Rhodes

Trip preparation

Geography Rhodes is the fourth largest island in Greece and the largest of the Dodecanese. The island covers an area of over 1300 square kilometers and has more than 200 kilometers of coastline. The interior is characterized by a mountainous landscape covered by meadows and woods. Its capital is Rodhos, where there is also the airport. Entry visa The normal regulations of the European Union. To enter Greece you need an identity card or passport (passport stamp not required). For children under 15 years without a personal document you must present the birth certificate with a photograph of the child. The certificate may be obtained from the municipality. Stay limit for tourism is 3 months. Climate From the climatic point of view the best times to visit are spring and autumn in Rhodes, as in the summer months, temperatures are rather high and sometimes exceed 30 degrees. Rhodes is known as the island kissed by the sun, in fact, Rhodes boasts over 300 sunny days during the year. Currency The official currency is the euro. Language Modern Greek (also known as demotiki). The greek spoken today, which is a language derived from the vulgar and made official in 1976, is very different, both in pronunciation lexicon, from the ancient Greek. In the main tourist resorts, hotels, restaurants and shops are also speaks English, French, German and Italian. You'll also find menus, directions and tourist brochures written in other languages. Electrical outlets / phone coverage Electrical current is 220 volts. In the case of different socket, you can buy an adapter there.

General

Airport / Car Hire At Rhodes, and more specifically in the city of Rodhos, there is an international airport that provides direct flights to major european airports. For those traveling with tour operators, out of the airport a bus will take you directly to your hotel. Because Rhodes is an island of small size (its width is just over 70 kilometers) an excellent means of transportation to visit the entire island is a car or a motorcycle. On the island of Rhodes and in particular in the main tourist areas and near major hotels there are a number of rental cars and bikes / motorcycles. Public Transportation On the island there are buses linking the main tourist destinations of the island. The price of a ride is around 3 euros. Taxi / infrastructure Outside the airport and major tourist destinations there are 24 hour taxis.

Traditions and Culture

Costumes / Habits When you arrive in Rhodes you will immediately notice the differences between past and present. On one hand, Rhodes is an island that holds great historical value: the old town and medieval Rodhos and various acropolises. On the other side of the island of Rhodes, like most of the Greek Islands, over the years has been invaded by the phenomenon of tourism. Rhodes has therefore become a tourist ad hoc in the main towns there are restaurants, hotels, bars and clubs to spend long nights of fun. The only place where you can refrain from hotels and mass tourism is Lindos, a fishing village in Greek style characterized by white houses and beautiful on top of the acropolis hill. Culture / Traditions According to Greek mythology, Rhodes was a wedding gift made by Zeus to Helios and Rhoda, the daughter of Aphrodite. In the past the island of Rhodes was the main commercial center and naval center of the Aegean, while nowadays it has become the holiday destination for many tourists. The city of Rodhos (island capital) contains within it a long history: the city was inhabited by the main protagonists of Hellenic history, from the Byzantines and the Romans. Famous is also the myth of the Colossus of Rhodes, which once stood at the entrance of the port of Mandrake (Rodhos). The Colossus was made of bronze, had a height of 31 meters and was one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. On the island are the remains of some ancient Acropolises. Although Rhodes has become an important tourist destination over the years, you can feel the Greek tradition: the dances and folk dances, and from craft shops to the taverns. Religion Over 90% of the population is Greek Orthodox. Religious ceremonies are a very impressive performance, as the Orthodox liturgy is based on a number of rituals. In the country there are also minorities of Jews, Protestants, Catholics and Muslims.

Experience and enjoy

Lifestyle in Rhodes The island of Rhodes is a place under siege in every month of the year by many tourists and even during the off season the island has always had some visitors. The people of Rhodes, in particular those living in major populated centers and major tourist resorts have had to then adapt to the rhythms and needs of the tourism industry. Rhodes still has a few small villages "untouched" by mass tourism, where fishermen and craftsmen prevail. Gastronomy of Rhodes Because of tourism they usually serve international cuisine. Greek cuisine includes seafood, meat, and is enriched with numerous spices. Below are listed some of the major Greek specialties: Feta: famous goat cheese that is usually accompanied by olives Zaziki: Greek sauce made with yogurt, cucumbers, garlic, seasoned with a little oil and vinegar. The Zaziki you eat with pita bread (unleavened bread) Moussaka: eggplant fried pie, minced meat, tomatoes, onions and cheese typical Greek Souvlaki: kebabs Attractions in Rhodes The island of Rhodes fulfills the needs of all kinds of tourists: those who are looking for culture and history, those who want to relax on pristine beaches to those who want to spend a week of fun doing sports activities. Rodhos has an old medieval town surrounded by walls enclosing the street and also the palaces of the Knights of the Acropolis with the Olympic Stadium but characterized by the modern city streets for shopping and nightlife. Lindos (also known as the pearl of Rhodes), has an acropolis and white houses and narrow streets recalling the beautiful Santorini. Faliraki is a fashionable seaside resort where there is a lively nightlife. In Faliraki there is a water park too. More information: http://www.water-park.gr/home.html Paradisi has Butterfly Valley.