Δημήτρης ΑσιθιανάκηςKnown as the island of the Knights, Rhodes (or Rodos) is the largest island in the Dodecanese and is located on the south-eastern part of Greece. It boasts an area of 1.398 square km, 220 km of coastline and its population amounts to 115,290 inhabitants, according to the census of 2011. The island was named after the flower 'rodo', meaning rose in Greek.
As soon as you enter the port, you can visit Mandraki for a walk down the impressive Italian buildings. You can stop at Rodini Park with the beautiful view of the bay of Ixia and relive the past in the ancient Acropolis. At the center of the town of Rhodes, you will feel like a real knight strolling around the medieval town. Continue your tour with a stop in Ialyssos with the lovely bay. You will enjoy the lush vegetation at the villages Maritsa and Mandrikio. You will be impressed by Lindos and also by the Valley of the butterflies. At Afandou, you will swim in the endless beach. A stop at the picturesque village of Arhaggelos is definitely worth your while. At Kalithea or Faliraki you will enjoy the crystal clear waters and the parties which can last until the morning.
In the island of Rhodes, you can find tasty traditional dishes which are made out of local ingredients, since among the traditional products of the island are cereals, fruit, olives, olive oil, wine and even tobacco. The high quality of the exceptional Rhodesian wines is mainly due to the brilliant sun and the mild climate of the island, while they have also earned the Name of Origin of Superior Quality.
In Rhodes you can find two markets, one within the Old Town and one in the New Town. At Jewish Martyrs Square and at the Liberty Square you will find painters who make portraits of bystanders. In the New Town, the activity along the market might stop early, but Rhodes is famous for its vibrant nightlife, so you will definitely find various clubs where you can party all night long. As for accommodation, the island offers a variety of options, from simple rooms with good quality of services to luxurious 5-star hotels and resorts.
Useful phone numbers
State: 22413/61200
Police: 22410/23849 & 22410/44140 (Tourist department: 22410/27423)
Hospital: 22410/80000
Port: 22410/22220 & 22410/28888.