Epta Piges: 7 tips for the Seven Springs of Rhodes

Hidden in a dense deciduous forest are the Seven Springs of Rhodes, where seven springs bubble out of the earth as if by magic and pour into an emerald green lake. A small fairytale forest where nymphs bathe in the moonlight, but flee from the many visitors with the first rays of sunshine in the morning.

“In view of the streams of visitors and the advertising of some excursion agencies, one could almost think that the famous seven springs are the Niagara Falls of Rhodes.”

In the valley of the Epta Piges (Greek for Seven Springs), Rhodes is very scenic. A visit is like a trip into the countryside and forest bathing provides cooling on hot summer days. But anyone who expects raging streams and numerous waterfalls here is mistaken: it is only a secluded grove in which mountain spring water springs.

If you get to the Seven Springs early enough, you can enjoy the idyll of this tranquil place quite undisturbed. In this article, we provide you with a lot of background information and the most important tips for your trip to the Seven Springs of Rhodes:

#1 How to get to the Seven Springs of Rhodes

You can get to the Epta Piges either by rental car or bus. The Seven Springs are located quite centrally about 25 km south of Rhodes Town and 5 km outside the resort of Kolymbia. From the capital or from Lindos you can reach the popular destination in less than 30 minutes. Only those coming from the south should plan an hour’s journey.

Distances to the Seven Springs Rhodes:

• Rhodes Town – Seven Springs: 30 km (25 mins)
• Faliraki – Seven Springs: 15 km (20 mins)
• Ialysos – Seven Springs: 30 km (35 min.)
• Lindos – Seven Springs: 27 km (30 min.
• Gennadi – Seven Springs: 45 km (50 mins)

Is it worth renting a car for the Seven Springs?

Those who are familiar with renting a car to travel to Seven Springs have the advantage of being able to plan their trip according to their preferences. From Rhodes Town, head south on the island’s motorway (National Road 95) and just before Kolymbia take the “Epta Piges/ Seven Springs” exit. After 3 km of country road you will reach the Seven Springs.

If you have your domicile in the northwest near Ialysos or Theologos, you can alternatively take the scenic road Kalamonas-Psinthou. Serpentines lead through dense coniferous forest past the Butterfly Valley to the Epta Piges.

For your rental car for the trip to Seven Springs, you can check our partner, Billiger-Mietwagen*, and book in advance:

➲ To offers on Cheap Car Rental*

What is the parking situation on site?

If you arrive at the Epta Piges by rental car, you can park for free just 50 meters from the bubbling springs (Agios Nikolaos car park), provided you get there early enough, as parking is limited. The Epta Piges are a popular destination for both individuals and bus tourists.

The buses park on the access road to the Seven Springs, but load and unload the passengers and also maneuver in the car parking lot. In the afternoon, the rush of visitors decreases again. Special care must always be taken in the visitor car park, as many families with children the Seven Springs of Rhodes. Peacocks and cats also run around freely here.

By bus to the Seven Springs

Another way to reach the Seven Springs of Rhodes is by bus. Rhodes has a fairly good bus network, many sights and towns, especially on the east coast, are well connected. From the Rhodes bus station behind the Nea Agora, there is a regular bus of the KTEL Rodou via Kolymbia to Epta Piges and on to Archipoli.

→ You can check the current bus connections from Rhodes here: KTEL Rodou

There are also bus tours to the Seven Springs, which start from different places in Rhodes (e.g. Rhodes Town, Ialysos, Faliraki etc.). In addition to the visit to the Seven Springs, other stations are usually visited on an island tour. At our partner GetYourGuide* you can book bus excursions:

➲ To the organized bus tours*

#2 Opening Hours & Admission of the Seven Springs

The Valley of the Seven Springs is designated as a nature reserve (Natura 2000) and is freely accessible to everyone at any time. If you have the opportunity, you should visit the valley in the early morning hours or late afternoon. The grove is particularly atmospheric in spring, during the flowering period, or in autumn, when the leaves change colour.

• Opening hours of the Seven Springs of Rhodes: accessible 365 days a year
• Ticket prices for the Seven Springs: free admission

On site at the Epta Piges, just above the springs, there is the homonymous Tavern Epta Piges including toilets and souvenir shop. The rustic tavern is open daily from April to October, in the low season only on weekends. Tables and chairs are idyllically located under large plane trees directly by the stream.

#3 Guided tours to the Seven Springs

If you do not want to or cannot drive a rental car yourself, an organized trip to the Seven Springs recommended. Rhodes day tours usually depart from the north of Rhodes and participants are picked up from their hotels or a meeting point beforehand. If you want, you can also join a jeep safari (self-drive) to the Seven Springs.

Depending on the type and scope of the tour, after the stay at the Seven Springs, you will continue into the hinterland, e.g. to the Butterfly Valley of Rhodes or drive to Lindos. For some excursions, a guided tour of the Valley of the Seven Springs is included.

These Rhodes Tours you can contact our partner directly GetYourGuide*book:

➲ To the bus tour incl. Butterfly Valley*

➲ To the bus tour incl. Lindos visit*

➲ To the jeep safari in the north*

#4 Valley of the Seven Springs

Since when the sources at this point in the Forest north of Archangelos is not known. The farmers had long used the water to irrigate their fields. During the Italian occupation of Rhodes (1912-1943), a project was installed here to supply water to the newly founded village of San Benedetto (now Kolymbia).

In 1920, the Italians began excavations to divert the spring stream to the other side of the hill. The work lasted until 1931, dams for a reservoir, kilometers of above-ground canal systems and narrow tunnels were built. The most famous tunnel is located right next to the springs and is 186 m long and flows into a reservoir.

The entire water supply system of Kolymbia was about 5 km long and reached almost to the coast of today’s seaside resort. In Kolymbia itself, parts of the above-ground watercourse along the Eucalyptus Road can still be seen. By the way, the striking giant trees of the eucalyptus avenue were planted by the Italians 100 years ago.

Today, the springs enjoy a good reputation among holidaymakers and locals, even if the crowds are large in the hot summer, a walk through the warm forest or a wading through the stream cools you down. The springs are located just behind the Epta Piges tavern. You will cross a wooden bridge surrounded by huge plane trees, and from there you can see the springs bubbling up.

Anyone who was looking for the Niagara Falls of Rhodes was mistaken. Although the water splashes out of the mountain left, right and above as if by magic, it is not a raging torrent with a roaring waterfall. The springs themselves are more or less well marked with license plates. You can explore them, but the stones are very slippery.

#5 Epta Piges Tunnels

The highlight for many holidaymakers is the Epta Piges Tunnel, which passes on the spring water. Just after the car park, keep to the right or follow the stream to the north. The narrow tunnel, built 100 years ago, runs up to 13 m underground, is 186 m long and in some places only 1.70 m high.

The brave can wade through the underground water pipe. It should be noted that it is very cold mountain spring water and that there is only one way through the tunnel (from the restaurant to the reservoir) and also no “way back”. On the other hand, the duck walk is great fun for young and old.

Little adventurers have a clear advantage here, because you have to cross most of the tunnel crouched without bumping your head. It is advisable to switch on the mobile phone light or take a headlamp with you, because it is pitch dark. After a few claustrophobic minutes, you will see light at the end of the tunnel and be greeted by the emerald green reservoir.

Seven Springs Lake

The reservoir of Epta Piges served the Italians as a catchment basin for the spring stream. Via a weir with a lock, the water supply to Kolymbia could be regulated by a single person. The water level of the reservoir fluctuates depending on the season. In summer it is well below the tunnel exit, but in winter and spring it is almost at the same height.

The oval lake is about 200 m long, a maximum of 50 m wide and up to 8 m deep. Although locals told us that you can refresh yourself in the lake, we did not take a dip in the reservoir during our visit in June. Follow the reservoir in a northerly direction (after the tunnel on the left) and you will reach the dam wall with the waterfall.

If you don’t wade through the tunnel, you can also reach the reservoir of the Seven Springs above ground by crossing the road about 50 m before the entrance to the car park and taking the inconspicuous trail over a small hill. Be careful when descending to the reservoir, the dirt path is steep and slippery.

A walk along the lake to the waterfall (approx. 100 m) is a must at Epta Piges. Experienced hikers with a good sense of direction can let off steam throughout the region and enjoy the untouched nature, including ancient watermills to marvel at.

The local provider Hiking Rhodes even offers guided tours to the Epta Piges bookable via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the guided hike*

Waterfall of Epta Piges

The cascade of the dam is a popular photo motif in the Epta-Piges Valley. The water level varies greatly with the season, in summer only a trickle splashes down. Until the beginning of June, the Waterfall of the Seven Springs on the other hand, a nice background for a souvenir photo of the Rhodes Holidays.

It is also common to meet the animal inhabitants of Epta Piges, small turtles and lizards, ducks and also fish in the lake. Particularly interesting is the Ghizani, an endemic fish species in Rhodes (Ladigesocypris ghigii), a finger-sized survivor that is now considered the most endangered fish species in Europe. For the way back, the path along the reservoir is recommended again.

#6 Restaurants near the Seven Springs

In addition to the tavern of the same name, which is very lively at peak times and the outdoor seats are quickly sold out, there are other places to stop for refreshments barely 15 minutes from the Seven Springs. Here are all our recommendations:

Epta Piges Tavern (Epta Piges): Forest inn family-owned since 1945. In season, orders are placed at the counter. Simple cuisine with changing daily specials. Positive is the cozy atmosphere and the direct location at the springs. Unfortunately, animal welfare is not very important here, during our visit parrots were kept in cages and in the shop next door there was even a live python “exhibited”.

Taverna Anthoula (Kolymbia): Just five minutes from Epta Piges, just after the crossroads of Kolymbia, the friendly owner family serves delicious dishes of the typical Greek cuisine. Cozy ambience, fair prices and large portions.

Tavern Maria (Tsambika): Only 6 km south of the Seven Springs, on the access road to Tsambika Beach, tasty home cooking is served in a relaxed atmosphere. In addition to classic Greek dishes, there are also modern main courses and menu plates. A large children’s playground ensures a good mood for the little ones.

Amethystos Gastronomy Meze Bar (Archangelos): In the center of Archangelos, about 15 minutes from the seven springs, the landlord Aggelos and his cordial team conjure up incredibly good Mediterranean dishes with that certain something. For us personally, one of the best Rhodes Restaurants. Only open in the evening!

#7 Places of interest in the area

Rhodes Toy Museum

What does a woman of the world do with her adult husband’s huge toy collection? She is opening a toy museum so that all the stuff doesn’t gather dust at home, and invites young and old to visit Rhodes. Jacqueline, born in the Netherlands, had the idea and her husband Thanassis presents his toys from all over the world.

Toys from the last 70 years are on display, most of which are sold in Greece . For the little ones there will be a handicraft and tasting corner. The big and the young at heart come to the basement of the Rhodes Toy Museum from Atari to Sega to nostalgic vending machines make video game players’ hearts beat faster.

For us personally, the visit to the Toy Museum in Rhodes is one of the most surprising and beautiful excursions. Especially for families with children, it is worth taking a detour after visiting the Epta Piges. The museum is only 7 km away. Toilets and soft drinks are available.

• Opening hours Rhodes Toy Museum: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (Sat. closed), 4 € from 12 years, children 5-12 years 2 €, under 5 years free

Faethon Miniature Horses Farm

Attention animal lovers! Just outside the village of Archangelos, a real insider tip awaits you: the endemic dwarf horses of Rhodes. The bad news: There are only less than 15 specimens of the mini horses of the genus Equus Caballus Caballus left on the island, they are highly endangered.

In the middle of olive trees lies the Faethon Miniature Horses Farm around the team of Jakobos and his wife Hachoula, who have been self-sacrificing and mostly volunteering since 2001 to take care of the preservation of the animals. A visit is possible daily without prior appointment.

• Opening hours Feathon Farm: daily 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., free admission

Tsambika Beach & Monastery

Tsambika stands for the beautiful beach, the snow-white chapel above it and the monastery at the foot of the mountain. A visit to Tsambika can be combined very well with a tour to the Seven Springs, either before or after. Swimming on the beach of Tsambika is only recommended in the low season, in summer the beach is packed.

One of the most spectacular views is from the 330 m high mountain above the beach. With the rental car you can drive up to just before the summit. Then it goes along a pilgrimage path paved with 300 steps to the chapel, a must for every Orthodox islander. From above, a magnificent panorama of the East Coast of Rhodes.

At the foot of the mountain lies the modern Tsambika Monastery from the 19th century, which is worth a visit, especially for culturally interested Rhodes vacationers. By the way, the first names Tsambika and Tsambikos are only available in Rhodes and go back to the miraculous icon of Mary, who fulfilled the parents’ desire to have children.

→ More articles about the island and numerous Rhodes travel tips can be found at:

• Our highlights in Rhodes
• Best hotels in Rhodes
• Rhodes Resorts – Top 11 resorts on the island
• Rhodes Beaches

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