Places of interest and activities
This page gives you an overview of places of interest and activities in the immediate surroundings of Villa Odysseus. Whether you are looking for relaxation or want to get out and do things, you will find them in this list. This list is still under construction and new items will be published regularly.
Please let us know when you have a nice place of interest or activity you want to bring to the attention to the visitors of beautiful Rhodes.
Tsambika beach
From villa Odysseus, it takes only 5-10 minutes by car or about 30 minutes on foot.
With a shallow seabed and gentle waters, Tsambika Beach is a great swimming spot, especially for beginners and families with young children. Water sports like jet skiing and parasailing are on offer, and kids and adults alike will love the inflatable water parks. There are and restaurants on the beach and shower and bathroom facilities are available. Get in early to secure a sunbed front row by the sea (extra charge).
The area around Tsambika Beach is known for its delicious cuisine, which combines traditional Greek and Mediterranean flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include moussaka, souvlaki, and Greek salad. Seafood is also popular, with fresh fish and octopus being staples. Visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine at the many restaurants and tavernas throughout the area.
The beach is located on the eastern coast of Rhodes, near the village of Archangelos.
The Holy Monastery of Panagia Tsambika in Rhodes
A few hundred metres down the road of villa Odysseus Rhodes you can find the Holy Monastery of Panagia Tsambika. There is also a very beautiful museum near the monastery with very old artefacts in it.
The monastery is being restaurated for some years in a steady way and is more beutiful every time we walk by. The big stairs down to the church is being covered with marble and ornaments and stone artwork. Some pictures show the progress of the restauration process.
The Monastery of Panagia Tsambika is located about 25 km south of Rhodes Town, between Kolymbia and Archangelos. The old monastery of Tsambika is built on top of a hill with a gorgeous view to the sea and the surrounding area, while the new monastery, which is where the Icon of Panagia is found, is on the road that connects Archangelos to Rhodes Town.
The story of Panagia Tsambika
Centuries ago the icon of Panagia Tsambika was located at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kykkos in Cyprus. In a miraculous manner, the icon would leave Cyprus and go to the mountain Zambiki of the Archangel in Rhodes. This would upset the monks of Kykkos and they went to great lengths to confine the icon.
On Mount Zambiki, the icon hid in a cypress tree. In the opposite region near the spring of Aimahiou a humble shepherd lived and saw a light coming from Zambiki. He climbed the mountain and went to see what was there and was amazed along with a few others that went with him that the light came from the icon of the Virgin Mary on the cypress tree, and it lit the icon like a vigil light. It was from this that the icon received its name ‘tsamba’ which in local Rhodes dialect means ‘spark.’
The villagers brought the icon to the village but the icon would leave and go back to the spot it was found. After three repeated attempts it was figured that it was the will of Panagia to have a church built on that spot.
It should be noted that the miraculous icon of Panagia Tsambika came from Cyprus three times. The monks of Kykkou Monastery located the icon in Rhodes and they took it back to Cyprus, but it came back to Rhodes. In order to make sure it was the same icon, the monks burned the back of it and it can still be clearly seen today.
From this time, the icon has never left Rhodes. There were attempts to take it to other parts of Greece, however, it would always miraculously return to Rhodes.
One of the oldest miracles associated with Panagia Tsambika is tied around the buildings which surround the Monastery. These buildings belonged to a Turkish Pasha whose wife was unable to bear children. Learning of Panagia Tsambika, his wife prayed to her and ate the wick which burned the fire of the vigil lamp before the holy icon. Soon thereafter she found out she was pregnant, though the Pasha did not believe it and assumed the baby was from another man. When the baby was born, it held within its hand the wick the mother had eaten. As a thank you, the Pasha gave all his property to the surrounding Monastery to the Monastery.
Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Tsambika
Opposite villa Odysseus Rhodes you can see the Tsambika Monastery, accessible via a steep road and stairway. This historic landmark is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and many people journey here seeking blessings of health and fertility.
To reach the top of the mountain to the monastery you need to follow a path in the woods with 300 steps, of different lengths, all numbered. It takes 15 minutes to cover them on foot.
The Miracle of the Holy Icon
Many centuries ago the icon of Panagia Tsambika was located at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Kykkos in Cyprus. Miraculously, the icon would leave Cyprus and arrive at the mountain Zambiki of the Archangel in Rhodes. On the opposite side, a humble shepherd saw a light shining, so he climbed the mountain and went to see what was there. He was amazed the light came from the icon of Panagia. It was from this point that the icon received its name ‘tsamba’ which in local dialect means ‘spark.’ The locals brought the icon back to the village, but it would leave and return to the spot where it was found. After three repeated attempts, they figured it was the will of Panagia to have a church built at this exact spot.
Art classes at villa Odysseus Rhodes
Learning creativity in a relaxed environment means that you can stimulate your creative abilities in a calming setting. This can be done through various techniques and activities, such as daydreaming, lounging, practicing art or applying creative thinking methods in daily life.
This year we start with creative artclasses at villa Odysseus Rhodes.
Everyone is creative but sometimes it is hidden away or you think you are not creative at all. That is why we organize these workshops to introduce you to accessible activities where you can easily make very nice things. Think of painting stones or a piece of wood that you found in nature. Or make your first bracelet or earrings together with others. Everything is possible and you have a big say in how the workshops are shaped. In creativity everyone is equal and equally valuable.
What you can expect from a workshop
- maximum of 6 participants per workshop to keep an intimate atmosphere
- duration 2 to 4 four hours (depending on your personal wishes)
- material is included but you may take your own stuff of course
- practical guidance in the creative activities of you
For more information you can email us at info@villaodysseusrhodes.com or fill out the contactform at the right side of this page. You’re more than welcome and we hope to see you!
Warm regards, Sylvia
Please note that the workshops are free but a smal financial contribution might be applicable. This depends on your personal usage of the available materials such as paint, glue etc.
I want to know more about this activity.
Rhodes Cooking Class
Less than 1,5 km from Villa Odysseus you will find Rhodes Cooking Class. Enjoy the warm hospitality in their traditional farmhouse and take home not just a souvenir, but a piece of true Rhodian experience. For more information you can email us at info@rhodescookingclass.com or fill out the contactform at the right side of this page. You’re more that welcome!
- Learn the cooking methods and secrets of Rhodian cuisine that you can share with your friends and family at home
- Discover the secrets of the healthy Mediterranean diet
- Sample local wines and treats
- Experience the culture of Rhodes island in a local farmhouse
- Enjoy a fabulous Greek meal that you helped prepare
