This long pebbly bay is 22 kilometres south-east from Rhodes, near the village of the same name. Parts are developed with tourist facilities and services but it is big enough for everyone and its deep water is the clearest and often the freshest on the island.
The cave at Sfendoni - reached via Zoniana - is 3,000 square metres, and has a path of 270 metres. There is a charge to enter, as visitors are no allowed to enter alone for reasons of safety.
An interesting cave as it also doubles-up as a church. It lies in the village of Patsos, north-west of Spili and was used during Minoan through Roman times as a place of worship. Minoan finds from this cave are displayed in both the Herakleion museum and in Oxford's Ashmolean.
It is found some 25 km from Herakleion, not far from the village of Myrtia. Situated by a river, with highly mythological associations, for the ancients, who believed this to be the dwelling place of nymphs and fairies.
Located on the south coast, and were most likely used as dwelling places from neolithic times, before being converted into burial chambers during the Roman and early Byzantine era. Nowadays they are better known for the annual festival, with latter day hippies descending upon its beach, in the footsteps as such luminaries as Joni Mitchell (whose song ‘Carey’ was written in deference to Matala), Bob Dylan (allegedly) and Joan Baez, who all came here in the 1960s.
This is one for those who like their caves at a high elevation. Situated 1,700 metres above sea level, Kamares, also known as Kamaraiko, is accessable by a trail leading north, and upwards from the village of Kamares. Beware, it’s quite a hike to the cave from the village, and be of more interest to those with a penchant for archaeology than speleology, as this was an important site in Minoan times, with votive offerings having been found here.
This wonderful pebbled beach is caressed by turquoise waves and this idyllic setting will surely sweep you off your feet. You can either walk there or take a quaint boat and sail in. Either way, it’s a swim that will rejuvenate you and give you a sense of peace that’s only fitting in this serene island. Take a picnic with you and spend the day.
If you want to explore or have an adventure on your way to a swim, then sail to Psili Ammos or hike through rugged landscape to find this exotic beach. Fine white sand meets blue-green water in what’s widely believed to be Patmos’ most beautiful beach. Don’t miss it as you’ll be transported to someplace rather tropical.
There’s nothing more rewarding than coupling exploration with a relaxing swim. Admire Kallikatsou Boulder with its many caves, carved stone steps and rich religious history and then take a dip in Petra beach. Its cool crystal-clear blue waters will invite you in after spending some time in the sun taking in Kallikatsou’s secrets.
Take a dip in this stunning stretch of perfect crystal-clear water. The natural landscape also provides wonderful views, and the thick line of trees along the coast offers hot swimmers plenty of shade. If you’ve got kids, it’s perfect as it’s sheltered from wind and offers calm, almost waveless waters. It’s a wonderful place to kick back and relax.