The Island of Rhodes is the capital of Dodecanese and also the central office of the Prefecture of Dodecanese. The economy of Rhodes is geared towards tourism. Around 77.8 percent of the island’s annual GNP is covered by tourism and commerce, while only 5.5 percent is agriculture and 16.7 percent is covered by manufacture. Rhodes also covers 57.4 percent of the total number of tourist accommodation, and 66 percent of total tourist movement in the Greece. Nevertheless, the current economic situation of Rhodes is very different from the way it used to be.

Rhodes was once one of the finest, economically and politically powerful cities in the Europe. In antiquity, Rhodes was the center of learning and education. The ships of Rhodes roved into the Mediterranean, seafaring and commercial activities provided the island with wealth. Rhodes flourished tremendously until the Roman times, when the Roman annexed Rhodes and turned it into a free port. It also became target of piracy and foreign attacks. Also because of various political conflicts and war, most of the infrastructures of the Rhodes were destroyed. The Balkan Wars and Second World War were extremely destructive to the economy of Rhodes.

This tumultuous history of Rhodes intrigues tourists from all across the globe. People are particularly attracted to the natural beauty and historical memories which emanates in the Island of Rhodes. Moreover, with the incorporation of Greece into the European Union, the country’s economy has been developing tremendously. During the third quarter of 2006, Greece experienced a 4.4 percent growth rate in its GDP. There was also a marked reduction in unemployment, significant reform made in the social security, further privatization of the public sector, as well as decrease in certain bureaucratic inefficiencies.

As a matter of fact, the per capita income of Rhodes increased by 41 percent compared to the national average of 20 percent. Thus it can be expected that we will see a more prosperous Rhodes in the near future. Rhodes’ former grandiosity and beauty will be restored.

About ten kilometers northeast from the city of Rhodes, lays the beach of Kalithea. It is famous for its hot medicinal springs initially built by Italians. Adding to its postcard perfect scenery is the emerald waters that seem to beckon anybody to relax and let go of the worries in the world. Another part of is charm are the buildings made under the influence of Arabic architecture.