Natural Wealth
The Valley of the Butterflies is a habitat of unique ecological importance for the species of the Panaxia Quadripunctaria. The rich vegetation, the streams, the light that pierces through the foliage, and the colorful butterflies, create a natural environment of unparalleled beauty that the visitor can discover by walking along the well-established paths and crossing ornate wooden bridges.
The Seven Springs (Epta Piges) is 30 km away from Rhodes Town. The magnificent beauty of its nature will captivate your heart. For centuries, the farmers have been using the fresh waters of the Seven Springs. The springs have always fed the crops and the wild orchids in the evergreen pine forests. In this region, the Italian engineers have built an artificial lake to control the water. For the adventurers, a short cut to this lake can be reached by walking through a 200mt dark tunnel.
This pine-wooded forest is named after the Prophetes Elias whose walled-in monastery can be found at the top of the mountain at a height of 720m/2,600 ft.
Prophetes Elias is an important area for wild flowers and rare plants including the Cyclamen repandum and Paeonia clusii ssp rhodia, both of which thrive at high altitude. April through to June is the best time to visit.
At the charming Elafos and Elafina hotels resembling to Swiss chalets, there is a café and a restaurant where you can enjoy the cool shade and magnificent views to the sea.
The area of Kamiros including Prophetes Ilias, Attiviros, Akramitis, Kimisala, Vassiliko, Fournous all the way to Prasonisi, as well as the marine sections of these areas, where the Monachus seals and the turtles Caretta-Caretta live and multiply, along with the routes of migratory birds to and from the warm southern countries, with Prasonisi as a hub, are all protected by the European Natura 2000 program. Both lush and rare, the flora and fauna of the island reserve unique experiences for nature lovers, while organized activities such as trekking, mountain biking and horseback riding, are offered to those who are looking to explore and be active in nature.
