Epta Piges (Seven Springs)

In the mountains of Rhodes, close to the town of Kolympia, is one of the most wonderful and exciting destinations the island has to offer: Epta Piges (Seven Springs). This little oasis, a forest in the usually dry and sandy nature of the island, invites visitors to explore the surrounding woods and waters, visit the taverna or dare go through the old tunnel to the waterfall.

Built in 1931 by Italian colonists, Seven Springs was an attempt to more effectively use the springs for watering the surrounding lands for agriculture. For that purpose, dams and tunnels were dug into and through the rocks surrounding the springs to lead the water to the other side of the mountain. One of them can be walked through from one side of the hill to another. With a length of 186 meters (610 feet) and as narrow as a normal-statured person of 170 centimeters (around 5 feet, 6 inches), the tunnel leads barefooted visitors through cold running water to a small lake where a dam with a waterfall can be visited. The tunnel itself is pitch black and best enjoyed without flashlights. And most importantly, it is a one-way walk, with no turning back—once you’re in, there’s not enough room for two people to pass each other. (There is an alternative path leading over the hill to the other side. The experience can be quite claustrophobic.)

The lake is suitable for swimming but it is small and there are a lot of visitors during the high season. The taverna close by offers drinks and food next to the springs. The taverna and springs can be reached through a short hike from the main road. There are also some parking spaces by the taverna itself though mostly used by staff and excursions. The area around the springs is a nature-protected zone.