Rhodes

Throughout the ages, the magical island of Rhodes has entranced visitors, many of whom have returned and remained.

In modern Rhodes, one can still find reflections and echoes of past cultures and eras, from ancient Greek to Roman, Byzantine, Venetian, Crusader, Ottoman and Italian. Rhodes is now very much a part of modern Europe, but tradition and custom are honoured and observed. Rhodes has always been multicultural!

78 kilometres long and 38 kilometres wide at its broadest point, Rhodes has 220 kilometres of coastline to explore.

The island offers a surprising variety of landscape and scenery, from rocky coves to golden sandy beaches, lushly forested hills, hidden valleys, austere mountain peaks and flower-strewn meadows.

Olives, melons, citrus fruits, vegetables, wheat, figs, almonds, grapes, wine, and honey are amongst its many agricultural products .There are two noted wineries and a handful of small family wine-makers on the island. Picturesque villages, each with its own distinct character and traditions, provide a sometimes startling contrast to the popular seaside resorts and bustling towns

Rhodes Town itself is a place of contrasts, a fascinating combination of history, culture and commerce. Located on the northern tip of the island, on both the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, Rhodes Town has always been a hub of travel, trade and shipping in the Mediterranean. As a regional capital of Greece, chief of the Dodecanese chain of islands, Rhode has played a pivotal role in the history of the Eastern Mediterranean, as reflected by its UNESCO World Heritage City status.

Rhodes Old Town, a dazzling maze of museums, art galleries, churches, mosques, shops, restaurants, cafes and clubs, is under continuous excavation, reconstruction and renovation. Rhodes’ many layers of history and surprising ethnic variety can be observed just by strolling through the twisting cobbled streets: ancient Greek warriors and traders, the medieval Europe of the Knights of St. John, the mysteries of the Ottoman Empire, Jews who fled the Inquisition to become the merchants and craftsmen of Rhodes, the Italy of Mussolini, all are still here in the fabric and spirit of the Old Town.

Rhodes New Town is a lively year-round business, maritime and shopping centre. The New Town, famous for its hotels, high street and designer shops, restaurants, bars and clubs, is bordered by historic Mandraki Harbour, the site where the ancient Colossus of Rhodes is traditionally thought to have stood. Doe and stag statues, the symbol of Rhodes, mark the harbour entrance, along with the St. Nicholas Lighthouse, battle-scarred survivor of the struggles between the Knights and the Turks. Turkey itself is usually clearly visible from both east and west sides of Rhodes Town. The New Town is the home of the Casino and Aquarium, both located at the very northern tip of Rhodes in colonial Italian art deco buildings; the modern art museum is just round the corner. Both the Old and New sections of Rhodes Town have been shaped and styled by the impressive history of this very engaging town.

With a population of about 120,000, boosted by seasonal visitors, workers, and residents, the island of Rhodes never feels crowded. Even during the busy high summer months one can find virtually deserted beaches and cozy traditional tavernas simply by venturing onto slightly less travelled roads. Holiday Rhodes is famous for its beach life, water sport facilities, Waterpark and myriad sightseeing opportunities by day and for its sparkling variety of nightlife after dark.