THE UNEXPECTED ISLANDS

Summer calls for the sea and, above all, adventure. What more iconic cradle than the Mediterranean? The coasts are tinged with proverbial dreamy colors and the climate suddenly becomes as gentle as the inlets it warms.?

Whether wild, sophisticated, lush or windswept, some islands emerge from the waters as shining landmarks, symbols of ancient gods and heroes, mysterious earthly paradises to be discovered.

Among the endless Mediterranean gems, EFNcommunication has chosen three less conventional panoramic visions: Malta, Ithaca and Rhodes. Although these islands embody three unique places, they have many aspects in common due to the fact that they have seen civilisations and cultures follow one another, meet and mingle, in the clearest examples and tales, but they also have unexplored horizons and fairytale narratives, which we have prepared for you in this short summer recap.

Malta: the fortress of the heart

Malta's history has ancient origins, shown by its strongholds, dating back to Phoenician times. This chivalrous island holds many secrets, made up of conflicts and successes, and symbolizes the strength of the human heart in the face of adversity. Just as Malta's solid walls have withstood the raging waves for centuries, travelers can perceive the inner strength of the island and its indomitable spirit. Stepping through the gates of Mdina takes you back to another era with the magic of the sage and golden city. Just a corner from Palazzo Bifora, hidden among the oldest alleys of the medieval city, you can admire the Baroque Church of the Carmelites, built between 1660 and 1675. Towards the sea, at Porto Grande, the island's natural harbor known as Port Il-Kbir, the “can’t miss” experience is a cruise with the Barklori' aboard the Luzzi, the typical Maltese fishing boats with their lucky eyes painted on the prow. Small, colorful and a long-standing symbol of Malta, they alternate between each other on the wood and water of the harbors, creating an unforgettable mix of colors, especially at sunrise and sunset. Back on dry land, one can wander the streets of Valletta, look out its wide windows and peep through its multicolored doors. It is one of the most important historical cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Malta and the closest island of Gozo are rare pearls that smell of spices, distant colors, and mysterious sculptures. They are sea towns that have seen experienced sea pirates land from the cold north as well as from the Far East.

Speaking of epochal, dangerous and adventurous voyages, we now have to go to Greece...

Ithaca: the journey of the soul

As you set out for Ithaka

hope your road is a long one,

full of adventure, full of discovery.

[...]May there be many summer mornings when,

with what pleasure, what joy,

you enter harbors you’re seeing for the first time;

may you stop at Phoenician trading stations

to buy fine things,

mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,

sensual perfume of every kind—

as many sensual perfumes as you can; [...]

Konstantinos Kavafis uses these poetic words to introduce you to Ithaca, the fertile and legendary island described in the Odyssey, which symbolizes the journey of the human soul in search of itself. Ulysses, the hero of multifaceted ingenuity, faces monsters and temptations in order to reach his homeland. Nowadays, travelers here can also venture on a profound journey. 'The journey to Ithaca' has become metaphorical, as each element along the way can become a symbol of a mythical elsewhere, worthy of a keen observer.?

Hidden among the olive groves, on the story trail of mysterious carvings and symbols, the ancient lion statues at Kioni reveal Ithaca's deep connection to ancient Greece. These majestic petrified creatures guard stories of power and protection through their enigma. The same can be said of the caves, veritable secret caverns carved into the rock, ancient shelters used by sailors, perhaps even Ulysses himself returning from the Trojan War, whose clear waters conceal silent wrecks and submerged ruins.

Finally, just as Ulysses succumbed to the allure of the sirens, so too we cannot fail to answer the call of the lighthouse of Ithaca, the guiding light for every sailor at sea.

We thus anticipate our last destination, once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world...

Rhodes: the light?

Rhodes is the pink island symbol of the sun. The mythical statue of Apollo guided sailors to safety at the harbor entrance, and was known as the Colossus of Rhodes.

Just as the light of Rhodes chases away the darkness of the night, travelers here are in search of their inner light, which is said to dispel uncertainties and fears.

The etymology of the name 'Rhodes' is fascinating, derived from the ancient Greek '??δο?' (Rhódos), but its exact origin is debated among scholars. According to one legend, the island of Rhodes was named after Rhodius, the legendary son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and Amphitrite, the goddess of the sea.?

Some scholars suggest, however, that the name 'Rhodes' may derive from the word 'rhoá,' which in ancient Greek means 'rosy' or 'pink,' referring to the color of the sunsets that dye the island's sky pink, making this destination a romantic and dreamy getaway.

The hospitality tip for this island is the Melenos Art Boutique Hotel in Lindos @melenoslindos.?

The history of the port of Mandráki, now the marina of Rhodes, and the story of the Colossus of Rhodes, is still shrouded in mystery, as ships and vessels from all over the world once passed under its ever-burning torch. Today, two imposing bronze statues stand on the columns at the entrance to the port, representing the legendary deer of Delphos, Elafos and Elafina.

According to myth, the goddess Artemis sent seven golden deer to the island as gifts to protect and bless the island of Rhodes. One of these deer was placed at the entrance to the harbor, while the others were located in strategic places on the island.?

Now it is a fascinating fusion of mythology, history and art, with tangible evidence of the island's rich cultural heritage.

The three islands of Malta, Ithaca and Rhodes teach us that travel and summer represent a journey of self-discovery, where courage, curiosity and adventure can offer the most unexpected itineraries.

What about you? Where are you going this summer?