Seven Springs (Epta Piges): A Green Oasis in the Heat

One of the most charming destinations on Rhodes, Seven Springs — Epta Piges — is a cool, almost magical landscape: a real oasis even in the heat of high summer, swamped in greenery and offering a uniquely tranquil escape. The name comes from the seven natural springs set into a slope, whose waters, fed by the river Loutani, flow through a narrow tunnel into a lake below.

A lake with a story

That lake is between 1 and 8 metres deep and about 200 metres long — and it’s artificial, created by a dam the Italians built in 1931 to supply water to the nearby village of Kolymbia. The tunnel that links the river to the lake was begun in 1920 and took eleven years to complete: 150 metres long and 13 metres deep, with a well halfway along that serves as both light source and ventilation. Where the waters finally arrive, the dam forms a small waterfall.

Walking the ravine

The route to Seven Springs winds through a ravine of plane trees and pines of great natural beauty. Small bridges cross the width of the gorge, and there’s a pond with ducks and peacocks roaming freely. A restaurant sits among it all, where you can dine surrounded by the greenery and wildlife — water flows from the springs year-round, keeping the little lake forever replenished.

Through the tunnel, if you dare

The most popular — and most adventurous — way to reach the lake is to walk through the tunnel itself: 186 metres long, just 2.5 metres high and very narrow, with cool fresh water running over your feet the whole way. It’s an exciting experience, though it can feel claustrophobic, and flip-flops are recommended since you’ll be wading through ankle-deep water in the dark. If that’s not for you, a simple walking path leads to the lake instead. The surrounding forest is lovely for walking too — bring water and wear sturdy shoes. The whole area is part of a Natura 2000 protected zone, alongside the Valley of Butterflies and Mount Profitis Elias.