Excursion Details:
Are you looking to explore Rhodes and its captivating West Coast? Then, this guided tour is made for you! You get to discover the inner parts of Rhodes, birthplace to breathtaking ancient monuments, intriguing medieval forts and picturesque mountain routes, delving into the region’s rich history and culture accompanied by a professional local guide. Discover the mysterious ancient site of Kamiros, the magnificent castle of Kritinia with its spectacular view and the traditional wine village of Embona. The scenic route of Mt. Profitis Ilias and its evident Italian heritage will amaze you as you pass by its numerous monuments, while making unforgettable memories at the Eleousa fountain with the famous “Gizani fish”, an oasis in the middle of the mountains. The excursion would be incomplete without a tour in Fountouklis area, the Church of Saint Nikolaos and the majestic Kallithea Springs Rhodes, famous for the beneficial properties of its waters gushing from the surrounding rocks.
Our journey starts with Ancient Kamiros (1 hour & 10 minutes), a center of ancient Rhodes. It is located in the northwest coast of the island, 3 kilometres west of the modern village of Kalavarda. The ancient city was built on three levels. The Acropolis was at the top of the hill along with the temple complex of Athena and the “stoa”. The main residential area was located in the middle terrace, consisting of a grid of parallel streets and residential blocks. A Doric temple (most likely dedicated to Apollo), the Fountain Square with the Agora and the “Peribolos of the Altars”, dedicated to various deities, can be found in the lower terrace. During the prehistoric period, the area was inhabited by Mycenaean Greeks. The city itself was founded by the Dorians. (An entrance fee of 6 euros is required).
The tour continues with the Castle of Kritinia 🏰 (40 minutes stay), a Venetian Castle of the 16th century located on a hill, about 131 meters above the village of Kritinia. You will have the opportunity to see a landscape of unspoiled beauty offering a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, the island of Halki and the islets of Strogyli, Makri and Alimia. Due to its strategic position, which allowed complete monitoring of the sea and thus the activities of pirates and other enemies, the area was chosen by the Knights of the order of St. John as the castle’s building site. Only the shell of the castle survives today; however, above the castle’s entrance still lay the coats of arms of two Grand Medieval Masters (Grand Master D’Amboise & Grand Master Origny). Within the castle’s walls, we can find remnants of a chapel devoted to Saint John, decorated with amazing 16th century wall paintings.
Afterwards, we are joining the wine – olive oil and local products tasting 🍷 in a Bodega (cava) in Embona’s village (1 hour & 15 minutes stay) in one of the oldest wineries in Rhodes Island. The wine is produced by collecting grapes from the vineyards so you can choose from a range of diverse types of wine, all native to Embona.
As visitors you will also have the opportunity to taste liqueurs, ouzo, souma with honey, masticha and pomegranate, combined with nuts and fresh fruits at the bar for free. Olive oil is also produced here and you can find quality honey made from local producers and all kinds of cosmetics – herbs with olive oil too.
Experience the best traditional food 🍴 in a local tavern in Embona’s village during your free time. Your tour guide will provide you with a few recommendations. Don’t miss Embona’s souvenir shops for authentic handmade goods to remind you of your adventure forever!
Then, we will drive to Profitis Ilias 🌄(20 minutes stay), a mountain 798 meters high, accumulating various interesting attractions. There is a small summer resort (called Elafos and Elafina) first created by the Italians in 1929 in the heart of an Aleppo pines, cedars and cypress trees forest, populated by deer; the ideal stop for photos or a coffee break! On our way to Profitis Ilias there is an old building, the Cottage of the Italian dictator, Musollini, used in the period of World War II and the Eleousa fountain with the famous “Gizani fish”, a famous landmark of Rhodes.
Continuing, we reach Fountouklis area (20 minutes stay) where we will visit the Byzantine church of Saint Nikolaos ⛪. This church dates back to the 14th to 15th century and it is a central square building covered with a dome. What is impressive about this church is the triple composition of the frescoes in its apse.
Driving east, though the beautiful countryside and villages of Rhodes Island, we finally arrive at the Kallithea Springs Rhodes (1 hour stay), a magical place, well-known since antiquity for its therapeutic properties and the fresh water emerging from the rocks around it. Artfully restored and tastefully refurbished, the complex of Kallithea Springs welcomes hundreds of visitors daily. It is an experience worth having seeing the facilities, swimming into the clear blue water of its coves 🏖 , enjoying refreshments at the coffee shop in front of the sea or visiting the Photo Gallery with traditional, old photos of the island! The incomparable monumental architecture and the magnificence of the place with its unique mosaics, the hall of the Rotunda, where once thermal waters gushed, can transport us –nostalgically– in another era. (The entrance fee is 3,00 euros for groups).
Kolymbia, Afandou, Faliraki, Kallithea, Rhodes City, Ixia, Ialyssos, Kremasti. Pick-up also available from Cruise Ships.
Professional English-speaking Guide
Exploring the Castle of Kritinia.
Wine and Olive oil tasting in Embona’s village in one of the most traditional wineries.
Visiting Profitis Ilias where the first hotel in Rhodes is built!
Visiting the Byzantine Church of Saint Nikolaos in Fountouklis.
Ancient Kamiros is a must!
Tasting the local food in a traditional taverna in Embona’s village.
Swimming stop in Kallithea Springs for 1 hour or visiting the photo exhibition of traditional Rhodes!
