The Islands

Through the tourist season the island of Rhodes handles charter flights from more than 50 airports in Europe and the Middle East. Around 1,200,000 tourists pass through the island every year.

Today the population of the island is approximately 100,000, of whom about half reside in the City of Rhodes itself. The island has shown impressive population growth if one considers that immediately after the Second World War in 1947 its population was around 55,000. The rapid population increase is due to the development of tourism, which has created many employment opportunities in tourism and other businesses.

The economy of Rhodes is based on tourism, with about 80% of the local income generated directly or indirectly from activities serving the needs of tourists. In parallel, the island also has a well-developed agricultural industry, with significant levels of fruit and vegetable production as well as tree cultivation (oranges, tangerines, lemons, apricots). From the many vineyards come the grapes which provide the famous wines and Rhodian champagne. The island has also a tradition of folklore-art, with a rich and varied output of ceramics, carpets, embroideries and gold and silver jewellery.

The island fell to various conquerors until it was overrun by the Genoese in 1246 before passing to the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1306. The knights created fortifications in the City and at various other locations around the island to ward off their enemies, and they developed commercial ties between East and West. Turkish domination followed, lasting until 1912, when the island was occupied by the Italians. Rhodes was finally liberated in 1945 with the end of the Second World War and was incorporated into modern Greece.

As well as the sporting activities that take place on a local and national championship level, such as football, basketball, athletics, swimming, and sailing and which all have their own wonderful island settings, Rhodes has also established itself as a venue for various international events. There are, for example, the International Cycling Tour of Rhodes, the International Beach Volleyball Championships, international windsurfing competitions and the International Cultural Marathon. In addition, for the island visitor, there are opportunities and good facilities for other sporting activities: golf, tennis, cycling, horse riding, water sports and mountaineering.