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Rhodes is one of the largest islands in the Aegean and the largest in terms of population and area of the Dodecanese complex. It is situated 11 N.M. opposite the Asia Minor's coast. Tremendous geological shifts broke up the once united Asia Minor, Balkan and island landmass. On the one hand great upheavals and on the other the submerging of landmasses bring forth the island of Rhodes and at the same time justify Pindar's history. At some point in time (in a distant cosmogonic epoch) Rhodes arose out of the waters of the Aegean like a miracle of natural beauty and euphoria.

The island is 77 kilometres in length and 35 kilometres wide. The population of Rhodes, according to the census of 1991, is 98,181 persons. The tallest peak is that of Attaviros (1215 metres) and is found towards the middle of the northwestern side. The mountain is known from ancient times because of the temple dedicated to Attaviros Zeus that was situated there. Other mountains include Prophet Elias (800 metres), Akramitis (823 metres)-that seems to be the continuation of Mt. Attaviros-Koumoulli, Paradisi, Filerimos etc.

Towards the coastline, there are plains joining the picturesque valleys with running water and rich vegetation that open up between mountain peaks. In the interior of the island, small tablelands are densely planted with olive trees and fruit bearing trees, while the gentle hillsides are suitable for a variety of agricultural cultivation.

The ground of Rhodes is especially fertile and its crops, such as cereals, oil, wine, garden vegetables and fruits, are famous from ancient times.

Rhodes has rich maritime formations. From the southern end, where the cape of Prasonisi is located-the ancient "Mnasorion"-till the city of Rhodes, that is located in the northernmost end, picturesque bays, gulfs, capes, sandy beaches and natural harbours compose an impressive "necklace" of natural variety, characteristic to the Aegean area. Beaches like Trianta, Kamiros, Apollakia, Plimmyri, Lardos, Lindos, Vlyha, Haraki, Archangelos, Afantou, Kallithies etc, cannot be easily found in other areas.

The climate of Rhodes is one of the most temperate in the world and its atmosphere has a unique clarity. Pindar was surely inspired from the pure blue skies to write the myth of the golden rain that waters Rhodes. From Homer up until today, poets, geographers, travellers and lovers of Greece of all ages have praised Rhodes.

The idyllic nature, the wonderful climate, with its almost permanent sunshine, the waters, the vegetation, the marvellous monuments of previous civilisations, the folk traditions that survive, together with the transport networks (land, sea and air) and the impressive tourist infrastructure have given Rhodes a unique charm, which is exactly what the contemporary tourist is seeking for. The tourist industry, whose foundations had been erected from the time of the Italian occupation, saw great development during the post-war period. Thus, Rhodes has developed into one of the most important tourist centres in the Mediterranean.

Attempting a brief tour of the island, beginning with the city of Rhodes (where the central authorities of the Dodecanese Province are situated), we quickly come to the realisation that it is worthy of both its fame and tradition. Rhodes is able to combine its natural beauty with wonderful buildings and monuments. It also combines in harmony the architectural inheritance of past times with the demands of a contemporary city.

The "Old Town" of Rhodes with its picturesque town planning is of special interest. It is actually a live museum for historical architectural monuments. Apart from the Medieval fortifications, that is surely the most impressive structure of Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master stands out as do many other structures, such as the Knight's Road, the Museum, the Virgin of the Burgh, the mosque of Suleiman, the Clock, the d'Amboise gate etc.

Outside the walls, another place of interest is Monte Smith-the Ancient Acropolis as it is known today-where the ruins of the ancient temples dedicated to "Polieos" Zeus, "Poliada" Athena and "Pythios" Apollo, together with the site of the ancient stadium, are found.

Buildings of the Turkish rule include (except the churches): the Venetokleon High school, the "Astiki" School, the Kazoulion Girls' School, the Amarantios School, the Metropolitan's mansion and others.

Many buildings of the Italian occupation are also impressive, such as: the Prefecture mansion, the church of the Annunciation, the National Theatre, the Town Hall building, the Post-Office, the "Aktaion", the Bank of Greece, the New Market, the Diagoras Stadium, the Pedagogical Academy, the Orphanage for girls, the old Hospital, the "Elli", the hotel "The Rhodon" etc.

A building frenzy has occurred in the city of Rhodes parallel to the commercial and tourist development and the settlement of people from other islands, continuing unabated from the independence of Rhodes till today. This building development has provided Rhodes with luxurious hotels and accommodations and so today's city has expanded far beyond the boundaries of the ancient city.

The park of Rodini is of exceptional beauty and is found in the suburb of the same name. It has idyllic natural vegetation and plenty of running water and was the site for the ancient Rhetorical School, which was established, according to tradition, by Aischines.

Along the western coast of the island, on the plain upon which the ancient settlement of Ialyssos was found lies today's city of the same name. It boasts plenty of hotel accommodation and tourist infrastructures. Archaeological excavations have brought to light ancient cemeteries and other ruins, while on top of Mt. Filerimos-the ancient Acropolis-the remnants of ancient temples are preserved.

At the village of Kremasti there is the beautiful church of Our Lady "Panagia", where a famous festival takes place from the 15th to the 23rd of August. Many people from all over Rhodes attend this celebration. Continuing along the same direction and after the village of Paradisi, we meet the Valley of the Butterflies. This is a lush green ravine, where countless butterflies gather and constitutes one of the most remarkable sites of the island. The river that flows through the valley originates from Mt. Kalopetra, where there is an old renowned monastery dedicated to Virgin Mary. A picturesque chapel, which celebrates on the 30th of July, is dedicated to St. Silas and belongs to the village of Soroni.

In the region of ancient Kamiros, archaeological excavations brought to light rich cemeteries dating from pre-historic times, as well as important monuments of the classical period such as sanctuaries, dwellings, statues, reliefs and inscriptions etc.

Lindos is located along the eastern coast of the island, 50 km from the town of Rhodes, and it is the only one of the three cities that has continued to be inhabited throughout all epochs. Its impressive Acropolis with the multitude of ancient monuments, the Byzantine Church and medieval dwellings in combination with the natural beauty of the area, all make Lindos an exceptional tourist destination.

Medieval forts and other ruins are scattered throughout the entire expanse of the island. The ancient sanctuaries and the impressive Christian monuments, such as the old monasteries and picturesque chapels, outline the history and culture of the lengthy human journey upon this land. The Christian monuments of Rhodes which are comprise of innumerable chapels and monasteries, such as Kalopetra, "Panagia"-Our Lady Skiadeni, Panagia"-Our Lady Tsambika, St. Silas, and "Panagia"-Our Lady of Filerimos remain as places of pilgrimage up until today.

The beaches are perfect for the enjoyment of water sports, while picturesque hills and mountains invite nature lovers. The infrastructure for tourism on Rhodes is already of a high standard and is continuously expanding and improving.

Today Rhodes is divided into the following administrative Municipalities:

1. Rhodes, includes the city of Rhodes.
2. Archangelos (seated in Archangelos), includes the former communities of Archangelos, Malona and Masari.
3. Attaviros (seated in Embona), includes the former communities of St. Isidoros, Embona, Kritinia, Monolithos and Sianna.
4. Afantou (seated in Afantou), includes the former communities of Afantou and Archipolis.
5. Ialysos, includes the former community of Ialysos (Trianta).
6. Kalithea (seated in Faliraki), includes the former communities of Kalithea, Koskinou and Psinthos.
7. Kamiros (seated in Soroni), includes the former communities of Soroni, Apollona, Dimylia, Kalavarda, Platania, Salakos and Fanes.
8. Lindos (seated in Lindos), includes the former communities of Lindos, Kalathos, Laerma, Lardos and Pylona.
9. Southern Rhodes (seated in Gennadi), includes the former communities of Gennadi, Apolakia, Arnitha, Asklipio, Vati, Istrios, Kattavia, Lahania, Mesanagros and Profilia.

Butterfly (seated in Kremasti), includes the former communities of Kremasti, Damatria, Theologos, Maritsa, Paradisi and Pastida.