Cross-roads of civilizations with an age-old history and astonishing natural beauty. Rhodes has 220 km of coastline and it is the fourth largest island in Greece. It is 260 nautical miles from Piraeus. A mild climate, wonderful sea, unique landscape, monuments of all periods, Rhodes is ideal for holidays all year round.
Rhodes, fruit of the union of Helios and the nymph Rhoda, according to myth, was inhabited between 1550 and 1100 BC. Minoans settled here (Ialyssos) and were succeeded in around 1400 BC by Achaeans. The Dorians arrived here in about 1100 BC, founding important cities, Lindos, Ialyssos and Kamiros . In 700 BC these joined the Dorian hexapolis, along with Cnidus, Halicarnasus and Kos. During the Persian Wars Rhodes joined the Athenian Legue. The Byzantine era was one of decline until 1309 when Rhodes was sold to knights of St. John, which heralded a new floruit .It was this time that the medieval town was built with magnificent buildings and enormous castle. Rhodes was captured by the Turks and remained until 1912 when it passed to the Italians. In 1948 it became part of the Greek state.
Must see: The harbor Mandraki with its windmills and countless craft moored beside the quay. Probably the gigantic statue of the Colossus of Rhodes stood here. The medieval town , with magnificent buildings, the Collacium where the Knights lived, the Grand Master's Palace, The Clock Tower, are only a few sites someone can see. The Valley of the Butterflies, the beautiful villages of Kamiros, Kastello, Archagelos, Monolithos, Embonas, Mesanagros, Afandou, Faliraki, Kremasti are some of the beautiful villages of Rhodes.But above all do not miss Lindos.The contrast between the brilliant white houses and winding lanes of the more recent village built around two crescent beaches and the ancients acropolis towering above it from its austere pinnacle makes for one of the most stunning views in Greece.The temple of Athena Lindia (4th century BC) coming gradually into view as you ascend the stairs is a sight never to be forgotten.Finally, there are splendid beaches all over the island, some of which are equipped with facilities for bathers and equipment for water sports.
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