Scattered about the Aegean and Mediterranean waters surrounding the Greek mainland are islands with names both exotic and familiar: Crete, where the Minoan culture thrived as early as 2000 BC; Santorini, gem of the Cyclades archipelago; and Mykonos, with its distinctive whitewashed windmills. All offer pristine, sun-drenched enclaves with wonderful cuisine, timeless history and miles of beaches waiting to be explored. A visit to Rhodes reveals the history of the Crusades, the Knights Templar and a host of lesser-known ancient cultures.