Limeri Traditional Guesthouse

The south of Rhodes is about as far removed from the bustle of Rhodes Town and the more developed parts of the island’s east coast as it is possible to find. In fact were you parachuted in here you’d find it hard to believe you were on the same island! Mountainous and verdant, the feeling here is away-from-it-all and surrounded by nature.

The pretty hill village of Monolithos in the west, 70 kms from Rhodes Town (90 mins drive) and 58 kms from the airport (70 mins.), is the best place to stay. A little inland at an elevation of 300m, it sits at the base of Rhodes’ second highest peak, Mount Akrimitis (825m) - surrounded by pine forest (look out for wild deer) good walking can be had along marked trails, leading up to a castle and monastery and further on to the plateau. Monolithos is also the name of a famous landmark nearby - a Venetian / Knight’s castle perched on a vertical 280m rock (the monolith) high above the sea.

The village has a very traditional character and is known to Rhodians for the quality of its tavernas - there are four - as well as local produce such as honey, wine, olive oil, mountain herbs and the local firewater called Souma.

We feel that ‘guesthouse’ is something of a misnomer as the standards of the 10 rooms here certainly equal those of a good hotel. The personable owner, Philippos, is passionate about his area, its culture and traditions, and is a mine of local information. The four Family Junior Suites are on the ground floor (a couple with a jacuzzi on the room’s terrace), the remaining 6 rooms are on the first floor. Limeri has a spacious ground floor terrace where a good breakfast can be provided (local charge), also snacks/light meals or a drink from the bar.

Uncrowded pristine beaches are not far away - three or four can be reached in a 10-15 minute drive south, including organised Fourni. Other attractions nearby include the recently discovered ancient city of Kimisala and the inland lake of Apolakkia, where activities include kayaking, archery, a climbing wall and a zip wire.

Limeri is ideal for long or short stays - perhaps combined with some nights in Rhodes Town? We consider car hire here essential in order to make the most of this little known and wonderfully unspoiled area of Rhodes so we have included a car from the airport in our sample price shown above.

Deluxe Double Room

First floor for up to 3 persons (25 sq m). Traditionally styled and furnished in natural stone and wood, the room possesses twin beds, contemporary shower room and balcony with views over the village and hills to the south coast.. Amenities include air conditioning, fridge, coffee-making facilities, TV, room safe, air conditioning and WiFi.

Junior Suite

First floor for up to 3 persons (25 sq m). Traditionally styled and furnished in natural stone and wood, the room possesses a raised built-in double bed, small living area with sofa, contemporary shower room and balcony with views over the village and hills to the south coast.. Amenities include air conditioning, fridge, coffee-making facilities, TV, room safe, air conditioning and WiFi.

Deluxe Family Suite

First floor for up to 4 persons (30 sq m). Traditionally styled and furnished in natural stone and wood, the room possesses a raised built-in king-sized bed, a living area with sofa, contemporary shower room and balcony with views over the village and hills to the south coast.. Amenities include air conditioning, fridge, coffee-making facilities, TV, room safe, air conditioning and WiFi.

Family Junior Suite

Ground floor for up to 5 persons (30 sq m). Traditionally styled and furnished in natural stone and wood, the room possesses a raised built-in double bed, a living area with sofa, contemporary shower room and balcony with views over the village and hills to the south coast. Ladder access to a twin bedded sleeping gallery above. Amenities include air conditioning, fridge, coffee-making facilities, TV, room safe, air conditioning and WiFi.