West Side of Rhodes Full Day Tour (7-8 hours)
- Old Town
- Mandraki Port
- Monte Smith, Ancient Stadium / Acropolis of Rhodes
- Butterfly Valley
- Ancient Kamiros
- Monolithos
Starting in the morning with a swift drive around the highlights of Rhodes city and ending to the west coast.
The Old Town of Rhodes is one of the best-preserved Medieval Towns, which in 1988 was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city was transformed into a stronghold from the Orders of St John of Jerusalem, occupying Rhodes from 1309 to 1523. The Palace of the Grand Masters, the Great Hospital and the Street of the Knights from the Gothic period architecture coexists with mosques, public baths and other buildings dating from the Ottoman period.
Walking on the cobbled streets the visitor is traveling from past to present and unlocks the deepest secrets that are hidden behind the intact walls of the Medieval City.
(Stop for photos round the Walls and most known Entrances of Old Town)
Mandraki harbor was the port of ancient Rhodes, just outside the Medieval City. At the entrance of the harbor are situated the citadel of Saint Nicholaos, which operates as a lighthouse, the three Windmills and the landmarks of the island, a male and female bronze deer (Elafos and Elafina) at the place where supposed to stand the statue of Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
(Stop for photos)
Close to the harbor are impressive buildings influenced by the Italian, Gothic and Ottoman architecture and design. The Church of the Annunciation, the City Hall, the Administration building or Governor’s Palace, the National Theatre of Rhodes and at the north points of the island the Aquarium.
- Monte Smith, Ancient Stadium / Acropolis of Rhodes
The Hill of Monte Smith, known also as the hill of St Stephen, is the site of the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes. Overlooking the city of Rhodes and the Aegean Sea named after Sir Sidney Smith, a British Naval Admiral who stationed his observatory on the hill during the French Revolutionary Wars (1792-1802) to monitor the fleets in the area.
In this monumental area along with the amazing views stands the archaeological park where the structures dated back to the Hellenistic years (2nd and 3rd century BC). In the green landscape the visitor can see The Temple of Apollo, the Ancient Stadium and the Greek Theatre where the Rhodians honoured the God of Ilios (Sun).
(Stop for photos)
The journey will continue towards Monolithos, about 70km drive through picturesque landscapes and villages. We will make stops to:
You can witness a spectacular phenomenon which occurs only rarely in nature.
Huge numbers of butterflies congregate in this small valley during the final stage of their life cycle. Every year, at the end of the wet season (late May) until the end of September, thousands of butterflies attracted by the scent of the Oriental Sweetgum trees cover the entire landscape. They are actually adult insects that follow the waterways and migrate here to reproduce due to the high humidity of the area. The landscape of the valley, full of small ponds with water lilies, wooden bridges, springs of crystal clear water and small waterfalls, promises to amaze even the most demanding visitors. (Visit/Stop)
Kamiros was one of the three great ancient cities of Rhodes that reached its heyday in the 6th and 5th Century BC, thanks to its developed agricultural economy. The ruins of the city and neighbouring necropolis were uncovered in 1859 in what had over the centuries, become a wooded area. Its grand public buildings, the Agora, temples, private residences and the Acropolis at the hilltop, witness the glamour and wealth of ancient Kamiros. In the aftermath of the foundation of the City of Rhodes in 408 BC, Kamiros started to decline, although it remained inhabited until the reign of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian. It is a very important archaeological site, as the ancient village is preserved in excellent condition. (Visit/Stop)
Monolithos village is about 70km from Rhodes town and is famous for its castle. The castle was built on top of a rock by Grand Master D’Aubusson due to its location that allowed a clear view to the Mediterranean Sea. As you climb to the castle you will be amazed by the landscape of mountain Akramitis and the view to the deep blue of the Aegean Sea. You can also visit the small chapel dedicated to Saint Panteleimon. (Visit/Stop)
*Tour Program may vary depending on your starting location. Refreshments and lunch may be verified at the spot!
Included in the booking: Private tour, Free Pick up and Drop off at your Hotel, Professional Skilled Driver (English Speaking), Food and Drinks (depending on your reservation/agreement), Bottled Water, All Vehicle and Driver Expenses, Personalized Customer Service, Flexible Cancelation Policy as per our terms
Not Included in the booking: Entrance Fees, Food and Drinks (depending on your reservation/agreement), Tour Guide