KALLITHEA SPRINGS

Art Deco Elegance & Crystal Coves

Nestled just 9 km south of Rhodes Town, Kallithea Springs is a breathtaking seaside monument. Built by the Italians in 1929, this historic property looks like a cross between a Hollywood movie set and a grand palace, surrounded by a picturesque, crystal-clear bay.

The Myth vs. The Reality

In the early 20th century, aristocrats from all over Europe traveled here to drink the red therapeutic waters to cure medical ailments.

⚡ Local Reality Check: While the grand, domed treatment halls still stand beautifully restored, the actual natural springs have long dried up. You won’t be soaking in any thermal pools here, but the stunning architecture alone is well worth the entry fee.

Neo-Moorish Architecture & Pebble Mosaics

The real draw today is the magnificent design by Italian architect Pietro Lombardi. As you walk through the monumental entrance, you’ll find striking arches, grand fountains, and the iconic Rotunda dome. Look down as you walk—nearly every square inch of the ground is covered in jaw-dropping, hand-laid chochlaki floors (intricate mosaics made of black and white sea pebbles).

The Cinematic Beach Inlet

Right below the monument sits a narrow, fjord-like bay flanked by palm trees and dramatic rock formations. The water here is incredibly calm, shallow, and glass-clear, making it the absolute best spot on the island for snorkeling and introductory scuba diving.

It’s so photogenic that Hollywood came calling: classic films like The Guns of Navarone (1961) and Agatha Christie’s Poirot: Triangle at Rhodes were filmed right on these grounds.

☕ Local Insider Tip: Don’t just rush through for photos. Tucked right inside the coastal cave at the edge of the monument is a fantastic lounge cafe. Grab a frappé or a cold beer, sit right by the water’s edge, and enjoy the views. To experience it without the crowds, have your host drop you off here either before 10:00 AM or later in the afternoon when the tour buses leave.