Hidden in a dense deciduous forest are the Seven Springs of Rhodes, where small 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 reveals a particularly scenic side of itself. A visit feels like a trip into the countryside, and the shaded forest provides welcome relief on hot summer days. Anyone expecting raging streams and roaring waterfalls will be mistaken, though: it is a secluded grove where mountain spring water bubbles to the surface.
If you arrive early enough, you can enjoy the tranquillity of this idyllic spot almost undisturbed. In this article, we share plenty of background information and the most important tips for your trip to the Seven Springs of Rhodes:
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🍽️ Restaurants, tavernas & cafés
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🚘 Practical info like rentals & parking
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#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 about 25 km south of Rhodes Town and 5 km outside the resort of Kolymbia. From the capital or from Lindos you can reach this popular destination in under 30 minutes. Only those coming from the south should plan for 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 mins)
- Lindos – Seven Springs: 27 km (30 mins)
- Gennadi – Seven Springs: 45 km (50 mins)
Is it worth renting a car for the Seven Springs?
With a rental car, you have the freedom to plan your trip to the Seven Springs entirely at your own pace. From Rhodes Town, head south on the island motorway (National Road 95) and take the “Epta Piges / Seven Springs” exit just before Kolymbia. After 3 km of country road you will reach the Seven Springs.
If you are staying in the northwest near Ialysos or Theologos, you can alternatively take the scenic Kalamonas-Psinthou road. Serpentines wind through dense coniferous forest past the Butterfly Valley and on to the Epta Piges.
You can book a rental car for your trip to the Seven Springs in advance through our partner Discover Cars*:
What is the parking situation on site?
If you arrive by rental car, you can park for free just 50 metres from the springs (Agios Nikolaos car park), provided you get there early enough, as spaces are limited. The Epta Piges attract both individual visitors and large groups of bus tourists.
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Buses park on the access road and also manoeuvre in the car park itself when dropping off and picking up passengers. In the afternoon, visitor numbers tend to drop. Take extra care in the car park, as many families with children visit the Seven Springs of Rhodes. Peacocks and cats also roam freely around the area.
By bus to the Seven Springs
The Seven Springs of Rhodes can also be reached by bus. Rhodes has a fairly good bus network, and many sights and towns, especially on the east coast, are well connected. From the Rhodes bus station behind the Nea Agora, a regular KTEL Rodou bus runs 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 departing from various locations on Rhodes (e.g. Rhodes Town, Ialysos, Faliraki). These usually combine the Seven Springs with other stops as part of a broader island tour. You can book bus excursions through our partner GetYourGuide*:
#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, visit the valley in the early morning or late afternoon. The grove is particularly atmospheric in spring during the flowering season, or in autumn when the leaves begin to 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, is the homonymous Tavern Epta Piges, with toilets and a souvenir shop. The rustic tavern is open daily from April to October and on weekends only in the low season. Tables and chairs are idyllically positioned under large plane trees right beside the stream.
💡 Weather on Rhodes: The island of Rhodes is one of the warmest regions of Greece. The Valley of the Seven Springs is surrounded by dense deciduous and coniferous forest and invites you to take long walks. In spring, there may be occasional rain showers. In summer, fire risk is a serious concern, as weeks can pass without rain and conditions become very dry. For more information on the weather in Rhodes, check out our separate post: Weather in Greece
#3 Guided tours to the Seven Springs
If you prefer not to drive yourself, an organised trip to the Seven Springs is a great alternative. Rhodes day tours usually depart from the north of the island, with participants picked up from their hotels or a central meeting point. A jeep safari with self-drive option to the Seven Springs is also available.
Depending on the type and scope of the tour, after visiting the Seven Springs you may continue into the hinterland, for example to the Butterfly Valley of Rhodes, or head on to Lindos. Some excursions also include a guided walk through the valley.
You can book these Rhodes Tours directly through our partner GetYourGuide*:
➲ 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
How long the springs at this spot in the forest north of Archangelos have existed is not known. Local farmers used the water for centuries to irrigate their fields. During the Italian occupation of Rhodes (1912–1943), a major water supply project was installed here to serve the newly founded village of San Benedetto, known today as 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 were constructed for a reservoir, along with kilometres of above-ground canal systems and narrow tunnels. The most famous tunnel runs right next to the springs, stretches 186 m in length and feeds directly into the reservoir.
The entire water supply system of Kolymbia stretched about 5 km and reached almost to the coast of what is now the seaside resort. In Kolymbia itself, parts of the above-ground watercourse along the Eucalyptus Avenue can still be seen today. The striking giant eucalyptus trees lining that road, by the way, were planted by the Italians 100 years ago.
Today the springs are a firm favourite among holidaymakers and locals alike. Even in the busy summer months, a walk through the shaded forest or wading through the stream provides a refreshing break. The springs are located just behind the Epta Piges tavern. Cross the wooden bridge surrounded by huge plane trees and you will see the water bubbling up from the ground.
Anyone hoping to find the Niagara Falls of Rhodes will be mistaken. Water seeps out of the rock face on all sides as if by magic, but this is no raging torrent with a thundering waterfall. The springs themselves are numbered with small signs so you can find them. You can explore them up close, but the stones are very slippery.
#5 Epta Piges Tunnels
The highlight for many visitors is the Epta Piges Tunnel, which channels the spring water onward. From the car park, keep to the right or follow the stream northward. The narrow tunnel, built around 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 this underground water pipe. Bear in mind that the water is cold mountain spring water, and that there is only one way through the tunnel, from the restaurant side to the reservoir, with no option to turn back. That said, the crouching walk through the dark is great fun for young and old alike.
Smaller adventurers have a clear advantage here, as most of the tunnel requires crouching to avoid bumping your head. Switch on your phone torch or bring a headlamp, as it is pitch dark inside. After a few claustrophobic minutes, light appears at the end and you emerge at the emerald green reservoir.
Seven Springs Lake
The reservoir of Epta Piges served the Italians as a catchment basin for the spring stream. A weir with a lock allowed a single person to regulate the water supply to Kolymbia. The water level fluctuates with the season: in summer it sits well below the tunnel exit, while in winter and spring it can rise almost to the same height.
The oval lake is about 200 m long, up to 50 m wide and up to 8 m deep. Although locals told us it is possible to swim here, we did not take a dip in the reservoir during our June visit. Follow the reservoir northward (left after the tunnel exit) and you will reach the dam wall with the waterfall.
If you prefer not to wade through the tunnel, you can also reach the reservoir above ground. Cross the road about 50 m before the car park entrance and take the inconspicuous trail over a small hill. Take care on the way down to the reservoir, as the dirt path is steep and slippery.
A walk along the lake to the waterfall (about 100 m) is not to be missed at Epta Piges. Experienced hikers with a good sense of direction can explore further afield and enjoy the untouched nature, including ancient watermills along the way. The local provider Hiking Rhodes even offers guided tours to the Epta Piges, bookable via GetYourGuide*:
Waterfall of Epta Piges
The cascade at the dam wall is a popular photo spot in the Epta Piges valley. The water level varies greatly with the season, and in summer only a trickle remains. Until early June, however, the Waterfall of the Seven Springs makes for a beautiful backdrop for a souvenir photo from your Rhodes holiday.
You will also likely encounter the animal residents of Epta Piges: small turtles and lizards, ducks and fish in the lake. Particularly fascinating is the Ghizani, an endemic fish species of Rhodes (Ladigesocypris ghigii), a finger-sized survivor now considered the most endangered freshwater fish in Europe. For the walk back, the path along the reservoir is recommended.
#6 Restaurants near the Seven Springs
In addition to the tavern of the same name, which gets very lively at peak times and fills up quickly, there are other good places to stop for a meal within 15 minutes of the Seven Springs. Here are all our recommendations:
Epta Piges Tavern (Epta Piges): A family-run forest inn since 1945. In season, orders are placed at the counter. The menu is simple with changing daily specials. The cosy atmosphere and the direct location beside the springs are a real plus. One downside worth noting: animal welfare does not appear to be a priority here. During our visit, parrots were kept in cages and the shop next door even had a live python on display.
Taverna Anthoula (Kolymbia): Just five minutes from Epta Piges, right after the Kolymbia crossroads, the friendly family team serves delicious dishes of classic Greek cuisine. Cosy atmosphere, fair prices and generous portions.
Amethystos Gastronomy Meze Bar (Archangelos): In the centre of Archangelos, about 15 minutes from the Seven Springs, host Aggelos and his warm team serve exceptional Mediterranean dishes with a creative twist. For us personally, one of the best restaurants on Rhodes. Evening only!
Tavern Maria (Tsambika): Just 6 km south of the Seven Springs, on the access road to Tsambika Beach, the team here serves tasty home cooking at fair prices in a relaxed setting. Alongside classic Greek dishes there are also more modern main courses and set menus. A large children’s playground keeps the little ones entertained.
#7 Places of interest in the area
Rhodes Toy Museum
What does a sensible woman do with her husband’s enormous toy collection? She opens a museum so the treasures don’t gather dust at home, and invites young and old to come and enjoy them. Jacqueline, originally from the Netherlands, had the idea, and her husband Thanassis now proudly presents his toys from all over the world.
Toys from the past 70 years are on display, many of which were once sold across Greece. For the youngest visitors there is a craft and tasting corner. In the basement of the Rhodes Toy Museum, older visitors and the young at heart will find everything from Atari to Sega, with nostalgic arcade machines to make any gamer’s heart beat faster.
For us personally, visiting the Toy Museum in Rhodes is one of the most surprising and enjoyable excursions on the island. Especially for families with children, it is well worth a detour after the Epta Piges. The museum is only 7 km away. Toilets and soft drinks are available on site.
- Opening hours Rhodes Toy Museum: 11 a.m.–4 p.m. (Sat. closed), €4 from age 12, children aged 5–12 €2, under 5 free
Faethon Miniature Horses Farm
Attention, animal lovers! Just outside the village of Archangelos, a real insider tip awaits: the endemic dwarf horses of Rhodes. The difficult news is that fewer than 15 specimens of these miniature horses of the genus Equus Caballus Caballus remain on the island. They are critically endangered.
Nestled among olive trees, the Faethon Miniature Horses Farm is run by Jakobos and his wife Hachoula, who have been dedicating themselves largely on a voluntary basis since 2001 to protecting and preserving the animals. Visits are welcome daily without prior appointment.
- Opening hours Faethon Farm: daily 9:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., free admission
✓ Full coverage & unlimited mileage included
✓ Free cancellation until 24h before pickup
✓ Best price guarantee via Discover Cars
Tsambika Beach & Monastery
Tsambika stands for the beautiful beach, the white chapel perched above it and the monastery at the foot of the mountain. A visit to Tsambika combines very well with a tour to the Seven Springs, either before or after. Swimming at Tsambika Beach is only really recommended in the low season, as the beach gets packed in summer.
→ Everything you need to know for a trip to Tsambika can be found in our article: Tsambika Rhodes
One of the most spectacular viewpoints on Rhodes is from the 330 m high mountain above the beach. By car you can drive almost to the summit, from where a pilgrimage path paved with 300 steps leads up to the chapel. The ascent is a must for every Orthodox islander, and from the top a magnificent panorama of the east coast of Rhodes opens up.
At the foot of the mountain stands the Tsambika Monastery, built in the 19th century and well worth a visit for anyone interested in the island’s culture and history. Incidentally, the first names Tsambika and Tsambikos exist only on Rhodes, given in gratitude for the miraculous icon of Mary that is said to have granted the wish for children to those who prayed here.
→ More articles about the island and Rhodes travel tips can be found here:
- Our highlights in Rhodes
- Best hotels in Rhodes
- Rhodes Resorts – Top 11 resorts on the island
- Rhodes Beaches
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