From Asklipio we follow a basic country road northwards to the remote monastery at Thari. An American monk meets us at the church door - inside there are extensive frescoes. We then stroll round the surrounding peaceful gardens that include a spring.

Continuing our drive back towards the hotel we reach the quiet whitewashed village of Laerma where we turn to go to an overview of the Gadoura Dam whose construction in 2014 solved the problem of the island's water supply.

 

Our next objective is the beach resort of Kalathos but this has little appeal so we do not stop. After spending the rest of the afternoon relaxing on our room's terrace and David swimming in our pool we, once again, have a most enjoyable evening meal.

 

Day 6 - this morning we make the 50-minute drive to Rhodes Old Town. Traffic gets heavier as we approach the island's capital, but we find a parking space in a street close to the football stadium. Near the stadium we enter the Old Town via an ancient gate.

The narrow streets in this part of the Old Town are deserted and are flanked by mostly run down buildings; plus scooter riders are a nuisance. We make our way to the crowded Square of the Jewish Martyrs, which has much more attractive buildings. Equally crowded are the adjacent shopping streets, probably due to the fact that there are two cruise liners in the harbour.

 

Near the harbour, we find a cafe in a quiet, historical location where we relax with tea and coke before continuing to explore.

 

It is again very hot today, but it is windy in exposed areas.

The historical streets and sights are quiet and allow us to comfortably admire the magnificent buildings as we follow the Street of the Knights towards the Palace of the Grand Master.