Rhodes is the biggest of the islands in the Dodecanese and the fourth largest island in Greece. It lies in the south-east corner of the Aegean Sea, just off the coast of Asia Minor. The so-called "Pearl of the Mediterranean" is of great interest both for its natural beauty and for its archaeological treasures, so much so that Rhodes has recently been proclaimed a world cultural heritage monument by UNESCO. At the same time Rhodes is also considered to be the most cosmopolitan resort in the Mediterranean.
The island of Rhodes is marked by striking contrasts in landscape: picturesque beaches (several parts of the island boast very long sandy beaches); exotic landscapes, rocky or fertile soil with olive groves; heavenly lagoons, green peninsulas, and several scattered fishing villages. These are some of the favourite sights of Rhodes that contribute to its unique natural beauty.
Rhodes is also well known for its climate. It enjoys what is perhaps one of the best subtropical Mediterranean climates with over 300 days and more than 3,000 hours of sunshine each year. Its light rainy season is normally confined to the period between November and March.