Best Hikes in Rhodes 2026 — Stunning Rhodes Viewpoints

⭐ Best Hikes in Rhodes with Stunning Views

Whether you're a nature lover, a sunset chaser, or simply want to explore Rhodes beyond the beaches, the island offers some breathtaking trails with unforgettable viewpoints. The best hikes in Rhodes take you through pine forests, mountain ridges, quiet valleys, medieval ruins, and dramatic coastlines where the Aegean and Mediterranean stretch out in endless blue.

⭐ Who I Am & Why I Wrote This Guide

Hey traveller — I’m Looneytravels, your Rhodes local buddy. Living here year-round means I get to explore Rhodes on foot in all seasons — from the cool, green winter months to the warm, breezy spring days when wildflowers fill the trails. I hike for calm, fresh air, and the stunning views that remind me why I love this island.

I wrote this guide to the best hikes in Rhodes to help travellers find the most beautiful viewpoints, quiet trails, and rewarding paths across the island. These are hikes that locals do regularly — some easy, some challenging, all beautiful.

If you follow the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 or the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, you’ll find many of these hikes built into suggested routes.

⭐ Best Hikes in Rhodes with Stunning Views (Local Guide)

Below are the top hiking routes on the island — written in local detail, with insider notes on timing, effort, atmosphere, and scenery.

⭐ 1. Profitis Ilias Forest Trails — Cool, Shaded & Atmospheric

Why it’s one of the best hikes in Rhodes: Beautiful pine forest, abandoned Italian-era buildings, and cool mountain air.

This network of trails around Profitis Ilias is perfect for peaceful hiking. Paths curve through tall pines, cross small stone bridges, and reveal historic buildings like the old Italian hotel and villa. The forest stays cool even in summer.

Local tip:
Visit in spring or autumn for vivid colours and easy temperatures.

⭐ 2. Monolithos Castle Hike — Cliffside Paths & Epic West-Coast Views

Why it’s unforgettable: One of Rhodes’ most dramatic viewpoints.

Starting from the parking area, a short but steep path leads to the iconic cliffside castle of Monolithos. Continue past the castle along the ridge for quiet, panoramic views of the Aegean.

Local tip:
Go for sunset — the sky turns golden and the cliffs glow beautifully.

⭐ 3. Akramitis Mountain Hike — The Second-Highest Peak in Rhodes

Why it’s one of the best hikes in Rhodes: Wild landscape, low crowds, and spectacular summit views.

Starting near Monolithos or Siana, the Akramitis trail winds through forest before opening into rocky ridgelines. The final summit rewards you with sweeping views of the entire south and west coast.

Local tip:
Ideal for experienced hikers who want a challenge.

⭐ 4. Tsambika Mountain Hike — Spiritual Climb with Sea Views

Why it’s popular with locals: Iconic views over Tsambika Beach.

A steep climb of 300 steps leads to the small chapel of Panagia Tsambika. The view at the top is one of the most famous on the island — sweeping turquoise water, golden sand, and the inland hills behind you.

Local tip:
Do this at sunrise for peaceful conditions and cooler air.

⭐ 5. The Kritinia Castle Ridge Walk — Sea + Scenery

Why it stands out: Combines medieval architecture with wild coastline.

Start at Kritinia Castle, explore its stone corridors, then follow nearby ridge paths. The views stretch across chalky cliffs, offshore islands, and deep-blue sea.

Local tip:
Photography lovers: this is your hike.

⭐ 6. The Fourni Coast Path — Wild, Windy & Beautiful

Why it’s underrated: Raw west-coast scenery with almost no people.

From the parking at Fourni Beach, follow the coastal paths north or south. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, strong waves, and natural rock formations — all with deep solitude.

Local tip:
Avoid windy days if you're not used to coastal trails.

⭐ 7. Seven Springs to Archipoli Forest Route

Why it’s one of the best hikes in Rhodes for families: Shaded, cool, and gentle.

Start at Seven Springs (Epta Piges), walk past the small lake, then follow forest trails toward Archipoli. The path is soft and shaded, with birdsong and occasional small streams in spring.

Local tip:
Bring water — the shade is cool, but the air can be humid.

⭐ 8. Butterfly Valley Upper Path — Quiet & Scenic

Why it’s unique: A peaceful alternative to the main tourist route.

Instead of walking the central wooden bridge pathway, take the upper trail toward the monastery of Kalopetra. It’s quieter, more scenic, and offers wonderful views of the valley.

Local tip:
Go early to see butterflies moving in the morning light (June–Sept).

⭐ 9. Lindos Viewpoint Walk — Short but Stunning

Why it’s perfect for couples: One of the best ocean-meets-village views in Rhodes.

Walk from the Lindos main road up toward the viewpoint overlooking the entire village, St. Paul’s Bay, and the acropolis. It’s not a long hike, but the scenery is unforgettable.

Local tip:
Sunrise here is magical — the village glows white and gold.

⭐ 10. The Old Asklipio Path — Quiet History Walk

Why it’s underrated: Ancient local path with traditional scenery.

Starting from Asklipio village, follow the old agricultural path used by villagers for centuries. It passes olive groves, small chapels, and peaceful countryside.

Local tip:
Pair with a late lunch in Gennadi or Kiotari.

⭐ 11. Prasonisi Sandbar Walk — Where Two Seas Meet

Why it’s unique: A geographical wonder.

Walk along the sandbar between the Aegean and the Mediterranean, then climb the hills behind for higher views. The contrast of calm and wild seas is incredible.

Local tip:
Late afternoon has the best light for photos.

⭐ 12. Ancient Kamiros Terraces — Ruins + Sea Views

Why it’s perfect for history lovers: Ancient city ruins with coastal scenery.

Wander the terraced remains of Ancient Kamiros, then follow the nearby trails toward the sea for peaceful, scenic walking.

Local tip:
Combine with the quiet beaches on the west coast.

⭐ 13. Profitis Ilias to Salakos Trail — Forest to Village Route

Why it’s one of the best hikes in Rhodes for mixed scenery: Forest, mountains, village charm.

Start at Profitis Ilias and descend into the village of Salakos through shaded woodland. Beautiful, varied, and peaceful.

Local tip:
Great in summer when inland heat rises — forest shade keeps it pleasant.

⭐ 14. The Kattavia–Mesanagros Hills — Remote & Beautiful

Why it’s completely underrated: Deep south Rhodes feels untouched.

This region offers quiet hills, rural paths, and sweeping sea views. It’s ideal for travellers who want true solitude. You might not see another person for an hour.

Local tip:
Avoid midday in summer; go early morning.

⭐ When to Hike in Rhodes

⭐ Morning

Best temperatures, calm atmosphere, quiet trails.

⭐ Late Afternoon

Golden light, long shadows, beautiful views.

⭐ Spring & Autumn

Perfect hiking seasons — cooler, greener, and ideal for long routes.

Avoid midday heat in July and August.

⭐ What to Bring for Hiking in Rhodes

✔ Good walking shoes
✔ Hat, sunglasses & sunscreen
✔ Plenty of water
✔ Light snacks
✔ A light jacket in shoulder seasons
✔ Swimsuit for coastal hikes
✔ Offline map (phone signal can vary in the mountains)

⭐ Mapping Out the Best Hikes in Rhodes with Transport

Renting a car gives you the easiest access to trailheads, especially in Profitis Ilias, Akramitis, and the deep south.
See the Rhodes Transport Guide – Best Ways to Travel in Rhodes for full travel tips.

Buses reach some areas (Tsambika, Butterfly Valley, Ancient Kamiros), but hiking flexibility is greater with a car.

⭐ Where to Stay for Hiking in Rhodes

⭐ West Coast (Monolithos, Sianna, Kritinia)

Best for dramatic coastal hikes and castle routes.

⭐ Salakos & Profitis Ilias Region

Perfect for forest trails and cooler air.

⭐ Lindos & Pefkos

Ideal if you want beautiful sea-view hikes combined with beach days.

See Where to Stay in Rhodes – Guide to All Best Areas & Resorts and Best Hotels in Rhodes for deeper planning.

⭐ Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Hikes in Rhodes

❓ Are Rhodes hikes suitable for beginners, families, or casual walkers?

Yes — Rhodes has many beginner-friendly hiking trails perfect for families, new hikers, and travellers who want gentle scenic routes rather than steep mountain climbs. Easy hikes include the Profitis Ilias forest paths, the Seven Springs to Archipoli walk, the Lindos viewpoint trail, and the Butterfly Valley upper path, each offering beautiful views without difficult terrain.

If you’re looking for easy routes with rewarding scenery, check out Seven Springs Rhodes (Epta Piges) or the Lindos Travel Guide 2026, where you’ll find short, panoramic walks ideal for warm-up hikes. Families often enjoy shaded paths described in Rhodes for Families, especially those around Profitis Ilias and Archipoli.

❓ What are the best long-distance or challenging hikes in Rhodes?

For experienced hikers, Rhodes offers several challenging routes with rugged terrain, mountain ridges, and breathtaking panoramic views. Top advanced hikes include Akramitis Mountain, the Fourni Coast Trail, and the Kattavia–Mesanagros Hills Route, each offering remote, wild scenery far from busy resort areas.

If you want more adventurous and lesser-known trails, see Hidden Rhodes 2026, which highlights remote south-island landscapes, or explore dramatic west-coast viewpoints featured in Best Sunset Spots in Rhodes. Hikers who prefer mixed terrain will also enjoy the varied forest-to-village descent found in the Profitis Ilias to Salakos Trail.

❓ Are hiking trails in Rhodes well marked, or do I need a map?

Some trails — especially popular ones around Tsambika Mountain, Prasonisi Hills, and the Butterfly Valley hiking paths — are well-trodden and easy to follow. Others, particularly rural agricultural routes in the south or west coast, may require offline navigation because they lack consistent signage.

For beginners or first-time hikers, the easiest marked routes are shown in the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 and the Rhodes Itinerary 7 Days, which highlight clearly defined paths suitable for travellers unfamiliar with Greek island trail systems. If you're hiking deeper into the countryside, use GPX maps or downloadable offline maps.

❓ Is hiking in Rhodes safe, and what should I be aware of?

Rhodes is generally very safe for hikers. Trails pass through peaceful forests, quiet valleys, ancient pathways, and coastal ridgelines with no dangerous wildlife. The main risks are the Mediterranean heat and dehydration during summer months. Avoid exposed routes between 12:00–16:00 in July and August.

You can find seasonal weather tips in the Rhodes Weather Guide – Best Time to Visit, especially useful for planning forest and mountain hikes. For coastal trails like Fourni or Prasonisi, good footwear and extra water are essential. If you're combining hikes with beach stops, see Crystal Clear Water in Rhodes for safe, clean swimming spots along hiking routes.

❓ When is the best season for hiking in Rhodes to enjoy the best scenery?

The best hiking seasons in Rhodes are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Trails bloom with wildflowers in spring and glow with warm golden light in autumn — perfect for photography, wildlife spotting, and long-distance hiking. These seasons also offer comfortable temperatures for mountain routes like Profitis Ilias or Akramitis.

If you prefer cooler, greener scenery, winter is also beautiful for hiking, as highlighted in Rhodes in Winter, where forests and valleys feel fresh and quiet. Summer hiking is possible but should be limited to early mornings. Coastal sunrise walks such as those near Tsambika or Lindos are ideal — or explore recommendations inside Best Hikes in Rhodes for heat-friendly shaded trails.

⭐ External Expert References

Below are carefully chosen external sources with exact URLs, each offering additional detail relevant to Rhodes hiking and viewpoints.

Akramitis Mountain — One of Rhodes’ Best Summit Hikes

AllTrails – Akramitis Trail
A detailed trail profile with reviews, elevation charts, and difficulty ratings. Ideal for travellers planning the island’s most iconic challenging hike with 360° summit views.

Profitis Ilias Trails — Forest Paths & Historic Buildings

Rhodes Guide – Profitis Ilias
Includes information about the mountain, the Italian-era hotel, shaded forests, and surrounding hiking environment — perfect background reading for planning beginner and intermediate hikes.

Tsambika Mountain & Monastery Viewpoint

Discover Greece – Tsambika Monastery
Explains the climb, the 300 steps, spiritual significance, and panoramic views — an excellent complement for travellers seeking scenic yet accessible hikes.

⭐ Final Thoughts

Rhodes isn’t just a beach island — it’s full of cliffs, forests, ancient pathways, summits, and scenic coastlines that reveal its quieter, wilder side. The best hikes in Rhodes offer stunning views, rewarding climbs, and peaceful natural moments far from the crowds.

To plan your hiking days alongside cultural sights and beach time, combine this guide with the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026, the Rhodes 7-Day Itinerary, and Best Hotels in Rhodes.

Take your time, start early, and let Rhodes surprise you with its natural beauty.