Dior or go for a really compact easy-to- carry one for only a few euros. To do so, though, you will have to leave the Old Town for a while and look for the ‘umbrella shops’ streets situated in the very beginning of the city centre and quite close to the ‘Ekato Magazia’ area.
Shall you swim?
Rhodes is the ideal place to be if you love sunbathing or swimming –or both! You need though to choose the ‘appropriate’ beach according to your personal needs. The beaches around Mandraki (Elli Bay) and Psaropoula are not bad if you want something quick, or if you prefer sunbathing to swimming. Psaropoula, however, should be avoided if it gets too windy, since it is quite deep and can become scary for the non experienced swimmers.
Faliraki, popular for its summer nightlife, is the closest to the city coastline and the easiest to reach by public bus. Buses depart from the main station near Mandraki and take you right in front of the beach. Faliraki has everything from a long organized beach with sun beds and umbrellas to sea sports and beach bars that can become too loud at certain times of the day. The sea is not deep, which makes it ideal for small children, but you should definitely avoid this beach if you are looking for something quiet and not very crowded.
Still some time left to kill?
If you are a cat lover you should seize the opportunity to have a relaxing walk towards the three windmills just opposite the Old Town's Gate. You will soon notice that the area is mostly inhabited by all sort of cats. Food is provided several times per day by people who take care of them. They also receive medical care by animal societies when needed. Living freely on the wild and enjoying the love and care of people, there is no more left to do than enjoying their sleep with a sea view!
*See Glossary in alphabetical order.
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