Rhodes

Rhodes is the largest island in the Dodecanese Island group of Greece, both in land area and in population. Rhodes is located about 11 miles west of the Turkish shores, between the mainland of Greece and the island of Cyprus. The inner landscaping of Rhodes is mountainous and covered with forests of pine and cypress. Rhodes is also home to the beautiful Rhodian Deer.

Rhodes is perhaps well known for the famous Colossus of Rhodes, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Colossus of Rhodes was a large statue of Helios, the Greek god, and was erected on the island between 292 and 280 BC. Before it was destroyed, the statue stood over 100 feet high, which made it the tallest statue in ancient times. The deer statues, also located in the Mandraki harbor where the Colossus of Rhodes once stood, are a beautiful sight in themselves.  The capital city of Rhodes occupies the northern tip of the island. In the ancient city site, which was founded in 408 BC, you can see the ruins of the temples of Zeus, Athena poliados, and Apollo. The Stadium, Gymnasium, and Theatre are also worth a visit while on Rhodes.

Other places of interest include Trianda in the Petaludes Valley, also known as the Valley of the Butterflies, because each summer huge masses of tiger moths gather here. Trianda lies very near the site of ancient Lalyssos, on the top of Filerimos Hill, where the monastery of Filerimos from the 15th century also stands. Lindos is a very important area to view. The contrast of beautiful whitewashed houses, winding lanes that are built around two crescent shaped beaches, and the ancient acropolis that towers above it are a beautiful sight. The Temple of Athena Lindia from the 4th century BC is also a view that is not easily forgotten.