Rhodes is home to a captivating guided hike from Salakos to Profitis Ilias. This moderate 14 km adventure covers stunning landscapes and historic sites, offering breathtaking views from the island’s third peak. Fitness enthusiasts can enjoy Rhodes’ natural beauty and cultural heritage with a small group and an experienced guide fluent in multiple languages. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating outdoor experience or a deeper connection with the island’s past, this hike promises an unforgettable journey.
Key Points
- A guided hike from Salakos to Profitis Ilias covering 14 km in 4-5 hours, led by a tour guide in English, Greek, and Italian.
- The hike offers scenic views of wild vegetation, Aleppo pines, and the third peak of the island at 798 meters.
- The cost of the guided hike is $43.78 per person, with options for hotel pickup, free cancellation, and payment deferral.
- The hike is suitable for adventure seekers and includes historic sites, an ancient mule track, and a chapel of Archangel Michael.
- Participants must sign a waiver and health declaration, and arrive 15 minutes early, with recommended items including sun hat, swimwear, and closed-toe shoes.
Activity Overview
The guided hike takes participants from Salakos to Profitis Ilias, covering a distance of 14 km and lasting 4-5 hours.
It’s a small group experience with a live tour guide available in English, Greek, and Italian.
The hike leads through wild vegetation and Aleppo pines, offering breathtaking views from the third peak of the island at 798 meters.
Along the way, hikers will admire historic sites like Villa De Vecchi and Elafos Hotel, as well as an ancient mule track leading to the chapel of Archangel Michael.
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Pricing and Booking
How much does the guided hike in Rhodes cost? The hike is priced at $43.78 per person.
Travelers can reserve the experience now and pay later. There’s also a free cancellation option up to 24 hours before the hike for a full refund.
The small group hiking tour offers convenience with hotel pickup and drop-off available. Participants must sign a waiver and health declaration prior to departure.
Hiking Experience
Hikers embark on a scenic journey through the wild vegetation and Aleppo pines of Rhodes, admiring the historic Villa De Vecchi and Elafos Hotel along the way.
The ancient mule track leads them to the chapel of Archangel Michael, offering breathtaking views from the third peak of the island at 798 meters.
The guided hike presents a unique opportunity to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the region.
Hikers can expect a moderate level of difficulty, with the route providing a memorable experience for those seeking an adventure in the great outdoors.
Inclusions and Requirements
The guided hike includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected, as well as the guided hike itself, necessary hiking equipment, a traditional snack, and bottled water.
However, the activity isn’t suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels. Participants must sign a waiver of responsibility and health declaration before departure.
Hikers should arrive 15 minutes early, and the guide will wear a t-shirt with "Hiking Rhodes".
Recommended items to bring include a sun hat, swimwear, sunscreen, water, and closed-toe shoes.
More Great Tours NearbyPreparation and Important Information
Participants must arrive at the meeting point 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure, as the guide will be wearing a t-shirt with "Hiking Rhodes" to easily identify them. Participants are advised to bring the following:
| Item | Reason |
| — | — |
| Sun hat | Protect from sun exposure |
| Swimwear | Opportunity for swimming |
| Sunscreen | Prevent sunburn |
| Water | Stay hydrated during the hike |
| Closed-toe shoes | Suitable for rugged terrain |
Before the hike, participants must sign a waiver of responsibility and health declaration. This guided tour is not suitable for children under 12, pregnant women, wheelchair users, or those with low fitness levels.
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Scenic Highlights Along the Hike
As the guided hike progresses through the island’s wild vegetation and Aleppo pines, hikers are treated to a series of scenic highlights.
One such highlight is the Villa De Vecchi, an early 20th-century mansion that stands as a testament to the island’s history.
Further along the trail, the Elafos Hotel, established in 1929, offers a glimpse into Rhodes’ past.
The ancient mule track leading to the chapel of Archangel Michael provides a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage.
Finally, the breathtaking views from the third peak of the island (798 m) offer a panoramic vantage point of the surrounding natural beauty.
Cultural and Historical Significance
Throughout the hike, participants encounter a wealth of cultural and historical significance.
Along the ancient mule track, hikers pass by the chapel of Archangel Michael, a site of religious importance. The path also leads to the Elafos Hotel, established in 1929, offering a glimpse into the island’s past.
Winding through the Aleppo pines, the trail provides views of the Villa De Vecchi, a historic structure that adds to the cultural richness of the experience.
These landmarks, combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, make the guided hike a truly immersive cultural adventure.
Participants’ Feedback and Experiences
Countless hikers have commended the guided trek for its breathtaking scenery and enriching cultural experience. One visitor raved, "The hike was a highlight of our Rhodes trip – the views were simply stunning." Another noted, "Our guide’s expertise brought the history and nature to life in a captivating way." Participants consistently praise the small group size, allowing for personalized attention.
| Emotions Evoked | Positive Feedback | Negative Feedback |
| — | — | — |
| Awe | "Breathtaking views" | None reported |
| Appreciation | "Enriching cultural experience" | None reported |
| Enthusiasm | "Highlight of our trip" | None reported |
| Satisfaction | "Personalized attention" | None reported |
Things To Know
Can I Bring My Dog on the Hike?
Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this guided hike. The tour is not suitable for pets, as the trail may be challenging and the group experience could be disrupted by a dog’s presence.
Is There Any First Aid Available During the Hike?
The guided hike includes a first aid kit and an experienced tour guide trained in first aid. However, participants should ensure they have any necessary personal medications and disclose any medical conditions before the hike.
How Difficult Is the Terrain on a Scale of 1-10?
The terrain on this hike is rated around a 6 out of 10 in difficulty. The path includes some steep inclines and rocky sections, but it’s manageable for hikers in good physical condition with proper footwear.
Can I Purchase Additional Snacks and Drinks During the Hike?
No, additional snacks and drinks aren’t available during the hike. The package includes a traditional snack and bottled water, but hikers must bring any extra provisions they’ll need. The tour focuses on the guided hiking experience rather than providing additional refreshments.
Are There Any Toilet Facilities Along the Hiking Trail?
Unfortunately, there are no toilet facilities along the hiking trail. Participants are advised to use the restrooms before the hike begins. The guided tour does not include any planned stops for restroom breaks during the 4-5 hour excursion.
Sum Up
The guided hike from Salakos to Profitis Ilias on Rhodes offers an unforgettable adventure for fitness enthusiasts. Covering 14 km through stunning landscapes, the hike provides breathtaking views from the island’s third peak and explores historic sites. Led by an English, Greek, and Italian-speaking guide, this small group experience immerses hikers in Rhodes’ natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, making it a must-do activity for those seeking an active and enriching outdoor excursion.
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