Profitis Ilias, Rhodes

Experience culture, nature, fun, and food while driving yourself around Rhodes in a 4x4. Drive through beautiful scenery and quaint Greek villages. Pick up your car and drive to the heart of Rhodes, where your route will be explained before you head out into the mountains. Experience majestic views as you drive through Profitis Ilias, the greenest mountain on the island. Stop for a picnic lunch picnic or try a local taverna. Continue through Greek villages and head off road to the east coast of Rhodes so you can wash off the dust in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

Soak up the peace and tranquility on both the East and West coasts of the Island, in beautiful spots such as is Kritinia Castle, a castle from the 16th Century situated on a hill about 131 meters above the village of Kritinia. It offers a breathtaking view of the Aegean Sea, the island of Chalki, and some other deserted islands. Afterwards, you will enjoy a wine, olive oil, and local products tasting in Embonas village. You will drive up to Profitis Ilias, a 1929 Italian hotel in the heart of a forest of pines, cedars, and oaks trees. Is an ideal stop for photos and to break for a cup of coffee. Your next stop will be in Fountoukli, at the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, which was built in the 14th Century. For a lunch break, you will stop at a traditional restaurant. The last stop will be in Kalithea Springs for swimming at a lovely sandy beach, or for relaxing in a cafe close to the beach. This majestic place is known for its thermal springs.

Hike up the Profitis Ilias mountain with a guide and admire views of the Aegean Sea, the coastline of Turkey, and some of the nearby islands. Learn about the history of this unusual Greek tourist attraction before experiencing a breathtaking sunset. Meet your guide in the quaint village of Salakos, located on the foothills of Profitis Ilias. Then, begin the fairly gentle path up the mountain, making this hike suitable for children too. Walk among ilex, pine, and olive trees on the way to the summit. Once at the top, visit some Alpine-style buildings built by the Italian colonists in 1929 and 1932, a novel sight on a little Greek island. Continue to the Elafos and Elafina hotels, the former home of the Italian Governor of Rhodes at Villa de Vecci, and the Byzantine church of Profitis Elias. After a short snack, head back to Salakos, stopping on the way for the highlight of this hiking tour – the sunset. Enjoy a feast for the eyes as you take in the colors of the sea, the trees, and the sun calmly setting on the horizon. Return to the starting point afterward using headlamps.

Start your Profitis Ilias hike of in the charming village of Salakos. Follow along an old mule track to a garden that used to belong to General De Vecchi an Italian Governor of Rhodes from between 1936-1940, whose villa now lies abandoned. Cross the garden toward two hotels in Tyrolean style and climb to the top of the mountain where you will have the chance to take photos of the spectacular view. Walk on a path shaded by dense cypress trees and Aleppo pines. Pass by the majestic villa and its chapel on your way down the mountain and back to Salakos.Try some traditional snacks along the way.

Make and sample traditional Greek dishes with a local cook, delight your palate with award-winning wine from the Rhodes region, and visit the women’s agricultural cooperative to learn about their work on this interactive cultural tour. Begin your tour in the unspoiled mountainous village of Apollona, nestled in the foothills of Profitis Ilias. Stop for a quick tour of an agricultural co-op and learn how these proud, resourceful women run the enterprise. Hear about their decisions, and goals, and see local delicacy production. From there, on foot, visit the folklore museum and discover what life was like for locals in the centuries past. Admire the traditional costumes, architecture, and more as you learn how the people lived and worked in the area. Next, head to a winery and learn about the various local grape varieties from your guide. Savor a glass of delectable wine and understand firsthand why Rhodes produces some of the world’s award-winning wines. Enjoy a cooking class from a talented local cook in the village who will share their secrets to making traditional, famous Greek food. Try making tzatziki, eggplant salad, and the ever-popular Greek salad. Learn how to make dishes including dolmadakia (stuffed grape leaves), and Greek cheese pies. Finally, conclude your time in Apollona by feasting on the exceptional lunch that you and your fellow cooks have lovingly prepared.

Discover the breathtaking nature of the island of Rhodes with this combo package. Feel free to choose which activity you wish to do first. The activities do not have to be completed on consecutive days. Below is a suggested itinerary. Day 1: Sea Kayaking  Head to Kathara Beach, where your activity begins. From there, paddle around the island's secluded beaches and spectacular rock formations that contribute to the emerald green color of the waters around you. During this 5-hour activity, there will be multiple opportunities for swimming and snorkeling at Ladiko and Traounou Beach, followed by a delicious homemade picnic at Traounou Beach. On the return trip, take your time and enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings. Day 2: Hiking Travel inland towards the central-western area. After a picturesque drive, reach Salakos, a beautiful agricultural village, located in the foothills of the mountain Profitis Ilias, where you will discover the 3rd-biggest mountain on the island. Ascend the mountain gently, following well-maintained trails that are suitable for beginners. Take refuge from the sun under the shade of the ilex and olive trees that line most of the trail. During the uphill hike, enjoy magnificent views of the Aegean Sea, the coastline of Turkey and some nearby islands. At the peak, admire the famous Elafos and Elafina (male and female deer in Greek), and former Italian buildings built by Italian colonists almost 100 years ago. You will also visit the “Villa de Vecci” house of the former Italian Governor of Rhodes and the Byzantine Church of Profitis Elias. Following a short break and a snack, begin your descent back to Salakos.

Your safari adventure begins upon pick up from your hotel. On our first stop we reach the glorious monastery of Profitis Ilias – located on the highest settlement of the island. You will get to witness the most breathtaking panoramic view of the island & take amazing photos along with your friends or family. We continue following an off-road route at the southern part of the island. There you can wander in a “moonscape” full of sand and “lava”. You will get to discover and walk on some of Santorini’s most famous beaches. The Black beach – famous for its black volcanic sand. The Red Beach where “red” is the dominant color. Small pebbles and sand of various colors – mainly red – create a unique scenery that will leave you speechless. Vlichada beach the most famous one in Santorini. For those who love photography and rocky sceneries it is a must-see destination. At the end of the beach, there is a bar where you can relax & drink your coffee or juice. Closing your day, you will get to visit the famous Santo Wines winery. The location overlooks the impressive Caldera, the vast Aegean Sea and offers a stunning view anytime of the day. You will get to have an exceptional tour and learn about the tools and history of wine making. This one-of-a-kind experience ends with winetasting accompanied by authentic local recipes & a mesmerizing sunset view.

Discover Mount Ilian of Rhodes island with a guided hike to the top. As you climb, take in views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding islands. At the top, enjoy a picnic and explore the pined forest. Discover the buildings that were constructed during Italian occupation, before starting the descent. Begin the hike in the village of Salakos, a quaint agricultural village, located on the foothills of Mount Ilias. The trail climbs gradually upward and is perfect for all levels of hikers, including children. Enjoy the climb, sheltered under the shade of Ilex trees, pines, and olive trees. Admire the surroundings, and take in views of the Aegean Sea, the coastline of Turkey, and some of the nearby islands. Once at the top, appreciate the calm of a quiet picnic area and the pine forest before approaching the two famous hotels named after a special animal. Learn of the Italian occupation of this place, and admire their Alpine style. Visit the Villa de Vecci, a house of the former Italian Governor of Rhodes, and the Byzantine church of Profitis Elias. After a short break and a snack, start the descent back to Salakos.