Rhodes
efschlenk
Rhodes, Greece
Shore Excursion and Port Review
The old town is a beautiful city built by the
Crusaders (Knights Templar). The arrival in port gives wonderful views of
the town and its walls. Be certain you are on deck with your camera in
hand. If you are adventuresome, consider a bus ride to the famous seaside
town of Lindos – it will be your introduction to the prototypical
white-washed Greek hillside village with a nice beach below. There will be
more of these on your cruise, so if you are not feeling energetic, you can
simply walk in Rhodes old town and then swim at one of the hotel beaches
in nearby new town (just north, you will see the beaches from the ship).
Buses for Lindos (4 Euros, 60 minutes) leave
from the small bus station just outside the north wall of the old town,
near the entry to the sound and light theater. Departure times
(changeable) are 1:00, 2:30, and 3:00pm to Lindos, and 4:30 and 6:00pm
back. There is a convenient (free and clean) public toilet next to the
garden wall just west of the Rhodes bus station, and there is public
toilet in the Lindos town square. The drive to Lindos is beautiful, with
villages and olive orchards giving way to dry rocky terrain. The bus
leaves you on the highway above Lindos town, but it is a short walk (or
free shuttle) from the bus stop to the town center.
If you are a beach bum and do not want to go
all the way to Lindos, the town of Faliraki is known for its beaches, and
it is a 20 minute ride (changeable departure at 1:30 pm) from the same
Rhodes bus station (we have not been there, but the ship’s beach tour goes
there).
In any case, save an hour or two before or
after your bus trip to enjoy the old streets of Rhodes – they are a United
Nations World Heritage Site, and deservedly so. Early before the ship’s
tours and later just before embarkation (or both) are ideal times to avoid
the worst tour group crowds.