K - Ataviros - K

This beautiful road bike route begins and ends in Kiotari, a seaside village on the southeast side of Rhodes, and takes you through the rugged, authentic inland of the island. The route combines challenging climbs, quiet villages, and impressive nature, including the stunning Limni Fragmatos Gadoura and the imposing mountain Ataviros. It is an engaging journey through the heart of Rhodes with picturesque landscapes and a touch of cultural history.

Kiotari – Asklipiio – Laerma

The ride starts in Kiotari, where you leave the coast for a while and head towards the picturesque village of Asklipiio. This village, known for its medieval castle and old church, offers a first short but brisk climb to warm up your legs. From Asklipiio, you continue inland to Laerma, a quiet village surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. It’s a pleasant place to soak up the local atmosphere.

Limni Fragmatos Gadoura and Apollona

From Laerma, you bike further towards the impressive Limni Fragmatos Gadoura, one of the largest reservoirs of Rhodes. The road winds alongside the reservoir, offering peaceful and serene views over the blue water that beautifully contrasts with the green of the surrounding hills. The route then leads towards the mountain village of Apollona, located at the foot of the highest mountain in Rhodes, Ataviros.

Climb to Ataviros and Quelle Agios Isidoros

After Apollona, the first major challenge of the day follows: the climb towards Ataviros, an impressive mountain that dominates the landscape. As you climb up, the scenery changes, and you get spectacular views of the sea and the valleys below you. In the village, it’s time to catch your breath and enjoy the fresh mountain air and the view. Just after the descent, you pass by Quelle Agios Isidoros, a historical spring that holds symbolic value for many locals.

Agios Isidoros – Istrios – Profilia

From Agios Isidoros, you descend to the quiet village of Istrios, a small mountain village hidden among the pine forests, and then to Profilia. The route through these remote villages feels authentic and soothing. Here, the landscape is green and lush, with old stone houses and hardly any traffic, making you feel like you are cycling through another era.

Profilia – Vati – Gennadi

After Profilia, the route continues towards Vati, a charming village where time seems to stand still. After Vati, you ride further to Gennadi, which is located by the coast. This is a perfect spot to take a break and enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea. You feel the fresh sea breeze as you follow the last kilometers towards the coast.

Back to Kiotari

From Gennadi, you follow the coastline back to Kiotari. This last stage is relatively flat, providing a good opportunity for your legs to recover from the earlier climbs. The coastline is beautiful, and you end the ride where you started, in Kiotari, with a sense of fulfillment after a day full of challenges and stunning views.

Distance and Difficulty Level:

Total distance: 95 km

Difficulty level: Moderate to difficult, with some challenging climbs, especially towards Ataviros.

Highlights of the route:

Asklipiio: A historic village with an old castle and a traditional church.

Limni Fragmatos Gadoura: The largest reservoir of Rhodes, which provides a beautiful resting point along the way.

Ataviros: Community on the slope of and also the highest mountain of Rhodes.

Istrios and Profilia: Authentic mountain villages where time seems to stand still.

Vati and Gennadi: Picturesque coastal villages where you can enjoy the view over the Aegean Sea.

Conclusion:

This route offers a diverse combination of quiet back roads, challenging climbs, and beautiful views over both the mountains and the coast of Rhodes. The climb to Ataviros is the physical highlight of the ride, while the quiet villages and natural beauty along the way will enrich your spirit. This ride is highly recommended for any cyclist who loves variety and challenge.