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A World Heritage Site and officially the sunniest place in Europe, Rhodes is among the finest cities in the Mediterranean - historically known for its Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. An island of sun, sea, and sand, it is a hotspot for vacations combining the cosmopolitan character of a contemporary city with the quaint temperament of a medieval town. It is the third largest Greek island that was inhabited in the Neolithic period and twice occupied in the recent past by Muslims, including the Ottomans. What's also a noteworthy fact is that Rhodes was a successful Jewish community throughout much of its history, but when Nazi Germany occupied the island during World War II and placed most of the Jews in concentration camps, it was the Turkish consul general who intervened to save a number of them. Today, the Rhodes Jewish Museum retains a history of the community and would be of immense interest to Jews and scholars alike.

There is a Rhodes Old Town and a Rhodes New Town. The latter appears to be an utterly modern city. The former is enveloped by medieval walls that have seven gates, each of which grants you entry into a separate world altogether. With tourist shops, restaurants, cafes, and museums, the Old Town still looks and feels like a Turkish bazaar rather than a Greek city.

Some of the most intriguing places for children are the Valley of the Butterflies and the Rhodes Ostrich Farm and Park filled with many fascinating animals besides over 120 ostriches. At one time, Rhodes was notorious for its nightlife. Nowadays it is disciplined in terms of the behavior of young people. Faliraki was and is one of the most popular hangouts for people out to party at night.

Shopping in Rhodes is comparable to shopping in Athens; and an impressive place to buy music is the Manuel Music centre. All things considered, Rhodes is a superb tourist city mixing all the ingredients for an ideal vacation. Even if you're a timeless traveled from the past, once you're there, you will find yourself reflecting: 'I've come to the right place at the right time.'

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