Nanomechanical Testing in Materials Research and Development X
Venue Information
The island of Rhodes, part of the Dodecanese (twelve) Islands, is the farthest group of Greek islands from the Greek mainland and closest to Turkey. It is the 9th largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. Historically, these islands flourished independently until they were conquered by Alexander the Great. Mentioned in the Bible, these islands were visited by St. Paul and St. John and their inhabitants were some of the first Greek Christians. The Crusaders came in the 14th century and built fortified castles from which they fought their holy war. The Ottomans ousted them in the 16th century, granting them special concessions. In 1912 Italy seized Rhodes from the Ottomans during the Italo-Turkish War. Mussolini started a program of Italianization, including laws that forbade any dealings with Jews. They were occupied by Italy from 1912 to 1943. In 1943 Germany began an occupation and in 1945 the Germans surrendered Rhodes to the British who occupied the islands as a military protectorate. At the Paris Peace Treaties, Rhodes and the other islands of the Dodecanese wee united with Greece in 1947.
Because of this history their architecture ranges from classical ruins, Crusader castles, Ottoman mosques, and Mussolini-styled governmental buildings.
Rhodes is the tourism capital of the Dodecanese. The east coast has sandy beaches while the west coast has jagged cliffs; the center of the islands have green mountains.
Founded in 408 BC by the unification of three city-states, the city of Rhodes has been the island’s capital for over 21 centuries. The architect Hippodamos designed the city, considered to be one of the ancient world’s most beautiful.
Historically, Rhodes was famous for the Colossus of Rhodes (a statue of the sun god, Helios, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. At 33 meters in height, it was the tallest statue in the ancient world. It was destroyed by an earthquake in 226 BC.
The city of Rhodes is divided into two districts: The New Town that stretches to the north and west and the Old Town which is below it and within the medieval fortress walls. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Resort
The Sheraton Rhodes Resort (Ialyssos Avenue South Aegean, Rhodes, Greece, 85100) is ideally situated in a key spot in Ixia area, just 4 km away from the Medieval town of Rhodes and 9 km away from the international airport.
The hotel is located in an area of natural beauty and has approximately 400 rooms, a fitness center, three outdoor pools, squash, tennis and basketball courts. There is exclusive beach access that is easily accessible via an underground passageway.
The meeting area has a large ballroom with natural daylight and also outdoor terraces for coffee breaks.
The hotel’s Kids Club has age-appropriate experiences for children.
The Chanti Spa offers a full range of treatments with natural indigenous ingredients that have been used in Greece for centuries.
Transportation Information
Rhodes International Airport (RHO)
Rhodes International Airport "Diagoras", or Diagoras International Airport, is located on the West side of the island of Rhodes in Greece. The facility is located just north of the village Paradeisi, about 14 km southwest of the capital city, Rhodes; it is approximately 12-15 km (6 miles) from the Sheraton Rhodes Resort.
Ground Transportation
By Taxi (or pre-booked Private Transfer)
A private transfer or airport taxi is the easiest way to reach the hotel, as it takes you directly to the resort's entrance without stops. Cost is estimated at €16 - €25 for a standard airport taxi, or approximately €50 for premium private services.
- Pre-book Taxi Service with Taxi Rhodes or Rhodes Taxi
- Queue for a tax at the designated rank outside the terminal.
Uber
The Uber app is fully functional on the island, however it dispatches regular local taxi drivers rather than independent Uber drivers. Due to strict local regulations, there is often a higher minimum fare and pricing framework for Uber bookings in Rhodes, making it less cost-effective for very short trips.
Public Bus (RODA)
Budget-friendly and reliable for connecting Rhodes Town, Faliraki, Lindos, and the airport. West coast and city routes are operated by RODA (while east coast villages are served by KTEL). Cost is estimated at $1-3 per person with 10 stops between the airport and the hotel.