Panoramic view of Rhodes from Monte Smith Hill

The tourist train tour (source: Google maps)

Fans of panoramic views won’t have the chance to get on a manmade tower building in order to see Rhodes Town from above. However, nature has blessed this island with a polymorphic terrain; thus the ultimate panoramic spot is situated on top of Monte Smith hill (see “B” on map), along with some invaluable antiquities. This spot gives you the chance to see both coastal sides of the island: on the west you will see the bays of Ixia, Ialyssos and Kameiros as well as the airport, while on the east you will see the Old Town and Rhodes city. That’s also the perfect spot to take a panoramic photo of your cruise ship!

View of Ixia from Monte Smith Hill

At Monte Smith hill you can find the Acropolis of the ancient city of Rhodes. Moreover, there are ruins of the temple of Zeus and Athena Polias, the Apollos’ temple, the theater, the ancient stadium, the Nymphaea cave sanctuaries, the Hellenistic house and a Palatial building.

There are mainly two ways to get there if you don’t have the convenience of a car. You can get a taxi either from the cruise port or from Mandraki harbor. It takes no more than 10 minutes and costs 5-7 euros each way. However, keep in mind that you need to prearrange your return with a radio taxi (http://www.rhodes-taxi.gr) or ask the taxi driver to wait for you on the hill (with an extra prearranged charge).

The tourist train that goes up the hill

Another way of doing the Monte Smith tour is by getting on the little tourist train that departs from the café-restaurant “Aktaion” at the Mandraki harbor (see “A” on map). It’s not a hop on- hop off tour, but it goes smoothly and slowly in order to let passengers enjoy the ride. The kids will love it while you will be focusing on sightseeing and views from above. 

Before you go up the hill, you will do the circuit of the Old Town walls and after descending Monte Smith you will see the Psaropoula area. The tour (see blue route on map) lasts a little less than an hour and costs 7 euros p.p. for a round trip. Buy your tickets at the central bus station tickets office. From April to May the train departs every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  From May and during summer months more afternoon departures will be added.