Anyone veering off the beaten track, will find an alternative Rhodes, unknown to many. An island of striking wild flowers, tiny unique orchids and herbs and birds, rarely seen in their European habitats. Despite a spate of devastating forest fires, the island still has areas of virgin pine forest rarely featured in the guide books.
Rivers
Rhodes does not have large rivers, only torrents, which locals call rivers.
The highest mountain on the island, with the altitude of its highest peak reaching at 1215m. Known in antiquity as the worshiping place of “Atavyros Zeus“, the archaeological remains… of which, have survived until today. The ascent to the mountain can be accomplished by two different paths, while on its slope you will pass through a cypress forest of.
This mountain reaches 800m altitude and the road access is a magical journey through tall trees, throughout its length. The road leads to a hotel which has also a cafe where visitors can enjoy the wonderful view.
From mount Atavyros top descends the river Kontaris, passing through the green valley and ending at Lardos Bay. The small river hosts the fish (Gizani), which is found in other places on the island as well.
During the summer, water is retained only at some low points and not throughout its length
Located west, as the largest river on the island, Gadoura River is the only one containing water throughout the year. It is also where the largest Gizani fish population lives.
Loutanis River is the second longer river, located in eastern Rhodes.
Other “rivers” are, Afantenos, at the village of Afandou, Askleipinos at the village of Asklipio, Lardiakos in Lardos,… Makkaris, between the villages of Masari and Malona, Potos or Psalodipotamos, in Kalythies, Kremetenos & Damatrenos, named from the homonymous villages, Dipotama, a confluence of two rivers, Platis, relatively wider than the other rivers and Argyros, in the villages Salakos and Kalavarda.
Lake Apolakkia is a large artificial lake, created in 1999, reaching its greater depth at 23 meters. Carps and wild goldfish can be found living in the lake.
Seven Springs lake is created from the water flows of the seven springs, making it one of the most charming destinations on Rhodes, offering a cool, magical landscape,… a real oasis, even in the heat of high summer.
The access to the lake is very popular with the visitors and a unique experience. If you feel adventurous enough, you can walk through a 186m long and very narrow dark tunnel to reach the lake. The tunnel, constructed back in 1931, leads the water of the Seven Springs and of the river Loutanis, to the lake and walking barefoot through it, makes an exciting experience. As an alternative route, you can simply follow a walking path to the lake, where you will come across an impressive Waterfall. Other waterfalls can be found in Agios Thomas at Mesanagros village, in the south of Rhodes, as well as in the valley of the Butterflies.
*The Seven Springs lake is also suitable for swimming, just keep in mind that the waters are quite cold (even in the hottest summer months), with less water buoyancy, due to fresh water.
*The area belongs to a Natura 2000 protected zone (GR4210006)
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