Kolimbia to Psinthos ~ Griffmonsters Great Rhodes Walks

A well worn track leads from the coast road at Kolimbia up to the village of Psinthos

This 9.6 km (6 mile) linear route between the coastal resort at Kolimbia and the mountain village of Psinthos is rewarded in the charming beauty of the destination with its typical Rhodian church behind the village square flanked by numerous Tavernas offering their wares. It is worth seeking out the water course that flows from the Fasouli springs on the edge of the village, culminating in a lake filled with Gizani fish.

Walk Statistics

Start location: Kolimbia
End location: Psinthos
Distance: km ( miles)
Total Gain: metre ( ft)
Total Descent: metre ( ft)
Min Height: metre ( ft)
Max Height: metre ( ft)
Walk Time:
Walk Grade: Moderate
Terrain: path, track and road

Maps:

The following maps and services can assist in navigating this route. There are links to printed maps and links to downloadable GPX route data for importing into navigational software and apps.

GPX Route File

Walk Notes

Walking Inland to Psinthos

Some villages announce themselves from afar. Others reveal their presence more slowly, exerting a quiet pull that draws you inward. Psinthos belongs to the latter kind — a mountain village set back from the coast of Rhodes, folded into the land rather than imposed upon it.

Reaching Psinthos without a car requires patience. A single afternoon bus links it to Rhodes Town, and the journey is shaped by absence as much as availability. For us, that scarcity proved an invitation rather than an obstacle. We chose to approach on foot, climbing inland from the eastern coast, allowing the village to emerge gradually rather than all at once.

Both Kolimbia and Afandou offered possible lines of ascent through the hills. After studying maps and satellite images, we settled on Kolimbia, where a clear dirt track traced a dependable path inland. The plan, at least in theory, was to walk both there and back. The day itself, however, would have other ideas.

October on Rhodes is usually forgiving. On this occasion, the heat lingered with unexpected intensity. There were no dramatic ascents, no moments of technical difficulty, yet the steady accumulation of height — some three hundred metres — exacted its quiet toll. Water dwindled. Pauses lengthened. By the time Psinthos came into view, the prospect of the afternoon bus had shifted from convenience to necessity.

The walk began by taking a short walk up the Seven Springs road, where an older route once crossed the Loutani riverbed. That crossing has since vanished, reclaimed by time and minor works, and the detour that followed felt like an early lesson in walking on Rhodes: paths are suggestions rather than promises. Restarting the route, after crossing the main road river bridge a narrow surfaced lane was found which led through to a small hamlet before returning us to our intended course — a modest diversion, yet one that set the tone for the day.

Beyond the hamlet, a track signposted to Agios Nikolaos drew us onward. The chapel lies a short distance off the main route, easily missed despite its signage. Modest in scale and quietly positioned, it rewards those who pause and take time out to investigate. A low wall encloses a small courtyard, its arched entrance framing a space of calm and stillness. Built in 1987 by the Christian and Cultural Association of Afandou, the chapel feels less like a monument and more like a gesture — an offering made for those who pass through slowly enough to notice and take in its humble cooling confines.

From here, the track climbed almost without announcement. The surface bore the marks of regular use, tyre tracks pressed firmly into the dust, and the land rose from the coastal plain in gentle increments. At a shallow crest, the route dipped again into the wide bed of the Kamares River, dry now, though in winter, rains would no doubt cascade down from the ;springs close to Psinthos. From here, its waters eventually join the Pelemonis (Πελέμωνης) River (marked Peras on some maps) and reach the sea at Afandou Beach — a reminder that even in dryness, the landscape remembers movement.

The Kamares river bed, dry as a bone during this time of the year

The far side of the valley marked the final ascent. In cooler conditions it would have been unremarkable, but beneath an open sky and an unrelenting sun, it demanded attention. We stopped often, ostensibly for water, but also to look back. The land fell away in soft layers towards the coast, the sea stretching across the horizon in a pale, shimmering line.

Olive trees offered brief relief, their narrow shade just enough to gather breath. Beyond them, the landscape opened further, wooded hills appearing in the distance and the first signs of habitation emerging ahead. The track hardened underfoot, became a road, and without ceremony delivered us into Psinthos.

Psinthos itself gathers around a broad square, its tavernas arranged with unstudied generosity. We took a table at the Platia Taverna, where salad arrived crisp and fresh, Greek sausages rich with spice, and thick slices of toasted village bread glistened with olive oil and oregano. An ice-cold frappé followed — restorative in the way only simple things can be after a long walk.

The wondrous lake filled from the Fasouli spring

It was here that we learned, belatedly, of the Fasouli springs. Rather than discovering it through preparation, we found it through conversation — an elderly local man, quietly seated, pointing us down a shaded path. What lay below was a different world entirely: running water, cool air, and a series of small lakes tucked beneath trees. Despite the number of tourist cars in the village square, we encountered no one else along the stream. It felt like a place overlooked rather than hidden, passed by by those moving too quickly.

With time to spare before the bus arrived, we sat beneath the trees and watched the afternoon unfold. Psinthos does not demand admiration; it allows it. It is a village best reached slowly, on foot if possible, revealing itself not in spectacle but in accumulation — of heat, effort, shade, water, and quiet reward. It is a place that lingers, and one we will return to.

Directions

The starting point is the Kolimbia crossroads where there are bus stops either side of the road, served by the KTel East Coast bus service.

From the bus stop at Kolimbia crossroads, continue along the roadside towards Rhodes, taking care as this is a very busy highway. Cross the river bridge and continue until there is a rough road on the left that passes along the side of the Print Factory building. This is a total distance of 0.6 km from the crossroads.
Follow the road for 400 m. This will slowly curve to the left after which there is a dirt track on the right that leads past an olive grove and under electric pylons. Take this.
Continue along the track for 230 m. This will bend around to the right through more olive groves. Where another track forks off to the left, take this.
Follow the track for 400 m, this will twist around some buildings before it turns to the right and briefly ascends to a surfaced road. Turn left onto the road.
Within a few metres, there are two roads leading off to the left, the first is blocked by a gate, the second has a signpost pointing to a church, ІЄРОС НАОС ΑΓ. ΚΩΝΣΤ/ΝΟΥ ΑΓ. ELENHC ΥΨ. ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ. Follow the direction of the sign, onto a dirt track away from the hamlet.
Continue along the track ignoring all other tracks that lead away from it. After 1.2 km it meets a fork where a track diverges to the left. Ignore this and continue straight ahead. .
After another 0.8 km, there is another fork. Take the left side. After 50 m a track on the right leads back and up to a small chapel, Agios Nikolaos, which is worth visiting before continuing onwards.
The track steadily climbs. After 0.9 km, another track merges with another with a small triangle amid the junction, keep to the left past the junction.
After another 280 m keep left at the next fork in tracks
After another 300 m where the track turns to the left, take the right track to essentially continue in the same direction
The track leads down to a small river crossing, passing over the dry bed before ascending fairly steeply on the opposite side.
After 2 km another track joins from the right, keep straight ahead.
The track continues climbing for another 1.8 km. More tracks merge, keep to the main track straight ahead which is now obvious. After passing several houses, the end of the track meets with the main road that links Kallithea and Psinthos. Turn left and follow the road into Psinthos.
After 320 m there is a sign advertising the taverna Pigi Fasouli that points down a track on the left. This leads down to the Gizani lakes.
The track will twist down to the lake which is surrounded by trees. At the far end there is a crossing at the head of the lake. Take this and follow the path back up the lakeside, continuing along the feeding stream.
After 0.5 km the path meets with the road into the centre of the village. Take the steps up to the road, turn left and the village square is immediately ahead. The church is on the opposite side of the square and numerous tavernas surround the square which forms a car park. On the right hand side of the square is the bus stop for catching the 3pm bus down to Faliraki, from where connections can be made to both Rhodes in the north and the tourist resorts along the east coast.

Directions

The starting point is the Kolimbia crossroads where there are bus stops either side of the road, served by the KTel East Coast bus service.

From the bus stop at Kolimbia crossroads, continue along the roadside towards Rhodes, taking care as this is a very busy highway. Cross the river bridge and continue until there is a rough road on the left that passes along the side of the Print Factory building. This is a total distance of 0.6 km from the crossroads.
Follow the road for 400 m. This will slowly curve to the left after which there is a dirt track on the right that leads past an olive grove and under electric pylons. Take this.
Continue along the track for 230 m. This will bend around to the right through more olive groves. Where another track forks off to the left, take this.
Follow the track for 400 m, this will twist around some buildings before it turns to the right and briefly ascends to a surfaced road. Turn left onto the road.
Within a few metres, there are two roads leading off to the left, the first is blocked by a gate, the second has a signpost pointing to a church, ІЄРОС НАОС ΑΓ. ΚΩΝΣΤ/ΝΟΥ ΑΓ. ELENHC ΥΨ. ΤΙΜΙΟΥ ΣΤΑΥΡΟΥ. Follow the direction of the sign, onto a dirt track away from the hamlet.
Continue along the track ignoring all other tracks that lead away from it. After 1.2 km it meets a fork where a track diverges to the left. Ignore this and continue straight ahead. .
After another 0.8 km, there is another fork. Take the left side. After 50 m a track on the right leads back and up to a small chapel, Agios Nikolaos, which is worth visiting before continuing onwards.
The track steadily climbs. After 0.9 km, another track merges with another with a small triangle amid the junction, keep to the left past the junction.
After another 280 m keep left at the next fork in tracks
After another 300 m where the track turns to the left, take the right track to essentially continue in the same direction
The track leads down to a small river crossing, passing over the dry bed before ascending fairly steeply on the opposite side.
After 2 km another track joins from the right, keep straight ahead.
The track continues climbing for another 1.8 km. More tracks merge, keep to the main track straight ahead which is now obvious. After passing several houses, the end of the track meets with the main road that links Kallithea and Psinthos. Turn left and follow the road into Psinthos.
After 320 m there is a sign advertising the taverna Pigi Fasouli that points down a track on the left. This leads down to the Gizani lakes.
The track will twist down to the lake which is surrounded by trees. At the far end there is a crossing at the head of the lake. Take this and follow the path back up the lakeside, continuing along the feeding stream.
After 0.5 km the path meets with the road into the centre of the village. Take the steps up to the road, turn left and the village square is immediately ahead. The church is on the opposite side of the square and numerous tavernas surround the square which forms a car park. On the right hand side of the square is the bus stop for catching the 3pm bus down to Faliraki, from where connections can be made to both Rhodes in the north and the tourist resorts along the east coast.

Features

Psinthos Village

Hidden in the softly undulating hills of inland Rhodes, Psinthos is a village of understated elegance, where nature, history, and tradition come together in harmony. Far from the island’s lively tourist coastline, it offers a cooler, greener retreat defined by flowing water, plane trees, and an unhurried rhythm of life. The spacious village square — one of the largest on Rhodes — is a serene focal point, shaded by towering trees together with two ancient old olive trees taking pride of place, and framed by traditional cafés and tavernas, inviting visitors to linger, observe, and savour the quiet luxury of time well spent.

Psinthos’s story stretches back through centuries, shaped by classical antiquity, Byzantine devotion, Ottoman rule, and the Italian era of the early 20th century. These layers of history are subtly present rather than overtly displayed, revealed in the village’s stone architecture, its enduring religious traditions, and its deep connection to the surrounding landscape. The remains of a Byzantine Castle are hidden close to the church, subtly camouflaged within its more recent counterparts. Each September, the village comes alive during the celebration of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, when candlelight, music, and local hospitality transform the square into a refined yet heartfelt expression of Rhodian culture.

The lake fed from the Fasouli Springs, quiet and tranquil

Just below the village lies one of Psinthos’s most enchanting treasures: the Fasouli natural springs which accumulate in a lake formed by a dam and bordered by lush vegetation and age-old plane trees. The air is cool and fragrant, the light filtered through leaves, and the gentle sound of water creates an atmosphere of effortless tranquillity. Discreet walking paths allow visitors to explore the area at a leisurely pace, making Fasouli an idyllic setting for quiet reflection, or a shaded afternoon escape from the summer heat.

The lake is also home to the Gizani, a rare and protected freshwater fish found only in select locations on Rhodes. Its presence underscores the sense of exclusivity and natural purity that defines the Fasouli area — a place where beauty is not manufactured, but quietly sustained.

Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary — A Sanctuary of Art, Spirituality & Tradition

At the heart of Psinthos’s charming village square stands the Greek Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary (Ieros Naos Genesiou tis Theotokou), a sacred and artistic jewel that echoes centuries of faith, craftsmanship, and devotion. This graceful church — built before 1871 in a classic cruciform plan with a pebble-set floor — blends serene spiritual ambiance with rich ecclesiastical artistry.

Stepping inside, visitors are welcomed by a beautifully carved wooden iconostasis dating from 1881. This traditional screen — central to Orthodox liturgy — divides the nave from the sanctuary, and is adorned with despotic icons from the same era that depict Christ, the Theotokos (Virgin Mary), and other revered saints. These icons, painted in the post-Byzantine style, embody the depth of Orthodox iconography and offer an intimate encounter with religious art that has nurtured village devotion for generations.

While Psinthos’s church interior remains modest in scale compared with grand cathedrals, its iconographic richness and historic craftsmanship invite contemplation. The artistry of the iconostasis speaks to the continuing tradition of Greek Orthodox icon painting: each image is not merely decorative, but a visual theology designed to draw the faithful into the mysteries of the faith. Icons of the Virgin Mary — celebrating her Nativity and her role as Theotokos, Mother of God — command special reverence here, especially during the great feast celebrated on 8 September, when the parish icon is carried in procession through the village streets.

The church also plays a central role in local life beyond its artistic treasures. On the feast of the Holy Spirit and during other holy days throughout the year, its interior fills with the sounds of Byzantine chant and the smell of incense, creating a sensory experience that connects visitors with centuries-old liturgical tradition.

For those with an appreciation for sacred art and serene spaces, the Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Psinthos offers a remarkable encounter with Greece’s living religious heritage — where humble architectural beauty, historic icons, and community devotion come together in a timeless harmony.

IM Treasures Website: Holy Metropolis of Rhodes - website for promoting the religious and cultural heritage of the island of Rhodes

Psinthos Castle

Psinthos Castle, located in the center of the village is a historic site featuring the remaining ruins of a two-storey building with medieval vaults. The visible ruins are a few metres to the south of the church which may have used building material taken from the ruins.

There is no reference to the castle in documents from the period of the Knights of Rhodes (14-16th century). This may imply that the structure is from an older period, most probably the Late-Byzantine before its use was discarded