09-10-2012 16:05

Description of Rhodes

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Rhodes or Rodos as it is pronounced in Greek is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. The administrative centre of Dodecanese has it all: beaches, nightlife, beautiful landscapes, great hotels, historical monuments, cosy restaurants and an exceptionally mild and pleasant climate. Rhodes Island receives a huge number of visitors every year as summer here lasts a bit longer.

Geography of Rhodes

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Rhodes spans an area of 1.407 sq. km. with a total population of 117.007 residents with almost half of them living in the city of Rhodes. Rhodes is the eastern Greek frontier to Turkey and the port of Marmaris is the nearest Turkish town. The islands closer to Rhodes are Chalki and Tilos on the west and Symi on the north.

History of Rhodes

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Rhodes used to be the host place of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Colossus of Rhodes the tallest statue of the known world which unfortunately did not survive of an earthquake and lost. It is said that the statue was standing in the entrance of the harbour; in the same place you can see now the deers. The prosperity the island had in antiquity can be seen in the ruins of the Acropolis of Lindos. Rhodes changed side several times, being an ally to Athens, to Sparta and even fighting in Persians side against Alexander the Great. After the defeat of Demetrius, one of Ptolemy’s rivals, Rhodes knew no bounds. It built the biggest navy in the Aegean and its port became a principal Mediterranean trading centre. Rhode’s decline starts after Julius Caesar’s assassination when Rhodes became part of the Roman Empire. In the Byzantine years to follow, the Genoese gained control and the Order of the Knights of St John arrived in Rhodes. After 200 years, the island went under Ottoman Rule and the Turks were kicked out by the Italians nearly four centuries later. In 1947, Rhodes joins Greece.

Sightseeing on Rhodes

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The medieval Old Town of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site and has a great interest. It is built in a castle and is where the heart of the city beats. In the walls of the castle there are numerous restaurants and shops and some boutique hotels. Surprisingly, not very far from the Palace of Grand Master, there are districts still inhabited of permanent residents. Lindos is a traditionally built village on the foothills of an ancient Acropolis and a medieval Castle. In summer Lindos is a busy resort and a well known destination for yacht owners. Rhodes has a lovely coastline and beautiful plateaus on the mountains. Some of the most popular beaches are: Faliraki, Afandou, Kallithea, Lindos, Tsambika, Gennadi and many more.

Local Products of Rhodes

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Rhodes is famous for the wine produced and especially the sparkling wine. Umbrellas are also manufactured here and are the most common souvenir bought.

Getting to Rhodes

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By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Piraeus Port in Athens.

Best time to visit Rhodes

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From April till October.

Useful Phone Numbers on Rhodes

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Police: +30 22410 27653
Tourist Police: +30 22410 27423
Port Authorities of Rhodes: +30 22410 77284
Airport: +30 22410 88700
Local Buses Services: +30 22410 26300
Hospital: +30 22410 25555

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