Rhodes (Rodos) is the most easterly and the largest of the Greek islands, a hilly, green island with a coastline full of wonderful beaches and towns rich in history. It is one of the most visited islands in the Greek nation. Tourists are welcome with open arms on Rhodes and there are many areas designated to package tourism. This should not put off independent travellers, as there are plenty of activities and sites for all types of tourists to enjoy, from the sun seekers and water sports fanatics to the history buffs.

Being so close to the Turkish mainland, one would expect a great deal of its influence on the island, but the history of Rhodes, with the numerous invasions over the centuries gives the island an eclectic feel, from the old town of Rhodes, with its medieval splendour, to the villages which have universal charm.

Mythologically, Rhodes was where Helios the Sun God and his wife chose as a home and the three of the major towns have been named after their sons. The Minoans and Mycenaeans lived on the island before the Dorians took over in 1100BC, where these settled in Lindos, Ialyssos and Camiros, three of Rhodes major towns, making each their own city state. After these times, the island was subject to many invading forces, most notably the Knights of St John, who’s influence can still be seen with clarity in the old town. The Ottoman Empire overthrew the Knights in 1522, and in 1947 Rhodes finally became a part of the Greek Nation.

Rhodes has another special place in history, being home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Colossus of Rhodesonce stood straddling Rhodes harbour. The 33-metre high statue was built in 305BC, only to be toppled in an earthquake 65 years later. The statue remained abandoned until the 7th Century when statue was sold off to a Jewish merchant. The story goes that it took over 1000 camels to transport the statue away.

Rhodes Town is found in two parts, the Old Town, a walled city within the city, and the New Town. The city also has three harbours, being the two commercial ports, where most of the large ferries dock, as well as Mandraki Harbour, from where smaller excursion boats and yachts arrive and depart. When travelling by boat from Rhodes it’s important to check from which port you are leaving. The two statues of deer sit at the mouth of Mandraki Harbour are icons for the island.

The new town is a thriving area, with many places set up for the modern tourist. At the top of the hill behind the city is the Acropolis of Rhodes as well as an ancient amphitheatre, the sunsets from which are spectacular. In the town proper, there is the Mosque of Murad Reis, which is worth visiting, as is Rodini Park and the aquarium.

It is the Old Town to which most of the tourists to Rhodes flock, the walled medieval city an enchanting sight, and well worth a day to wander around the narrow, labyrinthine streets taking in the atmosphere. Twelve-metre thick walls surround the Old Town, and tours can me made of the ramparts on various days in the week, guides starting tours in the Palace of the Grand Masters. There are seven gates into the Old Town, which for the most part is pedestrianised and tourists are free to wander this fascinating area.