Menu
Rhodes is one of the largest and greenest islands of Greece. It belongs to the Dodecanese island group and is located in the Aegean Sea off the Turkish coast. It has a mild Mediterranean climate; so in Summer it rarely gets very hot. Because there is almost always a nice breeze, it is pleasant to stay there.
Most roads are quiet and are thus suitable for cycling. During this 8-day cycling holiday, you will get to know all the highlights of the north and center of the island. The ancient city-states of Kamiros and Lindos, nowadays a beautiful white town. You’ll stay for 2 nights in the attractive capital of Rhodes with a large, completely walled medieval city center.
Other sights of this cycle tour include fairytale baths of Kalithea, the cool springs of Epta Piges and the numerous churches and chapels, among which that of Fountoukli with famous frescoes.
And all this beauty in a constantly changing environment: sometimes lush green, sometimes rugged. As the landscape is hilly you will cycle an occasional slope. The sea is almost always nearby so beachlife beckons . For those who enjoy a bit of boating, there is the possibility of an excursion to the neighboring island of Symi with a beautiful, baroque monastery and a picturesque main town.
Day 1. Arrival at Rhodes, transfer to Paradisi
At the Rhodes airport, our driver will already be waiting for you and takes you to the first hotel of your cycling holiday in Paradisi, located in quiet green grounds with a beautiful swimming pool.
Overnight stay in Paradisi
Day 2. Roundtrip Ialyssos (30/40 km)
You begin your cycling vacation with a light ride. You cycle Along the beach of Kremasti (great coffee break spot) to Ialyssos. In the outskirts of this town are beautiful old mansions. A wooded road leads to Pastida; a nice place for lunch. Then you cycle through a rural setting to Damatria with its many oleanders alongside of the road, and back to the hotel in Paradisi.
For those who wish to pedal more, add the ascent of Fileros (10 km extra). At the top of the 200-meter-high hill used to be the city-state of Ialyssos in ancient times. In the Middle Ages, a monastery was built on the foundations. Here you’ll find a lush greenery where semi-wild peacocks draw attention.
Overnight stay in Paradisi
Day 3. Paradisi to Rhodes Town (34 km)
The first goal of todays cycling trip is the Petaloudes butterfly valley. From late June to mid-September thousands of Spanish Flag butterflies are fluttering around here. You can walk through the valley till the Kalopetra Monastery.
A quiet forest road leads to Maritsa and Pastida, both with plenty of restaurants and shops.
Then you will cycle through the back door straight into Rhodes Town. On Monte-Smith Hill there are excavations some 2,000 years old and spectacular views of the coast and city. Hotel Saint Michel lies within the walls of the centuries-old city center that became great during the time of the Crusades. It is housed in buildings more than 500 years old.
Overnight stay in Rhodes Town
Day 4. A day in town or an excursion to Symi (by bike if desired, 20 km).
There is alot to see in the old town of Rhodes, with its narrow alleys and cozy squares where large ficus trees provide shade. Worth seeing are the Knight’s Castle (the Crusader stronghold) and the Knight’s Street (where the Crusaders stayed). There is a wonderful archaeological museum. In the Jewish Quarter, the impressive synagogue can be visited. The beautifully restored mosques from the time of Turkish rule can regretfully only be viewed from the outside. A city walking tour is included in the travel documents.
An alternative is a boat excursion to the island of Symi. The boat leaves at 9 a.m. and sails first to the large, baroque Panormitis Monastery in the south of the island. After an hour, the boat leaves for the picturesque Symi Town. In the late afternoon, the boat returns to Rhodes.
Those who wish can take their bicycles, get off in Panormitis and then cycle to Symi Town (appr. 20 km) via a 500-meter-high hill. There you will take the boat back to Rhodes.
Overnight stay in Rhodes Town
Day 5. Rhodes to Kolymbia (30 km)
The first 10 kilometers of cycling is on a fairly busy road; unfortunately, there are no quiet exit roads on this side of Rhodes Town. However, you can leave this busy stretch shortly to visit the bathing pavilions of Kalithea. These were constructed by the Italians over 100 years ago in a fairytale style. A wooded winding road takes you back to the main road, which you follow until you reach the center of the large seaside resort of Faliraki.
After that there are only small and quiet roads, and at the big beach of Afandou there is even a cycle path. The ride ends in the seaside resort of Kolymbia. Hotel Delfinia features a swimming pool and is not far from the sea.
Overnight stay in Kolymbia
Day 6. Rest day in Kolymbia or bike ride to Lindos (64km)
After 4 days of cycling, spend a day in Kolymbia relaxing by the pool or the beach. Those who still wish to do some cycling, can take an excursion to the white town of Lindos. It is definitely worth a visit, therefore it is often very busy especially in the morning. You can take this excursion by scheduled bus, or rent a car. It can also be done by bicycle (there and back together 64 km, directions are in the travel documents).
Overnight stay in Kolymbia
Day 7. Kolymbia-Theologos (36km)
Today you will cycle inland, which means more climbing. The first stop will be at the Seven Springs (Efta Piges). The springs are not very spectacular but are in a shady valley on a gurgling stream (taverna near the stream). Archipoli is then a nice break spot after which it goes up to Eleousa. This village was built over 80 years ago by the Italians as a garrison town. After the war, it became a Greek sanatorium which was closed in the 1970s. Now there is a picturesque ruin and a well-maintained church.
You will continue cycling on the flank of Profitis Ilias to the ancient Byzantine chapel of Fountoukli with its beautiful frescoes (source). A steep descent leads to Dimilia and then it goes slightly down to the west coast at Soroni. On the way is still the cave church of Agios Silas. Via small, partially unpaved roads you will return to Theologos.
Overnight stay in Theologos
Day 8. Departure and transfer to Rhodes airport
After breakfast your cycling hoiday has ended and you go to Rhodes airport for the return flight home.
Prices 2024 per person
|
Room |
April + May |
June + September |
|
Double/Twin room |
€ 649,00 |
€ 765,00 |
|
Single room |
€ 855,00 |
€ 990,00 |
Dates
You can start the tour every day between April and October. Prices of July and August on request
Included:
Excluded:
