Rodos the Emerald Isle, Isle of Dreams, or Isle of Roses, is the largest of the Dodecanese (18 islands) and the third largest of the Greek islands. Situated in the South Aegean Sea in the Mediterranean, at the cross-roads of two continents, Rodos combines the worldliness of Europe with the mystery of the Orient in an atmosphere that is truly fascinating.
Rodos is one of the most developed islands in the Mediterranean and it provides its visitors with every holiday amenity including large and modern hotels of international standards, yachting harbour, entertaining night life, casino, sports, facilities, and duty-free shopping. The airport of Rodos is international with direct flights to major international cities and other and other Aegean islands. With 300 sunny days per year, the island holds the Mediterranean sunshine record. Its remarkably rich legacy in archaeological treasures and its developed tourism infrastructure make Rodos more attractive than any other vacation or meeting place of the world.
Island of Rodos enjoys a Mediterranean climate, especially the regions which are close to the sea. Temperatures throughout the year are shown on the picture below.
The Rodos Palace International Convention Center is the largest purpose-built conference center in Greece and possibly in the whole Mediterranean region. The Center is fully equipped with the latest audiovisual technology including three different infra-red simultaneous translation systems in 8 languages cordless receivers and digital microphones.
Rodos Palace is set on a 30-acre site and lies in the middle of the magnificent Ialyssos Bay overlooking the Aegean Sea. From the heart of the complex rises an elegant 20-storey tower building with rooms and suites offering an unparalleled panoramic view of the island in the blue Aegean. Situated within the Hotel's picturesque gardens lie spacious relaxation. Adjacent to the tower stands the new 7-storey executive wing, fully-dedicated to the demanding needs of today's executive travellers and conference delegates.
Rodos Palace Hotel has 5 Restaurants, 5 Bars, and 4 Longues. It has 4 swimming pools (one of Olympic size, heated and covered with a fantastic dome, two open-air and one children's pool), 3 tennis courts, water polo, sauna, and a beach offering a variety of water sports. Close to the hotel are available an 18-hole golf course, horse-back riding, yachting, fishing, and scuba diving.
Welcome Cocktail (with folk dances) took place in the evening at the Palace of the Grand Masters (Castello) in the old city. On the following pictures there are Old Castle, Street leading to the old Castle, Old town, and Welcoming reception (Cocktail) inside the Palace.
Ancient Greeks enjoyed referring to the island of Rodos to challenge their peers in every conceivable realm of science and life in general. The saying would go as "Here is the Rodos, jump over it," or "Here is the challenge, show us your skills."
One of 7 world's miracles is The Colossus of Rodos. Next to it is ancient city of Kamiros.
The island was first inhabited in the Neolithic era. A major milestone in its history was founding in 700BC of the Dorian Hexapopolis, a union of its three cities with Knidos, Halikarnassos, and Kos. Its economy and culture continued to flourish until the 3rd century BC, when it was the predominant power in the Aegean. When, a thousand years later in 1309, it fell into the hands of the knights of St. John, it became again the center of power, symboized by its magnificent medieval town and the imposing castle and palace of the Grand Masters.
(below the temple, and beside the teatre)
Some 50km away to the Southeast of the town of Rodos is fabled small town of Lindos. The Temple of Athena in Lindos, an ancient Greek trireme ship, the belltower of an 11th century church are on the following pictures.
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