Rhodes, Mediterranean island in Aegean Sea, Greece
Rhodes is an island in the southeastern Aegean Sea, part of the Dodecanese group in Greece. The coastline alternates between sandy and pebbly beaches, rocky coves, and steep cliffs, while the interior features forested hills, dry plateaus, and small villages.
In medieval times, the Knights Hospitaller took control of the island in the 14th century and fortified the main town with massive walls. After their rule, Rhodes passed to the Ottoman Empire, which remained until the early 20th century and shaped the island's architecture with new elements.
Local tavernas serve dishes shaped by Greek, Italian, and Turkish influences that have mixed over centuries. In the inland villages, people celebrate religious festivals throughout the year with processions, music, and communal meals in the village squares.
The airport is located near the northern coast and provides access to European cities, while ferry connections link the island to other Greek ports. Summer months bring many visitors and warm weather, while spring and autumn offer quieter conditions with milder temperatures.
On the western side, oriental sweetgum trees grow in a valley that attracts thousands of Jersey Tiger Moths between June and September. These moths rest during the day on tree trunks and form dense clusters before becoming active at dusk.
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