Profitis Ilias, the third-highest mountain on the island of Rhodes, is one of those places worth visiting when you find yourself on the island of the Dodecanese. Its amazing natural environment, along with the beautiful homonymous chapel, as well as the traditional buildings and guesthouses, compose a landscape that is interesting to experience with your own eyes. Let's explore the scenery of the unique prophet Elias.
Mount Profitis Ilias: An oasis in the center of Rhodes
With an altitude of eight hundred meters and the green nature giving its dynamic presence with a densely planted forest dressed in pines and oaks, Profitis Ilias is a magical place that invites you to discover it. The flora and fauna of the area will excite you at every step, since you will find it counting more than a hundred different species of plants, with one of them being the peony of Rhodes that thrives only on this island, while among them you will see foxes and hawks living harmoniously. The trademark of the area could only be the crowds of rare dama deer, which have as their place of residence the lush forest.
At the top of the mountain, you will see standing the two hotels named Elafos and Elafina. Built almost a century ago, while Rhodes was under Italian administration, the source of inspiration for their architecture was the Swiss chalets, giving their landscape a highly alpine style that will charm you.
Its visitors at that time were important figures such as the royal families of Italy and Greece. Nowadays do not miss the opportunity to enjoy your stay in their place or even just have a drink having the option to admire the view of the mountain or the sea that spreads in front of you.
Villa De Vecchi, the palace of King Victor, which later hosted Mussolini himself, is another place of great historical and architectural importance that you should not forget to make a stop despite being in ruins.
Right next to the wonderful hotel unit, you will find the Byzantine monastery of Prophitis Ilias, which gave its name to the entire mountain, to reach its precinct you will need your car. Following the tradition that those dedicated to the prophet are located on the mountain, the monastery was built by the inhabitants in the middle of the 19th century. With an altitude exceeding five hundred meters from the sea surface, you will have the opportunity to gaze at the bays and areas of the island that extend just below it.
Profitis Ilias: An ideal place for hiking
Mount Prophitis Ilias is the most idyllic place to explore on foot. Use as a starting point the traditional village of Salako that you will find spreading at the roots of the mountain, a stone's throw from the sea landscape. He walked uphill in its amazing streets, which are flooded with the colors and aromas of the trees that compose the rich vegetation of the place.
The view of the Aegean Sea that you will see on your route and the neighboring islands will create a literally unforgettable image that will make you feel a real connection with the nature that surrounds this unique place. Once you are at the top and enjoy its unique sights, take the path right next to the church to reach the crystal clear water of the spring "Nymfi", which after five years of drought began to run again in the area.
Prophitis Ilias is a place of breathtaking beauty that must be experienced up close to be fully appreciated. The forest of fir trees that surrounds the area provides a stunning backdrop for a leisurely walk. Book your next flight and witness the splendor of this magnificent location for yourself.
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