Rhodes

We booked tickets on the fast catamaran through our rep we, were charged £35 each + 15 Euro port tax, where they insisted on cash only for the tax.

The main thing to note is that you have to go through 4 lots of passport controls and with hundreds of people on the boat and only 2 or 3 immigration officers working at either end you can take 30-40 mins to get through each time. Multiple by 4 and it is a lot of time queuing.

When you get to Rhodes it only takes a a few minutes to walk to the old city which has been preserved in time and is very picturesque. You get about about 5 hours there which is probably a little to much time.

Had a good few hours in Rhodes on a daytrip from Marmaris. Not very good in your wife is in a wheel chair, and I'm pushing her, the streets are all cobbled and the foor and drink is way too expensive. Most of the shops do the same sort of items. Would not bother going again

This review was written after or trip to Marmaris in September 2009 but I have just realised that it was not put in the review section!
Once more we took the easy option and booked through Thomsons. I know that if we had searched around and booked with one of the many tour shops we could have got a “bargain” but with our age and more especially Mum’s age we wanted everything to be perfect.
The pick-up time was 07:35 and as usual the bus was spot on time. We were the last pick-up so it was just a short drive to the ferry docking area. The Thomson rep asked us to wait whilst he went to collect our boarding cards. About three minutes passed before he returned and distributed them. This was another reason for booking with Thomson’s. We had heard from others who had booked through the tour shops that they had arrived later and had then to queue in the sun for 20 – 30 minutes to get their passes!
We were then told to take a seat by the entrance to passport control which was due to open in ten minutes at 08:00. In fact it was about 08:15 by the time the doors opened and by that time there was a very large queue. However as we had been early we were about five from the front and quickly entered.
Inside we were met by the now common x-ray machine and metal detecting arch. The x-ray machine was obviously working but the arch was not. A cleaner with a metal bucket and mop handle passed through just in front of me without a “beep”!
From here it was about six steps to the passport control kiosk. There were two officers working. Have your passport opened at the page with the entry visa stamp. The officer re-stamped this and then “flashed” the photo page in a little machine. It was all done very quickly and we were then through to the “Duty Free” area.
Our driver had given me some Euros and asked us if we could get him a bottle of “Jack Daniels”. I had agreed as we had had the same driver on a couple of trips. I checked the prices as I intended to pick it up on the way back. I also checked the Yeni Raki prices for myself.
The ¾ litre JD was 18 Euros and the 1 litre was 21. The Yeni Raki at 14 Euros seemed a little cheaper than at the airport!
However in the end I bought them on the Rhodes side as the JD was 17½ Euros for the 1 litre and the Raki 12 with a free glass. More of the Rhodes Duty Free later.
We then walked out on to the quay with our passports and boarding cards being checked again. A young port worker then led us along the queue to the “Fast Catamaran”. Our card numbers were checked on a list and we were quickly on-board.
The few people in front of us headed for the upper deck which I found out later was a lot smaller with the seats in pairs.
On the lower deck the seats were mostly in fours with a few threes and a couple of pairs towards the back. We had been told that at Marmaris the boat loaded through a side door but that at Rhodes the disembarkation was through the stern. Also the toilets were at the rear a big consideration at our age!
We took the rearmost row of four by a window, the threes and twos had no windows. We were supposed to “take off” at 09:00 but there were many late arrivals. The boat was almost completely full so the late arrivals in their family groups were mostly unable to sit together, as by then there were just the odd single seats dotted about.
The funniest bit of “people watching” was that the latecomers would all insist on climbing the stairs up to the upper deck only to come down again on finding it was full. I gave up trying to warn people that it was full as most of them just had to check for themselves.
Finally the doors closed and we were off at 09:15.
The little coffee shop at the front did good business. A machine made coffee was 1 Euro, a small bottle of water, .80 cents and some very tasty cakes (lemon or chocolate) were good value at .50 cents. We had a couple of coffees and found them to be very good if a little strong for the girls. They also served beer and crisps but I do not remember the prices, although they were not extortionate considering they had a captive audience.
The crossing was smooth and swift taking exactly 75 minutes. Disembarkation was another opportunity for people watching.
About ten minutes before we docked a few people gathered by the door by which we had entered. Very quickly the herd instinct took over and before we had tied up about 75% of the passengers were jostling each other by the door. We sat tight and had a quiet laugh to ourselves.
When we had finally docked the BACK doors opened; there was a huge surge from the herd to be first to the back. Again we sat tight.
Once the majority had cleared we got up and had a leisurely, jostle-free disembarkation.
On shore we were directed to the arrivals passport control. By the time we had walked slowly there the queue had died down and we were quickly through.
We walked to the gate passing groups of people all trying to book the two available taxis. Outside the gate we turned left and found a taxi rank of five taxis and behind that a solitary taxi with the driver standing by his car. We negotiated a price for a 2½ hour trip to include a coffee stop. George the driver spoke excellent English and was very glad to get a “fare” as he had been let down by a group deciding on a hire car at the last minute. The taxis on Rhodes are large, modern and very comfortable Mercedes.
George drove slowly and well and was very knowledgeable about his Island. The first stop was for a photo opportunity near the harbour entrance, the former site of the famous “Colossus of Rhodes”, which is now marked with a couple of pillars.
We then drove around the outside of the city wall and up to a hill overlooking the city where we were able to take a panoramic view of the city and the beaches.
Our tour continued up into the hills to a monastery. Outside and just below the monastery had been constructed a long, straight pathway alongside which were representations of the “Stations of the Cross”. We walked slowly along this to reach a “view point” and a huge cross. From the view point we could see part of the North West coast of the Island and both the old and new airports. We could also see Turkey, which did not seem very far away.
Back at the far end of this walk, under a large tree was a small coffee shop and the obligatory gift shop.
After managing to drink a cup of very strong coffee we got back into our “limo” and headed back by a circuitous route which took in the seaside resort of Faliraki. This is a small town which has been almost completely purpose built for the tourist trade. We drove through the once infamous bar street and on to the hotel area. George explained that the police had clamped down on the trouble that had often made the headlines in European newspapers.
The hotels outside of the town were mostly 5 stars and looked beautiful with their coloured glass windows.
Then it was back to Rhodes town and the end of our mini tour. George dropped us at the main gate to the Old Town and carefully explained that it was pedestrian only. He also told us that if we kept to the left we would eventually come out at the nearest gate to the ferry terminal. The cost of the mini tour was 80 Euros for the three of us and we agreed that it was good value as we had seen places and things we would never have seen otherwise.
Once inside the walls of the old town we did not have to walk far before we came upon a small square with a fountain and several small restaurants. We got as much hassle from the touts as we have had here in Turkey which has not been very much at all. We chose one, The Argo, and were taken to a nice, shady table. I will not write a review of this restaurant as it is not in Turkey. However we ordered a mixed starter plate plus two extra starters that we like which were not on the plate. The taramasalata was ok but not homemade as advertised. It was bright pink, a sure sign it came out of a tin. The garlic mushrooms were fresh but fairly tasteless. On the mixed plate were some very tasty meatballs in tomato rice, a very good musaka, a portion of very tough sheftalia, some chicken kebab and some very nice fresh chips. We also received a large piece of excellent bread.
We thought the meal very average but filling and although I do not remember the price I do remember thinking that it was not extortionate. As I had complained about the tough meat we received a complementary ice-cream for Mum and coffees for Jean and me.
From here we walked around the rather expensive shops, always keeping to the left as instructed and sure enough we came to a gate which was a short walk from the harbour gates.
Once inside the harbour we walked towards an area of covered chairs and tables. In the corner of this area is a small cafe and shop. The shop sells some food and a lot of “tat” but they do not hassle you if you sit outside in their chairs. Next to the shop is the “Departure Passport Control” door. We had been told to be there by 16:00 but the door said that it would open at 15:45. We were a few minutes early so I went around the corner to the duty free shop.
The shop is small and not as upmarket as the one on the Turkish side. However it is adequate and cheaper. I made my purchases and received a receipt. However you cannot take your goods until you have cleared Passport Control.
Back with Mum and Jean there was queue starting to form so I joined it and left the girls in their seats. The door opened at 15:40 and we were through in a few minutes.
I collected the booze and we walked the short distance to the ferry and went on-board. Once again being early, we had our choice of seats and once again late comers had to take what was left. However this time we were only a few minutes late departing.
The crossing was again uneventful and again the herd got up from their seats too early and once again the majority chose the wrong door as we were back to using the one in the middle. :o)
We went ashore at our own speed and this was the only time when the queue for Passport control moved rather slowly. This was not helped by a group of rude, ignorant, elderly Germans, who decided that they were too good to queue and pushed their way to the front. This caused a bottle neck that took a while to sort its self out. Needless to say they were not very popular.
Nevertheless we were eventually through and soon on our little bus on the way back to the Candan. We were tired but happy after a great day out.
Peter & Jean. :o)

The Iviskos Hydrofoil from Rhodes Mandraki harbour should be avoided at all costs.
Firstly safety is a big issue. The safety video is inaudible and ther ei no coherent information on the location of lifebelts if they exist.
Secondly the journey time from Mandraki to Marmaris is longer than the ordinary ferry mainly due to a lot of faffing about and having to get off boat at commercial harbour to go through exit passport control and then find all seat taken when you reenter boat due to locals who were waiting here. Journey time both ways over two hours.
Thirdly crew very unhelpful and rude.
Fourly. A coach is offered from Marmais harbour to shopping area. Anyone not commiting to boring presentations by carpet sellers and having to attend leather factory in afternoon is ejected from coach by aggressive rep and made to make taxi, 7 euros.
Terrible experience on old rust bucket

Hi looking to do this trip could anyone tell
Me info about it, prices of food trips to do and prices and if it is worth it thank you

We arrived In Marmaris from Rhodes and went straight to the town near the harbour, was a straight enough walk maybe 20 minutes. We looked around a little it was ok but was pestered loads to look into certain shops. We walked towards the beach from then and ate at a place called Mottom. It was absolutely beautiful,nice food, friendly staff, good prices (etc)
we went towards the castle next found an amazing little shop and then continued to make our way to the boat for departure, we walked the way we came and one particular man tried really hard to get us just to look at his shop, was clothes. We went in just to look even though we specifically said we do not want any clothes, however this man persisted that my boyfriend try on a couple of tops,and sweaters. One particular one was a cheap champion hoodie which he was trying to sell to us for 30/40€ and the quality was horrible, so we declined and he then said well how much would you pay. How much do you think it's worth? So I said for the sweater probably 10/15€ there was also a top which I said was probably worth 7€. So he was like 25€ for both and we said no. To which he blocked us from existing the shop, saying we have wasted his time, we set a price (we didn't) we continually said we didn't want to buy anything, we even offered him 5 lire for his time and apologised for "wasting his time" even though he wasted ours. He then threatened to slap my boyfriend in the face and was shouting we dont want your money and swearing etc. Overall such an amazing day so much so we considered a holiday there but that man ruined it a lot and I think others should be warned. Be stern and just say no if you dont want to look. I took some photos I will add. In the photos it was the shop next to the person wearing a Levi top.

Going to Rhodes for a day was a nice break in the middle of our Marmaris immersion.

Please be aware that in the old town ruins, there are some african women that come straight up to you and start talking to you about family and life and before you know it they have tied a not very nice string bracelet on your wrist in such way that you cannot remove it easily and if you are a couple a second woman does exactly the same to your partner and blocks you from getting to them. They then ask for a contribution. My husband didn't have any change and it cost him 10 euros for 2 unpleasant string bracelets with 3 beads on each. Also if you visit the old town and want something to eat or drink, don't just ask for a beer. Ask for a small beer or be very clear what size of drink you want. Some people have asked for a beer and it comes in the largest glass known to man and then you are charged an astronomical amount for that beer. Be aware.

loved the trip to rhodes or (rodos ) as know in turkey. went on catermaran about was fab ride, the food in rhodes was good people friendly. beer was great. dont get a booking from your rep in hotel its cheaper in offices all over marmaris i paid £35 all round trip included taxes into rhodes so dont be conned into paying extra, duty free was cheap but limited in rhodes, dont go into first restraunt you see they do try to entice you into them look for the best deals the central area looks full but went up long narrow shopping streets found good food cheap and beer was about £1.50 a pint, trinkets vary from shop to shop. same thing could cost £2.50 in one shop and £1 to £1.50 in another so look round for bargins

We avoided the day trip on this one which was offered to us for 200 lira (£40 per person)to be picked up at 0730 and taken home by 1830.
Instead we strolled onto the boat ourselves and paid the 45 Euro fair for a return ticket leaving at 1630. (75 Euro for an open return!)
We strolled around old Rhodes town, saw the palace of the grand master, walked to Ipoton street and visited Lindos Town. It was a great break from the nasty British-ised Marmaris and great to experience a bit of Greek culture!