Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
hotchpotch of Doric, Byzantine and medieval remains. As you enter, stairs lead to the an-
cient remains of a 3rd-century-BC temple and the restored 14th-century
Chapel of Agios
Georgios
and
Monastery of Our Lady
. All that's left of the temple are the foundations,
but the chapel is a peaceful retreat.
Take the path left from the entrance to a 12th-century
chapel
(looking like a bunker)
filled with frescoes.
Outside the entrance you'll find a small kiosk, a whole lot of peacocks and a popular
tree-lined path with the
Stations of the Cross
. There are also ruins of a
Byzantine
church
below the car park. Ialysos is 10km from Rhodes, with buses running every half-
hour.
Ialysos to Petaloudes Ιαλυσός προς Πεταλούδες
8.30am-3pm)
, where you'll learn about honey making and the history of beekeeping on
Rhodes. See bees at work, watch demonstrations of making honey and stock up on honey
rum, soap and sweets in the gift shop. To reach the museum, join the super-smooth Tsairi
Airport motorway towards Kalithies; it's on the right, just past Pastida.
From here it's a short trip to
Maritsa
from where the scenic road takes you up over
pine-forested hills to
Psinthos
, where you'll find a lively square lined with lunch spots.
To Stolidi Tis Psinthoy
(mains €7-9)
has a country feel with wooden beams, checked
tablecloths and family photos on the walls. Try the spicy pork, dolmadhes and freshly
baked country bread.
Petaloudes Πεταλούδες
Northwest of Psinthos,
Petaloudes
(adult €6; 8am-2.30pm)
is better known as the Val-
ley of the Butterflies. Visit in June, July or August when these colourful creatures mature
and you'll quickly see why. They're actually moths
(Callimorpha quadripunctarea)
drawn to the gorge by the scent of the resin exuded by the storax trees. In summer it's
choking with tour buses, but come out of season and you'll have the gorgeous forest
path, streams and pools to yourself (though sadly, no butterflies).
Ancient Kamiros Αρχαία Κάμειρος
The extensive
ruins
of the Doric city of Kamiros stand on a hillside above the west
coast, 34km south of Rhodes Town. The ancient city, known for its figs, oil and wine,
