Municipality of Kamiros

Soroni. Agios Soulas. Fanes. Kalavarda. Kamiros. Salakos. Profitis Ilias. Eleousa. Fountoukli. DimiLia, Apolona. Platania

Municipality of Kamiros tel. +30 22410 41474 kamirou@otenet.gr

The municipality of Kamiros takes its name from the ancient Rhodian city that flourished in the region in ancient and classical times. The ruins of the ancient city were discovered in the 19th century and they continue to fascinate visitors today. The energy and culture of the original inhabitants remain very much in evidence.

The economy of to day's municipality is based on agriculture and the growing levels of tourism. The region includes some of the most interesting sites on the island, as well as numerous areas of natural beauty well worth exploring.

Soroni is the most important of the villages on the north coast. It is a vibrant town with a long beach. Close to Soroni is the monastery of Agios Soulas, well-known for its popular July festival. Further to the south lies Fanes, which is the new spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing, with a picturesque small harbour, while the road from Kalavarda leads you to Salakos, a traditional village with luxuriant vegetation and many springs. From there you can ascend Profitis Ilias, with its old Italian hotels situated in the woods, and the chapel of the Saint himself on the summit. On the mountain slopes there are sever small villages Eleousa, a rural village with pleasing architecture and a monastery; Platania ("plane trees") hidden in the woods, with the springs and plane trees that give the village its name; Apolona a traditional village with an interesting folklore museum.

A visit to Dimilia should include a detour to the Byzantine chapell Agios Nikolaos (Fountoukli), with its lovely frescoes.

Kamiros was one of the three original main cities of Rhodes: flourishing In the 6th and 5th centuries BC. thanks to the thriving agricultural economy of the region. The ruins of the city and the neighbouring necropolis were discovered in 1859. The magnificent public buildings, the market, the temples, the houses, and the acropolis on the hill top, were all witness to the splendour and wealth of ancient Kamiros.

In the small harbour of Fanes: the fishing boats take shelter when strong winds blow. Try the fresh seafood in the beach tavemas.

Salakos: a traditional village at the foot of Profitis Ilias. Salakos is well-known for its beautiful countryside and springs, such as Nymphi, an ideal place for walking and relaxing.

Going through the wooded slopes of Profitis llias the road leads on up to Rhodes' second highest mountain and the charming Elafos and Elafina hotels. There is a cafe here where you can enjoy the cool shade and magnificent views to the sea. The September festival of Panagia Eleousa is famous throughout Rhodes and attracts many visitors.

Fanes: The newest fully equipped and possibly the best spot for kitesurfing and windsurfing on the west coast of the island because of the sandy beach and the nature.

The church of Agios Nikolaos. Fountoukli, close to Dimilia, is one of the most beautiful Byzantine churches in the region. It is decorated with wonderful 15th century frescoes. Visitors arriving by car. or bicycle or off-road mountain bike tours, stop and rest in front of the church before continuing on up to the summit of Profitis llias.

Close to Soroni, the biggest village in the region, with its significant harvest of olives and olive oil, is the monastery of Agios Soulas. Every July one of the most popular festivals on the island takes place here. There are sporting events, horse races and traditional celebrations.

Apolonas: The folklore museum in this beautiful village, at the southern foot of Profilis Ilias, displays local costumes as well as artefacts and scenes from everyday village life.

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