On our recent family holiday to Kolymbia in Rhodes, we decided to visit a place called Seven Springs, or Epta Piges in Greek. I’d seen it mentioned when planning our trip but somehow forgotten about it until a waitress in Rhodes Old Town reminded me.
She asked where we were staying, and when I told her Kolymbia, she said, “Oh, have you been to Seven Springs? It’s nearby.” That was all the reminder I needed.
Back at our villa in Kolymbia, we looked it up on the map and realised it was just a short drive away, tucked into the foothills of the Tsambika mountain range. It was too close to miss.
Arriving At Seven Springs
We drove there in our hire car, which made it really easy to reach. The road wound gently through olive groves and forested slopes before leading us to the entrance.
There’s a free car park beside the taverna, with extra space on a muddier track before it. I’d recommend using the proper car park, especially after rain, as the ground can get slippery.
Right next to the car park we found free public toilets and a small children’s play park, complete with a roundabout, seesaw, and swings. The kids made a beeline for the park before we’d even started exploring.
From the moment we stepped out of the car, we could hear running water and birdsong. The air felt cooler, fresher, and scented with pine — such a contrast to the dry coastal heat.
Rhodes is known for its rocky hillsides and sun-bleached beaches, but here it felt like we’d entered a completely different world — lush, green, and shaded by tall trees.
It reminded me of our visit to Butterfly Valley in Rhodes – another picturesque natural forest spot.
A Walk Through The Forest
We spotted a small bridge crossing the stream beside the taverna and followed the trail beyond it. The path led straight into the forest, dappled with light filtering through the canopy.
The woodland path wound its way alongside the stream, which tumbled over rocks and tree roots. After heavy rainfall earlier that day, the ground was muddy and slick in places, so we were glad to be wearing grippy trainers and water shoes.
I’d definitely recommend non-slip footwear if you plan to hike this route, especially in autumn or after rain.
If you visit during the drier months, I imagine it’s much less slippery, but that day we had to tread carefully, sometimes climbing over rocks or ducking beneath fallen branches. It was all part of the adventure though.
As we walked deeper into the forest, sunlight broke through the trees in warm golden streaks, glinting off the stream. It felt peaceful yet alive, a wonderful change from the beaches and towns we’d been exploring earlier in the week.
After a while, we reached a small viewpoint overlooking a waterfall. This one looked natural, water rushing down the rocks into a muddy pool below — likely brown from the earlier downpour. Even so, it was beautiful.
We sat for a few minutes, just listening to the sound of the falls and enjoying the cool air.
The Ducks, Peacocks And Wildlife
On our way back from the waterfall trail, we stopped to watch the wildlife. There were ducks everywhere — Muscovy ducks, which I’d never seen in such numbers before, all swimming or waddling near the banks.
They’re striking birds, looking almost black and white with distinctive red markings on their faces. I remember seeing one in Newquay Boating Lake once and being puzzled by its unusual look — part duck, part turkey! But here at Seven Springs, they seemed completely at home, semi-wild and thriving.
The Muscovy ducks here are a bit of a local highlight. They’re not native to Rhodes but have made Seven Springs their home, living freely around the water and often mingling near the taverna.
And then there were the peacocks — so many of them. I don’t think I’ve ever seen that many in one place before. They wandered freely through the trees and across the car park, their bright feathers flashing in the sunlight.
We later realised they were probably the same ones visiting our villa garden each morning during our stay in Kolymbia!
It was such a joy to see so much wildlife roaming free, especially in such a lush setting.
The Tunnel Walk Through The Mountain
Next, we went to find the famous tunnel — one of the main reasons people visit Seven Springs. It’s about 186 metres long and carries the spring water through the mountain to the lake and dam on the other side.
The tunnel is narrow, dark, and filled with ankle-deep flowing water. You can’t see where you’re stepping once you’re inside.
My husband Ben and our son Reuben, who was ten at the time, decided to brave it. Meanwhile, my daughter Bella and I took a walk together along the forest path alongside the stream instead.
Ben later said it was creepy but fun, and quite disorientating. It’s completely dark in the middle, and at one point something — probably a leaf — brushed against his leg, making him jump!
The water is cold and the tunnel walls echo every splash and voice. It’s definitely not for the claustrophobic, but for the adventurous, it’s a unique experience you won’t forget.
If you do plan to walk through, take off your shoes or wear water shoes, and keep your balance by touching the sides as you go.
It’s part of what makes Seven Springs so memorable — the mix of natural beauty and a little thrill of adventure.
Finding The Manmade Waterfall
Once we met back up with Ben and Reuben, we decided to find the picturesque manmade waterfall you often see in photos of Seven Springs. Somehow we’d missed it earlier, but it turned out to be near the far end of the tunnel.
We crossed the road, descended a short slope, and there it was — the dam that creates the artificial waterfall. The water gushes down a smooth rock face into a pool below.
It’s not a natural waterfall, but it’s still beautiful, especially surrounded by greenery.
The lake and waterfall were originally built by the Italians in the 1930s as part of an irrigation project to supply water to Kolymbia and nearby farmland.
Today, it still channels the spring water through the valley, helping to keep this area so unusually lush. It’s amazing to think that what was designed for function has become one of Rhodes’ most photographed sights.
While on our visit it looked a bit sparse and discoloured, likely due to the earlier day’s thunder and lightning downpour. It usually looks very vibrant with turquoise waters, as you can see in these pictures of The Lake.
A Fun Discovery Above The Tunnel
On our walk back, we spotted a concrete structure beside the road — like a small bunker with a grate on top. We peered through and realised it was an opening straight down into the tunnel.
You could actually hear the echo of people walking and talking below.
Reuben and Ben couldn’t resist shouting funny noises down the grate, giggling when they heard them echo through the tunnel. It’s one of those random little discoveries that makes a place stick in your memory.
Relaxing At The Taverna
After all that exploring, we were ready for a drink. The taverna at Seven Springs is right beside the stream, with outdoor seating that blends beautifully into the forest.
Tables are scattered under the trees, so you feel like you’re dining in nature itself.
We ordered fresh fruit smoothies, sparkling water, and a glass of Prosecco to toast the day. The drinks were delicious and refreshing, especially after the walk.
The setting was peaceful, with the sound of water flowing nearby and birds calling in the trees.
The taverna is more of a steakhouse, so not suitable for us as a vegan family, but it’s a lovely spot for drinks and they have fruit and vegetable smoothies, blended with fruit juice, so perfect for us!
There’s also a small souvenir shop next door if you want to pick up a keepsake before heading off.
By the time we finished our drinks, it was around 5.30pm in late October. With the daylight soon to fade, we decided to head back to our villa to make dinner and catch up on the day’s work. The joys of running our own businesses single-handedly – never a day off, even when on holiday!
Facts About Seven Springs (Epta Piges)
- Meaning: “Epta Piges” means Seven Springs in Greek.
- Location: About 5km inland from Kolymbia, on the road to Archangelos.
- Natural beauty: The springs flow all year, feeding a small lake and a dam built in the 1930s.
- The tunnel: 186 metres long, carrying water from the springs to the lake — open to walk through.
- Wildlife: Home to peacocks, ducks, frogs, and plenty of forest birds.
- Entry: Completely free, open year-round.
- Best time to visit: Spring and autumn for greenery and milder temperatures. Although it would also be great for a cooler visit in the summer to escape the heat, I’m sure.
Practical Tips For Visiting Seven Springs
If you’re planning a visit, here’s what we learned:
- Wear non-slip shoes – especially if you’re walking through the forest after rain.
- Arrive in the afternoon – it’s quieter and cooler, especially when visting October in Rhodes.
- Parking is free – use the main car park beside the taverna.
- Bring water and snacks – it’s a natural site with limited food options unless you eat at the taverna.
- Take your time – allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the forest, tunnel, and waterfalls.
- Don’t miss the tunnel walk – it’s unique and fun if you’re up for a small adventure.
- Keep an eye out for peacocks and muscovy ducks – they’re everywhere!
- Visit after rainfall – the waterfalls are at their strongest, and the forest looks even more lush and green, but the water might not be quite as clear if it’s been heavy rainfall!
Who Will Love Seven Springs?
Seven Springs is perfect for families, couples, nature lovers, and anyone who enjoys a gentle adventure.
It’s peaceful and unspoilt, with just enough to keep everyone interested — a forest walk, a tunnel challenge, a waterfall to find, and wildlife all around.
If you like the idea of swapping the beach for trees, fresh air, and a bit of mystery, it’s an absolute must-see when staying in Rhodes in Greece.
Would We Go Back?
We spent about two and a half hours exploring, and it felt like the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. I feel like we saw everything on our one visit.
If we did return in the future, I’d love to come back in spring when the water is clearer and the forest even greener.
It’s amazing that somewhere so different, so cool and green, can be just minutes away from the sun-baked coast. Seven Springs feels like a little pocket of tranquillity in the heart of Rhodes — and one of those places you don’t forget once you’ve been.
More places to visit when in Rhodes:
More great Rhodes articles to read next:
- Atlantica Aegean Blue Hotel Review
- The Mystery of Unfinished Buildings in Rhodes
- 10 Reasons to Visit Rhodes in October
- Rhodes Family Holiday Travel Diary
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