Greece - Korina Miller [416]
Drive Rent A Car ( 22410 68243/81011; www.driverentacar.gr; airport) Budget Rental Car outlet.
Etos Car Rental ( 22410 22511; www.etos.gr)
Orion Rent A Car ( 22410 22137)
TAXI
Rhodes Town’s main taxi rank (Map) is east of Plateia Rimini. There are two zones on the island for taxi meters: Zone One is Rhodes Town and Zone Two (slightly higher) is everywhere else. Rates are double between midnight and 5am.
Taxis prefer to use set fare rates which are posted at the rank. Sample fares: airport €18, Lindos €43, Falaraki €15 and Kalithia €8. Ring a taxi on 22410 6800, 22410 27666 or 22410 64712 within Rhodes Town and on 22410 69600 from outside the city. For disabled-accessible taxis, call 22410 77079.
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RHODES TOWN
pop 56,130
The heart of Rhodes Town is the atmospheric Old Town, enclosed within massive walls and filled with winding passageways and alleys. Getting lost in this labyrinth of passages can easily be a highlight of your trip – you’ll encounter quiet squares, children playing, out-of-the-way tavernas and gorgeous architecture. Visit early in the day or at dusk to see the sun reflected off the stonework and to avoid the crowds.
The New Town is mainly to the north. A few blocks are dominated by package tourism, while trendy cafes, name-brand shops, fine dining and a handful of sights take you to the more enjoyable neighbourhoods. This is also where you’ll find the city’s best beach.
Orientation
The Old Town is divided into three sectors: the Kollakio (Knights’ Quarter), the Hora and the Jewish Quarter. The Kollakio contains most of the medieval historical sights while the Hora, often referred to as the Turkish Quarter, is primarily Rhodes Town’s commercial sector with shops and restaurants. The Old Town is accessible by nine pyles (main gates) and two rampart-access portals and is a mesh of Byzantine, Turkish and Latin architecture. When on foot remember that, although the streets may look pedestrianised (and might not be much wider than your hips), mopeds and motorbikes zoom around the bends. If you’ve hired a car, don’t try to drive in the Old Town – most streets are one-way and very narrow.
The commercial centre of the New Town lies north of the Old Town and is easily explored on foot. The Commercial Harbour (Kolona) is east of the Old Town. Excursion boats, small ferries, hydrofoils and private yachts use Mandraki Harbour, further north.
Information
INTERNET ACCESS
Mango Cafe Bar (Map; 22410 24877; www.mango.gr; Plateia Dorieos 3; per hr €5; 9.30am- midnight)
On The Spot Net (Map; 22410 34737; Perikleous 21; per hr €5; 8am-midnight) Comfortable surroundings in the Hotel Spot.
Walk Inn (Map; 22410 74293; Plateia Dorieos 1; per hr €2; 10am-11pm)
INTERNET RESOURCES
www.rhodesguide.com What’s on, where to stay and where to hang out in Rhodes.
www.rodos.gr Upcoming events, links and background to Rhodes.
LAUNDRY
Wash House Star (Map; 22410 32007; Kosti Palama 4-6; per load €5; 8am-11pm, closed Sun) Have your clothes washed, dried and folded within two hours.
Washomatic (Map; 22410 76047; Platonos; per load €5; 8am-11pm Mon-Sat, summer only) Similar service in the Old Town.
MEDICAL SERVICES
Emergencies & ambulance ( 166)
General Hospital (Map; 22410 80000; Papalouka El Venizelou) Just northwest of the Old Town.
Krito Private Clinic (Map; 22410 30020; Ioannou Metaxa 3; 24hr)
MONEY
You’ll find plenty of ATMs throughout Rhodes Town and at the following banks. You’ll also find a handy ATM at the international ferry quay.
Alpha Credit Bank (Map; Plateia Kyprou)
Commercial Bank of Greece (Map; Plateia Symis)
National Bank of Greece New Town (Map; Plateia Kyprou); Old Town (Map; Plateia Mousiou)
POLICE
Port police (Map; 22410 22220; Mandrakiou)
Tourist police (Map; 22410 27423; 24hr) Next door to the EOT.
POST