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Rhodes island

Rhodes: the largest island of the Dodecanese

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese, located just above the legendary Crete. It’s undoubtedly a place where history has left evident traces and influences that can still be felt in countless aspects. The perfect blend of extraordinary nature, culture, and history makes it an ideal destination for a well-rounded vacation.

Getting there is easy; if you want to know more, check out our guide on how to get to Rhodes, where you’ll find all the information to plan your trip.

A stunning landscape

Covering 1.400 square kilometers, Rhodes’ landscape offers a variety of stunning features: mountains covered in pine forests, fertile valleys with olive groves and vineyards, hidden coves, monasteries perched on hills, charming ancient villages, archaeological sites, endless beaches, and views that will take your breath away. Despite continuous growth, the island has managed to maintain a deep sense of tradition. Every corner of Rhodes has something special, and the clear, shimmering sea invites relaxation or participation in the numerous outdoor activities. The beaches stretch all along the coast, making it hard to decide where to lay your towel and enjoy the beauty. For the more adventurous, Prasonisi at the southern tip is a paradise for surfing and kitesurfing, thanks to the constant winds. Here, you can also witness the magical meeting point of the Aegean and the Mediterranean a unique phenomenon not to be missed.

The mythology of Rhodes: a divine love

The beautiful Rhodes island has its origins in a love story between Apollo, the God of the Sun, and the beautiful nymph Rhodos, daughter of the irascible God Poseidon, King of the Sea, and the Goddess of Beauty, Aphrodite. Legend has it that when Zeus decided to divide the Earth among the gods of Olympus, he forgot Apollo, who was busy bringing the sun into the sky and therefore was absent. Once he heard the news, Apollo was furious with his father. Just then, a fascinating island emerged from the sea, and Apollo claimed it for himself. Naturally, Zeus could not refuse, considering his oversight, and so he gifted it to Apollo, who named it after his love, Rhodos.

A journey through history

There is much to say about Rhodes’ history, but at least a brief overview is necessary to understand the island’s soul. It was already inhabited during the Neolithic period and by the Minoan civilization. In the 15th century BC, the Mycenaeans arrived, and after the Bronze Age, the island began trading with Cyprus. However, Rhodes only became significant with the arrival of the Dorians in the 18th century BC. They founded the cities of Lindos, Ialyssos, and Kamiros, which, along with Kos, Halicarnassus, and Cnidus, formed the Doric Hexapolis, a sacred confederation. During the Peloponnesian War in 478 BC, Rhodes remained neutral, gaining independence and starting to develop its villages and capital, which was founded in 408 BC by the architect Hippodamus of Miletus. It later fell under Persian rule in 340 BC and Alexander the Great in 332 BC.

In 304 BC, after defeating Demetrius I, the Rhodians built a gigantic statue in honor of Helios to celebrate their victory, the famous Colossus of Rhodes, which was destroyed in 653 AD when the Arabs conquered the island and sold its pieces. The Romans followed, Christianizing the island with Saint Paul, and after the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Rhodes belonged to the Byzantine Empire for a thousand years. In the Middle Ages, it was governed by the Republic of Genoa, which controlled trade for the Byzantines. Following the death of Andrea Moresco, the last Genoese governor, Rhodes was ceded to the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Rhodes, who built imposing monuments such as the Palace of the Grand Master. They surrendered the island to the Ottoman Empire in 1522, when the army of Suleiman the Magnificent took over, allowing the knights to retreat to Malta. As Greek history shows, Ottoman rule lasted for four long and bloody centuries. During World War II, the island was occupied by Italians and Germans, before returning to the Greek flag in 1948.

Things to do in Rhodes: activities for all tastes

Wander through the streets of the old town, a medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. The labyrinthine alleys form a true maze where shops and delightful cafés appear at every corner. Its Acropolis is located on a hill known as Monte Smith, offering sublime views, especially at sunset. And how about visiting the Palace of the Grand Master or the Street of the Knights, a leap back in time with rooms housing artifacts like beautiful mosaics from the Hellenistic period?

Heading south, you’ll come across Faliraki, a popular tourist resort among young people due to its numerous nightlife spots and long beaches perfect for sunbathing and relaxation. Just beyond Faliraki lies the stunning Anthony Quinn Bay, with its emerald and turquoise waters, where scenes from the cult film The Guns of Navarone were filmed. Continuing to Kolymbia, you’ll find a small settlement perfect for beach days, offering peace and tranquility.

Further south is Lindos, a true gem. The town boasts a magnificent Acropolis with a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and views over the archipelago. There’s also the picturesque Saint Paul’s Bay with its distinctive beach.

Finally, for younger visitors and even adults, there’s the Butterflies Valley, located west of Rhodes, less than thirty kilometers from the capital. Among fresh streams, waterfalls, and lush vegetation, millions of butterflies gather, especially during the breeding season.

Rhodes is not just about the sea: activities for all tastes

Rhodes offers a variety of activities for everyone! Trekking enthusiasts can explore the panoramic trails, while history buffs can visit the numerous archaeological sites scattered across the island.

And let’s not forget the cuisine: Rhodes’ gastronomy is a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. With dishes featuring fresh seafood, olive oil, and local wines, your holiday will also be a journey through the authentic flavors of Greece.

Why choose Rhodes?

Rhodes is a perfect destination for everyone: families, young people, history lovers, sunbathers, nature explorers, and food enthusiasts. Every experience will be unforgettable and leave you with indelible memories because every corner of Rhodes tells a story.

Where to stay in Rhodes

It all depends on what you want to do. For a family holiday, the all inclusive Mitsis Rodos Village in Kiotari is the ideal location, offering plenty of activities for children. For a couples’ getaway, the Malibu Boutique Hotel in Faliraki provides a cozy atmosphere along with a lively nightlife. For those seeking romance, head to Lindos and stay at the Lindos Blu, an elegant and classy hotel. On the windier west coast, towns like Ixia or Ialyssos are popular choices, but it all comes down to personal taste! To better plan your holiday, contact us; with our local contacts and experience in Greece, everything is much easier for us!

You could write about Rhodes for days, but that would take away the joy of discovering its surprises. So pack your bags, book a ticket to this multifaceted and mythical island, and explore it following your instincts.

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