Whispers of ancient stories linger here at Prophet Elias. This mountain, the third highest on Rhodes, holds secrets and legends. The name Prophet Elias connects this peak to the biblical prophet Elijah.
Imagine Elijah sought refuge in mountain caves. Chapels often mark these sacred peaks. Here, near the road below, stands the chapel of Prophet Elias. Its presence blesses this already special place.
The mountain rises 798 meters high. Communications masts crown its highest point. But do not worry a sister peak, just 500 meters east, awaits us. It stands at 750 meters. This peak welcomes visitors.
Let us talk about the walk. It starts in Salakos. The village sits over 200 meters above sea level. Our climb will be less than 600 meters. Follow the signs from Salakos Springs. A finger-post guides us to the hills.
The path ascends to a cliff face. A zig-zag route is carved into the rock. Even those with a touch of vertigo can manage this. Trees offer shade. The views become more dramatic as we climb. The northwest coast unfolds beneath us.
At the top of this section lies a panorama. A viewing point allows us to pause and take in the whole coast. Woodland awaits us beyond the road. Stones guide our way through the trees. Before reaching the road, a detour is worth it. The Chapel of the Archangel Michael sits on the mountainside edge.
Back on the broad track, it leads to a clearing. Here, we discover a church, two hotels, and a taverna. The church of Prophet Elias is enclosed by a walled courtyard. The entrance gate resembles a bell tower without a bell. The bell hangs in a simple arch above the chapel’s main entrance. Inside, the chapel is small. Icons adorn the iconostasis. A candelabra and plain walls create a peaceful refuge.
Adjacent to the church stand two hotels. They date back to the 1920s and 1930s. Their alpine style is unique on Rhodes. Rodolfo Petracco, an Italian architect, designed them. The hotels are named Elafos and Elafina. These are the Greek words for male and female deer. Elaphos, the restored three-story building, stands proudly. Elaphina, its derelict neighbor, decays gracefully. Peering through its windows, we can feel the haunting history.
Elaphos exudes regency. Historic photos line the walls. Net curtains frame views of the sea. Tables are set in the dining room. But beware, the prices reflect the noble setting. It is more expensive than the average taverna. Still, it is worth it.
Steps to the right of the Elafaki taverna lead to another ruin. This is known as Mussolini’s villa or Villa de Vecchi. This is not quite correct. The site includes a ruined church with stained-glass windows. Another building behind the villa may have been servant quarters or military barracks. Large bath tubs remain inside.
The villa was built in 1932 by Mario Lago. He was the Italian governor of the Dodecanese. He named it Villa del Ritrovo or Villa of Retreat. Later, it became Villa Cappuccina. In 1936, Cesare Maria de Vecchi became governor. This is how the villa became linked to his name.
After the war, the villa was given to the Greek state. The Greek royal family used it before it was abandoned in 1967. Since then, nature has taken over.
Visiting the site today feels spooky. The timber crumbles. Trees fall from the hillside. Silence fills the air. Few people venture here.
We leave the ruin and climb to the summit of Prophet Elias. Fallen trees block the path. Many feet have marked ways around them. Nearing the top, the path becomes unclear. GPS helps us find the way.
The views are awe-inspiring. We can see both east and west coasts. Lindos peninsular is visible to the east. The coastal lands leading to Rhodes town are to the west. It is magnificent.
The chapel of Prophet Elias and this mountain are worth the effort.