On our last day in Rhodes we woke up knowing it was going to be one of those slightly strange travel days. The kind where you’re packed and checked out but nowhere near ready to head for the airport. We had to check out in the morning, but our flight wasn’t until the evening. With the airport only a one hour drive away, if that, we had lots of time left for some exploring.

We still had the hire car until the evening and could drop it at the airport. This meant we could visit a few places before our flight home. We picked a couple of places along the route to the airport, simple stops that could fill the time without being tiring. St. Nektarios Monastery near Archipolis became one of them.

Ben had found it on the map because of a mountain viewpoint trail that he wanted to visit. A short wander felt like a nice way to stretch our legs before hours of sitting and travelling. The trail started at the monastery and some sort of ancient tree that you could go inside. After checking out of our villa in Kolymbia, we headed to the monastery along the mountain roads.

The Hollow Tree You Can Walk Inside

The first thing that caught our attention was not the monastery at all, which was hidden by trees and foliage from the roadside, but the enormous hollow tree outside.

We parked across the road in a free parking area and crossed carefully because the road is fast moving. From there we walked straight to the tree. At first it just looks like a very old thick trunk. Then you get closer and to the other side, and realise you can actually walk inside it.

So of course, we did!

The centre of the tree opens enough to stand comfortably with a side opening like a window and an open view straight up to the sky. Our son described it like a tiny house with windows which is such an accurate way to explain it. It feels almost like stepping inside a natural tower with a skylight. Simple but unusual and definitely worth stopping for.

Walking Up To The Monastery

Behind the tree are the steps that lead to the church. The building looks well-maintained and much newer compared to older monasteries on the island. Flowers and paths are neatly kept, and during our visit, a nun was outside tending to the grounds. It gives the place a lived-in and authentic feel rather than an abandoned tourist site, which is nice to see.

Inside the church, every wall and ceiling is painted. Ornate gold-plated light fixtures almost drape down from the ceiling, and the entire place feels like a work of love and dedication. We stayed for a short while.

Me and Reuben stayed behind longer to light a candle and leave a donation. I told him to make a small prayer in his head when placing the candle. Just a small moment, but likely one he will remember as he’s not done this before!

Only after leaving did we spot a sign saying women should avoid entering with short skirts. I was wearing shorts without realising, so worth mentioning for anyone visiting.

The Viewpoint Walk We Could Not Access

Ben had read about a viewpoint nearby which prompted our visit here, and we found what looked like the start of the trail. Unfortunately the entrance was sealed off during our visit. We are not sure if it was temporary or if it is now closed to the public.

It was a small disappointment but it did keep our visit short which worked well with a travel day, as we had a couple more places to explore such as the nearby toy museum for some fun in their arcade with the kids!

Facilities

Next to the hollow tree there is a taverna and a shop.

We did not stop because we were heading to a toy museum afterwards and wanted to keep moving. It is good to know food and drinks are available if you are visiting in hotter weather, or have a longer time to visit.

Parking is free and only a few steps away, literally directly opposite, across the road.

A Simple Stop That Fits Well Into A Travel Day

St. Nektarios Monastery near Archipolis is not a long excursion and it does not need to be. It is a peaceful stop on a driving day or something you can add between other activities. The hollow tree makes the visit feel unique and the church interior is worth stepping inside for if you enjoy artwork and detail, or perhaps if you are religious.

More Historical Sites To Visit In Rhodes

If you enjoy quiet historical places like St. Nektarios Monastery then Rhodes has plenty more to explore. Some are well known and busy. Others are peaceful like this one and better suited to slow wandering and personal moments. You could make a day of visiting smaller sites inland or mix them with the island’s bigger landmarks.

A few of the most interesting places include:

• Rhodes Old Town with medieval streets, high stone walls and centuries of history still lived in today
• Lindos Acropolis with views across the coastline and ruined temples high above the village of Lindos
• St Paul’s Bay which sits beneath old pathways and viewpoints linked to the acropolis ruins, a scenic historical cove linked to stories of early Christianity