Rhodes is well known as being the former home of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Colossus of Rhodes. This massive statue of the Greek Titan Helios was erected to celebrate Rhodes’ victory over Antigonus I Monophthalmus whose attemptet siege of Rhodes in 305BC proved unsucessful. The massive structure was erected between 292 and 280 BC and at that time was one of the tallest structures in the world. The site on which it stood, as well as other sections of ancient Rhodes have become one of the most popular destinations in Europe, large numbers of visiors flock to its Medieval old town, which is a World Heritage Site

Rhodes lies in close proximity to the other islands in the region, many of which are much much smaller and some of which are unhabited. Their seperation and somewhat isolation makes them well worth a visit. Many, even the smallest are studded with sites of historical interest. Interesting casltes, Byzantine Churches and other ancient ruins that dot their landscapes. Many boat tour operaters based in Rhodes offer boat trips to a number of these smaller islands. Often refreshments or barbeques are included in the price, the operator will often stop at beauty spots on the way so you’re able to go for a swim and explore the area better.

The weather on Rhodes is something upon which you can usually rely. It enjoys long, hot summers, where sunshine reigns and rainfall is rather unlikely. The main tourist season for the island is June to September during which time the average temperature is 28°C. Wind blowing over from the Sahara brings hot, dry air that often brings the temperature into the high 30s during July and August. So be sure to bring the sun cream! Temperatures rarely drop into single figures, even in the winter months. Although this is Rhodes wet season. The island see 60% of its annual rainfall between December and Febuary.

Photo by Alexander Saprykin/ flickr.com

Historically the Greek Islands have always been popular with Britons holidaying abroad, and this trend doesn’t look like changing. According to Sofia Panayiotaki, director of the UK and Ireland branch of the Greek National Tourism Organisation, beautiful landscapes, friendly people and competitive prices are drawing people back every year. Brits make up 20 percent of the Greek tourism market, with in total 60 to 70 million holidaymakers visiting Greece every year. There are also many holidaymakers from France, Italy, Germany and the US. Although Britons usually visit the Greek Islands of Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, due to the impact of the film Mamma Mia, more are now visiting the island of Skopelos where it was filmed. There are also more Britons taking city breaks in Greece than ever before. And hopefully these trends will continue!