Filerimos is a green hill about fifteen kilometres from Rhodes Town, and for the ancient Rhodians it was the acropolis of Ialyssos, one of the island's three original cities. Pine and cypress trees cover the slopes. At the top stand the monastery of Our Lady of Filerimos, said to date from the fourteenth century, when a wealthy knight lived here as a hermit, and the name means he who loves solitude. Around it are remains of the ancient temple of Athena and Zeus, a Hellenic fountain and Knights' era buildings. Outside the monastery, a path begins that leads to the other side of the hilltop, lined with 14 stone shrines with copper engravings of the Passion, and finally to a clearing with a 16-metre cross and a wide view of the Bay of Trianta and the Maritsa valley.
A visit takes about two hours. Walk through the monastery gardens and the small chapels, explore the ancient foundations and the cloister, then follow the shrine path to the great cross and its viewpoint. The views reach from the airport coast to the Turkish shore on a clear day, and the pines make the hill pleasant in hot weather. Friars once made a herbal liqueur here, Sette Erbe, still sold at a stall in front of the monastery. There are paths and steps with uneven stone, so wear good shoes.
Getting there
Filerimos is a short drive from Rhodes Town, near the village of Ialyssos and Trianta. You can reach it by car, taxi or organised tour. Many half-day tours pair it with the Valley of the Butterflies, but in winter the valley is closed, so Filerimos stands alone as an easy day. A road leads almost to the top, with a car park and a walk from there, so it is a good outing for visitors who prefer not to hike. A modest entrance fee applies to the archaeological site.
When to go
Because it is shaded and high, Filerimos is pleasant in all seasons, and the autumn and winter air gives clear views. The site runs daytime hours, closing in the mid-afternoon in the cooler months, so go in the morning. Check the current times with the regional tourism site or the museum. It combines naturally with a visit to the Archaeological Museum in the Old Town, where finds from ancient Ialyssos are displayed, and with a lunch in a village taverna on the way back.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a hilltop monastery and ancient acropolis in a pine wood, with a walking path of 14 shrines to a big cross and viewpoint.
Best time
Morning, when the light is clear and before the site closes in the afternoon; autumn and spring are lovely.
How long
About two hours.
Tips
Wear shoes with grip, bring water, and combine with the Archaeological Museum to see finds from ancient Ialyssos.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants views, history and a gentle walk in one outing.
- Families
- Shaded paths and a road to the top make it easy for children, though the shrine path has steps.
- Couples
- A quiet viewpoint walk, followed by lunch in a nearby village.
- Pair with
- The Archaeological Museum, the Old Town or the Valley of the Butterflies in season.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
What is Filerimos?+
A hill with the ancient acropolis of Ialyssos, a Knights-era monastery and a path of 14 shrines leading to a 16-metre cross.
Is Filerimos open in winter?+
Yes. The hill stays open in the cooler months with daytime hours that close in the mid-afternoon, so go in the morning and check the current times.
How far is Filerimos from Rhodes Town?+
About fifteen kilometres, a short drive by car or taxi, or on a half-day tour.
What can I see from the viewpoint?+
The Bay of Trianta, the Maritsa valley and the coast, and on a clear day the mainland of Turkey.
Is there something to drink or buy there?+
The friars once made a herbal liqueur called Sette Erbe, which is still sold at a stall in front of the monastery.
