About 85 km
away from Rhodes city lights, at an altitude of 150 meters on a lush green
route, there is a small picturesque village, unspoiled by modern evolution,
bearing intact the charm of the Dodecanese.
At the
entrance of the village, there is a drinking fountain under the shade of a
plane tree with cool water that gives the visitor a fresh breath so as to take
a relaxing, enjoyable stroll in the narrow streets of the village. Traditional
white-washed houses and colorful gardens give the impression of a traditional
settlement. The monastery of Agios Filimonas [St. Philemon], a post-Byzantine monastery that, in antiquity, used
to be an ancient temple dedicated to Apollo, is also worth a visit. Hiking up
the mountain towards to end of the village, you will find the small tabernacle
of Agios Niconas [St. Nikon] (13th
century), wherefrom you can admire the panoramic view to the sea, the mountains
of Mesanagros and the monastery of Panagia Skiadeni [Virgin Mary the “Shade casting”].
Being a
natural landscape full of coniferous and fruit trees, as well as agricultural land,
the village of Arnitha gives nature lovers and hikers many options to choose
from: the area of “Fountana-Vodi” for its waterfalls, as well as the gorge
in the area of ”Klisoura” are places of exceptional natural
beauty. Do not miss looking for the hill of Paleokastro, where evidence of a
small settlement, a castle and Hellenistic tombs was found. The view of the
other peaks from Paleokastro is truly breathtaking. Another interesting route
for hiking is considered to be the one that leads to the village of Apolakkia, and
through the mountains, to the Monastery of Agioi Theodoroi [the Saint Theodores].
