Rhodes town, Rhodes Island, Dodecanese Islands
When Rhodes emerged from the sea, beguiled by her majestic beauty, sun-god Apollo fell madly in love with her and bestowed her his blessings ever since. Throughout the centuries, many mortals, kings and sultans, have had their eye on Rhodes. Many have conquered her, others have gifted her with monuments to show their appreciation. The charms of the island extend beyond its glorious sun and crystal-clear waters. One could say there are three main eras worth investigating: The Archaic, the Medieval and the Contemporary era.
The charming medieval town of the Crusaders is alive and inhabited. The largest settlement of its kind in the Mediterranean, it has become the favourite subject of visiting photographers.
Acropolis of Lindos, Rhodes Island, Dodecanese Islands
Located at 35 miles SE of the city of Rhodes, mythical Lindos rises over a unique rock formation at 400 feet above the turquoise sea, crowned by the Temple of Athina and offering an inspiring view. Boasting a history going back 3,500 years, the blindingly-white cubist town is built directly under the acropolis. Archaeology enthusiasts will be captivated by the Old City and Lindos, the ancient Kamiros and Ialyssos (Philerimos), as well as by numerous remnants of the past scattered throughout the island. Ancient Kamiros alerts imagination to picture life in centuries gone by, while the ruins of Ialyssos lie below the monastery of Philerimos. The Valley with the Butterflies is another unusual, although more contemporary, site. Towering over the city of Rhodes, Monte Smith, the site of the elegant Apollo Temple and of the adjacent impressive ancient theatre still in use today, offers visitors a captivating view, one that fills the heart with joy.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights, Rhodes Island, Dodecanese Islands
In total contrast with the lily-white chapels, the numerous majestic castles that rise into the horizon crown practically every mountain peak. An oasis of flowers, Rhodes offers an array of arrangements from small bouquets to isolated "jewels". Competing in beauty, the 44 picturesque villages are scattered throughout the island: Afantou, Archangelos, Koskinou, Monolithos, Apolakkia, Gennadi, Kalythies (Faliraki) and Ialyssos (Trianta), to name just a few, offering visitors the opportunity to watch the village craftsmen creating beautiful carpets, ceramics and pottery. Splendid sandy beaches are stretching out for countless miles, some of them catering to nudism aficionados. Rhodes boasts excellent golf facilities, while for the more energetic there is a wealth of outdoor sports, including tennis, volley ball and jogging, as well as water sports such as windsurfing, free diving, sailing, mountain climbing & walking, swimming, sunbathing and... people watching. The glorious sunsets are unfailingly succeeded by an exciting night life.
Faliraki Beach, Rhodes Island, Dodecanese Islands