Profitis Ilias Rhodes – Mountain Views, Forest Drives & Italian-Era Hotels

If you want to see a completely different side of the island, Profitis Ilias Rhodes is one of the best places to visit.

Most travellers associate Rhodes with beaches, Lindos, and the medieval Old Town. But inland, the island hides a much greener and cooler landscape. Profitis Ilias Mountain rises about 800 metres above sea level and is covered with dense pine forests, winding mountain roads, and scenic viewpoints.

It’s one of the highest points on the island and one of the best places to experience the Rhodes mountains, especially if you enjoy nature, scenic drives, and peaceful places away from the coastal resorts.

The mountain is also home to two unusual historic buildings — Elafos and Elafina — which look like alpine lodges hidden in the forest. Many visitors mistakenly call them “castles”, but they are actually Italian-era hotels built in the 1920s.

If you're exploring beyond the beaches, Profitis Ilias is one of the most interesting inland stops often included in the Best Things to Do in Rhodes.

For easier trip planning, grab my Free Rhodes Pocket Planner, or get the full Rhodes Digital Travel Guide with everything you need in one place.

If you’re still planning your trip, these local guides will help you choose the right area, find great hotels, and organise transport before you arrive:

→ Complete Digital Rhodes 2026 Local Travel Guide PDF – Insider Planning Guide by a Local
→ Rhodes 7-Day Travel Itinerary 2026 | Digital Guide by Local Expert
→ Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026)
→ Where to Stay in Rhodes Without a Car – The Ultimate Local Guide (2026)
→ Getting Around Rhodes – Transport Overview & Local Tips
→ Rhodes Island Greece Hotels – Best Picks for 2026
→ Top Hotels in Rhodes 2026: Best Hotels by Area
→ Villas in Rhodes – Luxury, Private Pool & Family Villas (Local Guide)
→ Best Villas in Rhodes – Handpicked Luxury Villas & Private Pool Stays
→ Rhodes Airport Transfers (2026) – Private Hotel Pickup
→ Car Rental Rhodes – Local Tips, No-Deposit Options & Trusted Companies

What is Profitis Ilias Rhodes?

Profitis Ilias Rhodes is a forest-covered mountain located in the central-western part of the island.

It sits roughly 45 km from Rhodes Town and offers some of the most scenic landscapes in the interior of the island.

The mountain became an important location during the Italian administration of Rhodes (1912–1943). The Italians built several structures in the area, including mountain retreats and hotels designed to resemble alpine lodges.

Today, the area around Profitis Ilias includes:

• dense pine forests

• panoramic mountain viewpoints

• the Elafos Hotel

• the Elafina building

• the Prophet Elias monastery

• quiet mountain roads ideal for scenic drives

Compared to the busy coastline, the atmosphere here feels calm, cool, and almost alpine.

Why Profitis Ilias Mountain is Special

Rhodes has many beautiful beaches, but the Rhodes mountains around Profitis Ilias offer a completely different landscape.

Cooler Climate

Because the mountain sits around 800 metres above sea level, the temperature here is often several degrees cooler than the coast.

During hot summer days, it’s one of the best places on the island to escape the heat.

Dense Pine Forests

Unlike the dry coastal areas, the mountain is covered in thick pine forests that create a peaceful natural environment.

Driving through the forest roads feels like entering another world.

Panoramic Island Views

Several viewpoints along the road offer incredible views across the island.

On clear days you can see:

• the west coast of Rhodes

• distant villages

• rolling hills and forests

Historic Italian Architecture

The most interesting feature of the mountain is the pair of historic buildings that many visitors mistakenly call castles.

In reality, they are Italian-era mountain hotels built during the 1920s.

What to See at Profitis Ilias Rhodes

Although the area is quiet, there are several interesting places worth visiting.

Elafos Hotel

The Elafos Hotel is the most famous building on the mountain.

Built in 1929, it was designed as a luxury mountain retreat during the Italian administration.

The architecture resembles an alpine lodge, with stone walls, wooden balconies, and a distinctive tower.

Because of this unusual style, many visitors think it looks like a castle hidden in the forest.

Today the building still operates as a hotel and remains one of the most unique places to see in the Rhodes mountains.

Elafina Building

Close to Elafos stands another historic building called Elafina.

This structure was originally built as accommodation for women during the Italian period.

Although smaller and less restored than Elafos, it shares the same alpine architectural style.

Together, the two buildings create one of the most unusual historic sites on the island.

Prophet Elias Monastery

Near the summit of the mountain you’ll find the Prophet Elias Monastery, a small and peaceful religious site.

The monastery sits among the trees and offers views across the surrounding countryside.

It’s a quiet place that many visitors overlook.

Scenic Forest Viewpoints

The road leading up the mountain passes through several scenic viewpoints where you can stop and admire the landscape.

These stops are perfect for photos of the Rhodes mountains and countryside.

Profitis Ilias Rhodes Tickets & Entrance

One of the best things about visiting Profitis Ilias is that there is no entrance fee.

Entrance Fee

• Free to visit

You can explore the viewpoints and surrounding forest freely.

Opening Hours

The mountain roads and viewpoints are accessible throughout the day.

Some travellers visit the area as part of guided island tours listed in Best Guided Tours in Rhodes.

Best Time to Visit Profitis Ilias

Because of its elevation, the mountain can be visited throughout the year.

Summer

During summer, Profitis Ilias offers a cool escape from the heat of the beaches.

Spring

Spring is one of the most beautiful times to visit, when the forest is greener and the air is fresh.

Autumn

Autumn often brings clear views across the island and fewer visitors.

Late Afternoon

Late afternoon light creates beautiful colours across the mountains and forests.

How to Get to Profitis Ilias Rhodes

The mountain is located inland, so driving is the easiest way to reach it.

By Car

Approximate travel times:

• Rhodes Town – about 1 hour

• Faliraki – about 50 minutes

• Kolymbia – about 40 minutes

The road climbs through forests and offers beautiful scenery along the way.

Using Car Rental Rhodes makes exploring the island’s interior much easier.

By Tour

Some island tours include the mountain together with traditional villages and scenic viewpoints. You can browse options through Best Experiences in Rhodes.

👉 Want a private transfer or private tour in Rhodes without the hassle of searching around? Simply request a quote from GES Travel via WhatsApp — the message is prefilled with Looneytravels, so your 10% partner discount is automatically included.

Local Tips Most Tourists Don’t Know

After guiding travellers around the island for years, here are a few useful tips.

Don’t Expect an Actual Castle

Many online articles call the buildings “castles”, but they are actually Italian alpine-style hotels.

Combine It With Mountain Villages

Nearby villages like Salakos offer traditional tavernas and authentic local atmosphere.

Bring a Light Jacket

Even during summer, the mountain air can feel cooler than the coast.

Stop for Scenic Photos

The road up the mountain has several beautiful viewpoints worth stopping for.

You can discover more scenic places around the island in the Best Things to Do in Rhodes guide.

Common Mistakes Visitors Make

A few common mistakes can affect the experience.

Expecting a Large Tourist Attraction

Profitis Ilias is more about nature and scenery than monuments.

Skipping the Forest Drive

The drive through the pine forest is one of the highlights of visiting the mountain.

Visiting Only the Coast

Many travellers never realise how beautiful the Rhodes mountains are.

What to Combine With This Visit

Profitis Ilias works well as part of a road trip through the interior of the island.

Salakos Village

A traditional village at the base of the mountain known for local tavernas and hiking trails.

Ancient Kamiros

One of the most important archaeological sites in Rhodes located on the west coast.

West Coast Beaches

After visiting the mountains, you can drive down to the west coast for sunset views.

Some travellers also explore coastal sailing experiences listed in Best Boat Trips in Rhodes.

Once you’re on the island, these experiences will help you make the most of your time and discover the best activities Rhodes has to offer:

→ Things to Do in Rhodes Greece – Best Experiences by a Local
→ Best Experiences in Rhodes (2026) – Top Things to Do, Tours & Local Guide
→ Best Boat Trips in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide) | Tours, Cruises & Symi Day Trips
→ Best Day Trips from Rhodes (2026) – Islands, Tours & Local Guide
→ Best Guided Tours in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide + Top Rated Tours & Private Experiences)

Is Profitis Ilias Rhodes Worth Visiting?

Yes — especially if you want to explore a quieter and greener side of the island.

Profitis Ilias is ideal for travellers who enjoy:

• scenic mountain drives

• forest landscapes

• peaceful viewpoints

• historic Italian architecture

While it’s not as famous as Lindos or Rhodes Old Town, the atmosphere and scenery make it one of the most interesting inland destinations.

That’s why it’s often recommended in guides covering the Best Things to Do in Rhodes.

Where to Stay Nearby

Most visitors explore Profitis Ilias as a day trip, but the closest areas to stay include:

• Kolymbia

• Faliraki

• Rhodes Town

You can compare accommodation options across the island through Rhodes Island Greece Hotels.

If you’re deciding where to stay, the guide Where to Stay in Rhodes for First Time – Best Areas (2026) explains the best locations depending on your travel style.

Plan Your Rhodes Trip

Planning ahead helps you discover more hidden places across the island.

Start with Plan Your Rhodes Trip, where you’ll find practical travel advice, transport tips, and itinerary ideas.

For deeper local insight, you can download the Rhodes Travel Guide 2026 (Local, Digital, Instant Download) which includes hidden beaches, scenic drives, and local recommendations.

Before booking tours or activities, check Rhodes Local Deals & Exclusive Discounts to find partner offers and savings.

With the right planning, a trip to Profitis Ilias reveals one of the most peaceful and scenic areas in the Rhodes mountains.

If you’d like to discover even more of what the island has to offer, these guides highlight some of the most beautiful and interesting places across Rhodes:

→ Most Beautiful Places in Rhodes (2026 Local Guide)
→ Best Viewpoints in Rhodes (2026 Guide – Scenic Views & Photo Spots)
→ Hidden Rhodes 2026 — 14 Secret Spots Locals Actually Visit
→ Best Sunset Spots in Rhodes 2026 — Local Guide
→ Best Beaches in Rhodes – Where to Swim, Relax & Explore