Situated in the Aegean Sea, closer to Asia Minor than the Grecian mainland, is the storied Island of Rhodes. Inhabited since Neolithic times, this spearhead shaped, tree covered island is a popular tourist destination because of its archaeological importance, numerous beaches, mild temperatures and three hundred plus days of sunshine each year.
Rhodes has had an important place in history since the Bronze Age including being mentioned in the writings of Homer. In 408 BCE, three cities combined to form the larger city of Rhodes. This port, on the northern end of the island is the site of the Colossus of Rhodes; this enormous bronze statue was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The island maintained a prominent place during Hellenistic times, the Roman Empire and was an early center of Christianity. Today, tourists view significant archaeological sites such as the ruins of the Temple of Apollo, the castle of the Monolithos and the ancient city Kameiros.
When the Knights of St. John ruled the island in the 14th century, they built a fortress, the Palace of the Grand Master. After the island was invaded by the Italians in 1912, the Palace was used as a holiday residence by King Emmanuelle III and Benito Mussolini. This imposing structure is now a major museum and tourist attraction.
Visitors to the island can relax on Anthony Quinn beach or discover why the west coast of Rhodes is one of the top wind surfing and kite boarding locations in the world. Eco-tourists can explore the endemic flora and fauna of the island’s mountainous interior and be awe-struck by the tiger moths in the “Valley of the Butterflies”. Visitors will bask in the romantic tranquility of the scenery surrounding Seven Springs as they swim in clear, fresh water lake. Vacationers can stroll the Street of Knights in Medieval Town, wander through the archaeological museum, take photos of picturesque Koskinou and enjoy the local culture of the towns and villages that teem with various shops and cafes.
Returned to Greece at the end of World War II, Rhodes boasts a wonderful blend of sunshine, clean waters, warm breezes and a distinctive Greek dialect. Whether you scuba dive to underwater treasure, relish the frescoes found in the Church of Panagia, or watch a sunset enhance the vivid red color of the hibiscus, a vacation on the island of Rhodes will surely please everyone.
|
Greece |
||
|
|
|
|
|
Islands of Greece |
||
|
|
||
