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 Welcome to the island of Rhodes, the island of the Sun God, the Colossos, an island blessed by nature and the Gods! The island of Rhodes is the capital of the Dodecanese group, some 200 small islands situated to the southeast of mainland Greece, quite close to the coast of Turkey.
The island has long been a crossroads of three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – and it boasts an action packed history which goes way back. Back before history books were written, back to the time of the Greek Gods, of fantasy and mythology.
The myths tell us that when Zeus took over the throne on Olympus he shared parts of the earth between the other major gods and somehow forgot about the Sun God, Helios. Helios, however, had heard about the newly emerging island close to Asia Minor and found himself a new home! Rhodes has been known for its wonderful sunshine ever since!
The island’s written history is also full of stories and it is difficult to imagine such a relaxed place being the site of huge battles between many tribes, known fighters, pirates, heroes from different nationalities who all feature in Rhodes’ interesting and amazing history.
Rhodes was home to the Colossos, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. This huge statue is said to have been dedicated to the Sun God; it took twelve years to build and it thought to have straddled the entrance to today’s Mandrake pleasure boat harbour.
Today’s Rhodes is a vibrant, cosmopolitan island, known and recognized worldwide as a major tourist destination with services and facilities to match its outstanding historical and natural features. There are many archaeological sites, including Lindos, Kamiros and Filerimos, cliff hanging castles, breathtaking villages and museums. But let’s not forget its wonderful beaches, its crystal clear water and the clear Rhodian air!
Rhodes town, the island’s capital and commercial centre, is a tourist attr5action in itself! In a story book setting, this compact city has it all – from its walled medieval town with its striking palace, Street of the Knights and countless tourist shops set along cobbled streets and small alleys, to its breathtaking acropolis, its beaches, its restaurants, nightlife and shopping to suit every pocket!
Rhodes has, however, something else to offer. Its hospitality, its way of life, its combination of old and new ideas all make Rhodes – town and island – a unique place for visitors.
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