Rodhes
Rhodes
VACATION
Included in the Aegean Sea, the island of Rhodes belongs to the Greek archipelago of the Dodecanese formed by about
two hundred islands and islets of which only about twenty are inhabited.
Characterized by beaches of golden sand and azure waters alternating with splendid coves, the island of Rhodes has currently become a tourist destination that is easily reachable from Italy for
travel, holidays and stays in hotels thanks also to the development of hotel facilities.
Climate
RECOMMENDED PERIODS
Mild throughout the year. Spring and autumn are ideal from a climatic point of view,
while in the months of July and August the rather high temperatures are mitigated by the winds of the Aegean Sea.
It is possible to bathe on the island of Rhodes from the month of May until the month of October and get a splendid tan.
End of season trips are recommended when the beaches are less crowded and the prices are cheaper.
Airport
Located about 16 km southwest of the main city, Rhodes Airport receives international flights from major European locations organized by various carriers. In recent years, with the development of the low cost flight market, it is possible to take advantage of airline tickets at lower prices than in the past. In particular, the island enjoys a high tourist turnout due to the splendid beaches and the wonderful climate, as well as the characteristic and famous medieval and modern city with nightlife and entertainment. Do not forget the visits to numerous archaeological sites. Direct flights to Rhodes airport are operated by the main European airlines, from Malpensa Airport of Milan and from Orio al Serio Airport of Bergamo, are operated on low cost flights combined with stays in hotels for travel last minute
The bus lines allow the connection with Rhodes Diagoras Airport and the capital of the island covering the journey in forty minutes. Leaving Terminal 1, the terminus is located on the left about 350 meters away. At the information office of the airport it is possible to find out timetables, stops and stops. The taxi stand is also in the immediate vicinity. Several hotels have a free shuttle service available for connections, while trips organized by tour operators usually arrange the transfer to the place of stay in advance. By car to reach the aircraft station you have to take the dual carriageway coastal road for about twenty minutes, various road signs indicate the direction to reach. As far as car rental is concerned, there are avis offices to take advantage of particularly convenient conditions. In the car park: located in front of the terminal, parking spaces are available for short and long stays. During the summer period the airport is crowded due to the presence of numerous low cost flights from various airlines, therefore it is advisable to reach the airport well in advance of the departure time. The address of the airport is: Diagoras, Paradhissi , 85106 Rhodes, Greece - the geographical coordinates are Longitude 28° 5' 2" E, Latitude 36° 24' 3" N, the international code RHO.
Temperature
In the months of July and August the temperature reaches 30° - 35° Celsius, however attenuated by the characteristic Meltemi wind that makes the stay pleasant.
Clothing
It is advisable to wear informal, sporty and light clothing, with hat, sunglasses and comfortable shoes for excursions. In the hotels for entering the restaurants in the evening, appropriate clothing is required with trousers long, shirt or T-shirt.
Hotels
We remind you that the official classification of hotels by the Greek National Tourist Board is equivalent to the Italian one as follows: Luxury = Luxury. A = first category/4 stars. To compare the prices of flights and hotels for holidays in Rhodes you can consult the website Booking. Except where not expressly indicated, ancillary services such as rental of beach umbrellas, deckchairs, sporting activities in general and excursions, are always understood to be paid. Sun loungers, deck chairs and umbrellas on the beach and in the swimming pools are available until exhaustion.
Kitchen
Rich in spices, many are the specialties of Greek cuisine based on fish, mutton or lamb, with rich salads prepared with the characteristic goat cheese called "Feta" and olives. To remember the desserts with honey, the wines and the typical Greek coffee. In the structures However, international cuisine is served. As far as food is concerned, the specialties include sweet figs soaked in oùzo, dried fruit and nut pastes.
Shopping
The island offers characteristic souvenirs and various typical and handicraft products for the shopping of tourists visiting Rhodes. In the shops, purchases for shopping are concentrated on quality ceramics, the most beautiful are those of Lindos, among the earthenware those of Archàngelos. Even the carpets have their importance, with well-known manufacturing centers, very famous are the long-pile flokati. Other products include embroidered tunics and clothes, typical Afandou carpets, olive wood work and gold jewellery. Among the typical souvenirs of the island of Rhodes we find ceramics, lace, silver, leather goods and wool carpets, easily available in craft stores.
Telephone
To call in Italy you need to dial 0039, the area code of the city and the subscriber's number. To call a mobile phone dial 0039 and the user's number. To call Greece from Italy, dial 0030 followed by the local prefixes.
Evaluate
The monetary unit currently in use is the Euro.
Shop hours
Generally in Rhodes the shops are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.00 to 14 and from 17.00 to 20.30, but in tourist resorts and in the high season the opening hours are expand. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.00 to 13.30.
Excursions
Among the visits and itineraries to be carried out, we highlight the Valley of the Butterflies, the medieval city of Rhodes, the urban center of Lindos and its Acropolis, the beaches of Faliraki and the tourist places of Afandou, Emponas, Salakos and Archagelos. Among the monuments and museums we mention, The Aquarium, The Palaces of the Knights, The Palace of Megalou Magistrou also called the Grand Master, The Street of the Knights, The municipal library, The municipal villa, The Archaeological Museum, The Byzantine Museum, The Municipal Art Gallery, the park of Rodini and the hill of Aghios Stefanos in Rhodes. Archagelos Castle, Emponas Folklore Museum, Ialissos Acropolis, Sarantapichou Acropolis and Kalamonias Cave in Faliraki, finally the castle ruins Venetian, in Paradisi.
Documents
No document is required for citizens of the European Union. However, it is advisable to have a valid Identity Card with you for expatriation as for security reasons you may be required to prove your identity by the Border Police and for hotel registration. In case of entry into Greece by car, all the Italian road documents are sufficient, such as road traffic certificate, driving license and insurance certificate. To rent a car on the island you must be over 21 years of age and have held a driving license for at least one year.
Time Zone
The Island of Rhodes is one hour ahead of Italy.
Language
The official language in Rhodes is modern Greek. The English, French and Italian languages are also widespread.
Electricity
Electricity currently uses 220 volts for domestic purposes, but 110 volts are still in use in some areas, so it is advisable to check before plugging in an electrical appliance.
Healthcare
As far as free health care is concerned, it is necessary to obtain the European Health Insurance Card or Health Card which replaced the E 111 model, while for tourists from non-European countries a form of private health insurance is required.
Beaches
With a crystal clear sea and beautiful beaches, the island of RHODES presents itself to the tourist eager to spend the holidays truly unforgettable.
The best and most popular bathing spots are Kalithea, Faliraki, Ladikò in Anthony Quinn bay and Tsampìka, all equipped with beautiful beaches where you can comfortably soak up the Aegean sun.
The coasts of rhodes island are extraordinarily rich in beaches and the clarity of the sea combined with the beauty of the sands they are perhaps the main attraction of tourism in Greece. The northern coasts are often beaten by the meltemi, a strong wind coming from the north especially in July and August. In the northwestern part the coast is mostly rocky, the beach is rather gravelly and the area is often windy, among the localities we mention Ixia four kilometers from Rhodes and Ialyssos to eight.
In the surroundings of Rhodes city, the beaches made up of sand and pebbles, are not much big. Traveling along the east coast in a southerly direction about 10 km. from the capital we find Kalithea, with beaches equipped with sunbeds and umbrellas and several restaurants, pizzerias and bars for refreshments. Further on is Faliraki its beach becomes wider, longer, sandy and less windy. Choosing a comfortable stay for the holidays in the area of Faliraki and Kalithea you will find excellent fine sandy beaches a short distance from the hotels. Carrying on along the coast you get to the wonderful inlet of Anthony Quinn surrounded by pine forests and the bay of Ladikò made up of rocks and sand.
About halfway between Rhodes city and Lindos is the bay of Afandou, with a wide sand and pebble beach. Finally arriving at the well-known village of Lindos with its Acropolis, it will be possible to admire the beautiful bay of Vliha and its sandy beach among the most protected from the winds and consequently among the warmest of the island of Rhodes. In the immediate vicinity there are several hotels. In the area located to the southeast worthy of known are the very long sandy beaches between Genadi and Plimmyri. Although Genadi has become over time a popular tourist resort, it still retains the particular characteristic of a Greek village with houses whitewashed and narrow streets.
In the extreme southern tip of the island of Rhodes about ninety kilometers from the capital is located the beach of Capo Prasonissi frequented by many people who practice windsurfing. The sandy beach between the two bays is partly submerged by water during high tide, one truly suggestive and fantastic show not to be missed where the strip of land seems to separate two seas different with their innumerable waves that come ashore from the east and west. Returning to Rhodes from the west coast, among the other beaches we remember that of Apolakia, those of Monolithos, Kamiros, Kremasti and Trianda.
Gastronomy
Rich in spices, there are numerous gastronomy products and specialties of Greek cuisine based on fish, mutton or lamb, with rich salads prepared with the characteristic sheep's cheese called "Feta" and olives. In Gastronomy, Greek olive oil deserves special attention because it is present in almost all Greek dishes. Typical fresh local products such as vegetables, fish, mutton and goat cheese are simply flavored with local herbs and olive oil. The aubergines are used for the preparation of the famous mussaka, the fish and lamb skewers are mainly cooked on the grill and enjoyed with the famous yoghurt, garlic and cucumber based cream called tzatziki. The main Greek dish is suvlaki, a skewer of meat, also noteworthy is gyros, meat prepared on a revolving skewer. Another important typical dish is the Greek salad (choriatiki), made up of tomatoes, olives, onions, cucumbers and feta cheese made from sheep's milk. Drinks include the Greek white wine retsina and ouzo, an anise-flavored liqueur. To remember the desserts with honey, the wines and the typical Greek coffee. In particular we remember that Rhodes was known for being one of the first Aegean islands to practice the cultivation of wine vines by applying the winemaking process. In the tourist facilities, however, international cuisine is served. There are numerous restaurants on the island. In the summer in purely tourist places, the service also extends into the night. Generally the menu is written in two languages. The "jévma" lunch is usually eaten between 12 and 15, while dinner "dìpno" between 20 and 23. Service is included in the price, tips are always welcome.
Holidays
Frequented and appreciated by tourists from all over the world to spend their holidays, Rhodes is a beautiful island. The climate is pleasant with varied landscapes rich in nature's treasures. During the evening it is possible to have fun in the tourist urban centers and in the many lively and lively night clubs. Among the enchanting beaches, bathed in sun, warmth and crystalline sea, we mention Kalithea, Faliraki, Ladikò in Anthony Quinn bay and Tsampìka. Rhodes is the largest island of the archipelago called Dodecanese and is the capital of the group. The urban center extends outside and inside the walls of a very well preserved Venetian castle, built by the Knights of San Giovanni, representing one of the examples of medieval architecture. The characteristics of the capital are the beautiful archaeological sites and its numerous Byzantine churches which make Rhodes one of the most famous islands in Greece.
GREEK CUISINE
Appetizers
In Greece the appetizers called mezedes based on black olives, pickles, anchovies, salami, rice rolls or minced meat are in use. Among the main ones we mention the Dolmades, Taramosalata, tzatziki.
Meat
Spit-cooked pork or lamb meat is very common. Another typical dish of Greek cuisine is the Souvlaki, consisting of pieces of beef and pork cooked on the grill and skewered with a metal or wooden skewer. Among the other dishes of Greek cuisine we mention the Ghiouvetsi consisting of lamb roasted in the oven and accompanied by previously cooked pasta. Also tasty and delicious is the famous Moussaka made up of ragu sauce, in layers, and large slices of aubergines and potatoes, all covered with béchamel and cooked in the oven. Also worth mentioning are the meatballs in tomato sauce called Soutzoukakia, the fried meatballs or legumes called Keftedes, the Dolmades made up of tasty minced meat or rice balls, wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves, seasoned with egg and lemon. Finally, Kokoretsi should be mentioned, a typical Greek dish made up of small pieces of lamb meat passed on a spit, wrapped up with intestines and roasted on the grill.
Fish
Greek cuisine and fresh fish is the typical local dish especially along the coasts and islands. The fish is cooked in various ways: fried, grilled and baked, sometimes seasoned with the typical sauces. La Marida represents the typical dish of taverns, it consists of fried fish accompanied by resined wine. Other famous dishes are the squid called Kalamarakia, the shrimps called Garides in Greek and the octopuses called chtapòdi, all cooked in different ways sometimes served with tomato sauce, feta cheese or rice. Among the larger fish we mention the Sinagrida, the red snapper cut into slices and roasted, or alla Spetsota, the same fish stewed and cooked in the oven. We also remember the swordfish roasted on a spit called Xifias.
Salads
There are green salads with lettuce, cabbage, spinach and chicory, but the most famous is the Greek salad called choriatiki made up of raw tomatoes, olives, peppers, cucumbers, sliced fresh onions and pieces of "feta" cheese, seasoned with olive,
Cheeses
To mention first the Feta, the white and very tasty national cheese produced from sheep's milk. Other types are best enjoyed locally such as Manouri in Crete, Ladotiri in the Cyclades islands, and the white and yellow cheeses of Thessaly. Of particular fame is the yogurt called in Greek cuisine Yaurti, present on the menus of all restaurants. It is generally served smooth, with honey or with nuts.
Confectionery
The variety of desserts is remarkable, among the main ones we must mention the various pastries with cream or with cream and jam tarts. Galaktomboùreko is an excellent cream-based puff pastry, Kataifi is a filleted pastry filled with chopped almonds soaked in syrup, while Baklavas is made up of layers of pastry alternating with chopped almonds and honey. On the occasion of the Christmas holidays, Kourambiedes, sugar sweets filled with almonds and sweet Melomakarona made with cinnamon and honey covered with pistachios are traditionally produced. Due to its large production of fruit, in Greece it is also recommended to taste some kind of jam.
Drinks and Wines
wines in Greek cuisine Characteristic of the country is the Retsina, a melted, white and dry resin wine. Kokkineli, on the other hand, is a dry and less resinous rosé wine. Among the bottled wines we mention the Santa Elena and the Robola of Kefalonia suitable for fish, the Rapsani of Monte Olimpo, Cambas, Boutari, and others. Pleasant white Santorini coming from the homonymous and beautiful volcanic island. Among the locally produced liqueurs we mention cognacs such as Metaxa, Cambas, and Achaia Clauss. Ouzo, on the other hand, is a type of anise-flavored vermouth usually diluted with cold water, while Masticha is more fragrant and less strong.
RECOMMENDED EXCURSIONS.
Lindos
This curious town called Lindos is located on a cliff and is the second most important urban center of Rhodes . To visit during the stay in rhodes the acropolis of Lindos, perched on a rocky peak at an altitude of 116 m above sea level. Lindos Castle also lies on the site of the ancient acropolis. It was restored in the period of the Knights of Rhodes in the fourteenth century and rebuilt at the time of Italian rule 1913-1947. At the top of the access stairway there is a relief depicting a boat on which stood the statue of Admiral Agesander of Mikion, the work of Pitocrito, the artist who created the Nike of Samothrace exhibited in the Louvre museum. Inside is a large courtyard with three cisterns, the remains of a Byzantine church dedicated to St. John.
ancient walls
Archaeological finds and ancient walls are present in the surroundings of the city. Rhodes corresponds to the largest inhabited medieval city in Europe and also appears on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Surrounded by ancient walls, with its tangle of narrow streets and domes, the medieval village really is lovely to visit while on holiday.
Old Town
Surrounded by imposing walls, the old city of Rhodes stands out for its numerous alleys and small squares, with Byzantine, Turkish and Latin buildings. The medieval old town is divided into the Knights Quarter, once reserved for the homes of the Knights of St. John, and the Hora. Via Ippoton (also called Via dei Cavalieri) is an imposing paved street, flanked by palaces and inns and surrounded by the noble and severe atmosphere of the Crusades. The Hora district preserves various testimonies of the past such as the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, from the characteristic pink dome, built in the 16th century and recently renovated.
Colossus of Rhodes
Considered one of the 7 wonders of the world, the Colossus of Rhodes was a statue placed at the entrance to the port. From written historical sources, it appears that the approximately 32-metre-tall bronze statue was built around 290 BC. in honor of "Helios" the God of the Sun. The works for the construction of the Colossus of Rhodes lasted about twelve years. Equipped internally with an iron structure and externally covered in bronze, it occupied a dominant position on the sea and the port. There is no precise information on the exact place of its location, but it is thought that it could have been in the center of the ancient city in order to protect the island, while the legend predicted its position at the entrance to the minor port of Rhodes with the transit of vessels under the splayed legs of the statue. The Opera was built on marble bases starting from the bottom and growing in height it was filled inside with stone blocks to give stability to the monument. Around 224 B.C. an earthquake destroyed the imposing statue and due to an ancient sacred tradition it was not rebuilt.
Geography
The surface of the island of Rhodes is one of the most mountainous in the Aegean Sea. Its Geography is characterized by a mountain range that divides the island into two areas with few plains and some fertile valleys near the coasts. The highest point of the island is Monte Attàviro with an altitude of 1,215 metres. Among the other notable reliefs we mention Monte Profeta Elia, Monte Acramita, M. Filerimos, M. Periòli and Monte Smith. All other verdant heights have small plateaus. The main promontories are the Kaburno (where the city of Rhodes stands), the Prassonisi located at the southern end of the island, the San Emilianòs in Lindos, the Vadhi, the Karavola, the San Minàs, the Armenistis, the Kinas and the Lardos . Highlighted among the inlets are the following gulfs at Kalithea, Afandou, Archangelos, Lardos, Gennadi and Apolakia. The territory of the island of Rhodes has a rhomboidal shape with a width of about 38 kilometers and a length of 78 with a total area of about 1398 sq km., its geographical position extends between 28° longitude from Greenwich and 36 ° latitude, in the S-E area of the Aegean Sea. In addition to being the capital of the Dodecanese, Rhodes is administratively divided into ten municipalities including, the city of Rhodes, Archangelos, Attaviros, Afandou, Ialissos, Kalithea, Kamiros, Lindos, Petaludes and South Rhodes
Archaeological finds
Scattered almost everywhere on the island, there are numerous archaeological finds to visit testimony of the history of rhodes.
History of the island of rhodes
According to legend and history, the Island of Rhodes was born from the love of the Sun with the nymph Rhoda. It was already inhabited in prehistoric times as evidenced by the finds from the necropolis of Ialiso and the archaeological excavations of Camiro. It was invaded by colonists from the Peloponnese and around 1100 BC. it was occupied by the Dorians. After the invasion of the Persians, in the history of the 5th century BC, the city of Rhodes became the commercial and religious center of the island, later giving itself democratic government bodies. During the Roman period, Rhodes was first allied with Rome with Augustus, then it became part of the Roman Empire becoming the capital of the Provincia Insularum in the period of Diocletian. From 653 AD several times it was sacked by the Arabs and in 1082 it entered into commercial relations with Venice. history last minute rodiIn 1248 the Genoese occupied the island and from 1522 the island of Rhodes was under Turkish domination. In 1912 it was occupied by Italian troops and on 7 March 1948 it became part of the Kingdom of Greece.
Last minute
The possibility of enjoying cheap holidays in the island of Rhodes consists of checking with the companies airlines offering last minute travel and Low Cost flights, if there are seats on the planes still free for different motivations. These are really convenient offers, where the tourist package is purchased ad a particularly advantageous rate for the tourist and the savings are considerable as a competitive market is created on the numerous destinations and on ticket rates planes at very affordable prices.
Aegean Sea
located in the eastern sector of the Mediterranean The Aegean Sea is included between the eastern coasts of Greece to the west and north, Turkey to the east, and the islands of Scarpanto, Cerigo, Crete and Rhodes in the southern part. It communicates with the Black Sea through the Strait of the Dardanelles. It is on average about 320 km wide and about 640 km long. it reaches a maximum depth of about 2990 meters north of the island of Scarpanto. Bounded by rocky and jagged coasts, except in the Gulf of Thessaloniki and Thrace, it has numerous islands which grouped together represent the emerged part of the submarine ridges that cross it from north-west to south-east, from the Peloponnese to south-western Turkey. The average salinity of its waters ranges from about 37% to 39%. It is an important communication route between the Mediterranean and the Black Sea even if its waters are not full of fish compared to others. The main ports are Smyrna in Turkey, Piraeus, Thessaloniki and Heraklion in Greece. The seabed is very irregular even if it does not reach significant depths, basins with depths exceeding 1000 meters are found along the alignment from southwest to northeast of the Northern Sporades up to the gulf of Saros at north of the Dardanelles.
Dodecanese archipelago
The southernmost group of islands in the Aegean Sea known as the Dodecanese, includes Léros, Rhodes, Kos, Kárpathos, Kálimnos, Astipálea, Kássos, Psérimos, Symi, Léros, Nisyros, Pátmos, Giali , Lipsi, Tilos, Kastelórizo, Alimiá, Lévitha, Arki, and other smaller islands. Other islands of the Aegean Sea are located to the south towards Asia Minor and are Cerigo, Crete which delimit it from the Libyan Sea. The nature of the islands is partly limestone and partly volcanic, for example Santorini represents the remains of a volcano that had an impressive eruption with repercussions throughout the Mediterranean basin.
Marine currents
The movements of water flows and the circulation of sea currents for water exchange in the Aegean Sea are influenced by various natural factors. There are surface flows of water leaving the Black Sea through the Dardanelles with a speed under normal conditions of 1 or 1.5 knots, other flows are located deep northeast towards the Black Sea and another from the Aegean to the Mediterranean in the area between Crete and the Peloponnese.
The major flow of incoming water comes from the Mediterranean with the Currents which develop mainly between the island of Rhodes and the Turkish coast. Overall, the circulation is made up of an eastern ascending branch and a western descending branch. Perturbations, however, distort this trend due to the winds, causing strong drift currents such as to modify the gradient currents. The northerly winds prevail during the months of March November favoring the outgoing flow towards the Mediterranean, while in winter and in late in autumn the sirocco winds prevail which accelerate the incoming sea currents.
Even the various islands during local perturbations determine the development of very intense currents in the channels, such as to modify the general pattern of water flows. A famous sea current of considerable intensity is that of Euripo che si creates between the island of Euboea and the mainland.