EllaScapes by Ella Resorts: A Deeper Journey into Rhodes

Village Discoveries: Where Time Moves to Older Rhythms 

Beyond Rhodes’ well-loved coastline lie a network of inland villages, quietly resisting the pace of modern tourism. Here, time seems to stretch—morning coffee turns into midday conversation, church bells gently mark the hours, and every stranger is treated as a guest. 

In Embonas, Rhodes’ highest village, terraced vineyards cling to the mountainside. Family-run wineries open their doors, inviting guests to taste bold red wines, golden local honey, and the traditional grape spirit known as souma. The experience is unhurried and grounded in the authenticity of everyday life. 

Asklipio, perched above Kiotari, is crowned by the ruins of a 14th-century castle once held by the Knights of St. John. Its narrow lanes lead to the Church of the Dormition, where vibrant Byzantine frescoes reveal centuries of faith and artistry. The adjacent Folklore Museum—housed in a restored olive press—offers a glimpse into the tools and traditions that have shaped local life. Each August, the village square comes alive with music and dance during its twin festivals. 

Nearby, Siana, on the slopes of Mount Akramytis, is famed for its mountain wine and aromatic thyme honey. During the honey festival, the entire village becomes a celebration of flavor, craftsmanship, and community. 

Other gems include Apolakkia, a peaceful village set between Lindos and Genadi, known for its Italian-era architecture and tranquil lake; Kritinia, a Cretan-founded settlement where a Venetian castle surveys the Aegean; and Theologos, where whitewashed homes and coastal charm blend seamlessly with living tradition. From Kattavia at the southernmost tip, with its wind-swept energy, to Archangelos, where the sounds of pottery wheels and leather tools still echo through the streets, each village adds a unique chapter to Rhodes’ story. 

Living History: Walking Through the Ages 

With over 2,400 years of continuous civilization, Rhodes is a living museum. EllaScapes ensures guests don’t just see history—they feel it. 

Inside Rhodes Old Town, Europe’s best-preserved medieval city, guests pass under vaulted gates and walk streets once trodden by Crusaders, Ottoman pashas, and merchant mariners. The Street of the Knights climbs past stone facades to the Palace of the Grand Master, where mosaics glint beneath Gothic arches. Every wall, alley, and courtyard tells a story. 

Signature historical sites—including the Acropolis of Rhodes, the dramatic Lindos Acropolis, Filerimos Monastery, and Monolithos Castle—are accessible with priority entry, arranged by the EllaScapes concierge. Guests also enjoy curated access to the Archaeological Museum, Municipal Art Gallery, and National Theatre, where the island’s cultural legacy continues to unfold. 

The island’s calendar is equally rich, from spring’s Medieval Rose Festival, with its chivalric reenactments, to the summer panigyria, religious festivals that blend worship, traditional music, dancing, and irresistible street food.

Coastal Escapes: 220 Kilometres of Discovery 

Rhodes offers a coastline that is as diverse as it is beautiful. With 220 kilometers of shoreline, EllaScapes takes guests from iconic beaches to hidden coves. 

At Kallithea, restored 1920s spa architecture blends with mosaics, palms, and natural springs, providing a glamorous setting for swimming and snorkeling. Anthony Quinn Bay, with its cinematic allure and crystal-clear water, is ideal for kayaking or paddleboarding. Afandou, the island’s longest beach, remains uncrowded even in high season and is perfect for families and water-sports enthusiasts alike. 

For guests seeking comfort and ease, beach concierges secure shaded pavilions and sunbeds, and arrange expert instruction for aquatic activities, ensuring each seaside moment is effortless. 

Maritime Adventures: Sailing and Island-Hopping 

The sea defines life on Rhodes, and EllaScapes ensures it’s not just admired from shore but experienced fully. 

Private sailing excursions—aboard either sleek yachts or traditional fishing boats—allow guests to explore the island’s turquoise coves, drop anchor in secluded bays, and savor fresh seafood paired with sparkling local wines as the sun sets over the Aegean. 

Symi, a neighboring island known for its neoclassical harbor and pastel-hued facades, is a favorite day trip. Up to seven ferries depart daily during the high season, offering flexible access. Highlights include the 15th-century Monastery of Panormitis and serene pebble beaches tucked beneath towering cliffs. 

For younger guests, EllaScapes offers a pirate-themed adventure—a treasure hunt through Kallithea’s sea caves led by professional actors, complete with maps, riddles, and theatrical surprises. 

Beneath the Surface: Diving and Snorkeling 

The waters around Rhodes are crystal-clear and geologically dramatic, making them ideal for diving and snorkeling. EllaScapes works with certified dive centers to provide guided experiences for all skill levels. 

Highlights include the underwater caves of Lindos, the vibrant marine life at Pefkos reefs, and the unique blend of freshwater and seawater at Kallithea Springs. Advanced divers can explore the intact 1950s wreck off the coast of Plimiri—a haunting and beautiful underwater landmark. 

Active Pursuits: Exploring Nature by Land 

For those who prefer to stay on land, Rhodes offers endless opportunities to explore its diverse natural terrain. 

The Prasonisi Peninsula, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas converge, is a magnet for wind- and kitesurfers. Steady meltemi winds and professional instruction cater to everyone from beginners to pros. 

Hiking and biking trails crisscross the island, linking remote chapels, ancient paths, and hidden beaches. Along the way, guests may encounter dama-dama deer, Rhodian ponies, or glimpse gizani fish darting through freshwater springs. All routes are tailored by guides to suit guests’ fitness levels and interests. 

Hands & Harvest: Tasting and Creating Rhodes 

Rhodes’ cuisine tells a story of resilience, trade, and terroir. With EllaScapes, guests move beyond restaurant dining to connect with the island’s culinary soul. 

In a sunlit olive grove, guests join a melekuni workshop, learning to prepare the sesame-and-honey energy bars traditionally offered at weddings and festivals. At Chatzidiakou Farm, they walk organic fields and then enjoy a meal prepared from that very harvest—an intimate farm-to-table experience. 

In Apollona village, the Apolloniatisses bakery continues to fire loaves in wood-burning ovens as it has for four generations. The adjacent folklore house is a humble museum of everyday island life. Local wineries open their doors for private tastings, showcasing heritage grape varieties revived by passionate young vintners. 

Hands-on ceramic workshops allow guests to spin the wheel and shape their own Rhodian pottery—a tangible souvenir of their time on the island. 

For Young Explorers: Family Magic 

Families are thoughtfully included in the EllaScapes experience. A semi-submersible voyage offers children a magical view of underwater life, with divers releasing fish treats outside the windows. The Bee Museum and 9D cinema, near Pastida, features interactive exhibits and a short film enhanced by motion seats, wind jets, and water sprays. 

The EllaScapes Difference 

What sets EllaScapes apart is its deeply personal approach. Every experience is tailored by a dedicated concierge and guided by locals who share personal stories rather than rehearsed facts. Guests benefit from private transfers, priority access, and insider knowledge—ensuring that time is never wasted, and each moment feels purposeful. 

With EllaScapes, Rhodes is not just seen—it is lived. The island becomes more than a destination. It becomes a memory, a connection, a personal story waiting to be told.