5 Day Easy to Moderate Walking Program Rhodes Greece €150pp

First Walking Day:

Welcome:

On the first morning you will meet your walking leader, and generally discuss your choosen walking program and he/she will answer any questions you may have or provide you any further information you may require. We do ask you to fill in some very simple medical forms and that you have photo copies of your passport and medical/travel insurance with you, these will stay with you at all times and will only be required if you need any medical treatment. Once we get the little bit of required paper work done and you are ready, we set off on your first walk.

 Vlycha to Lindos Walk.

Approximately 3-4 hours duration including stops. 

Extra time to be considered if you wish to walk around Lindos and the Acropolis

Terrain includes flat dirt track, uneven stoney ground and short uphill section.

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 of where people easily get lost. The village was purposely built  to dissorientate any invaders.  

2nd Walking Day 

The Archangelos to Epta Piges (Seven Springs) Walk. 

Approximately 4hours duration including stops and a walk around Epta Piges.

Terrain includes prepared walking paths. Trickling streams, rustic bridges and the scent of pine and a lake feeding the spring that’s named Efta Piges. Our walk starts from Archangelos. The tarmac road soon 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.  

3rd Walking Day:

Mount Akramytis Walk. (825 meters above sea level)

Approximately 5-6 hours duration including stops and a lunch break.

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 amongst 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 and are gifted 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 mantid’s or stick insects.

Skirting around the ridgeline affords some marvellous 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!). 

4thWalking Day 

Archangelos To Tsambika Church Walk:    

Approximately 5-6 hours duration including stops and a lunch break.

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 onwards 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 wishes to conceive, should walk bare foot up the mountain to pray to the Virgin, she will then be blessed with children. Once you have enjoyed the monastery you return to the restaurant for refreshments and the transport home.

5th Walking Day

Mount Profitis Ilias Walk:    

Approximately 5-6 hours duration including stops and a lunch break.

Terrain includes a zigzag uphill forest track to start, some forestry tracks followed by a downhill section of “off the beaten track”

Our walk follows the road out of Salakos and then takes the “kalderimi” an old cobbled trail to the summit of Profitis Ilias, even though there is a fair ascent involved, the generous sweeps of the zig-zag ensure that no section is particularly steep and the walking is fairly easy. Using the pine and Cypress trees as shade and rest points as you climb, the top doesn’t take to long to reach. Just after the first section is completed the chapel of St Anthony comes into view and its solitary position and stunning views make it a great point to just sit and rest. From here a small climb takes you the old Italian barracks and hotels, and just above the hotels stands the “old Italian Governors house” all of these properties are a surprise to find and are steeped in history. The summit to Profitis Ilias lies just above these buildings, the actual summit cannot be reached as a military establishment stands there but the “near summit” is the resting place for lunch and great views. The trek down the mountain takes you back to the Italian buildings and then follows a dried river bed with a water pipe down to the point near to where you began. This downhill section is very “off the beaten track” with rough terrain thrown in for good measure, an explorers delight to find the end point. You return through the streets of Salakos to the taverna for a cold beer and rest, and just watch the world go by.

Transport can be arranged but is not included in the price

Easy to Moderate Walking Program