Rhodes Greece – Rodos Island Information
Rhodes Greece – Rodos Island Information: known in ancient times as “Island of Roses” and “Island of Butterflies” for the quantity of flowers and butterflies that flooded its hills, Rhodes is the place where Zeus paid homage to Elio, the God of the Sun, and where he fell in love with Poseidon’s daughter, the nymph Rhoda. It was no coincidence that for so many centuries that Helios, the God of The Sun was worshiped in Rhodes or that this veneration gave birth to one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, the Colossus of Rhodes .
Furthermore, as we learn from mythology, it was the God of The Sun himself who chose Rhodes as his favorite island when he saw it rise from the sea, none of this is attributable to chance. The light of the island, white, transparent, brilliant, surrounds everything.
It is the light that makes the island’s wine so rich and gives the hibiscus, the floral symbol of Rhodes, its fascinating red color. The sun floods with its rays the beautiful castle of Rhodes , accompanies the beats of the new city teeming with life, gives undoubted beauty to the Doric frugality of the Acropolis of Lindos, transforms the waters of the island into gardens of jade.
Rhodes Greece – Rodos Island Information
Greek island of the Aegean Sea, placed in the Southern Sporades group, of which it is the largest, administratively included in the nomos of the Dodecanese in Greece of which it is the capital. Rhodes is located about 20 km from the Turkish coast, has an elongated rhomboid shape from south-west to north-east and measures 80 by 38 km. Mainly mountainous, it culminates at 1215 mt. in Mount Attaviro. Its main economic resources are agriculture, sheep farming, sponge fishing and tourism. The main center is The City of Rhodes , on the extreme northern tip of the island, an active commercial and tourist port with food, mechanical and tobacco industries. The west coast of Rhodes, constantly whipped by the wind, it is a long strip of land full of hotels, bars and restaurants on pebble beaches , from Rhodes city to Paradisi.
Pointing south, the landscape becomes green and fertile with vineyards , olive trees , wooded slopes and picturesque rural villages. Must see: Moni ‘ Filerimos , ancient Kamiros , the wine center of Embonas , Mount Prophet Elia with its springs and the enchanting valley of Butterflies , the place that is the reason why Rhodes owes the nickname of Island of the Butterflies .
Proceeding south, you will encounter scenarios of all kinds, ravines surmounted by castles and views on the sea up to the islands of Halki and Alimia ‘. The eastern side, more sheltered, has kilometers of beaches and rocky coves including the crowded localities of Kalithea, Faliraki, Afandou, Archangelos and Lindos in stark contrast to the deserted shores of the southeast.
The east side of the island is divided into two sections, from the southern tip, Prassonissi , to Pefkos and then from Lindos up to Rhodes city. The landscape looks like a variegated mosaic. From the oasis of Epta ‘Piges and the orange groves of Arcanghelos, to the stretches of jagged coastline and sandy coves. To the south of the island we find Capo Prassonissi which becomes the extreme southern point or an independent island depending on the tide. Capo Prassonissi has become over time a paradise for windsurfers due to the constant strong wind and the calm sea on one side and wavy on the other.
The island of Rhodes is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. While many visitors come to enjoy the beaches and the historic sites, the island also boasts a beautiful natural landscape, including a lush and verdant woodland.
The woods of Rhodes are located primarily in the central and eastern parts of the island, covering a total area of around 2,500 hectares. The most common trees found in the woods include pine, cypress, and olive trees, which provide shade and shelter for a variety of wildlife.
As visitors explore the woods, they may encounter a range of animals, such as rabbits, hedgehogs, and various species of birds. There are also several hiking trails that wind through the woods, offering a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of the island up close.
One of the most famous areas of the woods is the Valley of the Butterflies, located in the central part of the island. This picturesque valley is home to thousands of butterflies, which gather here during the summer months to mate and lay their eggs. Visitors can walk along a series of wooden paths that wind through the valley, providing a unique opportunity to observe these beautiful insects up close.
Another popular attraction in the woods is the Seven Springs, located near the village of Kolymbia. This natural spring is fed by seven different sources and provides a refreshing oasis for visitors on hot summer days. The area around the spring is also home to a number of walking trails and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for families and nature lovers alike.
Overall, the woods of Rhodes offer a unique and tranquil escape from the bustling tourist areas of the island. Whether visitors are looking for a peaceful hike through the trees or a chance to observe the local wildlife, the woods of Rhodes are sure to impress.