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The largest of the Dodecanese, Rhodes has become an important regional center, thanks to its location, climate and natural attractions.It is known as the island of the Sun. The myth says that it was born of the union of Helios (the sun god) and nymph Rhoda; no wonder why the island is blessed with 300 days of sunshine per year!

It was first inhabited in the Neolithic era. In 1309, it fell into the hands of the Knights of St. John, it became again the center of power, symbolized by its magnificent medieval town and the imposing castle and palace of the Grand Masters.

The landscape is widely varied, from rocky around the coast to forested in the interior. There's also a variety of interesting places (apart from the archaeological sites) scattered all over the island.

Efta Piges (seven springs), a beautiful spot with lush vegetation that grows due to the abundance of water that comes from springs and forms a small lake that can be reached through a tunnel. A shallow stream flows through the tunnel, too, so you have to walk all the way with your feet in the water; it's really fun! The valley of the Butterflies is also very interesting, but their numbers are declining rapidly, mainly because of noise disturbance.

The capital of the island, also called Rhodes, occupies the northernmost tip. There are actually three cities on this site - modern, ancient and medieval. The modern town has a cosmopolitan character, many late-20th-century buildings and hotels. The ancient town, was founded in 408 B.C. All that is left of it today is the ruins of the temples of Zeus, Athena Poliados and Apollo, the Stadium, the Gymnasium and the Theatre.

The medieval city is the largest inhabited midieval town in Europe and it's splendidly preserved. It is still surrounded by the high walls erected by the Knights. It is divided by an inner wall into two unequal parts, the smaller Collachio and the larger Burgo or Hora.

Stroll down the cobbled Avenue of the Knights, wonder in the halls of the Palace of the Grand Masters, and visit the church of the Virgin (now the Byzantine Museum) and the Archaeological Museum. Don't exclude from your schedule the Jewish and Ottoman parts of the town; they contribute to the midieval atmosphere, too.

After the walk, you can enjoy refreshments or a meal in one of the cafes or restaurants in the Old Town (as the inhabitants call it). There are also some bars in the town, although the most sophisticated clubs are out of the midieval walls.

The site of ancient Ialyssos is on the top of Filerimos hill, where the 15th century monastery of the same name also stands, along with the ruined temples of Athena and Zeus in the ancient acropolis. Further away to the south, on the west coast is ancient Kameiros with the ruins of the Doric city. The west coast does not have many beaches after the resorts of Ixia, Trianda and Kremasti; this is due to the fact that it is more exposed to winds.

However, it is well worth driving down south along the coast, as the green and forested scenery is impressive, and you will enjoy the views to the nearby islands from the castles that you'll find on the way: the Castle of Kritinia first, and the Castle of Monolithos next; don't miss either of them.

The east coast will not give you less delight. The best beaches on the island are here. Kalithea with its thermal baths, has a rocky coast, but the water is wonderful and attracts those who are not afraid of diving. Faliraki is a tourist resort with very crowded beaches, but you can move on to Kolymbia, Tsambika, Agia Agathi or Haraki.

But above all don't miss Lindos. The contrast between the brilliant white houses and winding lanes of the more recent village built around two crescent beaches and the ancient acropolis towering above it from its austere pinnacle makes for one of the most stunning views in Greece.

After Lindos it's easier to find deserted beaches, and if you travel as far as the island's southernmost point, Prasonisi (an "island" joined to Rhodes by a narrow isthmus), you will find a double beach formed by the isthmus: the sea is always rough on the one side, but calm on the other.

The inland is interesting, too, with mountains and forests, and picturesque villages that produce local specialities.

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