Southern Rhodes villages

Life in the villages of southern Rhodes has it's own distinctive pace and is a refreshing contrast to the stress of the city and busy resorts of the northern area of the island. Most were built in medieval times, or even earlier, retaining their traditional characters and displaying  the trappings of this era.

Asklipios with its Byzantine castle , Gennadi and Lahania, with their white houses , Katavia with it's history dating back to acient times are but a few of the treasures to be found in this municipality. Arnitha, Apolakia, Vati, Messanagros, Istrios and Profilia are all rual villages where the inhabitants work hard but know how to enjoy the simple life and protect their customs. The traditional internal decoration of their houses  with wall plates and fine needlework typify this region where village weddings, celebrations and festivals are based on old rituals and ancient dialects are still spoken.

Nature sets the tone and displays its full splendour in this rural setting, endless beaches shine under the sun and are perfect for windsurfing and swimming  whilst the interior beguiles the visitor with gentle hills and valleys abundant with flora and fauna.