Explore walking in Rhodes
Embark on a captivating walking holiday in Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, where centuries of history, unspoilt nature, and warm Greek culture blend beautifully. Your journey begins in the UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town of Rhodes. Stroll through a maze of cobbled lanes, admire the majestic Palace of the Grand Master, and walk the famed Street of the Knights. You’ll also visit the ancient ruins of the Temple of Apollo before enjoying the lively atmosphere of cafés, boutiques, and shaded squares, where the rhythm of daily island life plays out beneath medieval walls.
Continue into the tranquil Petaloudes, the Valley of the Butterflies - a lush, shaded gorge that becomes home to thousands of delicate Jersey tiger moths at certain times of year. Follow peaceful forest paths and wooden bridges surrounded by birdsong and trickling streams. A relaxed picnic in this serene setting adds to the magic, offering time to pause and soak in the natural beauty.
Your next adventure leads to Filerimos Hill and the ascent to Mount Filerimos. Climb through fragrant pine forests to the ancient city of Ialyssos, where the remains of the Temple of Athena Polias and a Byzantine Knights’ church offer glimpses into Rhodes’ deep past. At the summit, explore the peaceful Monastery of Filerimos and admire the sweeping island and Aegean views from the monumental hilltop cross - one of the most rewarding panoramas on the island. It’s a place where history, spirituality, and nature come together in a truly memorable way.
Throughout your stay, savour traditional Greek dishes at local tavernas - fresh seafood, mezes, local wines, and irresistible pastries - giving you a true taste of Rhodes’ culinary heritage. Many tavernas are family-run, adding a personal warmth that reflects the island’s generous spirit.
Late spring to early autumn is the ideal season to visit, offering comfortable walking weather and the chance to witness the butterfly phenomenon in Petaloudes. From the medieval splendour of Rhodes Town to peaceful valley trails and the historic heights of Filerimos, each step reveals another layer of the island’s timeless charm. This gentle walking holiday offers not only exploration, but a deeper connection with a place shaped by myth, culture, and breathtaking landscapes - an experience that lingers long after you leave.
Holiday Highlights
- Seven nights half board at the 5 star Hotel Mediterranean
- Local knowledgeable walking guide
- Three guided walks
- Flights included from your local airport
- Optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos
- Transfers & Luggage included as standard
Itinerary
Day One – Arrival
On arrival in Rhodes, you will be met and transferred to Hotel Mediterranean for 7 nights half-board accommodation.
Day Two – Walk 1 – Walking Tour of Rhodes
This morning, you will begin with a walk through the modern town of Rhodes, passing by the Town Hall, the Post Office, Mandraki port, and seeing the church of Evangelismos. You will soon enter the old medieval town through D’ Amboise Gate, the town of the “Knights of St. Hohn” and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Continuing, you shall wander through gateways and colonnades, across the squares and the cobble-stoned alleys. Your guide will lead you along “The street of the Knights” which, in spite of the restoration of its surrounding buildings, it has remained untouched by the passage of more than 500 years since it was originally built in the 14th century. During this walk you also visit the Palace of Grand Masters or “Kastello”, which stands at the city’s high point, dominating much of the old town and the harbor. It has imposing wall and towers, and was used as a prison by both the Turks and the Italians. It contains fine mosaics and exhibitions of the history of Rhodes. The walk today finishes at the exit to the port, where you can continue exploring Rhodes town on your own, or return to your hotel. 3.5 miles Ascent/Descent 50m.
Day Three – Free day in resort
Free day in resort.
Day Four – Walk 2 – Valley of the Butterflies
Today you leave your hotel behind and head by coach to the famous valley of the butterflies, a lush green valley, with a little river running through it. The site is beautifully arranged, with little wooden bridges, stone steps and an uphill path which leads to the Monastery of the Virgin of Kalopetra, built in 1784. The Valley is a unique natural park, where each year, thousands of multi coloured butterflies appear. Your walk will then continue to the picturesque village of Psinthos, where there is time to rest at the magnificent square of the village under its beautiful trees, next to running waters and maybe enjoy lunch (not included), before taking the return drive back to the hotel. 5 miles Ascent 350m/Descent 60m.
Day Five – Free day in resort or optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos
Free day in resort or why not join an optional excursion to the Acropolis of Lindos, an ancient archaeological site known for its rich history containing some of the most significant ancient structures, and fascinating ruins which may be seen across the city and just outside of it. The remains of the goddess Athena Lindia, temples from the 4th century BC, as well as the Propylaea, the huge Hellenistic Stoa, and the Byzantine church of Saint John, are located on the top of the Lindos Acropolis.
Day Six – Free day
Free day in resort.
Day Seven – Walk 3 – Mount Filerimos
You depart by coach for a short drive to the outskirts of V. From here you commence your walk uphill, for approximately two hours, along trails and paths through lush vegetation, to mount Filerimos. Arriving at the top of the hill you find the medieval church of Panagia Filerimos, and to the side the ruins of the Acropolis of ancient Lalysos. Continuing your walk for another half-mile along the “road to Golgotha”, at the end of which you will find a 16 metre high Cross at a unique panoramic view point. Don’t be surprised if peacocks accompany you as you walk “the road to Golgotha”! You then take a break to visit the church and the ruins of Lalyssos, before boarding the coach for the return drive back to the hotel. 4 miles Ascent 300m/Descent 60m.
Day Eight – Departure Day
Free time until you depart for the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation
Set in one of the island’s most sought-after locations, Hotel Mediterranean sits right in the heart of Rhodes. Overlooking the beachfront, this elegant 5-star hotel offers stylish accommodation in Rhodes Town, along with a seasonal outdoor pool, a relaxed shared lounge, and a spacious terrace. A bar is available on site, and the hotel is within easy reach of several key attractions - just 60 metres from Elli Beach, and only 600 metres from both Akti Kanari Beach and the famous Deer Statues. The hotel’s restaurant serves a tempting selection of Greek and international dishes, complemented by drinks from the bar.