1. Rhodes: Guided Hike to Attavyros Mountain & Temple of Zeus
At 1215 meters, Attavyros is the highest mountain on the island. Our starting point is the village of Emponas. The mountain’s important flora and fauna have earned it a place in the “NATURA 2000” network of nature protection areas. Significant plant species include the rare, protected Paeonia Rhodia and a variety of orchids. On the mountain slopes, there is a large forest of pure cypress trees, declared a Natural Heritage Site. Prominent animal species include the dama dama deer that symbolizes the island and the Rhodes'badger. There are also foxes, hares, hedgehogs, and raptors including partridges. At the top of the mountain you will find the ruins of the Temple of Zeus and a recent military watchtower. When the air is particularly dry, Karpathos and other little islands in the Dodecanese can be seen, as well as the inland of the island of Rhodes. This is the excursion for you, if you aim to conquer the island’s highest peak!