Archangelos village Rhodes island Greece

The biggest village on the island of Rhodes is Archangelos which gives it name to this municipality. Set slightly inland from the coastline,  to guard it from priate raids, the village is a hub of life and activity. During the reign of The Knights of Saint John the village was protected by a castle which was erected on the hill overlooking both sea and village.This magnificent building has been recently renovated and presides over the surrounding area in all its medieval glory.

Despite the remarkable development in tourism in this region, Archangelos preserves its particular character probably more than any other village on the island of Rhodes. Its tradition of ancient  arts and crafts, such as pottery and hand-made tapestries and carpets are still practised with the same mastery and methods. Houses built in the traditional style blend with cosmoploitan shops and small family run hotels, which offer a friendly atmosphere as well as all modern comforts. The inhabitants are friendly, straightforward people with their roots still firmly set in the agricultural way of life. Age-old customs are still upheld in this region where it is the norm to see the older generation of women still wearing the traditional village dress and sporting the long leather 'snake boots' to protect them whilst working the fields and groves which surround the village. The donkey is still used as a primary mode of transport for these villagers and it is not unusual to see a traditionally dressed woman riding side-saddle to the fields - a truly wonderful sight!

The surrounding area is characterised by long sandy beaches, quiet harbours and verdant and fruitful landscape.Tsambika bay, at the foot of the steep cliff on top of which is the famous monastery of the Virgin Mary, is a beautiful place to relax and swim. Here you will find water sports and nearby horse riding facilities for exploring the surrounding area. Stegna also has all the facilities of a modern cosmopolitan resort with small family run hotels and plenty of beachside tavernas. The small harbour of Haraki, with the ancient medieval castle above,and the ajoining Agathi beach are also well worth a visit.

Inland, the rural  villages of Massari and Malona lie along the old Italian road amongst abundant citrus groves and peaceful countryside. These are well worth visiting and taking a detour from the national route is an alternative way of getting from Archangelos toward Lindos. At the northern edge of the region is Epta Piges (Seven Springs), a beautifully cool and  wooded area where seven natural springs rise and converge into a picturesque lake. Peacocks and wildfowl abound and  a shaded taverna offers traditional fayre for walkers and visitors to this secluded spot.