RHODES GUIDE - THE EAST COAST

Travelling south from Rhodes Town along the east coast the first area of note is the spa resort of Kallithea now beautufully restored. Built for the Italian nobility in 1928 it fell into disrepair after WW11. It is a popular spot at weekends with the locals who enjoy swimming in it's beautiful little cove. It is also a popular scuba diving spot. Restoration has now been completed at the spa and tourists and locals alike can enjoy it's former grandeur. Whilst strolling through the unrestored domed promenade visitors would have noticed that at every turn there were rows of toilet cubicles, in fact 72 in all !! The answer to this mystery is that the spa waters have a laxative effect. The original designers were obviously concerned that no member of the Italian nobility should ever be caught short !! During the restoration the toilets were removed & replaced by an art gallery. This fabulous site is now also used for civil weddings & other events.

Restored entrance pergola, Kallithea (Please click on images to view larger photos)
Partly restored domed spa	Unrestored domed promenade, Kallithea
Newly restored rotunda.

Further down the east coast road you will see the many 4 and 5 star hotels at the northern end of Faliraki Beach. The more youth orientated southern end of the town is now coming under very strict control to curb the excesses of previous years which, it is generally agreed, will become a thing of the past.

Continuing south, the island becomes more rural with stunning mountain and sea views from the main Rhodes to Lindos road. There are many excellent beaches on the way including Ladiko, Kolimbia, Tsambika and Archangelos. The monastery that sits atop the steep and very high hill overlooking Tsambika Bay is the subject of a piece of interesting folklore. If local women are having difficulty conceiving a child they may crawl up the hill to the monastery and legend has it that they will soon be with child. Jokes about monks’ dirty habits have already been done thank you !!

(Please click on images to view larger photos)

From this area , travelling inland, it is a short drive to wooded glades running with cool spring waters such as the Valley of the Butterflies which, from June to September, is home to hundreds of thousands of the creatures covering the trees. Or Seven Springs, a beautiful valley running with spring water with ducks and peacocks wandering around. Set amongst the trees are tables and chairs where you will be served with sumptuous barbequed meats and fresh salads. Magical !

Seven Springs is a beautiful valley running with spring water.  (Please click on images to view larger photos)