Day 9 begins with a drive to Esta Piges ("Seven Springs") park where this popular tourist spot is very crowded. We walk to the source of the springs (left) and then watch people walking through a tunnel that channels the spring water to a river - emerging right

It is extremely hot again today and, returning to the entrance to the park, we have cold drinks before driving to the Tsambika Monastery. A very steep road leads to a parking area from where just over 300 steps lead up to a tiny Byzantine-era monastery perched on a hill overlooking the sea. Before commencing the climb, we pause to admire a model of a building (left), one of many scattered across the island.

The strenuous climb is rewarded with magnificent views.

Our next stop is at the large village of Archangelos which is dominated by the church of the Archangel Michael.

 

 

The first impression of Archangelos is not very positive, as the main street is dusty with a number of concrete  cafés and nowhere to park. However, we manage to find a parking spot and walk to the church with its fine campanile dating from 1845. The church is closed but, with some difficulty, David manages to climb the tower. We then sit in a shady spot near the church before returning to the main street for ice creams.

 

After our evening meals, and feeling very tired, the hotel's manager (who has worked in the UK for Hilton) drives us up to our room in one of the club cars.

Day 10: despite another day of hot, blazing sun, we decide to climb up to the Acropolis in Lindos. Our parking spot is farther down the steep hill we used a few days ago, but we find an easier route (with steps rather than the steep road) up to the town's square. From there we commence the climb.

We are unsure of the route but soon find the path shared with donkeys carrying tourists up to the Acropolis on its 116-metre high hill. We go slowly because of the heat, but do not find the walk too strenuous. The extensive area at the summit provides wonderful views of the scenery and the archaeological site.