Butterfly Valley & Filerimos Hill

The Valley of the Butterflies is situated in a thickly wooded area with a stream running down the side of a mountain forming small waterfalls and pools. Every year from June to September, thousands of butterflies gather there to mate. The valley offers them ideal conditions (coolness and moisture) for mating. Once they mate, the females fly to other parts of the island where they lay their eggs and start their cycle of life once again. Steps, wooden bridges and paths take one to different parts of the valley.

Filerimos is a hill of 267 meters high. It is approximately 16km away from the city of Rhodes. It is used to be the citadel of the ancient town of Ialyssos. The hill took the name from a monk who came from Jerusalem in the 13th century bringing with him an icon of the Blessed Virgin painted by the Apostle Luke, placing it in a small church that he built to house it at the top of the hill (Byzantine). The hill includes the foundations of the temple of Athena Polias, an Early Christian basilica, and a small subterranean Byzantine church.

√ Tip. Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes for walking as well as carry hats and sun protection, and make sure you have your camera with you.

Post Conference trip – Symi island & Panormitis Monastery

Symi is a small and charming island located in the Dodecanese archipelago of Greece, easily accessible from Rhodes for a day or half-day trip.
One of the island’s main attractions is its picturesque harbor, which is surrounded by colorful neoclassical houses and fishing boats. The harbor area is the perfect place to enjoy a meal at one of the many tavernas, take a stroll along the promenade, or simply relax and enjoy the view. Beyond the harbor, Symi boasts stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters that can be reached by boat. Some are only accessible by foot, making them ideal for those who enjoy a bit of adventure.

Panormitis is the monastery of Archontas Michail Panormitis dedicated to the archangel Michael who is the patron saint of the island of Symi. The monastery of St. Michael was built in the 18th century on the site where a silver icon of the Archangel is found. In the monastery are two museums, the ethnographic museum and the church.

√ Tip. Do not forget to wear comfortable shoes for walking as well as carry hats and sun protection. Supply yourself with swimsuits, towels and make sure you have your camera with you.