Kallithea Springs

Kallithea Springs is a restored thermal spa complex on the coast at Kallithea, about 10 kilometres south-east of Rhodes Town, in the South Aegean region of Greece. The spring waters were known for therapeutic uses from antiquity, and the Italian administration built the present complex in 1929 to a design by Pietro Lombardi, mixing Art Deco and Oriental motifs. The centrepiece is a domed rotunda with a fountain, surrounded by colonnades, a monumental arched gateway, ornamental pools, towers, a pebble mosaic floor and bright, geometric tilework. A neoclassical-style cafe and a small exhibition area occupy part of the site. The spa fell into disuse in the mid-20th century but was restored and reopened for visitors in the early 2000s. Today visitors can walk the gardens and terraces, photograph the rotunda from different angles and swim from a small sheltered cove with clear water and a sandy and rocky entry, where sun loungers and a snack bar operate in the season. A typical visit takes about two hours, longer for those who swim. The complex is also used for weddings and events, so some areas may be closed. Entry costs about 5 EUR for adults, with reduced prices for children, and the site is usually open from about 10:00 to 18:00 in season. Mornings in spring and autumn are quieter and cooler, and summer afternoons are hot and busy with beachgoers. The site is reached from Rhodes Town by city bus toward Kallithea or by taxi. Since opening hours and entry arrangements can change, visitors should check kallithea-rhodes.gr or local information first.