Βράχος Κολυμπιών

Located in Archangelos, Rhodes Island, Greece, Βράχος Κολυμπιών (Vrachos Kolympion) stands as a prominent tourist attraction and point of interest. This natural landmark offers adventurous visitors a challenging yet incredibly rewarding hiking experience, culminating in some of the most breathtaking panoramic views across the island.

The Ascent to Spectacular Vistas ⛰️

Visitors consistently highlight the unparalleled beauty of the views from the summit. Described as "breathtaking," "amazing," and "beautiful," the vista from Βράχος Κολυμπιών is considered among the best viewpoints on Rhodes Island, offering expansive perspectives of both the north and south.

Navigating the Trail: What to Expect 🚶‍♀️💦

While the climb to the top is relatively short, approximately 120 meters in elevation, it is by no means an easy stroll. Reviewers frequently describe the trail as:

• Difficult and Physically Challenging: The path involves a steep incline, often at a 60-70 degree angle, requiring significant physical exertion for both the ascent and descent.
• Uneven and Rocky Terrain: Be prepared for loose, dusty rocks and very sharp stones underfoot. The ground is consistently uneven, demanding careful footing.
• Estimated Duration: The hike typically takes about 40 minutes to ascend and at least an hour to descend, primarily due to the challenging terrain requiring slower, more deliberate steps.

Essential Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Hike ☀️👟

To ensure a positive experience at Βράχος Κολυμπιών, consider the following advice from previous visitors:

• Footwear is Crucial:Absolutely wear good, stable footwear. Slippers are strongly advised against, and even sandals may not be sufficient for the sharp and uneven rocks. Proper hiking shoes or sturdy trainers are recommended.
• Stay Hydrated:Carry plenty of water. The hike is physically demanding, especially under the Greek sun, making hydration vital.
• Timing is Key: Avoid hiking during the midday heat. It's also crucial to check sunset times and plan your descent to be completed well before dark. Descending in dim or fading light can be dangerous due to the challenging terrain.
• Suitability for Families: The hike is generally considered suitable for children aged approximately 8 years and above, provided they have some hiking experience and are adequately supplied with water. Younger children might find it too challenging. Keep an eye out for goats along the path, which can be a fun sight for kids! 🐐

Additional Notes:

The entrance to the hike is conveniently located very close to the beach, making it an excellent addition to a relaxed holiday. One quirky observation from a past visitor was a "strange collection of clothing on a dead tree" near the path, even inspiring one to add their goggles to the collection!

Βράχος Κολυμπιών offers a memorable adventure for those seeking stunning views and a physical challenge amidst the beautiful landscape of Rhodes. Prepare well, and you'll be rewarded with unforgettable vistas.

Great (and challenging) hike. Fantastic views at the top but need to be very steady on feet or have some experience hiking to get up and down. Theres no path, mainly rocks which gets very slippery. Trainers or sport shoes essential. Took me just over an hour up and down with some stops. Worth doing if you’re in the area!

Great hike for children aged approximately 8 years and above. For the most part there's just loose dusty rocks to be aware of and avoiding the heat in the day. Check sunset times before leaving hotel as we saw x3 German tourists ascending when light was fading. You do not want to be descending in dim light! Strange collection of clothing on a dead tree, so we added our goggles!!

Beautiful landscape views, great short hike. Bring good shoes, no flip flops! There's a lot of goats jumping around :)

Shoes are a must and the views are AMAZING!Take plenty of water. Very uneven underfoot.Probably about 40 mins up and at least an hour back down.

Beautiful view from the top of the mountain! The difficult trail worth it! We visited a lot of the best view points of Rhodes and this is definitely one of them! Adding photos of the north and south views.