A Perfect Day Exploring the Wild West of Rhodes

Rhodes is famous for its beaches and Old Town, but the west coast is a completely different kind of beauty — full of mountains, castles, wineries, and hidden villages. I spent an entire day driving along this stunning route, and it became one of my favourite memories from the island.

• Butterfly Valley (Petaloudes) I started the morning at the magical Butterfly Valley, where shaded walking paths wind through lush greenery and streams. In summer, thousands of butterflies gather here, creating a truly enchanting atmosphere. Even without them, the natural beauty is worth the visit — cool, quiet, and peaceful.
• Ancient Kamiros Next, I headed to Ancient Kamiros, one of the three original cities of Rhodes. Walking among the ruins, you can see the remains of houses, an ancient marketplace, a Doric temple, and the old aqueduct system. Standing there with views over the Aegean, it’s easy to imagine life here more than two thousand years ago.
• Kritinia Castle Driving further along the coast, I reached Kritinia Castle. Perched high on a hill, the views are breathtaking — you can see the island of Halki in the distance and, on a clear day, even the coast of Asia Minor. The best part? Entrance is free, and it’s never too crowded.
• Empona By midday, I was ready for lunch, so I stopped at Empona, a charming mountain village surrounded by vineyards. This is the heart of Rhodes’ wine country, with family-run wineries offering tastings of local wines and the famous sumac liqueur. The tavernas here are legendary for their grilled meats and homemade dishes — a true taste of Rhodes.
• Siana From Empona, I drove to Siana, a small village with sweeping views of the west coast. It’s famous for its excellent honey and locally produced wine — I couldn’t resist buying some as gifts to take home.
• Monolithos Castle & Sunset My final stop was Monolithos Castle, perhaps the most beautiful fortress on the island. Built on a 236-metre-high rock, it offers panoramic views over the sea and the tiny offshore islands. I stayed until the sun began to set — the sky turned golden and pink, and it felt like the perfect way to end the day.

This route is packed with history, scenery, and authentic local experiences — but it’s only really possible if you have your own transport. I rented my car from www.rodoscars.gr , and it gave me the freedom to explore each stop at my own pace. If you’re visiting Rhodes, I can’t recommend this west coast trip enough.