Greece is a popular destination for all manner of holidays. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun on a beach in Crete, explore the natural beauty of Rhodes or dance the night away in Mykonos, Greece will certainly cater to your desires.
However, this post is especially for those looking for more of a cultural, adventurous experience on their Grecian venture. I will be sharing my insider knowledge with you regarding Kolímbia and the sightseeing sensations that this bountiful resort has to offer!
The Ups
To fully appreciate the majesty of Kolímbia, you must experience the views from the heights of its surrounding hills – choose the right hill, and you could come across something of immense historical and religious value…
Tsambika Monastery
The walk up the hill to Tsambika Monastery is no mean feat, and I would suggest bringing plenty of water if you consider facing the challenge. However, it’s most definitely worth the effort once you reach the summit. The views across the sea are simply extraordinary, and there’s a small courtyard beside the monastery in which you can relax or enjoy a picnic.
The monastery itself is a remarkable building, and is particularly impressive when you remember it was constructed at such great heights – transporting the bricks and stone up the steep path can’t have been easy (consider this, and your hike up the hill will seem like a piece of cake).
Inside the building is a small prayer room decorated with candles. Allegedly, this is a crucial room concerning the monastery’s ancient legend. The famous legend states that if a woman cannot conceive a child, she must walk barefoot to the monastery and pray in this room to the Virgin Mary. Then, following her descent, she will be blessed with a baby. If so, she must name the baby Tsambikos for a boy or Tsampika for a girl. Perhaps some of the miracle babies are still living in Kolímbia today!
The Downs
Kolímbia’s beauty is hardly limited to its hills – there’s plenty to do on level ground as well. Perhaps try the following attractions if you’re less confident on the clifftops.
Kolímbia Beach
What’s a Greek holiday without a day at the beach? The clear waters are just perfect for snorkelling, and there are numerous water sports available if you are seeking adventure. The beach is a delightful mixture of sand and pebbles, and is often quieter than other coastlines around Greece. The hilly backdrop provides not only stunning views, but some well-needed shelter from the intense sunshine.
Boat tours are also on offer at this beach, so you can take the opportunity to discover some of the surrounding islands or simply admire the sea life as you travel across the water.
The Middle Ground
Just a few minutes’ walk from the beach will take you to several shops and restaurants, providing all the refreshments and souvenirs you could need. Other attractions nearby include The Museum of Ceramic Art and the Artistic Village Contemporary Art Gallery, both of which sell local, handcrafted pieces of artwork.
If you prefer historical museums, the Tsambika Byzantine Museum is also on the island and is a popular attraction for culture lovers.
Where to Stay
Kolymbia Sun – Just a four-minute walk from the beach and ten minutes from the main street, this hotel is perfect for those wanting to get out and about. The tasteful furnishings complement the idyllic setting, and the on-site restaurant offers plenty of mealtime options.
12 Islands Villas – If you’re looking for accommodation offering a little more independence, 12 Islands Villas are the ideal solution. Enjoy private rooms, your own pool and a scenic garden with BBQ facilities. Plus, the properties are located just 100 yards from the centre of Kolímbia.
Delfinia Resort – This classic-style hotel provides guests with plenty of amenities for an enjoyable stay. The rooms are beautifully furnished and each have a balcony or veranda, offering fantastic views of the landscape. The beach is easily accessible and has water sports activities available for the adventurous types.
How to Get There
The simplest way to reach Kolímbia from the UK is to fly into Rhodes International Airport. Usually the flights last just under four hours and around 15 flights are scheduled to leave each week. With eight airlines offering direct flights, you should have plenty of choice regarding times and prices.
From there, I recommend a transfer to your accommodation. It is in your best interest to pre-book an airport transfer, which is easy to do online with Shuttle Direct. This will mean you can avoid any taxi or public transport queues at the airport, resulting in a much more enjoyable start to your holiday. The journey from Rhodes International Airport to Kolímbia will take about 45 minutes.
About Shuttle Direct
We provide reliable, high-quality airport transfers here at Shuttle Direct, and we pride ourselves in making sure our customers always have a stress-free journey. Book online now for the best start to your holiday.
