Monastery of Taxiarchis Michael Panormitis

The tiny hamlet of Panormitis on the south end of the island is a remote and idyllic setting for this holy assemblage, a popular place of pilgrimage and a pleasure to visit simply for the scenery. A trip to the monastery can be accompanied by a refreshing swim at the designated edges of the deep-blue harbor. There's a bus service from Yialos that runs three times a day in summer, which passes through Chorio, or you can take one of the daily boats from Yialos or Rhodes. If you have a guide or map, you can make your way to the monastery via the island's old donkey tracks (about 10 km), but you won't find them otherwise; a walk along the road is your other, much longer option and takes around 3½ to 4½ hours depending on your speed. Traffic isn't busy and if you set off early, you'll beat the hot sun. Several tour companies organize day trips to the monastery, with time for a swim and a hike in the surrounding countryside, for about €25, including lunch.