Rhodes Cycling Holiday

This self-guided circuit explores Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese islands, pairing turquoise seas with wild, green interior landscapes. Riders loop from remote Kalavarda on the northwest coast past the ancient ruins of Kamiros, the fishing port of Skala Kamiros and the medieval fortress at Kritinia, before heading north through the Valley of Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies) into the old city of Rhodes.

A free day allows a walking tour of Rhodes' medieval centre or an optional ferry crossing to cycle the island of Symi. The route then follows the east coast past ancient Turkish baths and clifftop monasteries to Archangelos, detours to the white-washed village and Acropolis of Lindos, then returns west via the forest springs of Epta Piges and Byzantine chapels back to Kalavarda.

Riding alternates easy coastal stretches with more strenuous hill sections, through pine forests and wildflower-rich countryside.

Highlights

• Ride the coast road past the ancient ruins of Kamiros and the medieval fortress at Kritinia
• Explore the Valley of Petaloudes (Valley of the Butterflies) and Rhodes' historic old city
• Optional walking tour of Rhodes or a ferry crossing to cycle the island of Symi
• Visit the restored ancient Turkish baths at Kalithea and the clifftop Monastery of Tsambika
• Cycle to the white village and Acropolis of Lindos
• Ride through the forest springs of Epta Piges and past Rhodes' oldest Byzantine chapel

Surface and terrain:
Mostly tarmac with occasional short unsurfaced sections; some traffic on major roads in and around Rhodes town. Hilly in places, with daily ascents/descents of roughly 375-500m on riding days. Total elevation across the week is approximately 2,170m (excluding the optional Day 4 ride).

Suitable for:
Riders comfortable with a mix of easy coastal riding and more strenuous hilly sections, rated 3 of 5 on the operator's difficulty scale. E-bikes available for those wanting extra assistance on the climbs.