Transportation | Rhodes Island Greece.

ROUTES ON RHODES ISLAND

There are two main routes for those whising to visit the most wortwhile sights and monuments of Rhodes. One follows the eastern coast of the island, through Lindos and down to Katavia, the most southerly village. The road is tarred, and in excellent condition with the exception of some of the southern sections. The other route takes us along the West coast, through Ialysos and ancient Kamiros to Katavia once more.

In addition to these two main routes, there is a network of smaller roads linking the East and West coasts and running through all the villages in the interior of the island. Unfortuanately signposting is not what it might be. On secondary roads, especially drivers should have their wits about them and should not hesitate to ask the way of any villagers they may come across.  

 

All the routes which are open for four-wheeled vehicle traffic are also safe for two wheels, motorcycle or the ordinary bicycle. Apart from private transport all these routes are accessible by tourist coach on excursions organised by travel agencies and by public transport. The main beaches along the East coast as far as Lindos can be reached by launch, which will take the visitor in the morning and return him in the afternoon.

There is bus Service all around the island. Busses are the mainstay of Greece's public transport system. Fares are fixed by the government and are very resonably by European standards. You ussally by tickets on board. Kos and Rhodes have a system resembling the KTEL co-operative of the mainland. Both these islands are covered extensively by a good system of buses, though some of the remoter mountain villages have services designed to get villagers to market and back, rather than tourists to the villages and back to the main town.

Taxis are widely available and they are reasonably priced by european standards. You may see prices on taxi stations for all locations. 

Having your own vehicle or hire a car can be a major benefit. There are numerous rent a car companies, and plenty of places  in all over the island, to hire both cars and motorcycles,  and they are resonably priced. 

Roads have improved enormously in recent years and since 2008 a big major contruction takes place on the main route of the Eastern Coast from Faliraki to Afandou and further.

 

INTER ISLAND FLIGHTS

Olymbic Airways, Aegean airlines, and other smaller flight companies link Rhodes with Karpathos, Kasos, Kastellorizo, Crete, Athens, Thessaloniki four or more times a week in summer.

 

BOAT

In addition to the large ferries that ply between the large mainland ports and island groups, there are smaller boats which link islands within a group, and occasionally link an island in one group with an island in another.

Hydrofoil. Hydrofoils offer a faster alternative to ferries on some routes, particularly to islands close to the mainland, Kos Symi etc- they take half time. They do not take cars or motorbikes though.

CATAMARAN. High- speed catamarans have rapidly bcome an important part of the island travel scene. They are just fast as the hydrofoils- if not faster- and much more comfortable. They are also much less prone to cancellations in rough weather.

YACHT. Yachting is the way to see the Greek islands. Nothing beats the peace and serenity of sailing the open sea, and the freedom of being able to visit remote and uninhabited islands. The internet is the place to look for the latest information. The Hellenic Yachting Site has general information on sailing around the islands and some useful links. The sailing season lasts from April until October. The best time to go depends on where you are going.  

 

ORGANISED TOURS

Tours are worth considering only if your time is limited, in which case you'll find many companies offering tour services.  Some of the more remote island beaches can only be reached by day trips on caiques (Kaikia in Greek). These sturdy former fishing boats are often solid and safe, and distances are not ussally far. You may take the opportunity to hire a motorboat and take yourself off to your own private cove.