Rhode (Greece)

The islands capital, Rhodes Town, is one of the liveliest Greek cities along with Athens and Thessaloníki. It is known to be one of the best shopping addresses in the whole country.
The centre of the romantic old town is home to many small shops that have been established there, selling beautiful artwork, such as pottery or hand knotted carpets. On the outside of the meter-thick town walls, in the new town centred around Amerikis Street one will find not only branches of the world's largest fashion brands, but also exclusive jewellers and perfumeries. Even those with no desire for a shopping spree will enjoy wandering past the quarter's renovated classical villas and elegant restaurants.
As soon as the intense city atmosphere is left behind and the journey southwards commences, the view transforms into a Mediterranean landscape with its original villages. Soon, one will find oneself completely alone in the hills and mountains, which are particularly enchanting in the late spring months. At this time of year the island is wrapped in a pastel coloured blanket of blossom.
Like so many of the Mediterranean islands, Rhodes has also been seized by many foreign powers. After the Romans came the Byzantines, the Knights Hospitalers, the Ottomans and the Italians, before the Dodecanese were assigned to the Greek mainland in 1947. However, the inhabitants succeeded in retaining only the best characteristics from each invasion and visitors to this sunny island today will find a unique mixture of Byzantine churches, medieval fortresses, ancient temples and Ottoman Mosques. Put together with the varying landscape, it is this that gives the island its charm.