Epta Piges (Seven Springs) Walk

The Epta Piges (Seven Springs) walk is a short, shaded route on the east side of Rhodes, in Greece's South Aegean region, near Kolymbia and the village of Archangelos. The site lies about 15 minutes by rental car or taxi from the east coast and is reachable from Rhodes Town by the same means. Parking is available near the entrance, and no hiking permit is needed. The walk is short, well under 5 km, with minimal elevation gain, so it counts as easy and suits families and first-time walkers. The surface is a mix of paved and dirt path, with footbridges and steps in places. Tree cover is dense, giving shade for most of the route, which makes it a popular cool-down from the coastal heat. The route follows a tree-lined stream to a spring-fed lake, and the short route continues along a stream channel through a narrow tunnel. Visitors who take the tunnel should carry a torch, as the interior is dark, and should expect to walk bent over and possibly with wet feet in the channel. The lake is the natural turn-around point for those who prefer to skip the tunnel. Water is plentiful in the stream, but it is not treated and should not be drunk; hikers bring their own drinking water. No refuge huts exist on the route, though the site has a small taverna-style facility near the entrance in season. Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are recommended because wet stone and roots can be slippery. The walk works well as a half-day outing combined with the east coast beaches, and it is best between April and October, when the paths are dry and the shade is most welcome.