Are you looking for the best hotels to stay in Rhodes Old Town? You are in the right place! Based on the reviews of real customers, I have selected the best hotels you should consider when visiting Rhodes. With their luxurious vibes and authentic atmosphere, these charming boutique hotels will steal your heart. Situated just a few minutes from the main city attractions, they are an excellent solution for the travelers who like to spend the night in unusual locations. In fact, most of the boutique hotels below are situated inside the medieval buildings built by the knights of Saint John.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
I sorted the hotels geographically by distance from the Grand Master Palace. Note: this doesn’t mean that the hotels that are far from the Grandmaster Palace are in a worst position. As you can see from our Rhodes Old Town self guided walking tour, there are many things to see in the whole town, and every alley has its own charm and story to discover.
Also, there are several parking spots all around the walls, so if you are considering the walking distance to leave your rented car, consider the distance from the nearest gate. For example, if you are staying in Helios Garden Boutique, Saint Athanasios Gate is closer. While Kokkini Porta Rossa is just a few meters away from Saint John’s Red Gate.
You can locate the different hotels on the map below.
The following comparative table will help you get a global idea of the hotels in a glimpse. For more in-detail information on each hotel, go to the dedicated paragraph. If you want to check the dates/book a hotel, just click on the link.
All hotels include breakfast. Breakfast is commonly served in a designated area, a courtyard or your room. It isn’t a buffet breakfast, but it’s still very abundant and delicious. Try the yogurt with honey and fruits, you’ll thank me later! 😉
❤️ Guests loved: the abundant breakfast and the hosts, Effi and Yiannis.
Perfectly blending the medieval atmosphere with a Middle Eastern twist, Utopia Luxury Suites offer a delightful solution to those who want to explore Rhodes, while maintaining a certain independence. The suites are mini apartments equipped with kitchens.
The Junior Suite has a small private pool that was an ancient cistern, perfect to cool off after a long day of exploration. While in the King Suite, there is a jacuzzi. You can also rent a bike to explore the area and some of the closest sites.
The owner is an interior designer, and you can see the attention she puts into every detail while decorating each suite. The result is a beautiful blend between the ancient and new.
At Utopia Luxury Suites, breakfast is homemade and very abundant. There are cakes, omelettes and pies but also the typical Greek yogurt.
For an additional fee, the hotel provides with massage sessions.
❤️ Guests loved: the calm atmosphere and the host, Maria.
It’s hard to believe that Saint Artemios Boutique Hotel is situated just a few minutes from the crowded Sokratus Street. And yet this charming boutique hotel is just a few meters away from all the main town’s attractions, in a calm alley.
Saint Artemios Hotel takes its name from the medieval church that you can admire in the main courtyard. In the same private courtyard, you can also chill on the comfortable outdoor sofas, or enjoy breakfast in the morning in a peaceful location.
The boutique hotel is located in two different buildings. An original medieval building that has modern and large rooms with stone floors and walls, while a new separate building welcomes the oriental decorated rooms.
The rooms have a rustic-chic vibe given by the use of earthy colors and the exposed wooden beams.
❤️ Guests loved: the delicious breakfast and the host, Elli.
Orange, yellow, green, and blue are the names (in Greek) of the 4 large rooms inside Ellique Hotel. Quite obviously, each room respects the color code given by its name, which is a nice aesthetic touch.
The location is in a quiet cobblestone street not far from Sokratus Street, and it has easy access to all the main attractions in the town. Ellique Hotel has an adult-only policy. Children are welcome from 12 years old.
The attention to detail is one of the main strengths of this boutique hotel. The host Elli is very attentive and helpful, and provides good tips for visiting Rhodes.
The minibar service is included in the room price and is refilled daily. For an additional fee, you can rent bicycles and tour the town and surroundings.
❤️ Guests loved: the authenticity of the location and the host, Nikos.
Situated in the south-western side of Rhodes Old Town, S. Nikolis Boutique Hotel is located inside a medieval sandstone building, built by the Knights of St John. The area is even more ancient as the hotel rises on the 2000-year-old remains of the Ancient Agora. Good to know: the closest entrance is Saint Athanasios Gate.
The rooms of S. Nikolis are in two different buildings. The reception and some of the rooms are situated in a 14th century building. While the rest of the rooms are housed in a 1522 knight’s residence, which is about 100 meters away from the hotel main building.
What makes S. Nikolis stand out is the unique step-back-in-time atmosphere and setting. Take the furniture for example: inside the Superior Suite there is a beautifully handmade wooden queen-sized bed.
Even if the rooms respect the medieval character, the hotel has a few comfortable surprises, like the private jacuzzi that is in some of the rooms.
❤️ Guests loved: the serene garden and the hosts, Jay and Meike.
German/Dutch couple Jay and Meike have renovated a house and transformed it into three lovely apartments that can be an ideal pied-à-terre during your trip to Rhodes.
The apartments are tastefully renovated and fully equipped. The surfaces variate from 32 m² to 44 m² to grant you all the comfort and place you need.
The interiors with the natural stone exposed are rustic but absolutely welcoming, and the three apartments have a welcoming and cozy vibe. My favorite touch? Naming the apartments after the God of the Sun (Ilios), the Goddess of the moon (Selini), and the Goddess of the dawn (Eos).
One of the highlights of Helios Garden Boutique Apartments is the lush garden where you can have breakfast or dine. Helios Garden Boutique Apartments only serves breakfast, but you always can cook in your apartment’s equipped kitchen. The communal courtyard also has a sundeck area and a lounge.
❤️ Guests loved: the beautiful setting and the hosts, Nikos and Angela.
An elegant and authentic space, Kokkini Porta Rossa is a 5 stars boutique hotel situated next to St. John’s Gate. The hotel used to be a big house under the Ottoman Empire, that welcomed Greek, Turkish and Jewish families.
Tastefully decorated and renovated, the hotel includes 6 large luxurious suites each with unique features and a unique name that recalls some of the people who lived and worked inside the houses.
Guests who are looking for accommodations with a plunge pool should reserve Michalis suite. While the owners recommend Deniz for a romantic stay, the suite has a “hayat” (which translates as “life” from Arabic), which is a wooden roofed balcony that you can admire from outside the hotel.
Did you know? Kokkini translates as “red” from Greek, while porta rossa means red door from Italian.
❤️ Guests loved: the beautiful setting and the host, Toula.
From the iron entrance gate, Trinity Boutique Hotel immerses its guests in a medieval atmosphere. The Gothic building was constructed by Latvian merchants in the late 15th century.
After the island’s occupation by the Turkish Empire, the first floor was added to give the building the structure it still has today.
Trinity Boutique Hotel has 6 large and modern rooms, some of which have a comfortable jacuzzi to rest after a long day of exploration. Depending on your travel party, you have the choice between couple or family rooms.
In the courtyard you will find a nice small lounge garden where you can have breakfast or simply relax. Trinity Boutique Hotel’s interiors are tastefully decorated and furnished, allowing you to spend some quality time in Rhodes Old Town.
The medieval town of Rhodes is a paradise for history lovers, as it’s one of the most well preserved in Europe. In this guide I highlighted the most important sights and attractions you should see when going a self guided walking tour of Rhodes Old Town. As I love maps (and they are also very practical), you can also find one to save in the first paragraph of this post.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
Rhodes Old Town Self Guided Walking Tour Map (+ Mandraki Harbor)
If you follow our route, it will take you about an hour to walk from d’Ambroise Gate to Rhodes Aquarium. It’s a 5 kilometer walk. Of course, I’m not counting the time to visit the different attractions and a 1-2 hour lunch break. That will take you the whole day, it may seem a lot, but there are so many things to do, see, and shop!
Is Rhodes the most well-preserved Middle Age town in Europe? Maybe, but there’s a little trick though! From 1912 to 1947, Rhodes was under the control of the Italian administration. The Italian colonists preserved the buildings from the Knight’s period (1309 – 1522), while they demolished the Ottoman buildings (1523 – 1912). They also reconstructed many of the buildings that were neglected or destroyed, including the Grand Master’s Palace.
D’Ambroise Gate
There are several gates to access the citadel. If you are NOT staying inside the walled town, or visiting on a cruise excursion, d’Ambroise Gate is the perfect starting point for your Rhodes Old Town self guided walking tour. The northwestern gate has a scenic moat bridge from where you can admire the walls circling the town.
To enter the town, there is a scenic stone hallway where you can often find a street musician. Enter the second wall line, and you will find yourself in a larger pedestrian street with the left side of the Grandmaster Palace in the background. I particularly loved this part as it’s really picturesque, there are a few portrait painters and so many cats sleeping around!
The Medieval Clock Tower
As you pass another smaller gate, you will enter Rhodes Old Town. Picturesque two-floor stone houses line the street with colorful shops and restaurants, and in the distance you will notice Roloi the clock tower.
This tower is the highest point in Rhodes Old Town, and it has the best view. The small fee to enter includes a free beverage, coffee or tea.
Suleymaniye Mosque and the Rainbow Stair
While you are in the tower, take the chance to have a glimpse of Suleymaniye Mosque, one of the few Ottoman buildings that survived the wars and the Italian renovation works. Today the mosque is closed except during special events or religious festivities.
Following our path, you will also pass by the mosque very close on all sides. Go up to Panaitiou Street and, after the dummy with a medieval armor, turn right for a quick photo stop on the rainbow stair.
The Grandmaster Palace
Seat of the Knights of Saint John’s power, the Grandmaster palace is one of the most impressive sights in Rhodes. The imposing castle was renovated by the Italians (who controlled Rhodes from 1912 to 1947), after the explosion of a gunpowder storage in 1856 severely damaged the area.
Even though most of the castle has been rebuilt, the place has a really immersive atmosphere that will take you back to when the Knights of Saint John controlled the island. On the other hand, the Italians made some important modifications. For example, while renovating the castle, they took many damaged mosaics from Kos and placed them inside the palace. You will also notice many Roman symbols, like the Capitoline Wolf or the Eagle, both taken by Fascism from the Roman Empire symbolism.
The ticket entrance will give you access to an interesting exhibition of objects, a few very ancients. The final part of the museum is dedicated to the Knights of Saint John and their history on the island.
The Street of the Knights
Your journey to discover Rhodes Old Town continues outside in one of the most emblematic places of the town, the Street of the Knights, which is considered one of the most well preserved medieval alleys in Europe.
This cobblestone street, also known by the name of Ippoton, is lined with 15th – 16th century buildings that were once the inns where the knights lived. Today, several of these buildings have been converted into embassies.
I highly recommend exploring the 650 ft (200 mt) alley, and appreciate the small details hidden among the ancient walls. On our map you will notice a short deviation to explore the narrow alleys around. The one I’ve put in the tour has a panel that illustrates the different buildings lined up on the main street.
The Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Rhodes’ largest collection of archaeological finds, is inside the scenic ancient hospital of the Knights of Saint John. As I mention in the best Rhodes Instagram spots, the location itself is absolutely worth the entry fee. The two level stone building features a mix of romanesque architecture and some elements from the Middle East, recalling the caravanserais.
The museum displays many objects from the Hellenist era, like vases and other daily objects, but also burial finds. There is also an outdoor garden with some ancient statues that are well worth seeing.
Personally, the Hospital of the knights was my favorite attraction in Rhodes Old Town.
The Jewish Martyrs Square
When passing through this bustling square, the monument to the Jewish martyrs may easily go unnoticed, shadowed by the large trees in the center of the square.
Dedicated to the memory of the Jews who were deported from Rhodes and Kos by the Italians and Germans during World War II, this memorial is an important piece of the modern history of Rhodes Old Town, that wasn’t spared by the war.
Church of the Virgin Mary of the Burgh
Most cities would probably organize the area of the Church of the Virgin Mary of the Burgh, and make access available for a small fee. Not in Rhodes, you can freely walk among the ruins of this medieval church. That’s also one of the reasons I loved exploring the town so much. It feels authentic, like a step back in time.
The Gothic church was built in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John Hospitaller. Through the years, the church has been abandoned, and the roof as well as many of the walls collapsed. Nowadays, you can admire the arches supporting the sky and a large colony of cats living among the ruins.
Before heading back to the city center, admire the view from the gate that takes the name of the church, the Virgin Mary or Panagia Gate. It’s indeed one of the loveliest views in the town.
From Sokratus Street to the Liberty Gate
Even though it’s a very touristy location (you could say tourist trap), I loved shopping on Sokratus Street! There are so many shops of all types, from jewelers to the usual kitsch stuff, that I’m the first to buy. It’s unlikely you won’t give in to the temptation of buying something.
My only advice is to pass by Argyrocastrou Square Fountain, one of the cutest photo spots in Rhodes Old Town, and the Temple of Aphrodite, which is one of the oldest ruins in the town. The ruins of this temple are worth seeing, even if it will only take you a few minutes.
Leave Aphrodite Temple and the Old Town from the Liberty Gate and find yourself in Mandraki Harbor.
The Three Windmills and the Doe
Considered one of the landmarks of Rhodes, the three windmills, stand on the right side of Mandraki, on the same pier to go to Saint Nicholas Fortress. The three windmills have been renovated and are the few survivors of a series that once served both for agriculture and defensive purposes.
Even before thinking of visiting Rhodes, you probably come across it during history class because of the mythical Colossus. Known as one of the Ancient 7 World Wonders, the Colossus didn’t survive the test of time. To celebrate Rhodes symbol, a statue of a doe on the right side, and one of a deer on the left side, have been placed where the feet of the Colossus stood.
The location is also a perfect view of the harbor with the old town in the background and the Italian buildings in the modern part.
The Seaside Promenade to the Aquarium
Back to the harbor and Nea Agora, take your time to admire the neoclassical architecture built under Italian dominance. There are several administration buildings that will remind you of the buildings you can find in the EUR neighborhood in Rome. Among the most noticeable, check out the market of Nea Agora and the Casino, both marked on the map.
The last stop of our Rhodes Old Town Self Guided Tour is the northernmost building on the island, the aquarium. The aquarium itself is very small, and you may skip it, but the area is very nice, and I recommend going there also to relax and admire the sunset on the western coast.
Are you planning to visit Rhodes? You will love it!
This island has so much to offer and there are so many interesting activities to do. Need inspiration to craft your itinerary? Check out our 7-day itinerary for the island that includes a day in Symi.
A walled medieval city, amazing natural bays, and an incredible acropolis overlooking the sea. These are only a few of the many stunning Instagram spots you can find in Rhodes. In this blog post you can find them all, in geographical order starting from the north, and complete with a map.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
There is nothing better than a good map to help you find all the most instagrammable places in Rhodes, so here we go!
The Three Windmills of Mandraki
If Rhodes’ Colossus had survived the test of time, today it would be the best photo spot in Rhodes without any doubt. Instead, the star of Mandraki harbor today are the three famous windmills, lined on the walk to Saint Nicholas Fortress.
These windmills were built under the Knights of Saint John, around the 14th century. Documents attest that there were several at the time and they also served as defensive towers.
Nowadays, a symbol of Rhodes, the three famous windmills have been renovated and are an iconic spot to pass by.
The Grandmaster Palace
During the Middle Ages, the Knights of Saint John controlled Rhodes and built many fortresses that can still be admired throughout the island. The most famous of them all is undoubtedly the magnificent Grandmaster palace in Rhodes Old Town.
The castle was severely damaged during an explosion in 1856, when a gunpowder depot was struck by lighting. The palace stayed in ruins until the Italians, who took control of the island in 1912, rebuilt it.
There are several interesting photo drops, although the best ones are probably the main gate, the courtyard, and the main stair (on the left after the main entrance).
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
There are countless picturesque spots in Rhodes Old Town (and you can check them out in our Rhodes Old Town self guided walking tour), but the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes is my absolute favorite with its awe-inspiring arches.
The imposing structure was anciently the hospital of the knights of Saint John. Nowadays, it features a large collection of objects. Its central courtyard is also perfect for taking beautiful photos of this Medieval building.
Filerimos Monastery
Filerimos Monastery is one of the most overlooked attractions in Rhodes. Despite being an important cultural landmark, the Byzantine monastery is also the ideal location for taking some amazing photos.
First, because of the views. There are a few panoramic points where you can admire Rhodes coast up to the city, the Turkish coastline and Symi island. Second, Filerimos monastery. Besides the fascinating interiors, the monastery also has a picturesque courtyard and architecture.
And last, the lovely peacocks that live in the sacred site. There are so many of them! Always parading for the females’ attention, you will have the chance to see many males making the wheel. Sometimes they even do it for visitors, when there are no females around.
Kallithea Springs
If you like frames and geometric elements, Kallithea Springs is your go to for your Instagram photos. This delightful art déco complex was built by the Italians around 1920, on the natural springs of Kallithea that have been known since ancient times.
For a small fee, you can freely wander about the thermal buildings and take some jaw dropping photos. I highly recommend you to step inside the Rotonda Hall (down the main entrance stairs), and the exposition halls, where they also make wedding receptions.
Kallithea Springs is the ideal also for its rocky coastline. You can have a dip on one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes, or tan under the sun.
Profitis Ilias View Point
Very appreciated by locals, but less known by tourists, Profitis Ilias is my favorite panoramic point in Rhodes. The breathtaking view will let you see from Kallithea Springs promontory to Afandou beach. But the best part is, of course, the view of the idyllic Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko beach.
There are several points on the promontory from where you can enjoy the breathtaking view. The pinned location will send you to a concrete platform near a World War II bunker where you will have Anthony Quinn Bay at your feet.
If you stop at the small parking lot, before arriving at the small church on top, on your right, you will have an amazing view of the southern coast, including Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko beach.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Hollywood star Anthony Quinn engraved its name in Rhodes history by acquiring the bay in the 60s. Luckily for us, the iconic bay became a public property again in 1984.
Anthony Quinn Bay with its rocky beach is definitely one of the most beautiful sights on the island. An advice if you like prefer crowd less pictures get there early. The beach is one of the most popular in Rhodes and it can get very crowded.
Seven Springs
Epta Piges, which translates Seven Springs, is a quiet location in the hinterland where you can find a dam that is a very nice backdrop for your Instagram photos.
The funniest part is getting there. You can either walk through an underground tunnel for about 500 ft (150 mt) in complete darkness. If you are not claustrophobic, I highly recommend this experience. Or you can walk on the surface, which’s hilly ground, and reach the dam.
Once you are arrived, there is a wooden stair to get down to the waterfall. When taking your photos in front of the waterfall, be careful of the ground. It’s very slippery!
Disclaimer: As for any time you are exploring urbex, venture forth responsibly, carefully, and within the boundaries of law.
Once known under the name of Campochiaro under Italian dominance, Eleousa is now a quiet village in the central mountains of Rhodes. What makes Eleousa interesting for incredible photos? The ghost buildings of the rectangular square where there is the orthodox church of Saint Karalampos.
Once the core of the Italian village, you can still enter inside the administration building and the complex of shops, houses, and even a screen room that are now completely abandoned.
Acropolis of Lindos
I personally preferred discovering Rhodes Old Town, but I must admit that Lindos is the most “instagrammable” location in Rhodes, and the Acropolis is the best location for the most memorable photos.
It could be because of the breathtaking views of the surroundings, or the ruins of the Greek buildings that overlook the sea. All I can say is that among all the acropolis that survived the test of time, this is probably a top contender for the title of Acropolis with the best views!
Lindos Village
Lovers of the white cubique typical Greek villages, Lindos is perfect for you! The quaint cobbledstone streets lined with shops and restaurants are ideal to walk by and take memorable photos.
A top tip? Have a lunch break in one of the rooftop restaurants. The views are so good! Also, if you are spending more days on the island, remember to visit Lindos on a cruise-free day, it can be very crowded.
Monolithos Castle
The sea, a cliff, Monolithos fortress. I’m talking about one of the most unforgettable locations on the west coast. This fortress was built under the dominance of the Knights of Saint John, to control the southwestern coast of Rhodes.
The place is completely abandoned and left in ruins, but it maintained its charm. You can admire an unobstructed view of the western coast and the surrounding islands, and take some special photos by using the ruins of the castle as a frame.
I was so surprised by the beauty of Rhodes, and I really understood all the hype this island gets. If you are still in the early phases of planning your trip, check out our 7-day itinerary covering so many amazing locations this island has to offer.
Just like many other Greek islands, there are some incredible beaches in Rhodes that one can only dream of. During our one week stay on this amazing island we explored many of them (all the most famous except for Prasonisi). This is our final selection of the best ones you will find on the island. For every beach, I’ve highlighted what the beach is best for, the soil type, and if you can rent beach equipment. Don’t forget the map to help you easily find them once you are in Rhodes.
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
I ordered the beaches on this list by geographical area, starting from the east coast, Lindos, and going up to the north to circle back to the west coast and Prasonisi in the south. You can find them all on the map below.
St Paul’s Bay, Lindos
Best for: the view of Lindos Acropolis. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: tents, umbrellas, sunbeds.
St Paul’s Bay is a small bay on the right of the beautiful Lindos acropolis. When you are on top of Lindos acropolis you can’t see the entrance of the bay, so it looks like a lake.
Despite being mainly rocky, St Paul’s bay has a small beach where you can relax on the sea shore while admiring the acropolis on your left.
Prices to rent the beach equipment are quite expensive comparing to other beaches around the island, but the location is also one of the most beautiful in Rhodes, so it’s still worth it!
Lindos and Pallas Beaches, Lindos
Best for: the view of Lindos Acropolis. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Lindos and Pallas beaches are on the left of the village of Lindos. Often referred to as Lindos beach, Pallas is the small sand beach closer to the acropolis hill. Both beaches have a shallow seabed which is ideal for kids.
Prices for renting beach equipment and at the bar/restaurant are less expensive than in St Paul. The only flaw of this bay is that there can be many boats.
Agathi Beach
Best for: the view, Feraklos castle, Agathi Church, and the necropolis. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: tents, umbrellas and sunbeds.
Agathi beach was very close to being my favorite beach in Rhodes, when visiting this golden sand beach is an absolute must in Rhodes. What makes it so special? For starters, Feraklos castle.
Overlooking the bay, Feraklos castle is an abandoned medieval fortress that once protected the bays of Agathi and Haraki. Nowadays, the castle is completely in ruins, and you must be careful when exploring it, some of the rocks when climbing up can be slippery. The view from the top is a 360° view of Agathi, Haraki, and the southern beach close to Lindos area. There are also some caves that you can explore.
The Mycenaean tombs on Agathi beach, and Feraklos fortress in the background.
In the northern area of the beach there are two more points to explore: the small Agathi chapel and the Mycenaean tombs overlooking the bay. Getting there is very easy, and you will have a nice view of the beach with Feraklos castle in the background.
Getting there: following Google maps, we ended up on a narrow dirt road where we almost broke our car. To get to Agathi, just follow the panels to the beach and you’ll get there.
Stegna
Best for: off the beaten path. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Stegna is probably the most underrated beach in Rhodes! This quiet beach has a long sandy shore in front of a promenade lined with small shops, houses, and restaurants. Despite its nice location and restaurants, it’s way less touristy than the other most popular beaches in the area.
The beach can be coupled with the exploration of Archangelos, a small and picturesque village, where you can find the folklore museum as well as the Church of Michael the Archangel.
Tsambika Beach
Best for: water sports and activities. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Tsambika is one of the most beloved beaches on Rhodes Eastern coast. The beach is very similar to Agathi, minus the castle overlooking the bay, a long golden sand shore with shallow waters.
The landscape itself is already worth the detour, but what makes it even better are the various water sports you can try. There is also an inflatable water park. At the extreme left of the beach there is also a small dune where you can roll on. It’s so fun!
Afandou Beach
Best for: off the beaten path. Type of beach: pebbles. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Among so many spectacular landscapes, Afandou may look less interesting. And yet this pebble beach has everything it needs to spend a pleasant day. Crystalline waters and a few tourists around, although the water gets deep very close to the shore.
Afandou looks wilder than other more popular beaches, but there are still a few restaurants and bars you can enjoy. Also, you will have absolutely no problem finding a parking spot here.
Ladiko Beach
Best for: the view. Type of beach: sand and pebbles, rocky seabed. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Only 5 minutes by foot from Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko beach is situated on the right side of a small bay that also has a rocky beach on its left.
The beach is very beautiful, but unfortunately there isn’t a lot of space to lay your towel on the sand. Instead, you can rent an umbrella. It can be pricey during summer, but the view is worth it.
Anthony Quinn Bay (our favorite!)
Best for: snorkeling, the view. Type of beach: pebbles, rocky seabed. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
The most famous beach in Rhodes is the beautiful Anthony Quinn bay. The iconic location is named after the Hollywood star who fell in love with it while filming The Guns of Navarone. Quinn owned the bay for a few years until a change in property law made it public again in 1984.
The beach has a small parking space for the large crowds it attracts during the high season. For this reason, I strongly advise you to get there very early in the morning. Another reason to be an early bird? The bay is perfectly lit by the sun in the morning and snorkeling at this time of the day can be magical, with many fishes swimming around.
The access to the beach is via a narrow wooden stair. It isn’t easily accessible, but we made it with a stroller. The beach also has a nice bar/restaurant with a terrace overlooking the bay. When visiting, I highly recommend wearing neoprene shoes. The pebbles are sharp, and they also get extremely hot.
Did you know? You can visit Anthony Quinn Bay on a boat. There are several 1 day or half day cruises that will couple the bay with another beach or location. Check them out on GetYourGuide and Viator!
Our pick? Fancy sailing onboard a galleon? Aphrodite Duchess is a modern boat that looks like a galleon. If you sail with them, you’ll see Kallithea Springs, Anthony Quinn Bay, and Traganou Caves. Don’t forget to book the top deck option, which includes a large cushion on the upper deck.
Pro tip: Looking for an aerial shoot of the bay? Go to Profitis Ilias Church. There are several viewpoints where you can admire Anthony Quinn Bay and Ladiko Beach on your right and Falirakis area on your left. This place is definitely one of the best photo spots in the island!
Kallithea Springs
Best for: the art déco architecture of the decorative elements. Type of beach: pebbles and rocks. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Since antiquity, Kallithea springs have been known for their healing and therapeutic properties. During the Italian government of Rhodes, the area underwent several works that gave us the iconic complex that you can visit today.
The art déco constructions on the bay are indeed one of the most important and attractive architectural complexes to visit in Rhodes. Abandoned following the events of World War II, Kallithea springs were later restored by the Greek government.
Since then, the white rounded-shape complex has been set of some iconic films during the 60s and 70s, and it continues to attract several tourists daily.
Set in a small cove, the beach of Kallithea springs is a small stretch of pebbles with a rocky frame. There you can rent beach equipment and relax in the quiet waters of the bay. The sea bed slopes very gently, making it a great place for relaxation.
Elli Beach
Best for: close to Rhodes center. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
The northernmost point in Rhodes is the sandy beach named Elli. Just a few walking minutes from Rhodes Old Town and the city center, Elli has clean crystalline waters despite being close to the ancient (and still active) harbor.
Due to its position, this beach can be exposed to the winds and currents; the eastern side is less exposed. It can be a great deal for families also because of the nearby aquarium. In the aerial view of Elli beach down below, the aquarium is the yellow and red building between the two shores.
Akti Kanari Beach
Best for: close to Rhodes center. Type of beach: pebbles. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
Just like Elli beach, Akti Kanari is very close to Rhodes center. Very exposed to the winds, Akti Kanari is ideal for seeing some of the beautiful sunsets on the island with the Turkish coast in the background, as well as Simi.
Kremasti Beach
Best for: water sports. Type of beach: pebbles. Beach equipment on site: umbrellas and sunbeds.
The western coast is also the most exposed to the winds. Kremasti is a nice windy pebble beach that is ideal for surfers or kite surfers.
No experience, no equipment? No problem! Thanks to Air-Riders Kite Pro Center, you can take lessons or rent everything you need to start kite surfing. Kite surfing, like snowboarding and wakeboarding, can be very demanding on your knees. If you are fit, I absolutely recommend trying it, it’s so fun!
On the beach you can also find a few military bunkers from WWII. And dulcis in fundo, Kremasti is very close to the airport and if you are passionate about planes you can see the landing or take off.
Prasonisi Beach
Best for: the view and water sports. Type of beach: sand. Beach equipment on site: none.
Prasonisi is a narrow isthmus between the larger island and a small promontory that is the southernmost point of Rhodes. The beach is very exposed and windy. Just like for Kremasti, you can try kitesurf or windsurf. On Kite Prasonisi you will find offers for beginner courses.
If you are up for exploring, you can reach the lighthouse at the south of the promontory and enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings.
The quieter beaches in Rhodes are on the east coast, while if you want to have some fun and try water sports the west coast is your go to. During summer the island is a very popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean Sea, and if you want to be sure to find a good spot, consider getting up early. And if you are planning a trip to Rhodes, don’t forget to check out our 7 day itinerary.
There are so many activities and things to do in Rhodes that you could easily fill the planning for a 10 day stay. With a 7 day itinerary, you will be able to see the most important cultural sites and some of the most beautiful beaches that make this island one of the best to visit in the Mediterranean. This itinerary is identical to the one we used, except for the 3rd day to the south. Unfortunately, we didn’t visit Prasonisi as it’s a 3 hour round trip from Rhodes. Otherwise, you will find all our first-hand experience and some tips. Have a good read!
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
I put a lot of thought into this map so here is the final itinerary. It’s the same we did and I can confirm you that it was well optimized. Of course feel free to adjust it in case you are changing a few stops. Have a nice exploration!
Day 1 – Rhodes Old Town
I thought I had stepped on the set of an historical movie while entering the walls of Rhodes Old Town. The village looks straight out of a fairy tale with its quaint streets and Medieval buildings.
Even if partly reconstructed, the Old Town strikes for its timeless beauty and is an absolute must when visiting the island.
You could spend your day simply getting lost in the narrow streets while admiring the architecture and shops, but I highly recommend visiting the following museums and attractions.
The Grand Master’s Palace
The center of power of the Knights Hospitaller, the Grand Master’s Palace was rebuilt under Italian control, after it was almost entirely destroyed in 1856 following the explosion of a gunpowder magazine.
Nowadays, the palace hosts an interesting museum where you can admire some archaeological artifacts as well as many mosaics coming from Kos island. And, of course, a section dedicated to the history of the Knights Hospitaller who ruled the island for two centuries.
Street of the Knights of Rhodes
Looking like a lost Gothic village in Central Europe, the Street of the Knights of Rhodes is a world apart. This is where the knights lived separately from the people from the village.
The knights grouped inside the many inns that sided the street alongside their guild, known as “tongue”. Nowadays, the majority of those inns are embassies or public buildings.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
The ancient hospital of the knights is home to Rhodes Archaeological Museum. I honestly think that the access to the building itself is well worth the small entrance fee, the solid structure in Romanesque style is one of the architectural jewels in Rhodes.
On the other hand, the collection of ancient artifacts is well worth it as well. From large vases to everyday objects from the Hellenistic period and also burial finds, it’s an interesting window on life before the Middle Age.
Medieval Clock Tower
The Medieval Clock Tower is surprisingly the highest point of Rhodes Old Town and once up there you can enjoy a beautiful view of the surroundings. Following the explosion that nearly destroyed the Grand Master’s Palace, the tower was rebuilt by the Ottomans and the clock still works to this day.
Suleymaniye Mosque
The Ottoman Empire controlled Rhodes for almost 4 centuries. And yet, surprisingly, only a few buildings survived the test of wars and time. Suleymaniye Mosque is undoubtedly the most important in the city. Unfortunately, its doors are closed except for some particular events. But you can still admire the architecture from the exterior.
Day 2 – Lindos and Agathi Beach
Lindos Acropolis
Towering over the village on a dramatic cliff, Lindos Acropolis is one of the most spectacular locations in Rhodes. After the tiring climb (well I’ve still made it with a stroller!) you will be rewarded with one of the most beautiful views in Rhodes.
Once you enter the Acropolis, there are millennia of history and battles unfolding under your eyes. Lindos was well known to the Greek and Roman empires, but it also has the Byzantine church of St. John and the ancient headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller.
Pro tip: Buy the tickets to the Acropolis before getting there! We learned the lesson the hard way and almost gave up entering since there was a long line (I know of people queuing for more than an hour). Luckily, thanks to the Airalo eSim data, we were able to connect to GetYourGuide and buy our tickets from there.
It’s 4$/€ more than the normal ticket, but you skip the line. If you have internet, or you are traveling during the low season, you can try buying them last moment at your own risk of having to wait.
The Enchanting Village of Lindos
Together with Rhodes Old Town, Lindos is the most popular place in Rhodes. It’s also the only village on the island that has the typical white squared houses that make so recognizable the most famous villages in Greece.
Lindos village is absolutely beautiful. The picturesque narrow streets are full of life and shops. It certainly is a tourist trap but still worth exploring and enjoying.
St Paul’s Bay and Lindos Beach
While on top of the Acropolis, you can see Lindos Beach and St Paul’s Bay. Both are ideal to rest your sore feet, although I slightly recommend Lindos Beach as it’s more spacious compared to St Paul’s Bay. You can rent sunbeds and umbrellas in both places, but St Paul’s Bay is slightly more expensive.
The view from both beaches is insane with the Acropolis rising in the background, so if you have time, I highly recommend going down to both beaches even just to admire the view. St. Paul’s Bay is very close to the village and although it wouldn’t be my pick between the two, you should definitely check it out.
Agathi Beach
Agathi is one of the most beautiful beaches in Rhodes and my personal second favorite. If you have enough time to explore, there is an area in the north of the beach where you can snorkel and reach an arch on the rocky coast.
Note: While getting to the beach, Google maps sent us on a dirt road where we almost broke our car. When I tried the itinerary again while writing the article, it still gives you this secondary road as an option. Be careful, you may think we were clumsy, but there were three more cars who followed the same road as us. Just follow the panels to the beach and you’ll get to Agathi.
What makes this beach stand out is Feraklos castle on the right and the small church Agia Agathi Cave (Agia means church in Greek). Nearby the church on the left, you can also find a few Mycenaean tombs overlooking the beach.
If you are tired exploring you can simply lay your towel on the sand or rent a sunbed + umbrella.
Day 3 – Kamiros and the South
The Archaeological Site of Kamiros
Kamiros is one of the largest archaeological sites in Rhodes. The unfortified Dorian city was built on three levels that are still clearly visible to this day. The site is fascinating to explore as you can see the foundations of almost all the ancient constructions.
A few explanatory panels tell the city’s story and illustrate the function of the most important buildings.
Kritinia and Monolithos Castles
After leaving Kasimiros archaeological site, take the road to the south. Along the way you’ll come across two wonderful abandoned castles: Kritinia and Monolithos. You can briefly visit them to catch the amazing views before heading to the South.
Kritinia translates from Greek as New Crete and was built during the Ottoman period. Now in heavy decline, you can enjoy one of the best views in Rhodes from the abandoned castle.
Similarly to Kritinia, Monolithos fortress is perched on a rock. The fortress was strategically located under Byzantine dominance to control the South-West coast.
Kritinia Castle. Photo by Hagai Agmon-Snir. License.
Prasonisi Beach
Prasonisi is the most southern point in Rhodes connected to the mainland by a small isthmus where you will find one of the most famous beaches on the island. Due to its location, Prasonisi is very exposed to the wind, and you will almost always find kite surfers.
From Prasonisi beach you can reach the lighthouse at the end of the promontory. After a short but quite intense hike, you’ll be rewarded with a nice view of the surroundings.
The two ferries that do the journey daily are Nikolaos X and Sebeco. Nikolaos X is the most praised by locals. They will bring you to Panormitis by ferry. It’s slightly more expensive than the second one, but it also has a shuttle from your hotel. If you’re staying outside Rhodes, that’s an interesting service. Sebeco (the one we took) has a bus ride to Panormitis with a panoramic stop.
Remember that it’s a ferry excursion, not a guided tour, except for a few explanations on the bus to Panormitis (in Greek :D). And be punctual (in advance is even better) as they wait for no one! It seems recurrent that people lose their ride.
Eating during the visit to Symi can be rushed. I highly recommend packing lunch or be ok having lunch with an ice cream or a snack. Unfortunately, unless you are only visiting the town, there isn’t enough time to sit at a restaurant.
Symi harbor town
Symi is an island close to the Turkish coast that is about an hour (or an hour and a half depending on the ferry and weather conditions) from Rhodes harbor.
I was truly impressed by Symi and if you have enough time, I highly recommend spending at least a night there to truly enjoy the village and soak up in the welcoming ambiance. Unfortunately, we couldn’t squeeze it into our schedule, but still half a day is nice to enjoy and explore.
The town itself is very small, and there’s nothing more to do than wander in the picturesque streets, and shopping for souvenirs including the famous sponges that made the fortune of the island. Check out Kali Strata, considered one of the most beautiful streets in the town.
Monastery of the Archangel Michael Panormitis
If you got seasick after the ferry, you won’t be happy getting on board a bus for half an hour to crossing the island on winding streets. But trust me it’s absolutely worth it! The bus stops along the way to let you admire the views of the island and there are explanations about the history of the island (in Greek unfortunately).
The Monastery of Panormitis is perfectly located at the center of a nice bay guarded by a lighthouse and the scenery is breathtaking. You have about an hour to explore the monastery and admire the venerated icon of the Archangel Michael.
Mandraki Harbor in Rhodes
Back to Rhodes unless you have a drop-off, take the time to explore Mandraki harbor. The location is one of the most picturesque in Rhodes for two main reasons:
The stag and doe statues that replaced the famous Colossus.
The three photogenic windmills on the promenade.
Day 5 – Eleousa, 7 Springs and Tsambika
The Italian Urbex of Eleousa
Known as Campochiaro under Italian dominance, Eleousa is a municipality in the center of Rhodes where you can find some of the finest urbex on the island.
Disclaimer: As for any time you are exploring urbex, venture forth responsibly, carefully, and within the boundaries of law.
Siding a rectangular square, you will find four buildings:
Amid the ruins, Karalampos Church feels out of place. Its perfectly curated exteriors are in sharp contrast with the rest of the abandoned constructions. The church is also situated on top of a small hill with a large stair in the front which gives it an imposing allure despite its small size.
Facing the church there is an abandoned administration building that has been repurposed as a school in the 60s – 70s. The structure is on 2 accessible floors (and I guess one closed underneath). From the external terrace, you can admire a nice view of the surroundings.
The building on the left of the church is definitely the most intriguing. Once used to host shops, and probably a few apartments, it even has a projection room on the second floor. You can still see the white wall to see the movies. It’s unknown if it was when the building served as a sanatorium in the 70s or during the Italian period.
On the right of the church, the white building was once a school and is partly used today by the firemen who store some equipment there. The building is closed to the public.
The Abandoned Elafos Hotel and Villa Mussolini
Under the Italian occupation, the area of Eleousa and Prophet Elias Hill were colonized by people coming from Trentino Alto Adige, Italy’s North East. Imagine the surprise of finding a Tyrolean style hotel in the middle of a Greek island!
Elafos Hotel was a complex of two elegant hotels that were active during the Italian domination. One of the two is still active, while the second one has been abandoned, and you can CAREFULLY visit. Although an area is locked for storage.
Last urbex of the day is the haunting Villa Mussolini. A few meters away from the two hotels, you can see the once majestic villa is still abandoned. Dictator Mussolini himself never lived inside the villa, but Count Cesare de Vecchi ruled Rhodes with an iron fist for more than a decade.
The 7 Springs
Epta Piges, the Seven Springs are famous because of the man-made waterfall that attracts tourists as a background for Instagram shots. Although the coolest part is the 500 ft (150 mt) long and 8,20 ft (2,5 mt) high water channel dug by the Italians where you can walk in absolute darkness.
I absolutely loved the experience of walking in complete darkness just leaning on the walls to go on. It’s way easier than it seems! The hardest part? Getting your feet into the cold water. Of course, if you are claustrophobic, you should sit this one out.
Tsambika Beach
I loved Tsambika as you can simply lay down and enjoy the amazing scenery and sun while bathing, or you can try water sports for an honest fee. The location is spot on also for snorkeling.
What’s great about this beach is the fact that, besides being one of the most beautiful in Rhodes, you still have the choice between paying for an umbrella and sunbed or just bringing your own towel. The beach is also very spacious and even if it can be crowded there’s a lot of space for everyone.
Day 6 – Filerimos, Butterfly Valley, and Kallithea Springs
Filerimos Monastery
Is one of the most important archaeological sites on Rhodes. Situated on a plateau at 875 ft (267 mt), the area delights its visitors with the remains of the ancient acropoli of Ialissos and of the Byzantine period, as well as the unobstructed views of the Western side of Rhodes, the Turkish coast, and Symi.
Filerimos is also a peacock paradise. You can observe the colorful males continuously parading to attract the females’ attention as well as the tourists’ favors in the form of treats. By the way, I’m still owed the croissant they stole from me!
Farma of Rhodes Pet Zoo
I could bring my husband to the most incredible places, and yet if you ask him what was your favorite part of our trip, he will tell you Rhodes Pet Zoo. Well, I totally get him, I mean, I petted lemurs and ostriches. How cool is that?!
Anyways, traveling with kids, this stop was a must for us, and I’m really happy we took a break from the sightseeing and cultural activities to connect with the adorable pets of this farm. It’s a good way to occupy an hour or two depending of your travel companions. Animal lovers, this stop is a must for you!
Butterfly Valley
The butterfly valley can be a huge deception if you are visiting in the wrong period. In fact, the moths (yes they are not butterflies) are there from late June to September. Outside this period, you normally won’t see them. Also, through the years, due to tourism, there are fewer moths in the valley.
The hike is still nice but may be deceiving if you don’t have the information above. One last tip : when you’re considering buying a souvenir from Rhodes, remember that there are only moths in the Butterfly valley. I saw many framed butterflies sold in a few shops stating they are from the valley. That’s simply false!
Kallithea Springs
Kallithea Spring is a stunning art déco complex built under Italian domination. It also has a rocky beach with sunbeds and a very short area (I’d say about 30 feet less than 10 meters) where there are pebbles to make your descent into the water easier.
The place is a pleasant discovery even if you are not bathing. And paying for the entry ticket even to wander is absolutely worth it!
Day 7 – Anthony Quinn and Shopping in Rhodes Old Town
Profitis Ilias Church and the Abandoned WWII Bunker
Profitis Ilias Church is located on top of the peak between Faliraki and Anthony Quinn Bay. The church is very small and quaint, but, the real deal is the view, one of the best in Rhodes! On your left you will see Faliraki and even Kallithea area, while on your right you will see Anthony Quinn Bay, Ladiko Beach, and a third very small bay that is accessible only by boat.
Before leaving, the bravest can enter the abandoned bunker very close to the viewpoint of Anthony Quinn’s bay.
Anthony Quinn Bay
Famous actor Anthony Quinn fell in love with the bay and bought it. But, luckily for us, in 1984 the Greek government took it back and made it public. Nowadays, the bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the Dodecanese islands (my personal favorite in Rhodes) and attracts several tourists every year.
The beach is made of pebbles and a rocky seabed. Neoprene shoes are ideal for your comfort also because of seaweed making the soil a bit slippery in some points.
You can rent an umbrella and a sunbed or just lay your towel where you prefer. There is also a terrace restaurant if you don’t want to bring your own food.
Shopping in Rhodes Old Town
I recommend visiting Anthony Quinn Bay first as it gets very crowded early and leaving shopping for the afternoon. Of course, shopping is an excuse to enjoy Rhodes Old Town once again.
Besides the usual kitsch for family and friends, there a few products worth bringing home.
Olive soap is a very good moisturizer, antioxidant, and is rich in vitamins E and A.
Rhodian ouzo is a liqueur similar to French pastis, made from anise.
For real gourmands (like me! ;)) Loukoumi are some kind of soft fruit jelly, very sweet and delicious.
Where to Stay in Rhodes
There are some beautiful resorts on the Eastern coast, especially in Faliraki area, which also have very nice beaches nearby.
But honestly, staying in Rhodes center is more practical. During summer parking can be a pain, but it’s still ideal to enjoy the best restaurants in Rhodes city and old town, and practical when you take the ferry to Symi. And let’s be honest, how cool is it to sleep in the walls of a Medieval city?
Having a car is the best option to explore the island. There are simply no other options to get at some of the popular beaches and points of interest mentioned above, unless you are visiting with guided tours or taking a taxi.
As always when I’m traveling, I trust discovercars.com. They rely on local companies and have plenty of cars to choose from. Down below you can easily simulate or book with your travel dates.
How many days should I spend in Rhodes?
I think you could easily fill out your program for a 10 day stay. Including spending a day and a half in Symi and adding Chalki to my itinerary. Otherwise, I strongly advise spending at least 1 week. The island is beautiful, the food is great, and there are so many things to do!
In conclusion, is Rhodes worth visiting?
It absolutely is! Rhodes is a well known and appreciated destination, and it’s easy to see why! Also, the economy of the island is almost solely based on tourism. For this reason, locals are very kind to tourists and always willing to help.
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Eastern Sicily is one of the most interesting areas to explore in Italy. Amazing natural wonders like the majestic Mount Etna or Alcantara Gorge are part of an incredible region that has so much to offer also under the cultural aspect. We planned our road trip on a 5 days stay, and this is our exact itinerary. You won’t find many beaches as we preferred climbing the slopes of an active volcano to a quiet day at the beach, fools aren’t we?!
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I’m all for slow travel. I know it can be time and budget consuming, but I don’t really enjoy exploring a destination in a rush way (to give you and idea it took me 3 full days to visit the British Museum). With that said you could easily squeeze this itinerary in 3 days if you realize that you’re out of your budget.
Day 1 – Alcantara Gorge and Taormina
Over millennia Alcantara River created a canyon in the basaltic flows of Mount Etna. While exploring the gorge and admiring the view you can go up the river among the beautiful basalt columns. For a small fee you can also visit Alcantara Gorge Geological and Botanical Park. The best part of getting the access to the park is that you can admire the gorge from the natural terraces above the river.
If you want to learn more about exploring Alcantara Gorge check out our dedicated travel guide including how to get to there and the activities you can do.
Alcantara River runs nearby one of the most beloved destinations in Sicily : Taormina. Nestled on top of a promontory Taormina is ideal to spend half a day exploring. There are many excellent restaurants where you can eat and shops. If your budget allows it you may even spend the night there but be aware that Taormina can be pretty expensive.
When we decided to visit Eastern Sicily we chose Mount Etna to be the focus of our trip and spent two days there (check out our itinerary complete with tips and tricks). Honestly it was the best decision we could take not only as photographers but also as nature lovers. Mount Etna has a very unique landscape and we immediately fell in love with the environment.
Past this brief introduction, the second day of this Eastern Sicily itinerary is dedicated to Mount Etna’s North. Kick off your day by visiting Monti Sartorius. These hills are solidified lava flows from the late 19th centuries that are now partly covered with birches, at the right time you can find porcini mushrooms.
After Monti Sartorius get to Piano Provenzana and take the 4WD tour that will take you to 9500 ft/2900 mt. The best option for this excursion is the sunset 4WD tour. Honestly it is an unmatched experience I’ve felt that magic ambiance only a few times during my wanderings !
Sunset from Mount Etna’s summit crater in the North.
Day 3 – Mount Etna’s South
The southern area of Mount Etna is the tourist’s favorite and it has access to the highest point tourists can get to on Mount Etna at 3000 mt (9800 ft). Of course you will need a guided tour to get there as you may easily get lost and don’t forget that Etna is an active vulcano!
To get to the summit you will need to reach Sapienza Refuge, a nice area you can explore. For the faint of heart (literally) who cannot access the summit you can admire the inactive craters close to the cable car.
Day 4 – Baroque Tour in Noto and Ortigia (Syracuse)
After two days of outdoor adventures lets discover two beautiful baroque jewels: Noto and Ortigia (Syracuse’s island). Unless you are visiting during Noto famous flower festival, l’Infiorata, you can easily get the best of Noto in half a day.
Syracuse on the other hand is larger as there is the Neapolis Archaeological Park that showcases the ruins from the Hellenistic period. But if you are touring only Ortigia, half a day to discover the island is enough.
San Nicolò Cathedral in Noto.
Day 5 – Catania and Aci Trezza beach
Last day or half day if you are taking the plane in the afternoon/evening you can wander in Catania chaotic streets. Catania is not a tourist city, you will probably perceive it as less appealing, and you are absolutely right, but it’s also more authentic than the other cities or towns on this itinerary.
Catania is an insight into Sicilian lifestyle, from the grey walled buildings (from Mount Etna’s ashes) to its markets, everything is less instagrammable but also real.
If you still have time check out Aci Trezza pebble beach nearby Catania, one of the most beautiful along the eastern coast.
How to get to Eastern Sicily
Situated in the center of the Eastern coast, Catania airport is connected to several European cities including the two Italian international airports of Milan Malpensa and Rome Fiumicino. To check the best fare go on skyscanner and insert from “Catania Fontanarossa (CTN)” to “Everywhere” you will have all the companies and fares.
From there you can easily rent a car (check the best rates on Discovercars), or get around with public transports, although personally I’m less fan of this option in a region like Sicily.
Remember to don’t get to the airport last minute. Traffic can block the road to the airport, especially at 7-8 AM or 4-5 PM and of course during summer.
Where to stay
Because of its central position on the Eastern coast, I highly recommend staying in Catania or in one of the villages close by. If you have a car look for an accommodation on Etna slopes as it’s outside Catania’s chaotic traffic. If you chose to organize yourself with public transports and guided tours staying in Catania is very important as bus, trains, and tours start from there.
I haven’t mentioned it yet but Mount Etna can be quite cold and windy even during Summer, so don’t forget a warm jacket for your trekking. By the way don’t forget to check out the things to know before exploring Mount Etna it will help you plan your outfits.
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Nestled off the coast of Sicily and less than an hour away from Catania, lies a hidden treasure worth discovering: Ortigia. Technically part of Syracuse, Ortigia is the oldest area of the city and the most interesting to see. What really “hit” me while visiting was the variety of the different buildings and architecture, they are almost like the pages of a book telling the city’s story. But Ortigia is also the delicious food and Sicilian culture that you can savor like the delicious torrone they sell on the streets.
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How to get to Ortigia?
Most of the time I’m all about being independent and renting a car, but Ortigia can be quite difficult to reach especially during the high season so depending on the month you are visiting my advice will be:
From June to September if you are planning a day trip (from Catania for example) invest in a guided tour from there. They often include Noto as well and you won’t bother with finding parking for your car. In case you are planning to stay a full day or more look for accommodations that have parking slots or consider parking outside Ortigia and reach the old town on foot. Another less expensive option can be the train. The train station isn’t far from the bridge that connects Ortigia to the mainland.
From October to May there are less tourists, Italian schools are still open as well, and getting to Ortigia can be easier. But I don’t recommend getting with your car on the island, there are several LTZ and you will get a fine before you know it! Instead leave you car in the big parking called Molo Sant’Antonio in Bengasi street or nearby, Ortigia is only 5 minutes on foot. Price is 1,50€ (1,60$) or 17€ (18$) for the full day (updated April ’24).
Remember that during high season finding parking can be very difficult!
Things to do in Ortigia
Ortigia is rather small and distances aren’t very long, but if you need help navigating effectively the island I’ve prepared an helpful map so that you can get straight to the point. Although if you have time I also recommend getting lost around and savor la dolce vita Siciliana.
Admire the Ruins of the Temple of Apollo
Once you have crossed the bridge connecting Ortigia to the mainland you will find yourself into a tree-lined avenue where there are many kiosks preparing the famous granita siciliana.
Continuing straight ahead you will be facing the ruins of the once imposing Temple of Apollo, the oldest West Greek Doric temple dating back to the VI century BC. If you want to learn more about the temple and see a simulation of how it once was you should visit the Museo Archeologico Regionale Paolo Orsi. The museum is very interesting to understand the origins and evolution of Syracuse through the centuries.
Stroll through the Historic Centre
After a few meters you will arrive to Archimede Square and Diana Fountain. From there on you will be in the bustling pedestrian area where the fun happens!
Food, souvenirs, clothes, and artisan shops await for tourists to empty their wallets (yes those are definitely tourist traps), but of course yielding to temptation isn’t always bad while traveling. And even if you won’t be buying you still can attend the exhibitions of culinary art. My favorite? The preparation of Sicilian torrone (see the picture below), one of my guilty pleasures during our trip.
Visit Syracuse Cathedral once the Temple of Athena
Syracuse Cathedral is an elegant Baroque church that has a very interesting story. In fact the cathedral hides the Greek temple of Athena built in 480 BC to celebrate the victory over Carthage. You can see the ancient columns of the temple inside the church’s walls.
Following the fall of the Greek civilization the temple became a byzantine church, a mosque during the Arab’s domination, and finally a catholic church.
Foodie’s tip: Try the granita siciliana al pistacchio (pistachio flavor) at one of the several bars in front of the cathedral. It was completely worth the wait, one of the best things I’ve tested in Sicily!
See the Legendary Arethusa Spring
Last stop before the promenade is a place that gave life to several myths and legends: Arethusa Spring. Besides the legend what makes the source unique is the fact that it’s a freshwater source a few meters from the Ionian Sea. The location is very quiet and can be a great spot for admiring sunset.
The legend of Arethusa Spring
Alpheus, son of Oceanos, fell madly in love with Arethusa while he saw her bathing naked. To escape Alpheus advances Arethusa took refuge on the island of Ortigia where in order to help her, Artemis transformed her in a spring. Alpheus was heartbroken, so Zeus turned him into the river that feeds the source.
Enjoy the Promenade and Maniace Castle
Ortigia’s promenade is a rather narrow pedestrian street lined with bars and restaurants. I highly recommend enjoying an aperitivo while admiring sunset.
But first head to Maniace Castle at the end of the promenade. The 13th century castle is strategically situated on the last stretch of land of Ortigia. The castle was built under the domination of Frederick II and named after the byzantine commander Giorgio Maniace (998-1043).
Quite surprisingly the castle stayed a military area until the 2000s. Nowadays you can visit it everyday (except for Sunday) from 8.30 AM to 4.30 PM.
Even though Ortigia is the most important and touristy part to visit, I recommend visiting also Neapolis Archaeological Park. The park covers a vast area and you can admire the ruins of ancient Greek buildings. Down below you will find my top recommendations if you are on a schedule and don’t have full time to visit.
Ear of Dionysius
This artificial cave was created by the extraction of the stone used to build the temples and theatre nearby. The cave is 75 feet (23 mt) high and from 16 to 22 feet (5 to 7 mt) large.
The name Ear of Dionysius was given by the Italian painter Caravaggio when he learned that Dionysius I of Syracuse used the cave as a prison to listen to the prisoners talk from afar.
Legend or not the cave has an impressive acoustic and you can hear many people enjoying themselves singing and shouting. The cave can be dark inside because of the lack of illumination, you may need your phone’s flashlight.
After seeing Taormina’s Greek Theatre you may be disappointed, but eve, if it’s less well preserved, Syracuse Greek Theatre is still very interesting and during summer there are several events hosted there.
FAQ about Ortigia
Is it worth visiting Ortigia?
Absolutely! Strolling among the narrow streets of Ortigia is a MUST of Eastern Sicily. It could be because the artisan shops, the Baroque buildings, or the delicious treats, Ortigia is truly surprising, especially if you think that the island is only about 0.600 miles (1 km) long and less than a half wide.
How many days should I spend in Ortigia?
One day is more than enough. As I said distances aren’t long and you can easily go through all the viewpoints of our list in half a day including a lunch or aperitivo pause. You can even couple Syracuse island with Noto as a day trip from Catania.
Are you planning a trip to Eastern Sicily? From the basaltic columns of Alcantara Gorge to the majestic heights of Mount Etna there is a WORLD to discover! Check out our 5 day itinerary for more ideas.
Eastern Sicily is full of surprises! I just loved exploring Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorge, but I was very surprised by the beauty of Noto. There are several towns and cities in Sicily where you can admire many baroque buildings, but Noto is probably the most famous and it has rightfully earned the nickname of Baroque’s Capital. The town is about an hour (by car) from Catania and coupled with Siracusa, it makes a great day trip to South Eastern Sicily.
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Things to do in Noto
Stroll along Corso Vittorio Emanuele
Noto is a rather small town and can be visited in a few hours. There are many parkings where you can leave your car and be in no time in Corso Vittorio Emanuele, the most important street.
While walking admire Noto for what is famous, the Baroque architecture. Above the beautiful buildings it was Porta Reale also known as Porta Fernandinea that captured my attention. The funny thing is that this gate was built in 1838 to honor the visit of King Ferdinando II, so it wasn’t built in the same period as the other buildings, yet it perfectly blends in the town’s style.
On Corso Vittorio Emanuele you will find many artisan shops, bars, restaurants, and also monuments. However don’t forget to keep an eye on the buildings, windows, terraces, and doors are heavily decorated with Baroque elements.
San Nicolò Cathedral
Personally I think the majestic San Nicolò Cathedral is the most beautiful building in Noto. Surely it’s one of the most famous and a landmark from Sicily. What makes it so special? The richly decorated interiors but also the endless stair in the front that connects it with Corso Vittorio Emanuele.
The building dates back to the end of the 17th century but it went through many renovation works. In 1996 the dome and two naves collapsed and the cathedral remained closed until 2007.
In the same square you can find also other notable buildings such as Ducezio Palace, Lodolina Palace and Basilica Santissimo Salvatore.
San Francesco from Assisi and Santa Chiara Churches
As an Italian living abroad my friends always tell me that Italy is the country with the most churches, and of course Noto makes no exception! In addition to the imposing San Nicolò Cathedral, I highly recommend visiting two more churches in Noto.
The first is San Francesco from Assisi Church. This Baroque church was built during the 18th century and inside it has many important paintings and funeral monuments.
The second church I recommend visiting is Santa Chiara. This is one of the most important churches in Sicily because of its impressive interiors that you can visit for free. Even if I was amazed at the stucco and gilding inside, the church point of interest is the panoramic terrace overlooking the city (one of the views is the photo cover of this post). To go up to the terrace there is a small fee that gives you access to an interesting museum inside the attached monastery.
Ducezio Palace
The elegant Ducezio Palace is the seat of Noto Municipality but for a small fee you can visit its interiors and the panoramic terrace.
The palace has an interesting story: the project is from the 18th century but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the first floor was built. While the second floor and the terrace were completed in the first half of the 20th century.
Corrado Nicolaci Street
Via Corrado Nicolaci (street) is one of the most famous streets in Sicily. Why? Because every year it hosts the famous Infiorata a very famous flower festival. Following a theme there are thousands and thousands of flowers covering the downhill street with intricate designs. The festival takes place from May to June.
Not able to visit during the festival? When we visited it was outside the festival dates, but even without the flowers you can get a glimpse of the designs that are still visible.
Another must visit from the location is Nicolaci Villadorata Palace. In addition to the exteriors with the famous terraces you can visit the opulent interiors that hosts the public library.
FAQ
Is Noto worth visiting?
You can get the full tour of Noto in a day and yet I highly recommend visiting it because of the Baroque buildings. Food lovers will also find their joy as Noto was elected best destination at the Food Travel Italy Awards for the year 2023.
And last but not least, it can be a great base to explore Sicily’s South. The town is close to Siracusa, Modica (where they make my favorite chocolate!), Ragusa, and of course the magical Sicilian Southern coast.
Corrado Nicolaci Palace in Noto.
When is it the best time to visit Noto?
That’s an easy question: during the Infiorata Flower Festival! The city gets more crowded, but that’s a minor price to pay to attend the event and its shows.
I got you covered with our 5 day itinerary! We just loved exploring this region. People are very nice and helpful, food is to die for, and lifestyle is straight out from la dolce vita manual. How could you ask for more? Well it’s Italy baby! Are you planning a trip to il bel paese? Check out more guides and itineraries in our Italy
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Unlikely many other coastal cities, you may find Catania less appealing than Siracusa or Palermo. For this reason the visit to the second largest city in Sicily can be easily done in a day. With that said, I honestly appreciated visiting Catania because of its authenticity. Unlike Taormina or Noto, Catania doesn’t live on tourism, therefore I find it more revealing of Sicilian culture. So without further delay let’s see which are the best things to do in Catania!
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
Planning a trip to Sicily? Save money and time with the best companies!
✈️ Find the best flight deals on Skyscanner. 🏨 Looking for an accommodation? Booking is the place to go! 🎡 Add more emotions to your trip with GetYourGuide and Viator. 🚗 Need a car for your trip? Book the best one with Discover Cars. 📱 Avoid losing your connection by buying an eSim from Airalo.
Visit Sant’Agata Cathedral and Admire the View
Situated in the city’s center, Sant’Agata Cathedral is a jewel from the Baroque period. The interiors are richly decorated and absolutely worth admiring.
For a small fee I highly recommend going on top of the Cathedral to admire the 360° view. You can see the city, the coast, and of course the majestic Mount Etna.
Sit by the Elephant Fountain in Duomo Square
In front of Sant’Agata Cathedral stands the Elephant Fountain. The monument takes its name from the elephant statue made from lava stone that supports an obelisk.
The origin of the statue is mysterious to this day. The first testimonies of the statue are from the 11-12th century, and in 1239 the elephant officially became the symbol of the city.
After an earthquake the fountain was renovated and the obelisk was located on the elephant’s back. The origin of the obelisk is unknown as well, even if people says it was probably from an ancient Roman Circus.
Why is the elephant the symbol of Catania?
There are several myths and hypothesis around the choice of this animal. One of them says that the elephant became the symbol of Catania when the Libyan army was defeated in a battle and their elephants were captured.
Explore the Fish Market
While getting to the fish market from Duomo Square, take a moment to appreciate the Amenano Fountain. The fountain was created in 1867 by Tito Angelini using the water of the underground river Amenano in one of the few spots where it’s on the surface.
The fish market (pescheria) is one of the busiest and most colorful area in Catania. I’d couple it with a visit to the markets nearby to buy some of the delicious Sicilian food, especially if you visit on your last day.
The fish market is open from Monday to Saturday and from 8 AM to 2 PM.
Visit the Monastery and the Church of San Nicolò l’Arena
Today the beautiful monastery built in the 16th century hosts the University of Catania. You can visit the decorated interiors and the cloisters. The cover picture is the interior of the university.
Next to the monastery you’ll see a bizarre building. I dare say bizarre because Saint Nicolò l’Arena Church is unfinished! Its front facade has half built columns and the roof is clearly missing. But don’t let the exterior aspect fool you. Inside, it houses a large collection of art and beautifully decorated rooms.
For a small fee you can climb on top and enjoy the view on Catania.
Villa Bellini and its Gardens
A green oasis in the center of Catania, Villa Bellini has one of the most beautiful gardens in the city. When visiting you can’t skip the gazebo with a view on Mount Etna.
The park is very popular and often crowded, but it’s absolutely nice for a walk. Fun to see: there is a large hedge that is cut in form of the current year and month.
Arancini, panelle, sfincioni, and many more! If you are a foodie don’t miss the opportunity to take a street food tour. Taking place nearby the market, thanks to the street food tour you will have the chance to learn more about the delicious Sicilian cuisine while also eating it.
Looking for a food tour? On Viator and GetYourGuide there are several. The one I recommend you is this one from Streaty that has the best reviews on both sites and TripAdvisor.
A few extra things to do close to Catania
Catania is strategically situated and if you rent a car (we always rent ours on Discover Cars) in no time you can visit one of the places below. For those of you who don’t want to drive, I’ll put the links for the guided tours at the end of each activity.
Enjoy the Sea in Aci Trezza
A few kilometers in Catania’s North, you will find the three Aci’s town (Aci was the name of an ancient river in the area): Aci Castello, Aci Trezza and Acireale. In the last few years Aci Trezza, a fishing village, has become an important seaside tourist location.
What I loved the most about the beach were the cliffs! The legend says that the eight large rocks were thrown by Polyphemus while trying to kill Ulysses when he managed to escape from his cave.
Legend or not, the charm of this coastal trait is undeniable and if you can visit it during sunset that’s definitely a plus, I mean just look at the colors down below!
Go Hike Mount Etna
Towering on Catania with its threatening smoke, the majestic Mount Etna was the best part of our trip. I loved exploring its gentle slopes and craters, and walking amid its black dunes was one of my favorite experiences.
Exploring Mount Etna is one of the most exciting activities in Sicily, for this reason I highly recommend taking two full days to explore it, and you can find our detailed guide to plan your trip here. But if you don’t have the time, check out one day/half day tours from Catania on Viator and GetYourGuide. Or if you have a car you can check out our one day on Mount Etna program here.
Explore Alcantara Gorge
Alcantara Gorge is an impressive canyon carved by the Alcantara River, in the middle of the basalt rocks that Mount Etna expelled during the centuries. In some traits the canyon walls go up to 100 ft (30 mt) creating an impressive landscape.
On Viator and GetYourGuide there are a few tours that combine Mount Etna with Alcantara Gorge, I honestly don’t advise you to choose those tours as I think that both visits in a day are rushed. I wrote a detailed guide that will help you plan your trip including the fun activities you can do (river trekking, body rafting).
FAQ about Catania
How long should I stay in Catania?
You can easily see all the best Catania offers in a day and even half a day. It’s a comfort visit to kill time before catching planes, or an ideal base to explore the surroundings, especially if you are traveling by car.
Is Catania worth visiting?
This is a tough question because I don’t like diminishing the value of a city, but I’m also always brutally honest. So let’s say that Catania’s center is nice to visit if you have an half day before catching the plane to occupy.
Otherwise explore the amazing natural wonders around Mount Etna and Alcantara Gorge and the cute cities and villages nearby Siracusa, Noto, Taormina.
I loved exploring Eastern Sicily. People, culture, food, and landscapes are incredible. For those of you who like slow travel you will love it! It’s simply another jewel in Italy, by the way are you planning a trip to Italy? I’m a native from Tuscany and if you are searching for more inspiration to discover my amazing country check out our italian itineraries and guides!
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Mount Etna is the most active stratovolcano (conical volcano like Fuji and Vesuvio) in the world! In fact it produces so much lava and rocks that in 2021 its height increased by 100 ft (30 mt). Now as you can imagine, planning a trip to visit a volcano that is so active can be tough. You may be unlucky (or lucky, depending from your point of view) and find yourself in the middle of an eruption with limited access to the mount. Even in that case I think it will be an awesome experience as you will witness lava flows from afar. So let’s what to expect when visiting Mount Etna and how to perfectly plan your experience!
The itinerary I present is perfect for a 2 days trip during the period from May to October.
If you only have one day skip to “the best of Mount Etna in one day”. Between November and April there is often snow on the summit and many tours and excursions are unavailable. On the other hand you can ski!
Disclosure: anitabeyondthesea.com is reader-supported. When you make a reservation through links on my site, I may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. That will help me keep the blog up and running. Thank you!
It depends. If you are renting a car (as we did with Discover Cars), you can stay in one of the many villages on the volcano’s slopes, for example Pedara, Viagrande (where we stayed), or Zafferana Enea. This was the best choice for us as we wanted to be autonomous and get there at dawn. As a photographer I can’t recommend enough visiting in the early hours as the colors and atmosphere are absolutely magical, but I’ll let you judge from my photos!
I know you’re probably thinking I’m packing for Sicily right? Flip flops, sunscreen, and a hat. And yet don’t forget:
Good hiking boots, possibly high ankle, they will protect you from gravels entering in your shoes.
A hat to protect you from the sun. Ideally a boonie hat that will not fly away with the wind. Note that when taking a guided tour you will have an helmet when acceding to a certain altitude.
Dress warmly and comfortably. You don’t need to bring your Artic jacket but remember that it’s chill.
Good to know: rent a jacket.
When you are visiting the Northern area in Piano Provenzana, you will find several souvenir shops, many of them also rent jackets and trekking equipment.
At Rifugio Sapienza (Etna’s South gate) you can rent a fleece lined jacket, boots, and socks. I rented their jacket and it was very clean warm and comfortable. Check their website for more info and prices.
Bring high calorie snacks and stay hydrated
You’ll spend a great amount of energies on these treks, so forget about your strict diet and treat yourself with some chocolate, energy bars, granola, etc… You’ll need the energy boost!
Also don’t forget water in quantity. If you have a refillable bottle you can ask for tap water at the refuges.
On a side note, use the restroom whenever you have the chance. There won’t be many chances to have pit stops past 6500 ft (2000 mt).
Don’t underestimate the altitude
Inexperienced hikers will find it very difficult to keep up with the tour guides. Don’t be afraid to ask a break or rest a little. Try to save your energies the best that you can, especially during lunch breaks. I would have loved to explore a bit during this time, but I’m glad I chose to rest instead.
Also and most important, if you are visiting the summit you have to cope with low oxygen levels in the particular atmosphere of the volcano. I don’t mean to discourage you, but listen to your body.
If you are visiting autonomously
There are a few areas that you can visit and hike on your own. Although to visit the summit, you must take part into a guided tour. When you are exploring on you own respect the signalization and panels, even if you may see other people (and I saw a few myself) not respecting the restrictions.
Also take into account distances, on the map everything seem so close and easily attainable, but it will take you much more in reality because of the elevation gain and sometimes even the weather can be unhelpful.
Visit Mount Etna by area: the North
Monti Sartorius
Start very early in the morning if you want to catch dawn from Monti Sartorius, to get there from the villages on the Etna’s slopes will take you about an hour. From Zafferana Enea reach Milo municipality and take road Mareneve (lit. Sea snow). There is a parking area where you can leave your car and go on the trail.
Monti Sartorius are relatively new to the landscape as they created during Etna’s eruption in 1865. Birches cover some areas creating a small forest where you may even find porcini!
The loop trail is very easy, it will take you about an hour and a half to get to the starting point, and you will be gifted with amazing views of the surroundings (Taormina, Ionio Sea, Calabria coast).
Rifugio Citelli and the Big Bench
Back on the road have a stop by Rifugio Citelli (remember the use the restroom tip?), there is a large selection of excellent sandwiches for your lunch, and you can have breakfast if you have followed my advice of getting up before dawn.
Our next stop is Piano Provenzana, but before getting there you can stop at the Big Bench to take a picture in the middle of the volcanic landscape (these are the coordinates). The bench is just few meters after the detour to Piano Provenzana.
Piano Provenzana
There are several trails starting from Piano Provenzana. You can find more info about each trail including the caves in the area in this website on Piano Provenzana. The area is very nice to explore, but with limited time I highly recommend to take a guided tour on the impressive 4WD buses.
Tours on Etna’s summit are possible only with special buses, that will bring you to 9500 ft (2900 mt). The landscape is insane, otherworldly! From May until mid October you have the possibility to take a sunset guided tour.
4WD Bus Tour to Etna North summit
First stop of the adventurous 4WD tour are the craters created from the eruptions of 1809 and 2002. Besides admiring the amazing view you can also walk on the craters border, it’s completely safe.
Then you’ll get at 9500 ft/2900 mt where the Volcano Observatory is situated. Overlooking Valle del Leone (Lion’s Valley), the observatory rise above centuries of different lava flows in a landscape that reminds sea as if it was sculpted on stone.
In front of the observatory you can admire the active South-East crater that it’s always emitting smoke, and if you are very lucky you may safely witness an eruption of lava.
It’s slightly more expensive, but I absolutely recommend you to take the sunset tour to admire the sunset from the summit. We took this tour and never regretted the extra money, just like at dawn, the atmosphere is simply magical!
The tour below isn’t rated yet on getyourguide but it’s the one we took and it’s a 100% worth it!
And this would make it for a very exciting and long first day. I can guarantee you that you won’t have any problem sleeping unless you have cramps, maybe stretch a little bit before going to bed. 😉
Etna South
Valle del Bove
Kick off the day with an easy trekking called Schiena d’Asino (Donkey’s back). The trek will give you access to Valle del Bove (Ox Valley) one of the few areas of Mount Etna where you can see very ancient lava flows mixing with new.
If you prefer to save your energies for the challenging hike to the summit, there is a panoramic point, close to the parking, where you can admire part of the valley.
Rifugio Sapienza
Rifugio Sapienza is the gate to Etna South. There are the meeting points of many tours, several restaurants, and quite surprisingly even two hotels! If you are on a budget Rifugio Sapienza Hotel, have simple and clean rooms. While for treating yourself consider the beautiful Corsaro Etna Hotel and Spa.
Why am I mentioning hotels? If you are spending a full day on Etna South, this can be a nice alternative to staying in Catania or on Etna’s slopes. Although don’t forget it takes time to get up there.
Crateri Silvestri and Crateri Silvestri Superiori
Created after an eruption that lasted 6 months, Crateri Silvestri are one of the most crowded areas on Mount Etna as they can easily reached from Rifugio Sapienza.
There is a second series of craters called Crateri Silvestri Superiori, that you can reach in about 30 minutes. I really loved the short walk as there are some yellow bushes dotting the black ground.
Cable car
The cable car is a 15 minutes ride to the Bar Etna’s Cable Car. The price is 50€ (54$) for adults and 30€ (32$) for children from 5 to 10. You can find more info about the opening hours on Funivia Etna official website.
From there you can either hike to the craters (only with a professional guide) or take a 4WD to get to 3000 mt (9800 ft).
Summit craters
READ THIS CAREFULLY: The excursion to the summit craters is highly discouraged for people who are not fit, who have health problems and especially heart problems.
With that said the final hike to Etna’s summit is quite extraordinary! The landscape as you can imagine is unique. The guides who are trained professional have a quick pace and you have to keep up with them to listen the explanations about Mongibello (Etna’s nickname).
Remember to bring food, or you can also buy it at Rifugio Sapienza before taking the cable car.
From Rifugio Sapienza you can rent an ATV for a 1 hour and a half / 2 hours tour. You’ll be driving mostly on the paved road, don’t expect to go a lot higher than Rifugio Sapienza. It’s still a nice and fun activity, but I’d recommend it less than visiting the summit craters.
After taking the cable car back to Rifugio Sapienza you can visit Piano Vettore and explore the area of lava flows covered by vegetation. If you are exploring on your own be careful, getting lost there it’s easier than it may seem!
The Best of Mount Etna in one day
In case you are on a tight schedule and have only one day for Mount Etna I recommend you to rent a car and dedicate your morning to the exploration of Rifugio Sapienza surroundings and Crateri Silvestri, including the superiors.
While on the second part of the day head to Piano Provenzana and take the sunset 4WD tour. This is an ideal day even for less fit travelers.
