Rhodes landscape_ green areas?

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<hr>there must be something in the landscape which attracts visitors to this land<hr></blockquote>

You said it yourself -
Old town, historical monuments, beaches.
There are also many villages [Lindos, Embonas, Kalathos, Arhangelos etc.,] worth discovering.
The landscape is the backdrop to this setting, and is mostly barren, although there is much greenery surrounding the old town in Rhodes, and within the new town as well.

If you visit in April-May Rhodes as well as the rest of Greece is green! Remember that you are in a diffenrent climate zone where the growth season is what is late winter in the more northern part of Europe.

Thanks dianab1, thanks Bjoern for your responses.

Yes - the villages! I'm sure these constitute a significant reason for visiting Rhodes - and other Greek islands too. I've also heard about the pine forests which you encounter if you travel a little in the inland direction. From what Bjoern is saying, May should be a good month. Actually others have commented on the flowers visible in Rhodes during spring, and that would be around April or May!

Is the sea water warm enough for swimming in May? Particularly on the east coast where, I understand, the sandy beaches are located?

Regards

Rhodes has an extended summer season, and mild winter. It experiences some of Greece's warmest temperatures thanks to its southern geographical position.
For myself, the water is too cold for swimming in May. It all depends on what you are accustomed to, and your preference [temps May = mid to high twenties approx]. Water temperature is still relatively cold, and heats up gradually. [Now for example, swimming is ideal, mid October].

Note that Embonas is located in a fertile mountainous area, within a forested region. One of Rhodes most traditional villages, famous for its wine production, and quite a numer of elderly residents still wear traditional dress.The National Cypress tree forest [more than 1 km in size], conserved by the government as a natural monument, and home to a wide species of flora/fauna is located next to the village.
Katavia village is located in a very fertile plain, and the provider of most of Rhodes' agricultural products [cattle, vegetables, cereals, grains]
The area surrounding the village of Arhangelos [particularly around the monastery] is situated in a pineforest
Monolithos/Salakos-situated amongst fertile hills [and olive trees.]
Psinthos- a beautiful village amongst plane trees.

Many thanks dianab1 for your very detailed description of the forested and green areas of Rhodes. Very good of you to take so much trouble! Best regards. Sumantra