The perfect plan

We draw on our experience trekking on the island of Rhodes to present our ideal plan for a week of walking on the island: a complete tour for groups of 20 to 30 people, based in the middle of the island at Lardos Bay Hotel, under Italian management. The perfect time of year is April, May, September or October.

Below is our idea of the perfect plan for a one-week trip, with the services we offer:

Day 1
Panoramic path – 10km, 200 m+ elevation gain
Lindos, “The path of perfumes” (refer to the attached map: “Lindos”) (with bus travel, 8 km from the hotel)
9:00 minibus departure from hotel to Lindos
A route of medium difficulty, on a narrow path to be walked in single file. The path begins close to the village of Lindos and climbs the mountain behind the town for a fantastic view (Navarone Acropolis and Bay, Lindos Bay). After the hike, we climb to the Acropolis, then come down again to enjoy a pyta gyros and walk to the tomb of Kleobulose (governor of ancient Lindos), then spend an hour and a half on the beach. Return to the hotel by minibus by 16:00.

Day 2 – Monolithos/Sianna/Embonas/Profitis Elias
A hike with fantastic views of the island’s west coast – 1050 m+ elevation gain
Today we visit the wildest, most rural part of the island, visiting two or three villages: Siana (renowned for its yoghurt and honey), Embonas (known for its wine) and Profitis Ilias (the island’s third-highest peak and the former residence of Italian Consul De Vecchi, in Tyrolean style).
A full day out, with lunch in Siana (departure at 7:45, return at 18:00).
Departure from the hotel to travel to Monolithos and tour the famous castle. Hike on Akramitis (the island’s second-highest peak; medium difficulty, 3 h with 550 elevation gain), travel to Siana, lunch, travel by bus (ore 13:30) to Embonas, then walk up from Salakos to Profitis Ilias (500 elevation gain, 1 h 30 min), for a marvellous view and a walk through an ancient forest. Return to the hotel.

Day 3 – Ipseni Monastery
Panoramic path – 24km, 400 m+ elevation gain
Departure from the hotel at 8:30
Ipseni Monastery: uphill walk on a paved road through the woods, with little traffic. Our destination is known for its three convents of cloistered nuns and a Via Crucis.
From Ipseni, we proceed downhill along a gravel road through the woods, then climb to a panoramic viewpoint. We then go down to the beautiful beach of Glistra. Relaxation and swimming at Glistra beach.

Day 4 – Archangelos/Stegna/Tzampika panoramic hike
Panoramic path – 15 Km, 600 m+ elevation gain
A beautiful path of medium difficulty along the cliff-tops from Haraki to Tzampika. Full day. Lunch break with seafood in Stegna, then on to Tzampika Beach and up the hill to Tzampika Monastery. Return to the hotel by minibus at 16:30. Medium difficulty

Day 5 – Rhodes City
Tour of the medieval city and the temple of Apollo, with a possible stop at Kalithea hot springs on the way back

Day 6 – Archangelos and the seven springs
12 km hike
A hike of medium difficulty from Archangelos through the forest to the seven springs and back. (half day)

Day 7
Breakfast, lunch and check-out at 12:00, shuttle to the airport for return flight.

Includes:
– Hiking guide
– Extra food (2 snack lunches + 2 sit-down lunches)
– Tickets to museums and archaeological sites
– Hotel*** with half-board
– Airport/hotel shuttle
Flights are the only item not included; you book your own flights.