Kalopetra Monastery
At the top of the Butterfly Valley, at an altitude of 470 m, is located the Monastery of Panagia Kalopetra which is dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The Monastery, which existed before 1489, was built by Alexander Ypsilantis in 1782 when he was exiled to the island. Two marble statuary inscriptions referring to the rebuilding period 1782-84 and to the name of Alexandros Ypsilanti’s are saved above the entrance of the church of the Virgin Mary.
Until the beginning of the 20th century the Monastery was a homonymous and well-established Monastery of men. The Monastery had cells, reading rooms, warehouses, owned land and exploited the medicinal oil from the Zaya tree. After 1912 the Monastery ceased to host monks. Preserved in the monastery ecclesiastical books printed in Venice in 1754, a sacred gospel (1745), a biskireni disk (with Adam and Eve) and a Silver Grail (1873). Also, two bronze discs with Gothic inscriptions on the rim (14th).
Farma of Rhodes: An Interactive Experience
Farma of Rhodes is located on the road from the West Coast to the Valley of the Butterflies and is 15 km. away from Diagoras Airport and next to the Valley. One reason that Farma of Rhodes is one of the most famous attractions of the island, is that visitors can watch from close and interact with many animal species. An area of 25.000 s.m. hosts ostriches as well as many other animals such as camel, donkeys, deer, kangaroos, wild boars, pony, llamas, dwarf goats, sheep, hares and many more.
Visitors can feed, pet and take pictures with most of them. Apart from that, there is an interaction zone especially with ostriches. Guests can enter the zone with the guidance of the staff supervisor and interact with ostriches. The guests can pet them, feed them and play with them from really really close. At the same time, they learn useful information about the life and the habits of the ostriches.
Then visitors can take a walk in the Farm’s Herbs Garden where they can see and admire various indigenous and other herbs.
Finally, the Farm has also a restaurant with special dishes such as ostrich burger and boar meat. Every raw material used in the restaurant is cultivated in the Farm. If you like tea, you can also taste their special homegrown tea, an old family recipe.
Theologos Village
Close to Butterflies Valley, there is another serene traditional coastal settlement awaiting you and your family, “Theologos Village”. Theologos is a charming village located 22 km south of Rhodes town. There you can enjoy local cuisine in family tavernas and restaurants, fine accommodation in hotels and apartments and swimming at the long sandy beach
Theologos is a unique combination of a colorful traditional village and a quiet resort. The paves that pass through the center of the village lead to old buildings and the traditional whitewashed houses. The old center of Theologos is built in traditional Rhodian style. The locals preserve an openhearted and friendly mood that matches with their simple way of life. Its exquisite beach can be breezy – an ideal place for windsurfers. Theologos Beach has also been awarded the Blue Flag, certifying its excellent waters.
Folklore House of Soroni
Some kilometers near in Butterflies Valley is the village of “Soroni”. Soroni, with just a few shops, a couple of taverns and a small beach, is totally unspoiled and an excellent place to relax and unwind. In its fertile soil olive trees, vineyards, citrus and other agricultural products are cultivated. In the village, the Folklore House of Soroni is one of the most interesting things to visit. The Folklore House of Soroni was created in 1992. It is set in an old stone-built residence and formed in the fashion of the traditional houses of the village, decorated with textiles, embroideries, utensils as well as the traditional costumes of Soroni.
Upon entering the door, the visitor is transferred in another era and the simple everyday life of those times unfolds before his eyes, having left its mark on every corner of the house and every single one of the dozens of exhibits in display. A visit that will definitely be memorable! It operates daily from 10:00 until 13:00 & from 16:00 until 19:00.
