In the southern part
of the island, 84 km away from the city of Rhodes, there is a small rural
village, Ancient Kattavos or Kattavia. At the entrance of Kattavia, we come
across the church of Agios Stamatis [St. Stamatios],
as well as a remarkable religious monument of the 10th century, the
church of Panagia Katholiki [Catholic
Virgin Mary]. The church, which is also the cemetery of the village, hosts
magnificent frescoes that date back to the 17th century. At a distance
of 12 km from the village, archaeological excavations have unearthed Mycenaean
and Hellenistic tombs.
A quiet village with
a picturesque square, Kattavia is the place water sports lovers prefer for
their accommodation (although there are only few rooms available), as it is
close to Cape Prasonisi, a popular spot for surfers due to the strong winds and
the characteristics of the shore break. In the village there is a traditional kafeneio [café], a restaurant and a grocery
store. The whole layout of the village, the few cottages, the old airport, the derelict
Catholic Church of Agios Markos [St. Mark]
and its clock tower bear witness to the fact that the village was first
developed during the times of the Italian rule. Opposite the church of Agios
Markos, on an impressive road lined with cypress trees, there is an alley
leading to the chapel of Agios Georgios [St.
George], the bell of which is actually an old World War II bombshell that
marks the end of the conquering of the inhabitants by other peoples. Crossing
the dirt road, you reach the beach of “Mavros Kavos” [Black Cape], a sandy beach with no sun
loungers, famous for its clear waters and cherished by campers and travelers
who try to avoid the hustle and bustle of the crowds on the beach.
PRASONISI
A significant natural
reserve & a surfer’s heaven on earth
Leaving Kattavia, in
the southernmost part of the island, you will find Prasonisi, an island-like geological
formation, protected by Natura2000 network, which becomes a peninsula attached
to Rhodes due to sandy spits. The place is not permanently inhabited, but there
are private catering businesses and tourist accommodation on site. If you find
yourselves there during the summer, you will notice a sandy spit of about 500 meters that
joins the islet with Rhodes, while when winter comes and the water level gets
higher, the beach disappears under the sea, making access to it impossible.
Particularly interesting
are the weather conditions at the point: When there are no winds on the rest of
the island, the speed of the wind on Prasonisi is 4-6 on the Beaufort scale,
while when the city of Rhodes has gale force winds, the place is windless. Due
to all these, Prasonisi has become a popular tourist destination for those who
love windsurfing sports, while others can enjoy a swim in its crystal clear
waters. Free camping is allowed on site, that is why you will probably see lots
of camping tents and trailers.
Places of particular
interest are also the archaeological settlement of Vroulia, which is considered
to be one of the earliest settlements in Greece, and the lighthouse of Prasonisi.
To get to the lighthouse you will need to walk quite a bit, but the enchanting view
will make up for it.
