Welcome to Rhodes

Rhodes (Greek: Ρόδος, Ródos) is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece and the Aegean Sea's fourth-largest island overall. Located in the southeastern Aegean, approximately 18 kilometers southwest of Turkey, Rhodes bridges Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Covering an area of roughly 1,400 square kilometers with a coastline of around 220 kilometers, the island is home to a population of approximately 115,000 residents.

Known historically as the "Island of the Sun" and the "Island of the Knights," Rhodes is celebrated worldwide for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear turquoise waters, rich multi-layered history, and over 300 days of sunshine annually. It is one of the most popular and culturally vibrant destinations in the Mediterranean, making it an extraordinary setting for the RAP 2027 Conference.

History and Heritage

Rhodes boasts a fascinating history spanning over four millennia. In antiquity, the island was a major maritime, commercial, and cultural power, renowned across the ancient world for its wealth, art, and philosophy, as well as for hosting the Colossus of Rhodes—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Throughout the centuries, Rhodes was shaped by a succession of dominant civilizations, including the Dorians, Romans, Byzantines, the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (the Knights Hospitaller), the Ottoman Empire, and brief Italian and British administrations. This diverse legacy left an indelible mark on the island’s architecture, language, customs, and monuments, creating a unique cultural synthesis found in few other places in the world.

Rhodes City and Medieval Old Town

The capital of the island, Rhodes City, is divided into two distinct parts: the medieval Old Town and the modern New Town.

  • The Medieval Old Town: Encircled by imposing massive stone walls and fortifications built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval settlements in Europe and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Walking through its labyrinth of cobbled alleys feels like stepping back into the Middle Ages.
  • The Palace of the Grand Master: Dominating the highest point of the Old Town, this magnificent 14th-century fortress (rebuilt in the 20th century) features massive towers, impressive courtyards, and exquisite mosaic floors.
  • The Street of the Knights (Ippoton): One of the best-preserved medieval streets in the world, flanked by the historic "Inns" where the knights of different nationalities (tongues) resided.
  • Mandraki Port: The modern and historic harbor entrance where legendary bronze statues or deer columns now mark the spot where the ancient Colossus of Rhodes is historically believed to have stood. Guarding the harbor are medieval windmills and the fortress of St. Nicholas.

Must-See Attractions and Landmarks

Beyond the capital, Rhodes offers breathtaking landscapes, picturesque villages, and archaeological wonders:

  • Lindos: Located about 50 km south of Rhodes City, Lindos is famous for its breathtaking Acropolis perched high on a steep cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea, combining ancient Greek ruins with medieval castle walls. Below the Acropolis lies a charming village of whitewashed houses, narrow alleys restricted to pedestrians, and a sheltered sandy bay.
  • The Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes): A unique nature reserve in a lush, green valley crossed by streams, where thousands of Jersey tiger moths (Euplagia quadripunctaria) gather during the summer months attracted by the resin of sweet gum trees.
  • Kamiros and Ialyssos: Along with Lindos, these were the three powerful ancient city-states of Rhodes that united in the 5th century BC to found the city of Rhodes. The extensive archaeological site of Kamiros offers a rare glimpse into a Hellenistic residential town layout.
  • Filerimos Hill: Located near Ialyssos, offering panoramic views, a monastery, and a towering cross at the end of a cypress-lined pathway.
  • Symi Island: Just a short boat trip from Rhodes, the neighboring island of Symi features stunning neoclassical pastel-colored houses stacked amphitheatrically around a picturesque harbor and the famous Panormitis Monastery.

Practical Information

  • Currency: Euro (€), the official currency of Greece.
  • Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET, UTC+2), with daylight saving time applied in summer (EEST, UTC+3).
  • Country Code: +30.
  • Tap Water: While tap water in Rhodes City is generally considered safe, bottled water is widely preferred and consumed by visitors due to mineral content.
  • Local Cuisine and Specialties: Rhodian gastronomy is a delicious blend of traditional Greek and Mediterranean flavors infused with oriental influences. Must-try local delicacies include Melekouni (a traditional ceremonial sweet made of sesame seeds, honey, almonds, and spices served at weddings and celebrations), Pitaroudia (crispy chickpea and mint fritters), Giaprakia (stuffed vine leaves), local goat dishes, and exquisite Rhodian wines produced from indigenous grape varieties like Athiri and Mandilaria.
  • Emergency Numbers:
    • European Emergency Number: 112
    • Police: 100
    • Ambulance: 166
    • Fire Department: 199