RHODES TOWN
Area: Rhodes
Country: Greece


Location:
On the NE tip of the island. 14 miles S of the Turkish mainland. 5 miles NE of Ixia; 11 miles NE of airport.

Telephone code from UK:
30 22410

Position:
Occupies a relatively narrow point of land with coasts facing E and W. Backed by undulating, barren countryside.

Description:
The main town and largest resort on the island, Rhodes includes the new town, which is the commercial centre, and the walled old city, which is picturesque and steeped in history. Both are compact and easily explored on foot; taxis are plentiful. The modern town is cosmopolitan and spacious with tree-lined squares and a busy fruit and vegetable market overlooking Mandraki Harbour; the harbour bustles with fashionable yachts and day-trip boats to other resorts and islands. Hours can be spent wandering the streets of the old town, where you can step back in time. The town is built on the same site as the original city of Rhodes, established in 408 BC and said to have been one of the loveliest towns of the ancient world. Today, much of what remains dates to the Byzantine era and to the time of the Knights of St John of Jerusalem, the 14th to 16th centuries, as well as from the period of Turkish rule during the 16th to 20th centuries. Despite the recent growth in tourism, the old city remains a thriving, vital area, and is home to 6,000 residents. Rhodes Town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

Suitability:
Something to suit all tastes and budgets, but primarily appealing to history-lovers, families and those seeking sun, sea and sand. Some lively night-time entertainment, but dedicated partygoers will be better off staying in Faliraki, 6 mls.

Accommodation:
Nearly all hotels are old and show their age. Accommodation can be found in A-class hotels down to very basic pensions in the old town.

Shopping:
New town offers a wide variety of shops, from cheap tourist shops to expensive Italian boutiques; even a Marks & Spencer for the homesick. In the old town along the main street many gold, leather and fur shops can be found.

Beach:
Two main beaches: the one on the W coast is coarse shingle; the other, on the tip of the headland, is sand and shingle. Pedalloes, sunbeds and umbrellas available for hire.

Entertainments:
Daytime: lazing on the beaches, exploring one of the archaeological sites in the old town and overlooking the resort from Monte Smith. An excellent base for visiting outlying areas. Nightlife: exciting new town offers a wide selection of bars which number more per square yard than the centre of London. Discos and numerous nightclubs ranging from the cheap and distasteful to more upmarket bouzouki. Also a smart casino, opened 1999.

Eating:
Many restaurants offering international, Greek, Italian and Chinese; fast-food options. Small sandwich bars on every street corner.

Public-transport:
Rhodes Town is the main terminus for buses to all outlying villages and resorts. Taxis easily obtained anywhere in the city.

Local-excursions:
City of Rhodes, Rhodes by night, island tour, Turkey, scuba diving.