Special info

In Embonas, there are trails in the Kyparissi Natural Forest, one of the 51 Natural Monuments in Greece. Places that have been integrated in the Natura 2000 Network are areas of conservation of natural habitats and species of wild fauna and flora of Community interest.

There you can come across trees or thickets of particular botanical, ecological, aesthetic or historical and cultural value and areas of great ecological, paleontological, geomorphological or other interest established under the forest code.

There are even trails heading to the peaks of Attavyros, in the area of ​​Katarti, around the roads that lead out of Embonas to neighboring villages and mainly to old rural areas, where they served the needs of the inhabitants before the modern road network was built.

For the lovers of photography, all those who want to discover herbs, flowers, birds, some of the rare species of wild orchid growing in the fertile soil of Embonas, just a stroll in nature suffices to discover and record the beauties that remain forever etched in memory and satisfy their curiosity and need of discovery.

Attavyros has significant flora and fauna and is therefore included in the Natura 2000 network (GR 4210005). Some important species of flora are the rare and endemic Paeonia rhodia, Asyneuma giganteum (a species that can also be found on Karpathos and Chalki) and Centaurea lactucifolia (species also found in Chalki).

The mountain has also an abundance of orchids, including Ophrys rhodia and Ophrys lucis. Important fauna species are the fallow deer (Dama dama), a symbol of the island, and the Rhodian badger (Meles meles rhodius). There are also foxes (Vulpes vulpes), beech martens (Martes foina), hares (Lepus europaeus), hedgehogs (Erinaceus concolor) and many predatory birds.

Locals have been actively engaged in viticulture for many years, cultivating mostly the varieties of Athiri, Mandilaria, Moschato and to a lesser degree Chardonnay (Sardonne), Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malagousia. Situated around Mt. Attavyros are the most important vineyards of the island where Mandilaria (Amorgiano), Athiri etc. are traditionally cultivated, producing PDO wines (PDO Rhodes).

This has resulted in the establishment of local wineries that, along with some larger plants, take up the entire production during the grape harvest, from August 10 to September 10 every year. Thus, several varieties of red, white and rosé wines are spawned, as well as the famous “souma” (a strong local spirit) produced in traditional cauldrons from September to October each year.

Visitors may taste the produce along with the traditional dishes offered and right away will be able to tell the difference in the products due to the soil and climate of the region. Moreover, they have the chance to watch and even take part in the process of harvesting and processing of the product, a truly unique experience.

Following arrangements with organized producers who own facilities for their personal use, and if travelers can stay in the area’s lodgings or set a day that is convenient for them, they may engage in local agricultural work.

Crops that travelers may be engaged in are:

• Vines
• Olives
• Peaches
• Nectarines
• Citrus fruit
• Apples
• Tomatoes
• Various vegetables

So far, mountain tourism has been about a simple climbing and some organized activities on Mount Attavyros. At an altitude of 1,216 meters, Mt. Attavyros is the highest mountain in Rhodes and the Dodecanese.  It lies to the west of the island and the villages of Embonas and Agios Isidoros [St. Isidore] are built on its slopes (at an altitude of 500 meters).

On the top of the mountain one can find the ruins of an old temple that was dedicated to Attavyros Zeus. Whenever the atmosphere is clear and moisture-free, Karpathos and many more isles of the Dodecanese are visible, as well as the inland of Rhodes. During the winter, sometimes snow covers the peak or there are heavy snowfalls at the highest slopes of the mountain. The ascent trails are of average difficulty, they last for about 2.5 hours and there is no water all the way to the summit, so make sure you bring some with you. In recent years a road was constructed that leads up to its slopes. Use a suitable off-road vehicle to travel most of the distance in the mountain.