The scent of pine and thyme rises from the hillside as you walk the coastal path from Lindos to Pefkos, the sun warm on your shoulders and the Aegean glittering below. Rhodes is famous for its beaches and its medieval Old Town, the best-preserved Crusader city in Europe and a UNESCO World heritage site, but the island also offers some of the most rewarding nature walking in the Greek islands. The interior, away from the resorts of Faliraki and the crowds of Lindos, is quiet, green, and crisscrossed by old footpaths and mule tracks that connect the mountain villages. Spring is the season for walking, when the wildflowers are spectacular and the temperatures are perfect.
In This Article
The Valley of the Butterflies: A Living Carpet
The Valley of the Butterflies, known as Petaloudes, is a narrow shaded valley on the western side of the island where thousands of Jersey tiger moths gather from June to September. The moths, whose scientific name is Panaxia quadripunctaria, cover the trees in such numbers that the bark appears to be moving. Their camouflage is remarkable, brown and white when at rest, orange and black when disturbed. The walk through the valley follows wooden walkways along a stream, with the dappled light filtering through the plane trees and the occasional flash of wings as a moth takes flight. The phenomenon peaks in August, and the best time to visit is early morning before the crowds arrive and the heat drives the moths higher into the foliage. Entry costs about 5 euros, and the walk takes about an hour at a gentle pace.
Mount Profitis Ilias: The Summit of Rhodes
Mount Profitis Ilias is the highest point on Rhodes at 798 metres, a peak in the centre of the island that offers panoramic views of both the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts. The walk to the summit from the village of Salakos passes through pine and cypress forests, with the air growing cooler and the sounds of the coast fading as you climb. At the summit, the abandoned Elafos Hotel, built in 1929 during the Italian occupation, stands empty and eerie, a relic of a different era. The hotel was once a hunting lodge for Italian officers, and its decay adds a melancholy atmosphere to the view. The walk takes two to three hours round trip and is of moderate difficulty. The views from the top on a clear day stretch to the Turkish coast, a reminder of how close Rhodes sits to Asia.
The Coastal Path from Lindos to Pefkos
The most rewarding walk on Rhodes is the coastal path from Lindos to Pefkos, a four-kilometre route that follows the cliffs above the Aegean. The path starts at the beach below Lindos, passes through pine woods and over rocky headlands, and offers opportunities to swim in quiet coves along the way. The views across the bay toward the acropolis of Lindos, perched on its cliff above the whitewashed village, are among the finest on the island. The scent of pine and wild thyme accompanies you the entire way. The path is easy to moderate in difficulty and takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The reward at the end is the beach at Pefkos, where the tavernas serve cold beer and fresh seafood.
Seven Springs: An Oasis in the Interior
Seven Springs, known as Epta Piges, is a lush valley in the interior of Rhodes, about 30 kilometres from Rhodes Town. Natural springs feed a small lake and a network of shaded walking trails through plane trees and pine forests. The highlight of the visit is the 186-metre tunnel that carries water from the springs to the lake. You can walk through the tunnel in ankle-deep water, using a torch or phone light to navigate the complete darkness. The tunnel is genuinely dark, and the experience of emerging from the blackness into the green valley on the other side is memorable. The valley is at its greenest in spring and early summer, when the water is flowing strongly. The walk through the tunnel is short but atmospheric, and the whole area is a peaceful escape from the coastal crowds.
Practical Information for Walking in Rhodes
The best time for walking on Rhodes is from March to May, when the spring wildflowers are at their peak and the temperatures are comfortable for hiking. October and November offer autumn colours and warm sea temperatures for swimming after a walk. July and August are too hot for extended walking, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 35 degrees Celsius. If you do walk in summer, start early in the morning and carry plenty of water. The walking trails on Rhodes are not as well marked as those in mainland Greece or the Alps, so a good map or GPS is essential. Good walking shoes, sun protection, and at least one and a half litres of water per person are essential for even the shorter walks. The reward for the effort is the discovery of a quieter, greener, and more ancient Rhodes than most visitors ever see.
Have you walked the Butterfly Valley, climbed Profitis Ilias, or discovered the hidden springs of Rhodes’s interior?
Category: Greece Travel Guides. Updated: June 11, 2026.
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