Seven Springs and Tsambika: the perfect east-coast half day

If you only have an afternoon, this is the ride we suggest most often. Two very different places, ten minutes apart, both about half an hour south of Rhodes town on the east-coast road. It also works as the middle section of our full east-coast day.

Seven Springs (Epta Piges)

Turn inland just before Kolymbia and follow the road for about four kilometres into a valley of pines and plane trees. Seven small springs run through the shade and are channelled into a narrow, dark tunnel, 186 metres long, that ends at a small lake. Walking the tunnel ankle-deep in cold water is a tradition; there is also a path over the top if you prefer daylight. Peacocks wander freely, and the taverna under the trees serves lunch. Allow about an hour and a half.

Tsambika monastery

Back on the main road, a few kilometres south, a steep signposted road climbs to the small monastery of Panagia Tsambika on top of a rock. Ride up to the car park, then walk the last stretch of steps. The view over Tsambika beach, Kolymbia and the coast towards Lindos is one of the best on the island. The monastery is a place of pilgrimage for couples hoping for a child; dress respectfully.

Tsambika beach

Below the rock, a wide beach of fine golden sand with shallow water, sunbeds and a couple of tavernas, backed by dunes rather than hotels. It gets busy in August, so arrive before noon or after 16:00. Quads and scooters park easily near the beach road.

Nearby extras

• Kolymbia: the long straight avenue of eucalyptus trees planted by the Italians, leading to a small harbour and beach.
• Stegna: a fishing village beach south of Archangelos, quieter than Tsambika.
• Archangelos: a large traditional village known for ceramics and carpets, with a castle on the hill.

Riding notes

The Seven Springs road is narrow and shaded, with damp patches; ride slowly. The monastery road is steep with tight bends, use low speed both up and down and read our quad tips. Total distance from town and back is about 70 km, easily within a half-day on any of our ATVs and scooters.