The article was contributed by Maria Ioannou. Maria is a travel writer and he is currently reviewing some of the biggest Rhodes hotels.
There are many Islands on the Aegean Sea and Rodos (or Rhodes as it is commonly known) is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The Rhodes Island is found on the south eastern side of the Dodecanese Islands. It faces the Asia Minor, at a distance of only about 10 kilometers. In fact, the Island is closer to the Anatolian peninsula (Asia Minor) than it is to the mainland of Greece.
Geography
The spearhead shaped Island of Rhodes has a total area of about 1,400 Sq Kilometers (approximately 541 square miles). The coastline of the Island is about 137 miles (approximately 220 km). The Island of Rhodes has a population of about 110,000 people. The capital of the Rhodes Island is the city of Rhodes which is found on the northern part of the island. The city of Rhodes has both modern and ancient commercial harbors. The main airport on the Island of Rhodes is the Diagoras International Airport, which has the IATA code RHO. The Airport is located in Paradisi on the southwestern side of the Island. There are small beach resorts and villages that surround the city of Rhodes. These are Lindos, Faliraki, Kremasti, Pefkos, Haraki, Attavyros (Embona), Archangelos, Paradisi, Afantou, Trianta (Lalysos) and Koskinou.
Climate
Being of the biggest Islands in Greece, it is also one of the most beautiful. The climate of the island is healthy and subtropical because of its landscape (which comprise of low mountains and hills which a covered mainly by forests). During summer, there are westerly winds that refresh and moderate the heat. During the winter, their climate is mild and there are long periods of sunlight exposure during the day.
Ancient History
Inhabitation on the Island of Rhodes goes back to the Stone Age. During the prehistoric period, Rhodes is believed to have been home to the Cretans (this were the first settlers on Rhodes). There were also the Dorians and Phoenicians that inhabited the Island before the Trojan War. After the Trojan War, development and progress and the island picked up. The evidence of this can be seen from the number of Antiquities from Lalypos, Kamiros and Lindos which are three of the most powerful and largest cities of Rhodes. These three cities united to form Rhodes during the end of the Fifth Century Before Christ. From the 3rd century BC, some of the famous philosophers, artist and writes lived on the island.
Modern History
Rhodes was seized by Italy in 1912 during the period of the Italo-Turkish War. Later, during 1943, the island was occupied by Germans and in 1947 it was reunited with the other Dodecanes Islands and united the country of Greece.
Archeology
During the ancient period, the seven wonders of the world (also called Colossus of Rhodes) were found on the Island. However, there are remains of the statue because it was destroyed during the 224 BC earthquake. There are many historical sites on the island. These include Rhodes Old Town, The Grand Master’s Palace, Rhodes Footbridge, Castle of Monolithos, Castle of Kritinia, Temple of Apollo, Acient Kamiros, Acropolis of Rhodes, Governor’s Palace and many others.
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