17/04/2012
Over 300 days of sunshine per year, Rhodes is officially the sunniest place in Europe. Its overwhelming natural beauty and the significant marks of history are only two of the reasons that make the island so special.
Overview.
Rhodes is a lively island all year round. Apart from several tourist resorts, nothing closes in the winter. The island awaits you at all times of the year, each of the four seasons with a distinctive and separate character.
Population.
Rhodes has a population of around 100.000. Among the locals there are people from all areas of Greece, students of Rhodes University and various nationalities, who chose the island to be their home. Each of them, with different culture and traditions, add to the special and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Rhodes.
Lifestyle.
People in Rhodes have a wide variety of lifestyle; from living a luxurious and expensive one to experiencing the simple and rural life. And when the time comes, the modern world and amenities are just around the corner.
Costs & Safety.
With low cost of living in most areas, the friendly and hospitable locals are ready to teach you how to enjoy the simple things in life and a natural environment. In Rhodes your stress level will drop and your enjoyment of life will rise. Low crime rates. According to statistics, Rhodes is one of the safest places to live and enjoy a quality life, with a practically zero crime rate.
Beauty, Culture & History.
Rhodes Island is a place where you can still find unique, untouched beaches and the sea is crystal clear. Apart from that there are many unique landmarks on Rhodes, such as the unique Medieval Old Town (designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site), the town of Lindos, one of the most picturesque locations in Greece, the eco-park of the Valley of the Butterflies that attracts thousands of butterflies and the Seven Springs with seven trickling streams that flow into a lake. Landscape contrasts, from rocky wild scenery to lush green valleys, make the island quite special and an inspiration for classic and modern artists.
History.
The geographical location is only one of the reasons making Rhodes a target of many aspiring empires over the years. Ottomans, Romans, Byzantines, The Knights of St. John - literally, the foundations of world history have all left behind their distinct landmarks, making Rhodes an unrivalled resort that combines the cosmopolitan life of Europe with the mysteries of the East.
Activities.
A gastronome's paradise, Rhodes offers a wealth of choices for dining out. Rhodian cuisine is renowned for its combination of fresh local products and ingredients, pure olive oil, fresh vegetables, traditional recipes and imagination. Rhodes offers a wide variety of cuisine to satisfy every taste, from traditional village tavernas to high-class sophisticated restaurants, offering authentic and international specialties.
Shopping.
The cosmopolitan character of Rhodes is also well reflected in its shopping. You will find virtually anything, from boutiques offering internationally well-known fashion designers to Marks & Spencer and BHS. Handicrafts and folk art are also in abundance. You will meet craftsmen at various locations producing colourful ceramics, hand-carved wood and weaving, knitting and hand-made jewellery.
Nightlife.
We could not omit mentioning the cosmopolitan nightlife of Rhodes, for it is very likely that during the hours of darkness the international sparkle really shines. The island offers entertainment to suit all tastes and desires, from alfresco relaxing bars, lively nightclubs and discos with international music to cafe bars, typical Greek hot spots with live bouzouki music and even a luxurious casino.
Events.
The most highly anticipated events of the year are the Cultural Events organised each summer by the municipality of Rhodes Town (July through September). Events include various concerts, art exhibitions and theatre performances, with important participants from Greece and all over the world. More traditional events and festivals can be experienced during the plethora of religious festivities celebrated on the island.
Hobbies.
Further, there are various activity clubs to join. From bridge, chess, dance, winter swimming and fine arts, to some of the charity clubs active on the island.
Sports.
Sports enthusiasts will not be disappointed, with a variety of gymnasiums, horse riding clubs, an 18-hole, par-72 championship golf course, tennis courts, squash, football and basketball courts, paragliding, jet-skiing, bowling and, for the more adventurous, even scuba diving and flight schools, windsurfing and kiteboarding to name a few.
