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Rhodes, Greece

The island of light

Climate

320 days of sun per year

Relaxing

Beaches and Spa resorts

Touring

History and Culture

Introduction

Rhodes (Rodos in Greek), lies between Crete and Turkey in the Aegean Sea, a branch of the Mediterranean Sea. Rhodes is the biggest of the Dodecanese islands. Named the sun island or island of light there are hardly any days when the sun doesn't shine. With its subtropical climate and over 320 days of sun per year you can be guaranteed a good tan on your holiday. Rhodes is one of the most popular holiday islands in Greece - even Greeks themselves come to Rhodes for a holiday from the mainland.

Rhodes today offers the visitor a multitude of all year round leisure alternatives, covering all types of tourist activities. The natural beauty of the island, the monuments from her long and often turbulent history, a cosmopolitan character, as well as the warm hospitality generously offered by the people of Rhodes, and an excellent tourist infrastructure boasting the most modern hotels, all captivate the visitor.

The modern city of Rhodes is one of the biggest municipalities in the Greek islands, with about sixty thousand permanent residents. It is the financial and cultural centre of the south-eastern Aegean, and successfully combines a lively present with a rich historical past. There are many reasons why Rhodes is one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean: the natural surroundings, crystal clear seas, many parks and recreational facilities, the bright sun and the warm hospitality of the islanders themselves.

Where to visit

There are many places to visit in rhodes, but here are a few of our favourites
Rhodes Old Town

The Medieval (or Old) Town of Rhodes is oldest inhabited medieval town in Europe. There are many gates, but we suggest that you first enter through Eleftheria (Liberty) Gate, where you'll come to Plateia Simi (Simi square), containing ruins of the Temple of Venus, identified by the votive offerings found here, which may date from the 3rd century B.C. The Medieval City of Rhodes offers an oportunity to loose track of time. There are roughly 200 streets or lanes that simply have no name. Getting lost here is not a defeat; it's an opportunity. Whenever you feel the need to find your bearings, you can ask for Sokratous, which is the closest the Old Town of Rhodes comes to having a main street.

Lindos

Lindos is one of the most impressive archaeological site on Rhodes. The dramatic natural landscape is enhanced by the picturesque quality of the more modern town. Although you will find the most important archaeological monuments at the acropolis, interesting ruins are also scattered at various points within the town and just outside it as well.

To get to the Acropolis follow the road that leads up to the hill. The medieval walls are the first ruins you will encounter, fortifications built by the Crusaders (early 14th century) on the remains of earlier defenses, both Byzantine and ancient. There are a few of towers along the medieval walls, which follow the natural contours of the high ground.

Monolithos Castle

The main attraction of the village of Monolithos is the mediaeval castle, which stands among the pines on the great outcrop of an isolated rock from which the name Monolithos (lonely rock) is derived.

After leaving your car at the bottom, there is a a ten-minute walk that will bring you to the summit, where your only company is the sea and the fragrance of the wild herbs. Within the castle walls stands the church of Agios Panteleimon.

Bellow the castle you will find an attractive stone building housing a small café. The road leads on to Fourni, the beach at Monolithos, ideal for those who like pebbles, waves and a peaceful setting.

Nearest Airport

Rhodes Diagoras 27 Km

Nearest Beach

Afandou Beach 500 Metres

Car Hire

Recommended

Gastronomy

The unique tastes of Greece guarantee that you are in for many culinary surprises if you stay in the country. Greece benefits from a huge coastline - 1/5 of the country is made up of islands including Rhodes, as a result, fish and shellfish are abundant, and very popular. Lamb is the most popular meat..., and is cooked in so many different ways - roasted, braised, marinated and grilled, baked, broiled and stewed. The sun tends to smile on Greece too, and so vegetables are delicious and ripe. Herbs and vegetables that grow well in a brilliantly sunny land are common, such as oregano, thyme and mint, and eggplant, artichokes, tomatoes and fava beans.

Greece has a culinary tradition of approx. 4,000 years with the first recorded cookbook in history by a Greek Archestratos (330 B.C.). Nevertheless, Greek cuisine has both influenced others and embraced ideas from its neighbours but is above all Mediterranean and provides a very distinct local character. Traditionally, the Rhodian table was rich in variety and this tradition continues today.

There are numerous “shop front” taverners catering for the tourist, but venture a little off the beaten track and there are many restaurants offering high quality local dishes. But don’t expect a quick meal, the food is plentiful and meals are traditionally an event in themselves.