Rhodes! Endless stretches of coastline and pine forests on mountains, dotted with villages, archaeological sites and a medieval town of exceptional beauty. The north of Rhodes is the most touristic part of the Greek island of the sun.
Just south of the capital, Rhodes Town, lies Faliraki. Where 20 years ago there were only fishermen's huts around the harbour, now lies the largest holiday resort of Rhodes: Faliraki is the most successful, artificial creation of tourism on the island. Those who like it colourful and noisy will be in the right place in the centre around the bars and souvenir shops. This tour starts in Faliraki, but on this island of Rhodes seeks the atmosphere of the Rhodes of the Greeks. The emphasis is mainly on nature, the culture of everyday life and the sights, which are located in the northern part of the island.

The first place on the tour is Kalithea, traditionally famous for its thermal baths. You immediately think of a natural spa and that is what it originally was, but not anymore. The Great Rotunda is perhaps the showpiece of Kalithea today. The square with a large fountain and beautiful mosaic floor is covered by an enormous dome. In the middle stands a statue of Cupid. In the 1920s, the Italians built a spa complex here at a medicinal spring that was already known in ancient times, and in the same romantic, oriental style. In 2005 they started restoring it, which is now a trendy place, with a very beautiful bay, where it is nice to stay for a day of swimming and good food. After visiting the thermal baths, you can refuel along the main road.

A little further on lies Rhodes Town. Although you can wander through this city for days and discover new things every time, this route focuses on the rural environment. Lovers of city walks can of course deviate for a while for the beautiful old town or the picturesque harbour. The route indicates where you can best interrupt the tour.

After rounding the northern side of the island, you will come to Filerimos mountain. In ancient times, the city of Ialyssos with its Acropolis (temple of Athena Polias and Zeus Polias) was located here. In the early Christian period, the church of the Mother of God and a baptistery were built here. When the Knights of the Order of St. John occupied the island, they converted the Byzantine church into a Catholic church and built a monastery. Opposite the monastery, there is a road with tall trees on both sides. When you walk down this road, you will come to the 18-meter high cross that stands here. The road is called 'the road to Golgotha'. On the right side of the road are monuments depicting the Passion of Jesus. Very impressive. From the cross you have a beautiful view over the Aegean Sea to Turkey.

Descending to Kremasti in the northwest of the island. Well-known villages near Kremasti are Ialyssos and Ixia. The inhabitants of the village are mainly farmers. In the center of Kremasti is the large church of the Assumption of Mary. Every year, on August 15, large folk festivals are held in honor of Mary. Also very famous is the classical library of Kremasti and the medieval castle. It is worth visiting the church, which is completely painted in the old Byzantine style, with biblical scenes.

On; Rhodes is a pleasant wine growing area. On our tour you will pass wine villages several times and a visit to a winery is recommended. You can also make the next stop after passing the military airport Marilsa at the Estate Anastatia. If you are not interested in wine, a visit to a children's zoo between the vineyards might be an option.

After this, a stop is a 'must' at the world-famous Butterfly Valley, a beautiful nature reserve with streams, waterfalls and bridges. But it is mainly the butterflies that have made the valley world-famous. Every year, from June to September, thousands of striped tiger and night butterflies of the species “Euplagia quadripunctaria rhodosensis” come to the Butterfly Valley to mate and lay their eggs. The butterflies flutter gracefully between the trees and form a breathtaking spectacle of colours and movement. In addition to the butterflies, there are also other animals to be found, including numerous species of birds and reptiles that feel at home in the lush surroundings of the valley. The Butterfly Valley is also worth a visit outside the butterfly season, it is less busy then and the nature is very beautiful. It is wonderful to walk through the shady valley, provided you are in good shape, because there are many steps, bridges, stones and tree stumps. It is advisable to wear sturdy shoes.
At the southern exit of the Butterfly Valley is the Kalopetra Monastery from 1782. Definitely worth a visit.

The next stop is the coffee stop in Psinthos, with its several coffee houses to supply the tourists of the butterfly garden. Continuing the road through the interior, you will pass several chapels, some of which are more than worth it.

The village of Eleousa is located near the abandoned Italian village of Campochiaro. Around a rectangular village square, the Italians built a Roman Catholic church, a school, shops, a Casa del Fascio (Fascist party premises), a prison and a cinema in the 1930s. A few hundred colonists from northern Italy lived in the village. Most of the colonists left between 1940 and 1943. Only a few stayed until 1947, when Rhodes was annexed to Greece. The hospital that the Italians built was then used as a sanatorium for the chronically ill. It was in use until the 1970s, now this building is also abandoned.

You remain in the desolation, as the next spot is an unfinished hotel complex/resort. Built during the tourist boom of the late 20th century, it was intended as a luxury retreat for visitors enamored with Rhodes’ rich history. It was part of the larger Greek government’s efforts to promote tourism, which had seen a significant increase in the 1980s due to economic transformations and global travel trends. However, due to various management and financial problems, the hotel ceased operations and has remained untouched since the late 1990s. The hotel’s location is particularly noteworthy. It is located near the ancient site of Kameiros, one of the three major cities of classical Rhodes until it was abandoned following an earthquake in 226 BC.
Kameiros was known for its advanced urban planning and the remains of this ancient city form a striking contrast to the modern ruins of the hotel. Exploring this area offers a unique opportunity to travel through layers of history and observe the contrasts and continuities in architectural ambitions and societal changes, from ancient Greek times to modern times.

Enough of the desolation! The stomach is starting to growl, time for lunch. A great option is at the small port of Kamiros Skala, where a ferry leaves for the neighbouring island of Chalki. You have a choice of 3 taverns. After lunch, the road goes past the castle ruins of Kritinia, which was built in 1472 by the Order of St. John on a hill on the Aegean Sea, and then a crossing through the interior where there are many chapels. Some are very worthwhile.

In the wine village of Embonas you can visit the Emery Wine Cellar. You will pass Campochiaro again and continue eastwards until you reach a remarkable phenomenon.

Just as beautiful as the Butterfly Valley are the Seven Springs, or better said Epta Piges, as the Greeks call the area. It is located in a cool, wooded and therefore shady area. It is wonderfully cool here under the shade of the plane trees and you can also have a drink or a bite to eat on a terrace. The green gorge has seven springs and flowing streams, which almost never run dry, not even in summer. Together the streams form a small lake that was created by the Italians. The water was used in the past to supply Kolymbia with water. For most people it is not only the peace and beautiful surroundings that make it so special here, but the exciting walk through the dark, stone tunnel, through which ankle-high water flows. The tunnel is very narrow, about 75 cm wide and 1 m70 high and about two hundred meters long. Not suitable for people with claustrophobia, but an exciting experience for the adventurous holidaymaker. We did the walk and for a moment it felt like it would never end. The lake that can be reached via the tunnel can also be reached on foot, outside the tunnel, over the hill.

After this, it goes towards Faliraki. Enthusiasts can still visit the large village of Archangelos. Soon the sea looms on the east side. You take the turnoff to the famous pilgrimage site of the Tsambiki monastery.
This ancient monastery is located high on the top of a mountain. It is built on top of the ruins of the ancient temple of Artemis. It is well worth the walk to the top. You take the turn and drive up the mountain to the restaurant that is on the slopes of the mountain. From there you walk up about 300 steps. The surroundings here are beautiful and the view is unbelievable!

You return to Faliraki via the beautiful viewpoint on Antony Quinn Bay, where you can enjoy the route again on a terrace by the beach.