Profitis Ilias: Rhodes' Mountain Retreat

Profitis Ilias, the third highest mountain on Rhodes, stands as a verdant oasis with an altitude of 798 meters. The mountain is named after the biblical prophet Elijah. The slopes are covered in dense forests of pine and oak, providing a habitat for diverse flora and fauna, including the rare Rhodian peony and the protected Dama Dama deer. During the Italian occupation in the early 20th century, the area was developed as a mountain resort. The Italian governor, Mario Lago, constructed Villa del Ritrovo (later Villa Cappuccina and Villa de Vecchi) as a summer retreat. The Elafos and Elafina hotels, built in a distinctive Alpine style, offered accommodation for officers and wealthy visitors. Today, the hotels stand as historical landmarks, with Elafos renovated and functional, offering visitors a unique stay. Villa de Vecchi, unfortunately, remains in ruins, a stark reminder of the past. Hiking trails wind through the mountain, offering stunning views of the Aegean Sea and the Turkish coastline. The Byzantine monastery of Prophitis Ilias, built in the mid-19th century, is located near the hotels and offers a glimpse into the island's religious history. Reaching over 500 meters above sea level, the monastery provides the opportunity to gaze at the bays and areas of the island that extend just below it.