Rhodes (also known as Rodos), the island of Knights, offers to visitors a journey into the past, fun until morning, cosmopolitan resorts and wonderful beaches. It is the biggest island in the Dodecanese complex (it boasts an area of 1,398 square km) and the fourth in size largest island in the Aegean Sea and the entirety of Greece as well. It is located in the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea, the Aegean Sea and the coasts of the Middle East such as Cyprus and Egypt (so be prepared for a very hot climate!).
A town from the past
One of the major attractions of the island is the Medieval Town of Rhodes which constitutes a Monument of World Heritage and is included in the UNESCO list. It is the largest and best preserved fortified city in Europe with many Hellenistic, Byzantine, Medieval and Ottoman monuments. In addition, the Thermal Springs of Kallithea, the antiquities of Ialyssos and the Acropolis of Lindos, all reveal the rich heritage and history of the island. Near the town of Rhodes is the green valley with the butterflies, an enchanting valley which is full of streams with running waters and a lot of butterflies that offers an unforgettable spectacle that you should not miss.
The island is the home of the University of the Aegean, which features the Department of Education, the Department of Sciences of Preschool Education and Educational Planning, and the Department of Mediterranean Study.
Religious festivals
The most important religious festivals are the pilgrimage to Panagia Kremasti (first fortnight of August) accompanied by rich cultural events, the pilgrimage to Panagia Tsambika (8/9), to St. Soula (end of July), to Virgin Skiadeni in the village Mesanagros (Saturday of Lazarus - Sunday of Thomas) which is followed by the litany of the holy picture in a ritual way and finally the pilgrimage to Panagias Ypsenis in Lardos.
With an umbrella as a souvenir and the knights who 'fight' for your entertainment, you are fully equipped to discover everything this magical island has to offer.