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Kallithea Springs is one of the most centrally located attractions in Rhodes, yet somehow it falls under the radar of many visitors.
Part of the problem is that most people don’t really know what it is.
Is it a beach? A historical monument? A swimming spot? A museum? A restaurant?
The answer is a little bit of everything.
Because Kallithea Springs charges an entrance fee, many visitors also find it difficult to work out whether it’s actually worth visiting. What exactly are you paying for? How long should you spend there? Is it somewhere you stop for an hour, or somewhere you can spend an entire day?
I’ve visited Kallithea Springs both during the quiet off-season and in the middle of peak summer. It is one of the best things to do in Rhodes, so let’s what you need to know.
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This article is part of my things to do in Rhodes series, where I explore and share activities and ideas. I moved to Rhodes a few months ago and have been exploring both the off-season and summer side of the island ever since. You can find more guides to Rhodes, here.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to Kallithea Springs—or anywhere in Rhodes, for that matter—is by renting a car.
There are dozens of rental companies operating on the island, and during summer the roads are undoubtedly busy. My favourite way to go rental car shopping is by using a platform that compares multiple providers. Personally, I use and recommend Discover Cars.
The drive from Rhodes Town takes less than 20 minutes, and if you’re staying in the popular area of Faliraki, you’ll only be travelling for around 5 minutes.
Another option is the public bus, which is cheap, efficient, and, in my experience, air-conditioned.
Lastly, you can book a day tour that includes Kallithea Springs and arrive by coach.
There isn’t really a right or wrong option here, but having a rental car definitely provides more flexibility, especially if your trip also includes some of the island’s more remote areas.
🚗 Rhodes is a big island, which means you’ll need to rent a car. I prefer booking through platforms like Discover Cars, which takes some of the stress, questions, and uncertainty when it comes to insurance, paperwork, and coverage.
Are you looking for tips on rental cars? My recommendation is to always pick a high rated provider, with small deposit and deductible.
P.S Rhodes is too big for ATVs but this… this T-Roc Cabrio is one of THE most popular options you’ll see all around the island. I’ve heard from various rental companies it is one of the best sellers and always sells out first.
The Cost
There is an entrance fee to get into Kallithea Springs, but at the time of writing it is only €2 for early summer and €5 during summer.
Crazy cheap, right?
I think they are one of the few establishments—not just in Rhodes, but in Greece in general—that seem to have skipped the major price increases of recent years.
The ticket price goes towards the restoration and maintenance of the grounds and historic buildings.
What to Expect
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the entrance complex and ticket kiosk.
From there, several pathways wind through the gardens and historic buildings before eventually leading down towards the sea.
There are various ways to explore the site, and if it feels confusing, don’t hesitate to ask for directions at the entrance.
The simplest route was explained to me like this: take a right through the gardens and then follow the signs for the toilets.
Not exactly glamorous advice, but it works.
Doing so naturally guides you through the main sections of the complex in a circular route, taking you past the gardens, rotundas, viewpoints, and eventually down towards the beach area.
What Is This Place?
Apart from being a beautiful place to relax and unwind, most visitors will rightly ask: what exactly is this place?
The answer goes back much further than most people realise.
This area was known for its natural springs and healing properties long before tourism existed. The water that emerged from the rocks had a reddish colour due to its mineral content, and records of the springs go back all the way to antiquity.
Over the centuries, people travelled here hoping to benefit from the supposed healing powers of the water. During the Ottoman period, visitors would arrive from across the region, often staying for weeks or even months while resting and recovering. In many ways, Kallithea was the wellness retreat of its day.
But the buildings you see today are definitely not ancient.
After the Italians occupied the Dodecanese in 1912, they left a huge architectural mark on Rhodes. In fact, once you know what you’re looking for, you’ll start spotting Italian influences all over the island.
One of my favourite examples is up on Profitis Ilias, where the old Italian-built hotels Elafos and Elafina still stand among the pine forests. It feels completely out of place until you realise just how much the Italians reshaped Rhodes during their time here.
You can also see it in Rhodes Town itself. The Aquarium, the old Post Office, the Governor’s Palace, and several of the grand public buildings around Mandraki Harbour all date from this period.
In the 1920s, the Italians decided to transform Kallithea into a sophisticated spa resort and wellness destination. Following studies that confirmed the therapeutic properties of the springs, architect Pietro Lombardi was tasked with designing the complex.
Kallithea Springs officially opened in 1929 under the name Royal Thermae, becoming one of the most fashionable destinations in the eastern Mediterranean.
As you walk around today, you’ll notice a mixture of Italian, Art Deco, and Moorish influences. The circular rotundas, elegant arches, sea views, and black-and-white pebble mosaics all contribute to a design that still feels surprisingly modern nearly a century later.
During its heyday, wealthy visitors, politicians, aristocrats, and businesspeople travelled here to relax, socialise, and take advantage of the supposedly therapeutic waters.
Like many places in Greece, however, the Second World War changed everything. The site gradually declined and eventually closed in 1967.
For decades it sat largely abandoned until an extensive restoration project finally brought it back to life. Kallithea Springs reopened in 2007 and today most people visit not for the healing waters, but for the architecture, swimming coves, photography opportunities, and atmosphere.
Which, honestly, is probably exactly what the original designers would have wanted. Nearly a century later, people are still coming here to slow down, admire the scenery, and enjoy one of the most beautiful corners of Rhodes.
FAQ about Kallithea Springs
🐠 Can You Swim at Kallithea Springs?
Yes, and it’s one of the main reasons to come.
The water here is exceptionally clear and protected by rocky coves that make it ideal for swimming and snorkelling. You won’t get a lot of sand though like in other beaches on the island.
🐠 Sunbeds, Facilities and Food
There are toilets, changing facilities, showers, sunbeds, shaded areas and a restaurant overlooking the water.
If you’re planning to spend several hours here, you can comfortably make a half-day of it without needing to leave.
Restaurants prices are high (expected) so come for a snack or drink if you want to save some money.
🐠 How Long Do You Need?
If you’re only interested in the architecture and history, allow around an hour.
If you want to swim, take photos, have a drink and relax, then half a day is more realistic.
Personally, I think Kallithea Springs works best as part of a wider east coast day. You can combine it with Rhodes Town, Koskinou, Oasis Beach, Anthony Quinn Bay or Faliraki without feeling rushed.
My Tips for Visiting
Arrive before 10am if you’re visiting in July or August.
The light is better for photos, the temperatures are more pleasant, and tour groups haven’t fully arrived yet.
Bring swimwear even if you’re unsure whether you’ll swim. Most people end up changing their minds once they see the water.
And finally, don’t visit expecting the best beach in Rhodes. That’s not really what Kallithea Springs is about.
Think of it as a combination of historical monument, swimming spot, photography location and seaside escape. Once you look at it through that lens, it becomes much easier to understand why so many people enjoy visiting.
Book a tour to Kallithea Springs
There are a lot of guided or organized tour options to get to Kallithea Springs without a rental car. Here are some that worth checking out.
- Rhodes: Lindos, Kallithea Springs & Seven Springs Bus Trip $40: This is so you hit 3 major sights on the island (just transport).
- (RECOMMENDED) 🔥 Rhodes:Kamiros,Kritinia,Embona,Mt Profitis Ilias & Kallithea tour $58: Incredible value tour with many sights, guides, multiple castles and an olive tasting.
Have more questions about Rhodes?
I’ve written quite a few guides on Rhodes you might find handy as you research things to do on the island.
- 50+ Amazing Things to Do in Rhodes (Updated 2026)
- Is Filerimos Hill and Ialysos Worth Visiting in Rhodes?
- Is Butterfly Valley in Rhodes Worth Visiting?
- The Grand Master Palace in Rhodes: Is it Worth it?
- 3 Days in Rhodes: Steal This Itinerary (2026 and Prices
- Profitis Ilias Hike in Rhodes: How to Book and Route Info
- Is St Paul’s Bay in Lindos Worth Visiting?
- Is Tsambika Monastery Worth Visiting?
- How to Plan Your Visit to Acropolis of Lindos (2026 Guide)
- Lindos: 7 Things to Do + Real Costs (2026 Guide)
Ready to book your trip to Rhodes?
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⛴️ Ferry tickets: There are a lot of ferry providers but I prefer Ferry Scanner for their simple UI.
❤️ Best Tours in Rhodes
These are some of the tours I’ve done and love.
