Bordeaux-Merignac Airport

Legend has it that the Greek god Apollo discovered Rhodes. A little more ordinarily, there is evidence to suggest that the island was besieged by the Dorians around 1100 BC. As the main island of the Dodecanese archipelago in the Aegean Sea, Rhodes lies between Crete and Turkey. Measuring 77 by 35 kilometres, the island enjoys a temperate climate and is an essential port of call between Greece, the Levant and Egypt. A thriving trade port, the island is dotted with famous monuments and shrines left by its successive inhabitants, including Greeks, Romans, Saracens, the Knights of Saint John, the Turks and Italians. The Greek island is now home to just 120,000 inhabitants, including 60,000 in the main town of Rhodes.

Born out of the union between Greek god Helios and mythical nymph Rhoda according to Greek legend, Rhodes (or "Rodos") is a sun-drenched island boasting over 300 days of sunshine a year. With a multitude of hotels, restaurants and an international airport, the island is heavily geared towards tourism and highlighting its striking attractions. Listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, the old town boasts countless monuments, many of which are virtually still intact such as the medieval city and fortified walls erected by the Knights of Saint John. Also worth visiting are the Palace of the Grand Masters, the Mosque of Süleyman converted from a church in 1523 and Ippokratus Square. Ancient historical sites also remain to the East of the island in Kamiros, known as the Pompei of Rhodes. The beaches of Rhodes town, Kallithéas, Tsampika and Kremasti are some of the most stunning to be found along the Aegean Sea, offering clear blue waters and a wide range of water sports. If you look closely, you may even spot a mermaid...

For a comprehensive guide to this destination, visit rhodes.world-guides.com

• Time difference:  Greece is 1 hour ahead of France
• Currency:  Euro
• Contacts and useful links:  

  Ministry of Foreign Affairs

  Greek Embassy