Walking Tours in Rhodes island
It is time to escape from the conventional tourist models and let us show you the hidden beauty of Rhodes island. It is well known how unique our island is, however some people who visit Rhodes don’t know much about our natural paths in the forests and the culture of our villages. DnD Travel and the cooperating partners are always available to show you this magic, as our fully qualified licensed tourist guides work with a lot of passion to show you their love about this emerald island.
You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream and sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least one liter of water.
You won’t need to bring a large amount of food, however, certainly bring some. This is the sort of walk where you might bring some snacks and fruit. There is a shop in the village and on route near the seaside. Be prepared as they close early in October for the winter. The best rule of thumb is always to come prepared for a walk with some spare food.
There will be plenty of stops and breaks, not a lot of shade on this route. Wear suitable clothes to protect yourself from the sun, sun hat, long sleeved top and trousers are advisable.
Duration = 4 hours
This walk has some rough terrain, but is mostly on paths, crossing over an open mountain side which leads into a narrow valley. From the valley, more vegetation is seen and as we cross over onto the other side of the mountain, we walk through pine trees. Returning along the coast, we make our way down into picturesque Lindos for the remainder of the day where you can visit the Acropolis and meander through the narrow streets where people easily get lost. The village was purposely built to disorientate any invaders.
You will require adequate foot wear for walking on these paths, walking boots are advisable. We suggest that you wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack or similar, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least two liters of water.
You should bring sufficient food and water (2 liters) to last the day. This route takes approx. 5hrs; the best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food and water spare.
There are no seating areas on this route. Our walking leaders know the route well and can usually find good stops with shade and/or good views.
Duration = 3 ~ 4 hours
Trickling streams, rustic bridges and the scent of pine and a lake feeding the spring that’s named Efta Piges (Seven Springs), our walk starts from the village of Archangelos. The tarmac road gives way to a dirt track that winds its way through land which bears fruit trees in fenced areas and then opens up to pine trees and olive groves. As we approach Seven Springs the pine trees become more dense and the evidence of water is apparent. Cool your feet, take off your walking boots and walk through an underground tunnel that runs under a wooded hill to feed the lake. The return to Archangelos take us on an alternative route with a contrasting landscape.
You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least one liter of water.
You will not need to bring a large amount of food, however, certainly bring some. This is the sort of walk where you might bring some snacks and fruit. There is a tavern on route where you can get food and drink. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.
As this is a shorter walk, we will generally stop for several shorter breaks over the course of the walk rather than a long lunch stop. Our walk leaders know the best places to stop for example where there is shade or a good view. Throughout the day, there is plenty of opportunity to stop for a rest, to admire the view or to take photos.
Duration = 3 ~ 4 hours
This walk starts at Mandraki Harbour where there are deer statues on either side of the harbour. We continue into the old (medieval) town, a protected heritage site which is a labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways..
From the old town we will walk through the new town up to the hill of Agios Stefanos (Monte Smith) and then to the amphitheater.
From here we could go to Ialyssos – one of the 3 oldest cities in Rhodes – on the slopes of Mt Filerimos where we shall walk to see the Church of our Lady Filerimos and the Doric Fountain exposed during a landslide in 1926.
Good sturdy approach shoes or walking sandals would do for this walk, but we do advise to wear walking boots if you intend to walk all day. A small ruck sack is handy for keeping essentials like water, snacks, cameras etc. Sun hat and appropriate clothes to protect yourself from the sun is advisable.
Water and snacks should be taken on this walk, there will be plenty of shops and taverns on this walk.
There are plenty of opportunities for stops and breaks, if you are interested in history and buildings don’t forget your camera.
Duration = 4 hours
Starting below the impressive Kritinia Castle, the first part of our walk takes us into some of the most fertile farmland of Rhodes. It can come as quite a surprise, after having walked or driven through the pine forests and Mediterranean shrubland found on much of Rhodes, to find yourself walking through fields filled with a huge variety of different fruit and vegetables. Every time we visit Kritinia we enjoy discovering this seasonal products as we walk up through the valley.
As we approach the head of the valley, we start seeing signs of Kritinia village and reach the outskirts at an old church. Kritinia is a real locals village, most likely the old men will be sitting in the shade putting the world to rights. Here is an opportunity to have a coffee and experience an alternative part of Rhodes. Having explored the village our walk takes us down the valley for a good lunch spot. Your guide will help explain the options available for the optimum combination of view, shade and seating comfort.
At this point, there is a choice of route available that depends on how adventurous you are feeling. Firstly the easy way, we can stick to the farm tracks and explore the valley. Secondly, we have discovered a route that follows a stream bed; however, due to minimal traffic it can be a little overgrown. If you are prepared for a bit of bush-whacking (long-trousers recommended) then you have the opportunity to discover a really wild “jungle” and get an insight into how we find the walks you enjoy. Either way the paths meet up again a little further down the valley.
Our path now leads on towards the coast, that has so far been a wide and fertile agricultural valley which becomes steepen and narrow. We skirt down the edge of this gorgeous valley feature on a superb single-track path. This path takes us all the way to the coast and to a special little place you can only discover by coming on the walk.
Single-track leads uphill from here skirting cliffs in magnificent position with great views. Over the top of the hill, we pass a bizarrely positioned tennis court before finishing at the castle.
You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses as the sun is often strong here in the valleys. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least two litres of water. A pair of walking poles can be helpful and we have these available to hire or buy if you feel you need them. A camera is also recommended.
We will stop for a pack lunch on route and will likely snack along the way. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.
We can stop at any time on the walk for rests and picture etc. Generally, we will just stop for lunch on this route but is convenient to stop for a drink in Kritinia and there are a couple of other excellent places for a break later in the walk. Our walking leaders know the route well and can usually find good stops with shade and/or good views.
Duration = 5 hours
This is an excellent, well-rounded walk that combines the lure of a summit with satisfying walking on forest paths and a real feeling of being away from it all.
This walk gets the majority of the ascent for the day out of the way early on when it is that bit cooler. We take a series of single-track switchbacks up the southern mountainside in among the pine forest. Occasional breaks in the trees provide great views down the western coast to the south and welcome opportunities for a breather.
Above the tree line, the route finds its way through tortured limestone pavement to a col, giving the first views of the coast to the north. Further on up the ridge, we reach the summit with spectacular 360-degree views. You can see many of the other mountains of Rhodes from this vantage point and get a feel for this western side of the island, which is more remote and distinctly different to the more developed eastern side.
From the summit, we descend the northern side of the ridge that runs roughly east to west into what from many angles resembles a volcanic caldera. This turns out to be a wide gully between two ridgelines.
A pleasant forest track leads us to our lunch stop at an old chapel, which boasts a well and resident Geckos! Suitably refreshed, a descent through trees leads past the remains of long abandoned dwellings and upland pastures. Depending on the time of year and the keenness of your eyes we might find wild flowers, praying mantis or stick insects.
Skirting around the ridge line affords some marvelous views before moving back over to the southern side of the ridge for a gentle decent to a bar and the necessary cold refreshment! If time allows we can sometimes include and extra treat at the end of this walk (you will have to join us to find out what it is!).
This is a mountain walk and you will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses as the sun will be as strong on the mountain as in the valleys but the cool air disguises its effect . You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least two liters of water; there are no shops on route to buy food and water. A pair of walking poles can be helpful and we have these available to hire or buy if you feel you need them.
There will be one meal stops on this route. It is important to bring sufficient food to keep you going for the day. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.
There will be many stops allowing to take on water and one meal break, there are many photo opportunities which will not be passed.
Duration = 5 hours
Terrain includes dirt tracks, some uneven ground, a sandy beach and a steep uphill track section at the end of the walk, this walk starts off in the village of Archangelos, where the tracks and paths lead you out of the town and into open country side and onward to the coast.Then at the coast line you will enjoy stunning views up and down the east coast of Rhodes, you meander through a mixture of open sandy paths, dirt tracks, and pine trees which will then lead you down to Tsambika beach.
Lunch is taken at the far end of Tsambika beach, just before the climb up to monastery. You will take a small track up the cliff side (not dangerous) and this brings you out at the foot of the 309 steps that lead up to the monastery itself. Tsambika Monastery was built around the 11th century on the summit of a 300 meter high cliff which commands beautiful views of the surrounding area. It has an 11th century icon of the Blessed Virgin inside and legend has it that the icon was found by a childless and infertile couple who later conceived a child. So leading to the legend that a childless women who wish to conceive, should walk bare foot up the mountain to pray to the Virgin, she will then blessed them to have children in the future. Once you have enjoyed the monastery you return to the restaurant for refreshments and the transport home.
You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least one liters of water.
You won’t need to bring a large amount of food, however, certainly bring some. This is the sort of walk where you might bring some snacks and fruit. There are Cantinas on Tsambika Beach on route. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.
There will be plenty of opportunities for stops and breaks on this route, there is not a lot of shade in the first half of the walk so you should protect yourself from the sun, with a sun hat and long sleeve tops and trousers.
Duration = 4 hours
As you approach the start and end point of this mountain walk you may notice the Italian influence on the architecture of this quiet mountain village. We begin with a short walk along a road out of the village heading towards the grand ridge line of Profitis Ilias, the most forested of the top five tallest mountains on Rhodes. The first part of the walk begins with lazy zigzag pathways up through olives groves and then into forests of Kermes oaks. These zigzags provide a pleasant way to gain height up the mountain offering shade from the sun and an easy angle. Periodic breaks in the trees give excellent photo opportunities and good excuses for a rest, with views of the wooded countryside composed of olive groves and orchards of oranges and lemons.
After a while the angle levels off and a well situated bench is discovered. From here it is common to be able to see Turkey.
From here a meter wide cobbled path leads into a pine forest and a picnic area but a better lunch stop lies further on. A short climb and minor detour finds us at a magnificently situated chapel, built on a rocky outcrop jutting from the hillside. You will come across many small chapels such as this on Rhodes and while some are family owned most, such as this one are left open and you can go in and admire this Greek Orthodox chapel.
A track leads back through the pine forest to two hotels of historic significance. They were originally built by the Italians during the 1930’s, while they was on the island. Continuing up the hill with the summit within reach we pass the old Italian governor’s derelict summer residence, which can be explored. There is an awesome view from the balcony. The ridge line is gained with views to the other side of the mountain, it is just a short walk from here to our summit and a welcome bite to eat. You might need to roll down your sleeves here or bring an extra top as it is usually pleasantly cooler here due to the altitude of about 780 meters.
Once sufficiently rested we begin the descent back down through the pine forest by a different route that emerges back at the two hotels we passed before.
At this point we leave the paths behind and follow a route known only to a few locals through a forest of Kermes Oaks. The lack of an expansive view is made up for by the interesting and challenging terrain underfoot.
We leave the woods, emerging not too far from where we left the road at the beginning of the day. Here we have a choice of routes; you can finish of the walk with a 1-1.5 hours walking through forest on good tracks where the heat of the sun at this time of day releases the aroma of pines and the herbs that grow around this area. Or alternatively it is just a short walk back to the village and the chance to admire the traditional old Greek buildings interspersed with the Italian influenced architecture. In either case a cold drink awaits you at the friendly tavern, perhaps a cold beer or a freshly squeezed orange juice.
You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least two liters of water.
This is a reasonably long walk and you should bring sufficient food and water to last the day; there are no shops on route to buy food and water. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.
We usually stop for lunch on the top of the mountain. Throughout the day, there is plenty of opportunity to stop for a rest, to admire the view or to take photos.
Duration = 5 hours
The landscape in this area is very attractive with vineyards climbing the steep foothills to the mountain above.
The village itself has an excellent choice of taverns and tourist shops. This village can provide a traditional Greek evening that captures the essence of Greek village life.
You will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to a sun hat, sun cream sunglasses. You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least one litres of water.
It is advisable to have some food with you, our walk starts and finish in Embona which allows plenty of nourishment to be sourced before the walk and a relaxing drink after the walk in any of the family run taverns, at a minimum carry 1 liter of water and some fruit on this walk.
This is a short walk which allows plenty of time for Stops and Breaks, but it is advisable to keep moving while you are in the sun and take breaks when we come across some shade from the mature trees that can be found on side of the path.
Duration = 5 hours
This walk which tackles the highest mountain on Rhodes starts at Embona; a village that is a focal point of this wine making area of Rhodes, also an ideal place for the beginning and end of our walk. We are over on the western side of the island, spreading out from the village there are vineyards, and beyond, large expanses of pine forest.
By getting an early start, it is possible to ascend most of the way on the shady side of the mountain, so by the time the sun catches up with us it is welcome as the height gain gives a coolness to the air.
Leaving the vineyards behind we clamber over an antique style and get on the mountain proper. There’s not much of a path, most of the walking is quite rough underfoot and we follow a blunt ridge feature, gaining height quickly. Short sections of straightforward scrambling and a false summit lead to the top, where we find a mix of old and new. A large, golf ball, radio transceiver side by side with an ancient temple! This temple was built for Zeus by Mycenaean settlers. Legend has it that Althimenes, Minoan founder of the town of Kamiros, used to climb here to view his beloved Crete, which is visible on a clear day. If the sky is clear – which it usually is – you too can enjoy these spectacular views. You can see the other mountains of the island, perhaps getting an insight into the following days walk and see a great expanse of coastline. We have our pack lunch sat amongst the temple stones before continuing.
The initial part of the descent is on an old donkey track, possibly originating as access to the temple, this takes us down to a col. Skirting round the hillside from the col the views are continuous, you can also get a good appreciation for the geology of the mountain. Due to the lack of vegetation, the bands of sedimentary rock that make up the mountain are clear to see. Further on, we pass another mix of old new, admiring the graceful rotation of wind turbines as we pass among scattered remnants of long abandoned dwellings.
Descending along a ridge line we begin to encounter pine trees, initially stunted and twisted, leaving behind the more open vistas of the high mountain area. Picking our way through the pine forest is a lovely change from the rockiness of the mountain and also keeps us out of the sun. A pleasant and steady rate of descent through the trees brings us out on the road. The stomp along this passes quickly as minds turn towards the cold drink that waits at the end.
This is a mountain walk and you will require walking boots and walking socks for support and comfort while walking. It is advisable to wear light long sleeve shirts and light trousers in addition to sun hat, sun cream and sun glasses as the sun will be as strong on the mountain as in the valleys but the cool air disguises its effect . You should bring a rucksack, as it will be necessary to carry your lunch, personal items and at least two liters of water; there are no shops on route to buy food and water. A pair of walking poles can be helpful and we have these available to hire or buy if you feel you need them.
There will be two meal stops on this route. Although the route will only take 7 hours, it is relatively strenuous and therefore important to bring sufficient food to keep you going for the day. The best rule of thumb is always to come away from a walk with some food spare.
There will be numerous stops along this route, if you like scenic pictures of Greek Islands surrounded by the blue Mediterranean sea then this route will give you picture opportunities you only see from a plane. There are two breaks, one will be on top of Attaviros and the second will be during our descent, these will be taken on suitable rocks to sit on, there are no seating areas on this route. Our walking leaders know the route well and can usually find good stops with shade and/or good views.
Duration = 5 hours
