Kallithea Springs, known in Greek as Thermes Kallitheas, is one of the most photogenic places on Rhodes and a curious mix of architecture and seaside. The Italians who governed the island in the early twentieth century developed the springs as a fashionable thermal spa in the late 1920s, and the buildings they left behind are a fantasy of white domes, arcades and colonnades in a style that blends Mediterranean, Moorish and Art Deco touches. A circular rotunda with a dome stands at the heart of the complex, surrounded by arched galleries, a fountain, mosaic floors and palm trees, with steps running down to a small rocky bay. The spa fell out of use in the later part of the century, and the complex was restored and reopened to visitors in the 2000s. Today it is a place to wander, to swim and to sit with a coffee, and it is a favourite backdrop for photographs and for wedding pictures. The water in the cove is remarkably clear, and the rocky ledges and sea floor make it a popular spot for snorkelling. The setting also appears in a famous 1961 war film shot on the island, which adds a little extra interest for film fans.
Allow one to two hours to see the buildings and a further hour or two if you want to swim. Start with the rotunda and the galleries, which are especially lovely in the soft light of the morning, then walk down to the water. Entry is by ticket, which usually includes access to the grounds and the bay, and sunbeds and umbrellas can be rented at the shore.
There is a cafe and bar by the water, so a coffee or a cold drink with a view of the domes is easy to arrange. The seabed is rocky, so water shoes make swimming more comfortable, and snorkelling gear is useful if you want to look at the fish near the ledges.
Kallithea lies about ten kilometres south of Rhodes Town on the east coast, which makes it one of the easiest outings on the island. Local buses run along the coast road, taxis are quick, and the springs fit neatly into a day with Lindos and Seven Springs, which is how many tours include them. The coast road is also the route used by boat cruises from the harbour, some of which stop in the bay, so on summer days the cove can feel lively.
Seasons
This is a summer place at heart. The grounds can be visited in the shoulder seasons for the architecture, and spring and autumn are lovely for a quieter wander, but the swimming and the beach services run mainly from late spring to early autumn, and the cafe and sunbeds are seasonal. In winter, check opening arrangements before you set out, because the site may run limited hours. Weekdays are quieter than weekends, and early morning is the best time to see the rotunda without crowds.
Kallithea is a pleasant pairing with a visit to Anthony Quinn Bay, a short distance further along the coast, and with a morning at Lindos. Visitors who like detail will enjoy the mosaic floors and the decorated ceilings of the galleries, which are easy to miss if you hurry down to the water.
What to expect
The experience
A wander through restored Italian-era spa buildings, then a swim or snorkel in a clear rocky cove. Entry is by ticket, with sunbeds and a cafe at the water in season.
Best time
Morning for the best light on the domes and fewer people; late spring to early autumn for swimming.
How long
One to two hours for the buildings, longer if you swim.
Tips
Bring water shoes for the rocky seabed, a towel and sunscreen, and go early on weekends. Check seasonal arrangements if you visit outside summer.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Photographers, architecture lovers and anyone who wants a swim with a view.
- Families
- Shallow ledges and clear water suit children who can swim, but the seabed is rocky and there are some steps, so water shoes help.
- Couples
- Go early for the rotunda and the galleries, then swim and have a coffee by the water.
- Pair with
- Anthony Quinn Bay, Lindos and the Seven Springs.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours including a swim.
Good questions
What are Kallithea Springs?+
A restored thermal spa complex built by the Italians in the late 1920s, with a domed rotunda, arcades and mosaics beside a small rocky bay on the east coast.
Can you swim at Kallithea Springs?+
Yes. The cove has clear water and rocky ledges that are popular for snorkelling. Water shoes are recommended because the seabed is rocky.
How far is Kallithea from Rhodes Town?+
About ten kilometres south along the east coast, a short drive or taxi ride, and also served by local buses.
Is Kallithea Springs worth visiting out of season?+
The architecture is still lovely and much quieter in spring and autumn, but the beach services and cafe are seasonal, so it is mainly a summer swimming stop. Check arrangements before you go in winter.
How long should I spend at Kallithea Springs?+
About an hour or two to see the buildings, and another hour or two if you want to swim and relax by the water.
