Just a few kilometers south of Rhodes Town in the northeast of the island are the Springs of Kallithea, a place steeped in history that will take you on a journey through time.
“Palm trees line the path, oriental-looking round arches cast shadows on artistic floor mosaics, somewhere it still splashes quietly – and behind it the crystal-clear sea sparkles.”
Originally, people came to Rhodes because of the healing waters of the springs. Even in ancient times, the Kallithea Thermal Baths were known for their therapeutic properties, especially for treating skin diseases and rheumatism. In the meantime, however, the sulphurous springs of the former thermal bath have dried up.
Today, people come to this place on Rhodes for its special atmosphere and numerous photo opportunities. A picturesque bay and the small Kallithea Beach invite you to swim. We have already visited the Kallithea Springs on Rhodes twice and will tell you what there is to discover here:
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#1 Getting to the Kallithea Springs
The Springs of Kallithea (also called Kallithea Thermen) are located on the northeast coast of the island of Rhodes, only about 9 km south of the capital – making them ideal for a short day trip.
From the city center, it takes about 15 minutes by rental car; the route follows the coastal road and is well signposted. For affordable car hire on Rhodes, check out our partner Discover Cars*:
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You can also reach Kallithea by bus very easily. Bus lines to Faliraki stop nearby, and the bus stop is only a few minutes’ walk from the entrance. You can find current timetables here: KTEL Rodou
Parking at the Kallithea Thermal Baths is located directly in front of the entrance to the complex. In high season, however, it fills up quickly – especially from 10 a.m. onwards. If you arrive earlier, it is much more relaxed, and the light falls particularly beautifully on the historic buildings.
- Opening hours, Kallithea Springs: daily 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (May–Oct.)
- Kallithea Springs entrance fee: €5
In the winter season from November to April, the opening hours are reduced to 8 a.m.–4 p.m. and the entrance fee is €3.
#2 Walk through the Kallithea Thermal Baths
When you walk through the gate of the complex before 10 a.m., there is still a pleasant calm in the air. The sun is just strong enough to make the white domes shine, and the corridors with their distinctive Chochlaki floor mosaics are still pleasantly cool.
Right in the entrance area, a large fountain offers the first beautiful photo opportunities. Through a long arcade elaborately decorated with black and white pebble mosaics, you reach the grand Rotunda of Kallithea.
The white domed building is the heart of the complex – the fountain from which the sulphurous healing water once gushed is still located here. The thermal springs of Kallithea have since dried up, and the complex is no longer a functioning thermal bath but rather an open-air museum by the sea.
Behind the rotunda lies the narrow pebble beach of Kallithea, which gets very crowded in high season. The water is clear, but the seabed is partly rocky. In the low season, you can relax on the small Kallithea Beach and enjoy some refreshments – it is also a great spot for snorkelling.
The upscale beach restaurant Kallithea Springs Seaside offers drinks and Mediterranean food, as well as sun loungers from around €25 per couple. If you’d rather skip the pricey drinks, head up to the elegant rotunda just behind the restaurant, from where a sweeping view of the east coast sea opens up.
The backdrop of white arches draped with bougainvillea and other climbing plants is truly fairytale-like – and makes for a perfect wedding location. And indeed, if you’re lucky, you might witness a Greek wedding or other celebrations such as baptisms. Benches invite you to linger and soak it all in.
During a tour of this part of the complex, photographs on the walls catch the eye, offering a glimpse into the history of the Baths of Kallithea and the restoration work carried out over the years. The space also hosts temporary exhibitions by local artists and photographers. And best of all – the entire floor is one single pebble mosaic work of art!
A second arcade leads you back down to the beach. With children, a detour to the grove to the left of Kallithea Beach is well worth it. Behind the sun loungers, water trickles down the slope as a small waterfall through the dense greenery, forming little pools. For our little one, this was a real highlight of the visit.
A walk through the former thermal complex of Kallithea with its beautiful gardens takes around 30 to 45 minutes – longer if you take time for photos, a coffee or a swim in the small bay.
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History of the Kallithea Springs
The healing properties of the Kallithea springs were already known in antiquity – Hippocrates and Herodotus both reported about hydrotherapy. During the heyday of the springs, people of all faiths travelled here in late summer to ease their physical ailments in this relaxing setting.
During the Italian occupation, Governor Mario Lago recognised the potential of the site and in 1928 commissioned architect Pietro Lombardi to design an impressive complex – simple, elegant and in harmony with its natural surroundings.
In 1929, the complex was ceremonially opened in the presence of the Italian king. In the years that followed, Kallithea flourished as an international health resort – until the Second World War brought destruction and neglect. It was not until decades later that the site was extensively restored, and since July 2007 it has once again been a timelessly beautiful destination for visitors from all over the world.
#3 Excursions to the Springs of Kallithea
You can also explore the Springs of Kallithea as part of a boat tour along the coast. These organised Kallithea tours along the east coast include a stop at the former thermal facility for swimming and snorkelling, bookable through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ To the all-inclusive catamaran tour with lunch*
➲ To the all-inclusive day cruise with BBQ*
➲ Sunset boat trip with barbecue*
#4 Hotel tips near the Kallithea Springs
Around the Kallithea Springs you will find a wide range of accommodation – from cosy holiday homes inland to popular beach hotels near Faliraki. Below we have selected five beautiful places to stay close to the springs. Click the Booking* links to check prices and availability:
- Ammades All Suites Beach Hotel & Spa (Adults Only)*, Faliraki
- Heliareti Traditional House*, Koskinou
- Koskinou Traditional Houses*, Koskinou
- Marini Seaside*, Faliraki
- Nama Retreat*, Pastida
→ You can find the most beautiful places to stay on the island and our personal top hotels here: Best Rhodes Hotels
#5 Restaurants and cafes nearby
Directly on the grounds of the Kallithea Springs there is a rather pricey beach restaurant with a terrace and sea view. For cheaper and more traditional food, head to the charming village of Koskinou, just eight minutes away. Several tavernas are worth a visit, including Karavelladika and Taverna Yannis.
For a drink with a sea view, try the Oasis Beach Bar at the Oasis Beach of the same name, just 500 m further south and easily reachable on foot. Alternatively, the Kounna Beach Bar at the beautiful Anthony Quinn Bay is a great option – though it is about 20 minutes away by car.
→ Where we ate really well on Rhodes and which are our personal favourite tavernas, you can find out here: Rhodes Restaurants
#6 Places of interest in the area
After visiting the Kallithea Springs, there are more highlights along the east coast of Rhodes just waiting to be explored:
Koskinou village
Only about three kilometres from the Kallithea Springs lies the traditional village of Koskinou – known for its brightly painted front doors, leafy courtyards and narrow streets lined with flower pots.
Here you can stroll away from the tourist crowds through a picture-perfect Greek village idyll. Particularly worthwhile: a stop at one of the authentic tavernas, where you can immerse yourself in delicious Rhodian cuisine.
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
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Anthony Quinn Bay
About 9 kilometres south of Kallithea you will reach the charming Anthony Quinn Bay – named after the actor who fell in love with the place during the filming of The Guns of Navarone. The water shimmers turquoise, the bay is framed by pine trees and rocks, and it is ideal for snorkelling or simply relaxing.
The entrance to the water is rocky, so bathing shoes are an advantage. If you arrive early, you can claim one of the few sun loungers with a dream view – or find your own spot among the rocks.
→ Everything you need to know about Anthony Quinn Bay can be found in this article: Anthony Quinn Bay
Filerimos Hill
From the Kallithea Springs it is about 30 minutes (roughly 20 km) to Filerimos Hill, an impressive elevation west of Rhodes Town. At the top, a huge cross with panoramic views awaits you, along with a historic monastery, ancient ruins and a sweeping vista reaching all the way to the coast. A visit in the late afternoon, when the light filters through the trees, is particularly magical.
→ More information about Filerimos Hill and the surrounding area: Filerimos on Rhodes
Old Town of Rhodes
Just 9 kilometres north of Kallithea lies the historic Old Town of Rhodes. Between the Mandraki Harbour, the Street of the Knights and the Grand Master’s Palace, you will dive deep into the island’s history. Cafés, restaurants and shops invite you to linger and explore. Come early in the morning when the alleys are almost deserted, or visit in the evening once the bulk of the tourists have gone.
→ Find out what there is to discover on a day trip to the old town here: Rhodes Town
→ More helpful articles about the island and Rhodes travel tips can be found here:
- Rhodes Highlights – the most beautiful sights
- Rhodes Resorts – Top 11 resorts on the island
- Rhodes Beaches
- Lindos on Rhodes
- Rhodes with children
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