Kallithea, time diving and scuba diving in Rhodes

In Kallithea, the tradition of curative waters goes back a long way into antiquity: it is said that Hippocrates himself recommended bathing here to treat arthritis! Today, this tradition, which was long in vogue, died out at the same time as the thermal spring dried up, in 1968, but not without a few twists and turns.

In 1929, the Fascist Italian administration occupying Rhodes decided to completely rebuild the ancient thermal baths of Kallithea. The style, now very retro, reflects the trends of the time, with Art Deco and Moorish influences. They pulled out all the stops, not skimping on the splendour of the thermal baths: marble columns, fountains, floor mosaics and lush gardens resembled a film set!

It was an immediate success, making the Kallithea thermal baths a renowned and fashionable destination for taking the waters, in the magnificent setting of the Rhodian coastline, all within easy reach of the city of Rhodes. But the heyday of the thermal baths came to an end with the outbreak of war: mines and barbed wire were laid and the site was even converted into a prison by the Germans!

The thermal baths were subsequently abandoned, gradually falling into ruin. The death knell sounded in 1968, when the curative spring dried up: there was no more water in the Kallithea thermal baths! It wasn't until 2007 that a complete restoration campaign brought the site back to life as it is today.

As soon as you enter (for a fee), the brand-new Kallithea thermal baths are a sight to behold: rotundas, fountains, mosaics and even a statue of Eros- the place is a real eye-catcher. Of course, you won't be taking the waters here, but there are other pleasures to be enjoyed: the surprising architecture first and foremost, but also the cove with its crystal-clear sea, the deckchairs shaded by parasols on the terraces, a trendy café with a view of the whole... If the idea of paying to have access to the sea displeases you, try your luck a little further on: Between Kallithea and Faliraki beach, there is a succession of coves and rocky basins with translucent waters, which you can explore on foot to find the best spot to get into the (warm) water. Several cantinas offer drinks, snacks, sun loungers and parasols for shade if required.

Kallithea and its rocky coves are also renowned as a good spot for snorkelling and scuba diving in Rhodes: perfect for an introduction to the practice, for a first dive for example, as the site is accessible to beginners. After Kallithea, on the east coast, there is a succession of impressive hotel resorts as far as the seaside resort of Faliraki, one of the most popular on Rhodes: there are countless accommodation options, but be warned: the emphasis here is more on all-inclusive comfort than authenticity!

🚌 How do I get to Kallithea?

• By car, via the Kallithea road, allow 15min from Rhodes town.
• By bus, frequent connections from Rhodes with KTEL buses, Faliraki line (approx. 25min journey).
• By boat, some excursions to the east coast from Rhodes make a stop off Kallithea and the coves. Check with local agencies.

🎟️ Visit the thermal baths of Kallithea

• ⏰ Opening times: daily in season, 8am-8pm
• 👛 Price: full: €5 / under 12s: €2.50

🤿 Scuba diving in Kallithea

Several diving centres in Rhodes offer the area around Kallithea as a site. More information can be found at the following links:

• From Rhodes town: Rodos Dibing Academy
• From Faliraki resort: H2O Diving Center