Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese. Bordered to the north-west by the Aegean Sea and to the south-east by the Mediterranean Sea, it is located between the island of Karpathos and the Turkish coast, at 17.7 km. It has a population of 116,000 and extends over 1,400 km2. The island has a rich historical past.
Rhodes is also known for its famous colossus. It was the 6th of the Seven Wonders of the World. This gigantic bronze statue of the god Hélios was 32 m high. It was erected at the entrance to the port of the city Rhodes around 292 BC but in 227 BC an earthquake caused it to collapse. Today, the old town of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Helios is the first to see the island come out of the waters and find it so beautiful that it decides to take it under its protection. Sometime later, a local nymph named Rhodé gives seven sons and a daughter to Helios. Kerkafos, the second son, became the father of three children, three boys named Kamiros, Ialissos and Lindos, who created the first three cities of the island.
The interior of the island is mountainous, little inhabited and covered with forests of pines and cypresses. The island is home to deers of Rhodes. The valley of Petaloudes (valley of the butterflies in Greek), 25 km from Rhodes town, welcomes in summer a large number of butterflies of the family Arctiidaes, such as Jersey tigers. In addition, the Levantine skipper is reported in this island.
The Order of the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem occupied the city from 1309 to 1523 and undertook to transform it into a stronghold before it passed under Turkish and Italian domination. The high town is a beautiful urban complex of the Gothic period, with the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Hospital and the street of the Knights. In the lower town, Gothic architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings built during the Ottoman period.
With its peaceful beaches, great walks and lively nightlife, the island attracts thousands of visitors each year. It enjoys a mild climate of the Mediterranean type and verdant vegetation.
Lindos, 55 km from Rhodes town on the east coast, is the pearl of Rhodes. It is the only village to have the typical Greek charm with its whitewashed houses and narrow streets. On the way there, you can enjoy the view over the bay. The city center is reserved for pedestrians and donkeys.
The visit of the Acropolis of Lindos, perched on a rock at 116 meters high that overlooks the city is a must see. You can climb on foot or by donkey, following the main street (Odos Akropoleos).
The beaches:
– Vlycha: Quiet beach, golden sand and azure sea
– Ixia: Long beach of 8 km, golden sand, white pebbles and fresh winds
– Kallithea Bay: Rocky beach lined with pine trees and crystal clear waters
– Kolymbia: Small bays with golden sand and transparent waters
– Ladiko: Quiet bay, turquoise waters
– Lindos: One of the most beautiful bays in Rhodes, is featured on postcards
– Beach of Rhodes town: Color blue azure
– Prasonisi: At the extreme southern tip of Rhodes, renowned for its water sports
– Tsambika: One of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Golden sand and crystal clear waters
– Faliraki: Popular beach 5 km long, golden and fine sand
