Μονοπάτι προς Μονή Παναγίας Τσαμπίκας

Located on the beautiful island of Rhodes, Greece, the path leading to the Tsambika Monastery (Μονοπάτι προς Μονή Παναγίας Τσαμπίκας) is much more than just a trail; it's a dedicated hiking area, a sports activity location, and a significant point of interest. Situated off European Union St in Kolympia, this trail promises both a physical challenge and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a highly recommended experience for adventurers.

The Hiking Experience 🚶‍♀️⛰️

This trail serves as a starting point for several paths, most notably leading up to the historic Tsambika Monastery or over the mountain towards the pristine Tsambika Beach. Reviewers consistently highlight the rewarding nature of the climb, despite its challenges. The journey is frequently described as "not an easy hike," requiring a decent level of physical fitness.

The terrain is predominantly rocky with loose gravel, and some areas feature "stingy bushes," emphasizing the need for appropriate gear. While the path towards the monastery is generally considered "good and visible," some users noted that the trails can sometimes be "hard to find." However, they are marked with painted dots and lines on rocks, as well as distinct piles of stacked stones, aiding navigation.

Once you reach the end of the primary hiking trail near the monastery, be prepared for an additional ascent: a renowned 300 steps leading directly to the monastery itself. Along the way up to the monastery, you might find a restaurant and several benches, offering a welcome respite.

Duration & Difficulty ⏱️

• To Tsambika Monastery: Approximately 25-30 minutes for a fit person, or a little less than an hour from bottom to top. Expect to double that time if you require frequent breaks. 🚶‍♀️
• To Tsambika Beach: Around an hour (bottom to bottom), offering a different but equally challenging route between the two peaks. 🏖️

The hike can be particularly challenging midday due to the intense sun and heat, so it’s advisable to plan your visit accordingly, perhaps opting for early morning or late afternoon.

What to Bring & What to Expect 🎒

1. Footwear: Absolutely crucial! Leave your flip-flops at home. You will need shoes with grip and good soles to safely navigate the rocky and uneven terrain. 👟
2. Hydration:Plenty of water is highly recommended, especially given the hot climate. 💧
3. Hiking Stick: While not a mandatory item, a hiking stick is noted as a "very nice to have," offering additional stability and support on the steep and rocky sections. 🦯
4. Views: The climb is consistently described as "worth it just for the view," offering breathtaking panoramic vistas of the coastline and surrounding landscape that make the effort truly rewarding. 📸
5. Wildlife: Keep an eye out for wild goats that often roam the mountain, adding a touch of nature to your journey. 🐐
6. All-Inclusive "Penance": One humorous review suggests the hike serves as the "perfect penance for the abundance of foods and drinks served at the hotels" in Kolymbia Bay, adding a fun perspective to the physical exertion! 😂

Overall Recommendation ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Μονοπάτι προς Μονή Παναγίας Τσαμπίκας offers an incredibly rewarding hiking experience in Rhodes. Despite the challenging terrain and potential heat, the stunning views, the sense of accomplishment, and the spiritual destination of the monastery make this hike a highlight for many visitors. It’s a perfect activity for those looking to combine physical exercise with exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Rhodes Island.

Nice walk up, but a bit difficult to find the trail.25-30 min up for a decent fit person. Double that if you need breaks. When you get to the road there are 300 steps waiting for you. A restaurant and several benches on the way up.

One would think this monastry was built, in the 18th century, in anticipation for the many all inclusive hotels that would come two centuries later in Kolymbia Bay. The walk up the hill is the perfect penance for the abundance of foods and drinks served at the hotels. The walk is very duable, also with kids. It is of course hot, but that is a part of the experience. In the end, geting salvation from abundant buffet breakfasts, lunches, and dinners shouldn't be earnt too easy anyway. The views are nice.

Starting point of several trails up the mountain and elsewhere. The trails can sometimes be hard to find. They are marked with painted dots and lines on rocks, as well as piles of stacked stones. Going up the mountain, some 200 yards in, you can choose right to go up to the monestary or left to go over the mountain between the two peaks to the perfect sands of Tsambika beach. Both can be a challenge. Paths are rocky, bushes stingy and midday the sun is hot. Be that as it may, the climb is worth it just for the view and the wild goats. Bottom to bottom the hike to Tsambika beach will be around an hour. To the monestary a little less. Leave your flipflops at home. You will need shoes with grip and good soles. A hiking stick is not a must, but you’ll notice it will be a very nice to have.

Good and visible hiking path all the way to the Tsambika Monastery's 300 stairs, which start at the top not here. Would recommend plenty of water, proper shoes and decent physical fitness to endure the hike.

Moderately difficult climb. The trail is only marked by intermittent red paint tags, which can be hard to spot. Aim for the road SW from the gate.GPS/trail app recommended. Wear full shoes as trail is loose with sharp rocks and vegetation. Go early to avoid heat, bring water. View from top after the church's 300 steps well worth the effort. Goats are mostly non-voilent.