About this tour
When Charlie from our team tried this hike, we expected a pleasant walk and came away with a clearer sense of how Rhodes works beyond the beach resorts. The route runs through the island's interior, where the countryside feels quiet and lived-in: olive groves, citrus orchards, pines and cypresses, grapevines, and the occasional goat watching you pass. Along the way the guide points out local plants and wildlife, shares the island's history under the Knights of Saint John, and explains customs that still shape village life. Sea views open up at a few lookout points, and old aqueduct remains add a bit of history to the scenery. The day runs roughly five to seven hours, with a traditional Greek light lunch eaten outdoors partway through. Expect a fair amount of walking on uneven ground, so this suits people who are reasonably fit and happy to be on their feet for most of the day.
Highlights
- Olive groves and citrus orchards lining the early stretches of track
- Goats grazing near the path, watching hikers with mild interest
- Sea views from lookout spots that justify the regular stops
- Old aqueduct remains set against the surrounding countryside
- Guide explaining local flora and fauna in plain, easy language
- Picnic lunch of traditional Greek light food, eaten outdoors
- Pines and cypresses offering welcome shade on warmer slopes
- Stories of the Knights of Saint John woven into the walk
What to expect
Charlie's day started with the hiking sticks handed out before setting off, which is worth using from the first step. The opening section is the gentlest, a steady walk through groves and past grapevines where the guide slows the pace to point out plants and birds. The terrain is mostly dirt and stone rather than marked pavement, so proper shoes matter far more than you'd think. Pacing is relaxed rather than rushed, with frequent pauses for views and questions, which our team appreciated.
The picnic is the real turning point. Lunch is a light traditional spread, laid out for a proper sit-down break, and it gave the group a chance to talk with the guide without walking. The afternoon is where the legs start to feel it, especially if the day has been warm. Charlie found the pace manageable, but the cumulative distance over five to seven hours adds up. Public transport is available nearby, so getting back to town at the end is simple enough.
What travellers say
- Friendly, informative guide who explains local flora and fauna
- Good mix of nature, history, and local customs
- Picnic lunch rounds out the day nicely
- Varied scenery, from olive groves to sea viewpoints
- Hiking sticks and water are included in the price
- Demanding for anyone without at least moderate fitness
- Several health conditions rule out taking part entirely
- Hiking shoes and sun protection must be brought along
- Long duration may tire less-practised or younger walkers
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is worth your time if you want the countryside rather than the resort strip. Nature lovers and history fans will get the most from it, and the lunch is a genuine highlight rather than an afterthought. The guide is friendly and informative, which makes the long stretches go faster.
This is a proper hike, not a stroll. It is not suitable for anyone with spinal injuries, anyone pregnant, or anyone with poor cardiovascular health. Some stretches sit in full sun, so the midday heat can bite. Younger kids and anyone new to walking may find the length tough going.
Bring a hat, suncream, sunglasses, and proper hiking or athletic shoes, as none of these are included. Water, a light lunch, and hiking sticks are provided. Check public transport times before you set off, and pack a little more water than you think you'll need.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.