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Car hire at Rhodes airport
Hiring a car from Rhodes airport
Rhodes is a place where old and modern worlds collide with style. From the narrow streets of the bustling mediaeval Old Town to the sandy strips of the beach, you cannot fail to find something to suit your taste. Beyond the city lays a traditional island with beautiful countryside, scenery and villages to explore.
Why hire a car at Rhodes airport?
Getting to the city from the airport is possible by public transport, but to go further afield and make the most of your holiday you need your own wheels. Hiring a car gives you that freedom and you’ll be grateful for the air conditioning too; Rhodes is either hot, or really hot.
That all-important first mile:
driving out of Rhodes airport?
Rhodians drive on the right. If this is the first time for you, take a few practice laps around the car park; there are generous curves at each end so you can pretend you’ve mastered roundabouts and boost your confidence before doing one for real.
60-second guide to Rhodes airport
in its own head
"We've been invaded by Greeks, Persians, Ottomans, Venetians and Italians, and taken the best of everything they had to offer. You don't get much more multicultural than that."
but more realistically
Rhodes does not beat you over the head with its cultural influences, but all the evidence is there for those willing to look for it. It's an understated island, waiting to be explored.
the vibe
Whether you're a medieval historian, an olive-oil obsessive, a beach-loving family or a wannabe club rep, you'll find somewhere to suit you on the island.
the natives
Rhodes has been invaded more times than a Hollywood star's privacy, but despite this the Rhodians are a placid lot. The pace of life is sedentary and the people are warm and friendly.
the weather
It's safe to say you won't need to pack an overcoat. Rhodes enjoys more sunshine than any other Greek island. It starts to get hot in May, with temperatures peaking in August and falling during October.
the local speciality
Make sure to try pitaroudia (courgette fritters), which are a big favourite in Rhodes. Or, for meat lovers, try Kapamas - oven-baked goat meat with chickpeas.
the celebrity
Cleobulus was a great philosopher and sage in the sixth-century BC and was born in Lindos. One of his most famous sayings was, "Moderation is the best thing". He obviously hadn't been to Faliraki on a Saturday night.
did you know?
The island is named after the nymph Rhode. According to Greek mythology, sun god Helios made Rhodes as a gift to her. That must have put him in the good books for a while.
they say
"A fine exemplar of the holy trinity of sun, sea and history that gives Greece its timeless appeal." - Max Davidson, The Daily Telegraph.
Rhodes airport Q&A
Where are the car hire desks?
Car hire desks can be found in the arrivals hall.
What should I buy at duty free?
The climate of Rhodes is great for farming fruit and vegetables. Pick up some plum jam for a lasting taste of Rhodes you can take home.
Are there any cashpoints?
Cash machines and a bureau de change are available in the terminal building.
Where's the best place to eat?
There is a restaurant and cafe onsite, or a number of kiosks for snacks and drinks.
The secret tip
If shopkeepers place your change on the counter rather than into your hand, they’re not being rude, this is the norm.
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Rhodes airport
the gateway to...
Rhodes City
Distance: 8 miles
Rhodes city, capital of the island, manages to blend ports and beaches with mediaeval castles, ancient walkways and excellent shops and restaurants. Explore, or pull up a seat in the sun, slurp a Frappe and watch the world go by.
Theologos
Distance: 6 miles
This village on the northern coast is ideal for anyone wanting a taste of traditional Rhodian life and hospitality. In fact it’s so welcoming that in 2004, it launched a campaign to reward returning visitors with a 'dedicated friend’ award. You don’t get friendlier than that.
Petaloudes - Valley of the Butterflies
Distance: 12 miles
Just a few miles inland, this valley provides the perfect opportunity to escape the heat and enjoy a little tranquillity. Filled with forest walkways, waterfalls and thousands upon thousands of butterflies, this is an absolute must see.
5 to see in town...
1. Avenue of the Knights
Gargoyles glare down at you from the high walls of this perfectly-preserved medieval street, once the home of the crusading Knights of Rhodes.
where to park?
You can park just off Ipoton Street in Charitos Road.
2. Palace of the Grand Masters
Not the luckiest of places, the original palace was destroyed in the 19th century when a bolt of lightning hit the gunpowder store. In the 1930s the Italians rebuilt it as a summer palace for Mussolini. It is now a museum, containing sculpture, mosaics and antique furniture.
where to park?
It is safe and free to park on the streets off Ipoton Street.
3. Faliraki Beach
A short hop out of Rhodes Town takes you to the most popular beach on the island. The authorities have worked hard to shed the resort's reputation for boozed-up Brits, but if you're hankering after a taste of home, you're sure to find an all-day breakfast here.
where to park?
There are designated parking spaces for visitors.
4. Mandraki Harbour
Mandraki harbour was the main harbour of Rhodes for almost 2,500 years and it is believed that the Colossus of Rhodes - a huge statue of Greek god Helios - once guarded the entrance. Considered to be one of the Seven Wonders of the World, even Helios would be envious of some of the millionaire's yachts moored here these days.
where to park?
The surrounding roads provide ample space for parking.
5. Lindos Beach
Enjoy the sparkling waters and fine beach of Lindos, before bringing back memories of Blackpool by taking a donkey ride up to the Acropolis. The ancient citadel overlooks the bay and was used in the filming of The Guns of Navarone.
where to park?
There are designated parking spaces for visitors.
and 4 to drive to...
1. Valley of the Butterflies
Every August, Panaxia butterflies flock to the secluded waterfall-strewn valley of Petaloudes to breed. By late May, their offspring are bored of being caterpillars and the area is once more filled with the flapping of small wings.
how to get there?
Head south on Platonos and pick up the Akti Kanari road. Continue on the Odos Konstantinou Kanari road and follow signs for Petaloudes. The journey should take just over half an hour.
2. Mount Attaviros
A hike to the top of Rhodes' highest peak will give you fantastic views and also make you very thirsty. Lucky, then, that Embonas, in the foothills of Attaviros, is famed for its wine. Make sure to stop in on the way down to pick up a bottle to take home.
how to get there?
It takes about an hour to get to Mount Attaviros. Head south on Platonos and pick up the Leoforos Rodou-Lindou road - follow this for around nine miles, following signs for Apollona.
3. Kopria beach
The quietness of this beach may be down to its name, as much as its remoteness. Kopria means 'muck' in Greek, but ironically what you will find here is a clean, unspoilt beach and crystal-clear waters. It'll take about an hour to get there.
how to get there?
Take the Rodou-Apolakkias coastal road, following signs for Mandriko and Kameiros Skala.
4. Kritinia Castle
This Venetian castle is the best place to enjoy one of the island's majestic sunsets. From within the ruins you can see the sun dropping between two small islands as it sets.
how to get there?
Take the Rodou-Apolakkias coastal road, go through Mandriko to Kameiros Skala. Keep on the Rodou-Apolakkias before taking the next right - you should be able to spot the castle as you head back towards the coast. It'll take about an hour from Rhodes town.
Local taxi driver Phillip Nikitas on car hire in Rhodes
" Rhodes has a dense road network and most of them are in good condition - just watch out, as they can be a little narrow. You're not allowed to drive into the Old Town - although you will see some cars there because residents are permitted. Be careful at junctions too - we don't have many traffic lights. But driving outside of the city is easy, and it's great to explore the island. "
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