Hidden Gems to Discover in Rhodes

The island of incredible contrasts, Rhodes is one of the most unique places in the world, with its historic buildings, seemingly endless beaches, clear turquoise water, and noteworthy towns; there really is no place like Rhodes. Known for being one of the most important places out of the Dodecanese Islands due to its history, this destination has everything you could ever want from a holiday, including endless attractions and places to visit. Whether you are seeking relaxation, culture and history or holidays for singles, Rhodes will not disappoint.

Even though Rhodes is one of the most popular islands in Greece when it comes to tourism, due to its size, there is still plenty of room to breathe during the busy periods. However, if you are seeking places to visit during your stay to beat the crowds and immerse yourself, we have found some extraordinary hidden gems to see.

Filerimos Mountain

Maybe not so hidden, Filerimos Hill is a truly spectacular place to visit due to its prominence in the Rhodes skyline. The hill is home to a ginormous cross that reaches into the sky at around 18 metres tall and is an incredible example of modern-day architecture. The cross that stands there today was built in 1996, but the former one that stood in its place was 30 metres high and constructed in 1934. If you are particularly lucky during your visit, the door on the cross may be open, which means you can climb the iron staircase leading up to a balcony where you can see seemingly endless views across Rhodes.

Near the hill, you will also find a 15th-century Gothic monastery and the remains of a castle, which has a long and complex history. You could easily spend a day strolling around this part of Rhodes and exploring all this beautiful place has to offer. With the combination of stunning architecture, beautiful views and fresh air, you will never want to leave this place.

Monolithos Castle

The Monolithos Castle was one of four castles in Rhodes and was built in the 14th century. Situated in one of the most strategic locations on the island, 236 meters high on a cliff, it imposes over the coast and dominates the surrounding land.

The castle’s view is breathtaking and it is a surprisingly easy climb to reach the structure. Even though it is now in ruins, its grandeur and allure still resonate throughout the standing walls. You will have the chance to walk around the ruins and feel the sheer power that came with the castle all those years ago.

Lindos

Often living in the city of Rhode’s shadow, Lindos is an extremely underrated village. Often found to be in the sun’s warm glow, Lindos is an irresistible place for everyone who decides to give it a chance. Here, you will find narrow yet enchanting alleyways, breathtaking views, mouthwatering scents from the local cuisine, and, of course, that Greek-friendly atmosphere the country is famous for.

One of the most exquisite sights that can be found in the village is The Church of Panagia, an essential visit for everyone visiting Rhodes. Not just beautiful on the outside, but the inside is truly a spectacular sight. If you wish to enter the church, just ensure you bring something to cover your shoulders and legs due to it being a religious building. If you do manage to go inside, you will be greeted by a pebble-style mosaic floor, a popular form of Rhodian architecture, richly carved wooden iconostasis, and, more impressively, the wall frescoes that depict biblical scenes.

A visit to Lindos would not be complete without stopping by the Lindos Acropolis; this is the village’s crowning glory as not it’s not just an incredible piece of architecture but also provides visitors with magnificent views across the village. There is plenty to see in and around this part of Rhodes, especially if you decide to stay at Lindos Memories.

Chloe, a popular travel blogger at Wanderlust Chloe, really enjoyed her visit to Lindos and found a hidden gem located below the Acropolis:

“Lots of people visit Lindos but don’t miss the beautiful St Paul’s Bay, which is nestled just below the Acropolis. The water here is a stunning shade of turquoise, and the beach is really sheltered. While sun loungers are pricey, you can still take a dip for free! It’s a great place to cool off after wandering the busy streets of Lindos.”

Kopria Beach

For those seeking solitude, then there is no better place than Kopria Beach, located on the west side of the island near Ataviros. It is not your typical golden-sanded beach; this pebbly beach is lapped by crystal-clear waters and surrounded by rocky terrain. With it being a hidden paradise, you will only find a handful of sunbeds available, and even though it tends not to be crowded, it is advised that you get there early if you do wish to use a sunbed as they are free and will fill up quickly.

If you only wish to spend a couple of hours at the beach, then there is plenty more to see in the area. Either head over to Kritinia, a picturesque village offering visitors a traditional atmosphere or head up to the castle of Kritinia, where you can enjoy the breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea.

Seven Springs Valley

Seven Springs, or Epta Piges, is one of the most magical places on the island and is a unique natural site where you can escape the sun. Here, you will find winding paths under cover, which all lead to cool water from the Seven Springs. These natural springs provide cooling water and ample shade provided by the surrounding trees. Alice, who runs the popular travel blog Adventures With Alice, had visited Seven Springs before and gave us her thoughts:

“One of my favourite places in Rhodes is Seven Springs. The secluded oasis provides a much-needed break from the summer heat as well as being simply gorgeous. You can paddle in the springs, explore the walking trails, have a picnic in the woodland, and marvel at the waterfalls. Plus, once you’re finished exploring, head to the cafe for an ice-cold smoothie!”

One of its most unique points of interest is the 186-meter-long tunnel you can walk through if you are adventurous. The tunnel leads to the lake and was constructed in 1931 to help the water flow from the Seven Springs and the river into the lake. It is definitely an exhilarating feeling walking through the dark tunnel, but you will reap the rewards upon exiting. Of course, there is an alternative path if you don’t feel like using the tunnel. There are many day trips that head over to the springs, where you will be able to incorporate other sights into your trip.

Hidden Gems in Rhodes

Filerimos Mountain
Monolithos Castle
Lindos
Kopria Beach
Seven Springs Valley

There are endless reasons why you should choose Rhodes as your next holiday, as there really is a wonderful balance of fun, sun, history and culture, just waiting to be experienced.

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