Exploring Rhodes, Rose of the Aegean.

ign="center">Rhodes, once stood in the ancient harbour until the
Rhodes was an important economic centre in thelarge statue of Helios the sun god was destroyed by
ancient world, now it attracts thousands of internationalan earthquake in antiquity. The medieval city is now a
visitors to its beaches every year. Located where theWorld Heritage Site.
Aegean Sea meets the Mediterranean and famousMost tourists head for Lindos which was once the
for its 300 days of sunshine per year, the island is thecapital of the island. Today it is a holiday resort centred
ideal place for vacations.on a small medieval village, topped with a fortified
The economy of the whole island is geared towardancient Acropolis. The village contains many buildings
tourism. A trip to the Greek island of Rhodes conjuresdating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries with
images of whitewashed walls, deep blue sky, olivecobbled streets and white-stuccoed houses sloping
groves, fig trees and azure Aegean waters but thedown to the sea.
popularity of its bustling party beaches Faliraki andSome of the most beautiful sites on the island can be
Rhodes Town mean that the island's interior, some ofseen by driving in Rhodes. Mountain villages such as
the sandy beaches in the South and rocky beaches inEmbonas, Monolithos, Agios Isidoros, Mesanagros, and
the North are almost forgotten.Psinthos are hidden from the coastal settlements.
It is possible to explore the unknown islandThere they have old castles, churches and beautiful
independently but Rhodes is not a small island so somebuildings and you can taste traditional dishes in small
destinations will require you to drive an hour or more.tavernas.
The road network follows 220 km of coastline alongOther not to be missed sights include: the Valley of
the spearhead shaped east and west coasts. RoadsButterflies where tiger moths gather in summer; Mount
are in good condition but many of them are narrow inAttavyros the island's highest point of elevation; the
points so car hire in Rhodes is preferable to hiring aSeven springs oasis of streams; and Rodini Park
scooter.where you can still see parts of the ancient aqueduct
The City of Rhodes, built in 408 B.C. at the far end ofsystem of Rhodes.
the island, is the main starting point for anyone visitingRhodes may be renowned for its beautiful beaches
Rhodes. It is ringed by sea on the east and west withbut the island really does offer more for the
ancient and modern commercial harbours. One of theindependent traveller than sunbathing and moussaka.
Seven Wonders of the World, the Colossus of