Perched high on a hilltop on the east coast of Rhodes is a whitewashed Byzantine church known as Tsambika Monastery. Inside are religious works of art and an important local icon of the Virgin Mary, while outside there are spectacular views of the Rhodes coastline.
Your approach by road will take you half way up the hill. From then on, it is a climb over approximately 300 steps to reach the monastery. Part of the route is lined with pine trees. Step inside the small religious building to appreciate the ornate décor with its paintings, frescoes, chandeliers and vaulted ceiling. Look for the 11th-century icon of the Virgin Mary.
According to local folklore, any woman who is having difficulties conceiving will be blessed with children if they walk barefoot to the monastery to pray to the icon. In return, they should name their boys Tsambiko and their girls Tsambika. Apparently, there are many people with these names on the island.
Once you are back outside, look over the bell tower and take in the fantastic views of the coastline and surrounding countryside. They can also be enjoyed from the tree-shaded courtyard. On a clear day you can see Lindos Beach, about 15 miles (24 kilometres) to the south.
Tsambika Monastery is approximately a 40-minute drive from Rhodes City. For those arriving by car, use the free car park at the start of the trail up to the religious site. Combine your visit with an afternoon at nearby Tsambika Beach. Buses travel between the island’s capital city and the beach.
The monastery is open daily and admission is free. Start your ascent early in the day to avoid the intense afternoon heat. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the walk. If visiting in the summer months it is advisable to bring a bottle of water with you because there are no shops or cafés. Before coming back down, top up your bottle from the spring water tap.
