One evening, just before sunset, my family and I set off from our hotel while on holiday in Rhodes for a memorable walk to Kolimbia Beach, making our way towards Kolymbia Harbour.

Our goal was to climb Theotokos Hill, also known as Kolymbia Flag Hill, to catch the sunset behind the breathtaking surrounding mountains.

The views from the top were simply stunning and well worth the short, easy climb. Read on for our experience of this sunset walk and lots of photos.

We visited Rhodes in October, so the sunset wasn’t too late in the evening, making it a straight after-dinner stroll with the children, before their bedtime. We started our journey by strolling along the beach that ran directly from our hotel to Kolimbia Beach. This beach is a popular spot among many local hotels, so we expected to find a well-trodden path! However, the beach is mainly pebble, so wear suitable footwear.

Even though the sun was setting, we were still plenty warm enough and pleasantly surprised by the weather in Rhodes in October.

As we left the beach via a set of stairs, we followed the road around the hill, discovering Kolymbia Harbour at the foot of Theotokos Hill. Here, we found another beautiful bay, complete with a sandy beach, a quaint chapel overlooking the sea, and a row of small boats bobbing gently in the water.

We even spotted a large wooden ship that looked like it had sailed straight out of a pirate film, although it was missing the characteristic sails!

As we climbed up the hill, anticipation grew for the sunset that lay ahead. This spot is undoubtedly one of the best locations in Kolymbia to watch the sun dip below the horizon, although I’m sure the views from Tsambika Mountain would be equally stunning.

At the top, we were greeted by a Greek flag, which has earned this hill its nickname of Kolymbia Flag Hill. It was interesting to note that various spellings of these locations can be found on Google Maps, including Kolympia, Kolimbia Beach, and Kolumbia Flag Hill.

The flag, albeit a bit tattered and flapping vigorously in the breeze, provided a fantastic photo opportunity. We captured the stunning harbour in the background, with the majestic mountains in the distance and the sun setting in all its glory.

After admiring the sun setting over the mountains and harbour, we decided to walk over the hill to the main Kolympia side to see the views.

While the views from this side of Theotokos Hill were picturesque, the other side of the hill left much to be desired. Unfortunately, we noticed a significant amount of litter marring the serene natural atmosphere. The main Kolymbia area, on the opposite side of Theotokos Hill from our hotel, was littered with trash, making it look as if bin bags had been tipped out carelessly!

The mess extended along several roads back to our hotel, which was disheartening to see, especially as it tarnished the otherwise beautiful flower bushes lining the path. This issue raised questions about the adequacy of waste bins and the frequency of rubbish collection by the local council, as the litter didn’t seem to be caused solely by tourists. There was so much! It’s a shame as Greece can be so beautiful, but issues like litter, derelict buildings covered in graffiti and Greece’s unfinished abandoned houses in areas can sometimes spoil what would otherwise be such picturesque views.

In contrast, the side of Theotokos Hill facing our hotel was pristine and offered stunning views of the mountains and Kolymbia Harbour, free from the debris that tainted the other side. Despite the litter issue, our evening walk was a delightful experience, reminding us of the natural beauty that Kolymbia has to offer. As we descended the hill, we felt grateful for the chance to witness such a beautiful sunset and the picturesque scenery surrounding Kolymbia Harbour.

Before you go…

Enhance your Rhodes itinerary with these insider reviews and travel tips:

• Wondering about the travel experience? Read my TUI review from airport to transfer for a smooth start to your family holiday in Rhodes.
• For a family-friendly stay, check out my review of the Atlantica Aegean Blue Hotel, an ideal base for exploring Rhodes.
• Take a look at my day trip review to Chalki Island and Butterfly Valley with TUI, perfect for a break from the beach scene.
• Thinking of visiting Butterfly Valley? Find out if it’s worth a visit to Butterfly Valley during the off-season so you can plan the best time to go.
• Want a unique experience? Explore our Hippo Submarine boat trip to Lindos and Navarone Bay for incredible underwater views and scenic spots along Rhodes’ coast.
• Check out my travel diary for our holiday in Rhodes to see a roundup of each day.