Travel Guide Island Rhodes with travel tips for Island Rhodes
The Greek Island of Rhodes is just eleven miles southwest off the coast of Turkey in the Aegean Sea. The Island of Rhodes is filled with ancient Greek and Roman ruins, medieval fortresses, Byzantine churches, sunny skies, and picturesque beaches. The Island of Rhodes is a vacationer’s dream because of its entertainment opportunities, its rich cultural history, and lively modern amenities.
History
According to legend, the three sons of Helious and Rhoda founded the ancient cities of Ialysos, Kamiros, and Lindos, which are mentioned in Homer’s Iliad. From about 700 BC to 70 AD, Rhodes was fighting and changing allegiances with various Greek city-states. After 70 AD, it became part of the Roman Empire and an important naval center. The Genoese finally gained control of Rhodes, but sold Rhodes to the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1306. In 1522, the Ottomans overpowered Rhodes after a six-month siege. Rhodes remained part of the Ottoman Empire until 1912, when it became Italian property until after World War II, when it became part of Greece.
Arts & Museums
In the city of Rhodes, the medieval castles built by the Knights of St. John, the Castle of Knights and the Palace of the Grand Master are must see sights, as well as the Archaeological and Byzantine Museums. At the famous harbor in Rhodes, deer statues stand where once the 100 foot Colossus of Rhodes’ legs were.
All around the Island of Rhodes are old churches and monasteries with beautiful frescoes and religious works of art from the Byzantine period.
The Acropolis of Rhodes and the Temple of Apollo Pythios are stately ruins which remind all of Rhodes’ ancient past.
Nightlife
The Island of Rhodes has a lively nightlife with at least one hundred nightclubs. There are traditional bouzouki clubs, Greek folk dance nights, and fine international restaurants. The resort city of Faliraki is famous for its nightlife with bars, piano bars, and large nightclubs.
How to get
Rhodes international airport is located 15-17 km from the city of Rhodes. There are regular domestic fights from cities around Greece, and international flights from England, Germany, Israel, and Italy.
Ferry boats link Rhodes to the Greek mainland, Turkey, Cyprus, Israel, and other Aegean islands.
In the spring and summer, daily hydrofoil and catamaran service is available.