Rhodes, Greece

The Island of Rhodes is the sunniest place in Europe; it averages 300 days of sunshine per year. It is the fourth largest island in Greece. Occupied by Italy until only 56 years ago, it is now "occupied" by thousands of enthralled international visitors.

The "palia poli" (the old city) is the medieval city of Rhodes, surrounded by a high defensive wall. It is one of the few medieval cities still inhabited in its largest part, excluding its museums, of course. Walking along its cobbled streets one is reminded of iron-armored horse's hooves clapping, and steel swords clashing and clanging

The New Town of Rhodes, just a short distance from the Old Town, is where the beaches lie, and where hotels, shops, restaurants, discotheques, and even a casino, are packed together to create a lively ambience. A walk in Rodini Park is a must. This park is perhaps the first landscaped park in the world. It is a couple of kilometers away from the Old Town, and one can see part of the ancient aqueduct system of Rhodes within it.

No visit of Rhodes is complete without visiting Lindos. You'll find Lindos at a distance of 55 kilometers from Rhodes town, on the eastern side of the island. Built in the 12th Century B.C., it is now a top-class resort, with a fine sandy beach and a tiny lagoon, which reflects the whitewashed houses and the Lindos Acropolis above. The village contains many houses dating from the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries, which are known as "the houses of the captains." Their architecture and decoration are unique in the Greek world.

Things to See & Do

* Palia poli - the old city
* Rodini Park
* Lindos
* Street of the Knights (Odos Ippoton)

General information

Cruise Season - Feb to Dec
Currency - euro (€)
Language - Greek
Land Area - 1398 s.kms
Population - 130,000
Electricity - 2 pin Round pins European style
Time -GMT/UTC +2 ()
International Country Telephone Code - 0030 Greece 22410 - Rhodes

Port Location - Ships dock at the pier right outside of the walled Old Town. Everything is within easy walking distance.

Transport Links - Rhodes town has bus connections to the main sights, villages and resorts at regular intervals throughout the summer and less frequently during winter. The tourist mini train sets off from the Town Hall on the hour and takes a tour round the city walls passing by the Acropolis of Rhodes on Monte Smith and returning via the Psaropoula area and the Aquarium. Charter flights are available from most european cities during the holiday season and there are many ferry connections to nearby islands.