Private Island Tour

Once everybody has been picked up by our minibus the tour proceeds to the first stop where we can enjoy the views that this area offers as we drive on the Filerimos Hill. In the antiquity, at the top of the hill once stood the acropolis of the Ancient Ialysos. In the 14th century the knights of St John who were ruling the island built the monastery which is visited in nowdays. Also, opposite of the Monastery entrance there is a pathway that leads to the westernmost point of the hill where the 16 m or 48 feet cross is. At the end of the path you can admire the panoramic view the point offers.

Then we drive at Butterfly Valley where you can notice a rare habitat that hosts the butterfly Panaxia Quadripunctaria, which makes its appearance in this unique natural park in the period from mid-June to late September. We make sure we arrive early so we can see the valley when it's quiet and peaceful before other tour groups get there. The valley consists of pine-clads, crossed by a stream, shady paths, forming ponds, wooden bridges and small waterfalls in its course.

We continue to the ‘’ghost’’ village of Aghia Eleousa in the green forest of Profitis Ilias mountain. In the period around the World War II, when Rhodes was still Italian, the village created for Italians lumberjacks who had moved here for the needs of the army. Later, when the Italians left, it was a sanatorium for the chronically ill. However, since the 70s the sanatorium has been closed and in nowdays, at the main square, opposite the main church of Agia Eleousa, you can see this abandoned building.

2 km furthermore appears in front of us the small chapel of St Nikolas Fountoukli. You can refresh yourselves by drinking water of one of the cleanest and rich natural water sources of the island which is right in the front of the chapel and after you can visit the internal of the church, light a candle and notice the painted of St Nikolas family picture on the wall. We continue driving in the green forest of Prof. Ilias mountain to Apollona and we stop to the other side of the mountain where the village of Apollona is. Optionally, you can taste local foods and products in a traditional family tavern away of busy tourist places.

Then, we drive to the south-west side of the island, to the medieval Castle of Monolithos. The castle was built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John to protect the island from attacks and in nowdays offers great views of the sea and the two islets opposite to it. Inside the Castle, there is a small working chapel dedicated to Agios Panteleimon (Saint Pantaleon). 5km on the way to the east coast we find the honey-village of Sianna which is a hilly village built in the banks of Attaviros. It is a traditional village with beautiful houses and the high attitude give picturesque landscapes. Distinguishes for the developed apiculture. Its pure honey is considered the best in the island. You can have the chance to try it!!!