Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in terms of both land area and population, situated in eastern Aegean Sea. This Greek island lies approximately 18 kilometres to the west of the Turkish shores, situated between the Greek mainland and the island of Cyprus.

The island of Rhodes is shaped like a spearhead, 79.7 kilometres long and 38 kilometres wide with a total area of approximately 1,400.684 square kilometres and a coastline of approximately 220 kilometres. The city of Rhodes is located at the far northern end of the island, including the site of the ancient and modern commercial harbour. The main air gateway (Diagoras International Airport) is located 14 kilometres to the south west of the city in Paradisi. The road network radiates from the city along the east and west coasts. The interior of the country is mountainous, sparsely inhabited and covered with forests of Pine and Cypress. Mount Attavyros, at 1,216 metres, is the island's highest point of elevation. While the shores are stony, the island has arable strips of land where citrus fruit, wine grapes, vegetables, olives and other crops are grown.

Outside of the city of Rhodes, the island is dotted with small villages and beach resorts, among them Faliraki, Lindos, Kremasti, Haraki, Pefkos, Archangelos, Afandou, Koskinou, Embona (Attavyros), Paradisi, and Trianta (Ialyssos). Tourism is the island's primary source of income. Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today Rhodes is a major international tourist destination.