Hiking and sea in Rhodes, the island of light

First day

We'll arriveon the island of Rhodes and head to the hotel for some relaxation by the pool and time to get to know each other before dinner. Tomorrow we'll start walking!

Second day

At the foot of the Lindos Acropolis
We’ll set out from above Vlicha Bay for a charming loop hike, where we’ll admire the famous Lindos Bay from a prime vantage point, accompanied by the scent of thyme and oregano and views of the sea along the entire route. The view opens up onto Navarone Bay—famous for the movie *The Guns of Navarone*—andthe Acropolis, which overlooks the white village of Lindos. We’ll walk through the village and continue on to the tomb of Kleovulos (an ancient governor of Lindos in the 6th century B.C.), then return to the village for a lunch of traditional Greek pita gyros. After lunch, there will be time for a swim in the sea, shopping, or a visit to the Acropolis.

Third day

Among Green Oases and Wild Horizons
Weset offfor the village of Archangelos. From here, an easy trail through the olive groves leads us to the Seven Springs, a place famous for its dam—built by the Italians in the 1930s—and its 187-meter-long tunnel. The entire area makes Epta Piges a refreshing little oasis in the heart of the island. Return to the hotel for lunch.

Note: In September, we will not be visiting the Seven Springs; instead, we will visit Prasonissi (because there has been no water at the springs since July, and the visit isn’t worth it without water!).
The hike takes us to explore the southern tipof the island of Rhodes, one of the island’s most fascinating and iconic spots. This is where Prassonissi is located, famous for the extraordinary meeting of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, separated by a picturesque sandbar that connects the island of Rhodes to a small islet. From here, the route continues as we explore Prassonissi, taking in the old lighthouse, spectacular views, and wild, unspoiled coves—often deserted and steeped in an authentic, natural atmosphere.

Fourth day

From the Forest to the Blue Aegean
The hike begins near the small village of Monolithos and follows a pleasant trail through the forest to a cave hidden in the mountain, called Limeri. We then pass by the little church of Ag. Ioannis, atop the island’s second-highest mountain, Mount Akramitis: the entire area is part of the European Natura 2000 network of protected habitats and is designated as a natural monument. Here, the greenery meets the blue of the Aegean. After a lunch break at a traditional taverna, we continue by bus to the ruins of Monolithos Castle, built on a 236-meter-high monolith (hence the name).

Fifth day

In the Footsteps of Rhodes’ History
This cultural day begins with a first stop at the Kallithea Thermal Springs, where our Italian-speaking guide will take us on a tour of this site, built during the Italian period. We’ll continue with a panoramic tour of Mount Smith by bus. This is where the ancient Acropolis of the city of Rhodes stood in the 3rd century B.C.; significant ruins remain to this day, including the Temple of Apollo and the ancient stadium. The guided tour of the city of Rhodes begins at the Amboise Gate, passing by the Palace of the Grand Master, the Inn of England, and the Archaeological Museum. We’ll have some free time to visit other archaeological sites, do some shopping, or grab a snack. Lunch on your own.

Sixth day

The East Coast, at its wildest
Today we’re in for one of Rhodes’ most beautiful hikes, along the east coast among wild beaches and views of the Aegean Sea. We set off from Agathi Bay, the famous Golden Sand, about a 20-minute bus ride from the hotel. From here, the trail—which can be rugged at times—takes us along the cliffs overlooking the sea. After a must-see stop at the Red Beach, we arrive in Stegna, a picturesque fishing village, where we’ll stop for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll head to Tsambika Beach: relax by the sea or hike up to the Tsambika Monastery. The view takes in the beautiful, long beaches of Kolymbia, Afandou, Tsambika, and Stegna: you’ll feel like you’re “just a step away from heaven”! The descent follows the same steep trail back down to the beach.

Seventh day

On the island’s most hidden trails
We venture into the heart of the island, among cypresses and Aleppo pines. We set out from the village of Salakos, where we take an ancient mule trail leading to a small chapel perched on the rock. We continue to the summit of Mount Prophet Elijah, the island’s third-highest peak at 798 meters. Along the way, we’ll pass two hotels built during the Italian colonial era, as well as the villa of Rhodes’ former governor, Cesare Maria De Vecchi. A packed lunch provided by the hotel.

Eighth day

Breakfast, then it's time to say goodbye. Transfer to the airport and we're ready to return to Italy!