Top of hill Lardos

Perched majestically above the charming Lardos area in Rhodes, Top of Hill Lardos is less of a manicured park and more of a wild, untamed hiking destination. Located at 32MQ R8, Lindos 851 09, Greece, this point of interest offers a unique blend of physical activity and breathtaking panoramic views for those willing to embrace its rugged charm. It's an establishment primarily for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers seeking solitude away from the usual tourist crowds.

A Journey Off the Beaten Path 🐐

Visitors describe the ascent to Top of Hill Lardos as an exciting and rewarding experience, distinctly different from typical paved trails. It offers a true taste of wild Greek landscape:

• Undeveloped Terrain: There are no defined paths or marked trails. Instead, hikers follow faint traces, often made by the resident goats that roam the slopes. This adds to the adventurous feel but requires careful navigation.
• Natural Encounters: Expect to share the hill with its primary inhabitants – a few goats – offering a peaceful and authentic connection with nature.
• Scree and Scrambling: The terrain can be challenging, featuring areas with scree (loose rocks) and even some easier climbing passages. Descending, in particular, requires careful footing.

Difficulty and Suitability ⛰️

While one user noted a "very easy 1h walk," the consensus among reviewers points to a more demanding hike that is not for the inexperienced or those without a good affinity for mountain terrain.

Key requirements for a safe and enjoyable ascent include:

• Good Footwear: Sturdy hiking shoes with good grip are absolutely essential due to the uneven, rocky, and often loose ground.
• Sure-footedness: The lack of clear paths and the presence of scree mean hikers must be confident in their footing, especially during descent.
• Mountain Experience: While not extreme mountaineering, a basic level of experience or comfort with rugged, off-trail hiking is highly recommended. This is not suitable for casual tourists with zero mountain affinity.

The Rewarding Views and Tranquility 🕊️

Despite the challenges, every reviewer gave Top of Hill Lardos a perfect 5-star rating, a testament to its compelling rewards. The primary draw is the phenomenal, expansive view from the summit. It offers a unique vantage point of the surrounding Rhodes landscape and coastline, making the effort worthwhile.

Furthermore, the hill provides a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of tourist areas and hotels. It's an ideal spot to find peace and quiet, often with no other people around, allowing for a truly serene and personal experience in nature.

Best Time to Visit & Access Tips ☀️

To avoid the intense heat, it is strongly advised to undertake this excursion during the cooler parts of the day:

• Early Morning: Before the sun is at its peak.
• Late Afternoon: As temperatures begin to drop and the light becomes softer.

One specific access point mentioned by a visitor is from the west, taking the road that connects Làrdos to Pèfki beach. While there are no official paths, this might serve as a useful starting reference for those planning their route.

In summary, Top of Hill Lardos is a hidden gem for active travelers in Rhodes. It promises an exhilarating hike, unparalleled solitude, and magnificent views for those prepared for its rugged and rewarding terrain.

Very easy 1h walk

Great hill to get some distance from the crowd and the hotel. No people on site, just a few goats. Ascent is no problem, when descending you should be careful where you are stepping.

Excursion to be done in the early morning or late afternoon, there are no paths, only traces of goats. I went up from the west, from the road that comes from Làrdos and leads to Pèfki beach

Difficult mountain with lots of scree, not for the inexperienced! There are also easier climbing passages to master! Not for tourists with zero affinity for the mountains

Exciting hike with a great view. A bit tricky because there are no paths. Went up there in the late afternoon when it wasn't so hot anymore. Good footwear and sure-footedness required