Cycling on the Island of Rhodes

Arrival to Rhodes. The transfer from the airport to the first hotel is included. If time permitted why not take an afternoon cycle tour in the vicinity of the hotel or to the beach.

Today you shall have your first cycle ride along the virtually inhabited northwest coast. First, you shall cycle along the coastal road towards the old remains of the City state of Kamiros, you can decide to visit the city now or on your return journey. The authentic kafenion of Mandriko offers a nice possibility for a coffee break. While doing so take a short walk to the beautiful church next to the café. Crossing a small hill, you will then descend to the small fishing port of Skala Kamiros. Form these small port ferries depart to the Island of Chalki. From Skala, you make a loop to the fortress of Kritinia, dating back to Medieval Times. From its fortifications, you can admire wonderful views over the inhabited Island Chalki and its surrounding islands. You cycle back towards Skala and then follow the same route back to Kalavarda. The sun now on your back and usually cycling with a tailwind, as you reach Kalavarda there are four taverns on different beaches which are ideal stops for refreshments.

Today you start cycling northwards parallel to the coast. In the village of Fanes, you will see the colourful houses that make this village so unique. Then you head inwards to the valley of Petaloudes (Greek for butterflies). In this beautiful green gorge you will see thousands of butterflies in summer (June-September). Through a forested area, you will come to Maritsa and further north to Pastida, where you find excellent tavernas. You enter the old centre of Rhodes via a gate and cycle through the medieval city to your hotel that is located within the old city walls.

We designed for you a great walking tour in the ancient city centre of Rhodes that will not only guide you along with the high lights but will also show you hidden alleys and surprising places in the city. Another option for today is a boat trip to the island of Symi, a very picturesque island. You will arrive at the monastery Panormitis on the south coast. You will cycle across the whole island to the capital town of Symi, a trip of 22 km with a height difference of 500m! In the late afternoon, you will take the ferry back to Rhodes.

Today’s trip takes you along the east coast. First highlights are the ancient Turkish baths in Kalithea that have been wonderfully restored recently. In Afandou you will pedal along quiet beaches. At the far end, you will see the Monastery of Tsambika built on the summit of a 300-metre high cliff. End of today’s trip is Archangellos, a lively Greece village.

Today you may go by bike (3km) to the beach of Stegna and enjoy a day at the sea, or you can opt for a visit to Lindos. You can go by bike or by public bus. Lindos is a beautiful little village of white cubist houses at the foot of a vertical rock that is crowned by the ancient Acropolis of Lindos. There are two small ports on either side of the village. Together with the Acropolis on top, it was easy to defend the village in ancient times. After you park your bicycle at the entrance of the village, you can visit the Acropolis with the remains of ancient temples within a medieval fortress.

You set off on your ride today passing Epta Piges. This is well worth time to stop, it is an attraction with lush gardens, lakes and natural springs. You can reach the lake there by walking through a 186m long tunnel. You then start ascending via a green valley to the Monastery of Agios Nektarios.

The passing through the village of Eleousa, built around 80 years ago by Italians. You shall see that now many houses are now abandoned and deteriorated. Now you follow a wonderful road via the slopes of a mountain which lead you to the oldest Byzantine Chapel of Rhodes, Fountoukli. Maybe after a short visit you only now have to descend towards the west coast, through the village Dimilia, passing the chapel Silas built in a cave and all the way downhill to the coast at Soroni from where you peddle parallel to the coast to Kalavarda.

Depart after breakfast.