Rhodes' history begins long ago in the mist of mythology. According to the myth, Zeus decided to apportion the islands of Greece to the other Gods. The Sun God Helios selected Rhodes, while it emerged from the azure blue sea, flooded it with his light and made it the most beautiful islands. The name Rhodes was chosen after the nymph Rhode (the daughter of Aphrodite) with whom Helios felt in love.
Coveted down through the ages, primarily for its strategic position, Rhodes has been conquered by a host of invaders. Influences by civilizations of the Continent and by those of the Orient have resulted in a colorful history for the 600 - square mile island.
Daring adventure, treachery, envy, barbarity, compassion and romance have all been part of her chapters in the annals of time.
Rhodes stretches 45 miles from north to south and 20 miles across its broadest points east and west. Prime attention for visitors is centered on the northern tip where is the city of Rhodes that includes the walled "lived - in" medieval city within its boundaries.
Much of the "Old Town" of Rhodes that enchants visitors today was laid out and built by the architect Hippodamus in the 5th century B.C. Hippodamus, originally from Asia Minor, had won fame as the builder and decorator of Piraeus, the seaport of Athens.
This resort island today does enjoy a most favorable climate, what with the cooling winds from the north blowing across during the summer months and the warming breezes from African deserts in the winter time. There is no winter as such, and an overcoat is distinctly excess baggage at any time. Rhodes is officially "blessed" with 3,250 hours of sunshine a year, for an average of nine hours a day.
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