The trip Rhodes - Marmaris - Rhodes
Rhodes Island located at a distance less than forty kilometers from Turkey. Between Rhodes and the Turkish Marmaris and Bodrum ports regularly go passenger ships and ferries. It would be wrong not to take this opportunity to make trip in Marmaris. Today we did this trip. It was not the best trip.
Tour in Marmaris or Bodrum from Rhodes can be bought in several offices located near the port. We bought a tour to Marmaris by company “Sea Dreams” representative in Faliraki. It is possible to buy tour to Matmaris in some places in Faliraki, for example right at the port from which small passenger ships starts to the Rhodes city. Price: Tour Rhodes - Marmaris - Rhodes on the ship, plus tour in Marmaris by bus cost 39 euros per person. Plus, port tax 12 Euro. Tour must be ordered at the previous day.
We ordered at the restaurant "Lunch Box", had a quick breakfast at 7 o’clock and went to the bus stop. The bus arrived on time, and at 8 o'clock we were in the city of Rhodes, quickly found Sea Dreams office (directly in the port), changed the voucher for a ticket and pay port fees. It was a lots of tourists from different countries near the company office (kiosk).
Passport control took place very quickly (it is located nearby). We did not go to the Duty Free shop. Our ferry left with a half-hour late, at 9:30, at the same time left the catamaran in the Bodrum. Travel by ferry to Marmaris lasted 1,5 hour. The landing from the ferry and passport control was very fast. Turkey has welcomed us with rain and storm, which ended after a few minutes. Then the weather was nice, warm, and not too hot.
What was spoiled our trip? The so-called “bus tour around the city”. Turkey company “Cerem Tur” bus was waiting for us near the port. Their representative met us and made us sit on the bus. At first bus drove us to the shop, which sells expensive jewelry. (Around the corner is a shop with inexpensive clothing and footwear). Then we were driven in the store which sells very expensive leather products (jackets, coats). If you do not need it - ask to land you in the city immediately in Marmaris or get to Marmaris from the port yourself. This shop tour spoiled whole our trip. We had only very little time to walk along the promenade and shopping at the “Grand Bazaar” in Marmaris. My opinion: first, tourists should have to bring onto the embankment, and then wanting to take shopping-tour for expensive purchases. Visit tourist attractions of Marmaris we were not offered.
Grand Bazaar in Marmaris
Grand Bazaar in Marmaris is really a big market. There is large number of small shops. Unfortunately, we were able to spend just a little bit of time here. If you are the first time in Turkey in shopping, the main advice is always bargain. Haggle without restrictions. Try to reduce the price at least twice (in first store in five minutes we offered a discount 70%).
Marmaris embankment looks pretty nice, but we had little time to stroll along the sea. The return trip from Marmaris to Rhodes was without any problems.
“Sea Dreams” and “Cerem Tur” company's care at first place its own profits, while forgetting about the interests of tourists. They spoiled our time and money. Perhaps, you should look for other travel companies? They are available in the city of Rhodes. Tickets for the route Rhodes - Marmaris - Rhodes and Bodrum are sold also in the Internet, but we were not able to buy tickets there and back in one day. Try it, it will be cheaper.
Shopping in Rhodes
The next day was devoted to a trip to Rhodes City for shopping. Walking in the Old city took very little time. Before leaving from Faliraki we find out from local residents places for shopping in the city of Rhodes. We were advised go to Mandraki area. Also we learned the location of the LIDL store and the local market place.
To get to the city market in the town of Rhodes from Faliraki it's best to take the bus next to the McDonald's restaurant. Ask the driver to stop near the “Sprider” shop. Rhodes city market place is located opposite the store. It is located about one kilometer from the Old Town.
From the bus we saw well-known to us LIDL shop and go out.
There are two LIDL shops in the city of Rhodes. Both are located at the exits of the city towards Faliraki and Lindos. There are selling mainly food products (at low prices) in LIDL stores. You can also buy alcoholic drinks here. It is ease to reach the market place by foot from the store. The market sold a large quantity of fruits and vegetables, fresh fish. Here you can also buy clothes and shoes, clothing prices are low, carefully check the quality of purchased items (may be faded or stained to fall).
Opposite the market square is located the Chinese shop and Spraider shop. The Chinese store has a large selection of clothing, shoes, handbags and other goods. Prices for many commodities is really low, quality is unknown. For example: bags from 12 euros, watches 5 euros (they look nice, but will it operate?). (Chinese goods shop is also in Faliraki, near the highway, not far away “Evi” hotel.)
There are various products of European quality for European prices on four floors of Spraider store.
Old town of Rhodes is located within walking distance from market square.
To north of the old city of Rhodes, from the bus station to the north and north-east, between the shores of the Mediterranean and Aegean is Mandraki area. According to local residents it is the best place for shopping in Rhodes town. There are many shops and cafes. You can find cheap products. As we have said, you can haggle. Near the bus station are located “Mango” and “H & M” and shops, which are quite popular with shoppers. To east from bus station is a “1 Euro Sop”, in which all goods have 1 euro price. For example, a summer hat, which always stands from 8 to 12 euros, is sold at the same price - one Euro.
Certainly, there are other places for shopping in the city of Rhodes. If you know about them - share your information in the comments at the bottom of the page.
Continuing the story about the holiday in Faliraki.