The Greek island of Rhodes is a familiar favourite with holidaymakers attracted by its sun, sand and clear blue sea. However, it has a lot more to offer, with its whitewashed homes and churches, olive groves and rich history stretching back millennia.

Situated in the Aegean Sea, just to the west of Turkey, the largest of the Dodecanese islands is believed to be the sunniest place in the Europe. With a population of around 130,000, of which around half live in the city of Rhodes, the mountainous island is just 80 km long and 38 km wide.

The third largest Greek island, Rhodes has been inhabited since the Neolithic period and was settled by the Minoan civilisation in the 16th century BC. The island has been held by the Persians, the Athenians, the empire of Alexander the Great, the Roman Empire, under which it become a major centre for learning, Byzantium, the Ottoman Empire, Italy and Greece.

The city of Rhodes is the capital of the District of the Dodecanese, a Unesco World Heritage Site and was one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World. It has been a major commercial harbour for several thousand years and was a leading light in the ancient fields of philosophy and science.

The small city to the north of the island is a picturesque medieval town and has a staggering collection of architecture in a variety of styles, with Latin, Byzantine and Turkish styles on display in its charming streets. Tourists can browse the impressive Palace of the Grand Masters, meander around the city walls and visit the fascinating Archaeological Museum, amongst other treasures.

The resort of Lindos on the east side of the island has an ancient Acropolis, later built into a castle, and some pretty churches and medieval buildings. On the west side of Rhodes lively party resorts such as Faliraki, mix with the old world charm of Trianta and the Doric sites of Ialissos and Kameiros.

The interior of Rhodes consists of forest-covered mountains with few inhabitants. Tourism is the island's major source of income and most settlements are situated on the extensive coastline. However, Mount Attavyros (1,215m), the island's highest point of elevation, the acropolis of ancient Ialyssos, the delightful Butterfly Valley and the stunning Byzantine monastery of Tharri are all inland.

Food and drink are plentiful, generally good value and often excellent across Rhodes, with all tastes catered for - from fast food and karaoke bars, to fashionable nightclubs and upscale restaurants. Accommodation tends to be basic, clean and comfortable and is plentiful most of the year, except in high season.

Winter in Rhodes is cool, while temperatures in the middle of summer soar as high as 40C. The best months to visit are spring and autumn when the weather is warm and mild.

Rhodes is served by an international airport and many holiday companies offer package deals to the island. Many of the resorts are charming, with extensive amenities and excellent beaches and it is tempting to remain there. However, Rhodes has a great deal to offer to travellers choosing to explore.