(+30) 22410 66887
(+30) 6949 584022
Trekking Hellas Rhodes Base, Kathara Beach, Faliraki, 85105, Rhodes
GNTO License: 1476E70000077401
Rhodes
Dodecanisa
Maria Efstratiadou
(+30) 6949 584022
Jim Tzelepakis
(+30) 6949 584022
Trekking Hellas Rhodes base was founded in 2016. Owners, nature lovers and passionate about the outdoors, Jimmy and Maria with many years of experience, run the company, develop new programs, guide the activities and train the new members of the team.
Based in Northern Rhodes, the company operates programs all around the island, as well as other Dodecanese islands such as Halki, Tilos, Symi, Nisyros & Karpathos.
"Our main aim is to be able to show to any visitor of the Dodecanese Islands, the real beauty, the authentic nature, the kindness of the local people and the warmth of our hospitality."
I'm one of the co-founders of the Trekking Hellas Rhodes Base. I have been living in and admiring nature ever since Ι can remember, as the daughter of two geologists, for me it was obvious that my "career" would be around the natural environment. Before, throughout and after my studies in Psychology, for the last 16 years, I have always been guiding for Trekking Hellas, all over Greece, with kids, families and travelers from abroad, showing them how beautiful and diverse Greece is. I am a sea kayaking & hiking guide and I also enjoy climbing, skiing and mountaineering. My training is continuous, having attended many seminars regarding the soft skills of an Outdoor Facilitator, held by the University of Thessalia, climbing schools, first aid seminars, lifeguarding courses, a course regarding Accessible Tourism by Wheel The World and many more. Here on Rhodes, I mainly lead sea kayaking trips on lovely coastal sea kayaking routes and also beautiful hikes on high mountains.
I’m also one of the co-founders of the Trekking Hellas Rhodes Base. My relationship with nature and all outdoors started with off-road experiences and many winters working in mountain refuges. Having always liked to be on the move this led to me becoming a trained kayaking guide and SUP instructor. I have also completed the course in the soft skills of an Outdoor Facilitator as defined by the University of Thessalia. Something dear to my heart is enabling those with disabilities to take part in outdoor activities so I am proud to say I have completed the Introduction to Accessible Tourism by Wheel The World and we offer kayaking tours for physically inpaired guests. What I particularly love about our job is the fact that we make our guests’ already enjoyable holiday something to remember, making the experience just that much better by showing them another side of Rhodes and giving them a truly unique experience. In my spare time I love traveling, climbing and mountaineering.
I have been working with Trekking Hellas for the last four years. For a guy who was born on the island of Rhodes, it was inevitable that I would fall in love with the sea. So here I am, a sea kayak and hiking guide. I have completed the course for Outdoor Facilitators by the University of Thessalia and apart from my kayaking training have also completed the Introduction to Accessible Tourism Course by Wheel The World. I really love exploring the beauty of nature while meeting new friends every day.
It was a friend who suggested I apply for a job with Trekking Hellas Rhodes as she knew my love of nature - always finding peace in the presence of trees, especially in the mountains and near the sea. She obviously knew me well. Four years later, and having also attended the Outdoor Facilitator Course by the University of Thessalia, I am still enjoying the variety of work and more importantly meeting such lovely, interesting new people and sharing parts of my island and culture with them. It’s a job that feels like a holiday and I love giving our guests memories to treasure!
I have been with the Trekking Hellas Rhodes Base for four years and have also completed the course in the soft skills of an Outdoor Facilitator by the University of Thessalia. I am a fully trained kayaking guide (also having completed the Introduction to Accessible Tourism Course) and am passionate about nature and exploring - especially off the beaten track. I grew up in the mountains of Greece and so have always been surrounded by beautiful scenery. I love skiing, rock climbing and snorkeling and my favorite part of the job is meeting new people every day - sharing travel stories and planning new adventures to go on. Guests always comment on how smiley I am - but why wouldn’t I, I have the best experiences every day!
I’m originally from Luxembourg, but I’ve always felt most at home when I’m on the move — exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning from different landscapes and cultures. That’s how I ended up in Rhodes. Add in the incredible food, kind people, vibrant flora and fauna, and the deep connection to nature, and it just felt right… and honestly, the sunshine didn’t hurt either.
At Trekking Hellas Rhodes, I work as a kayaking and hiking instructor, blending outdoor adventure with history and environmental education. My goal is to help people slow down and reconnect with the natural world — to feel the elements and remember what it’s like to really be present outside. I love exploring, connecting with nature, and sharing that joy with others.
I studied Environmental Management, and later completed an intensive Outdoor Instructor course in the UK. I’m also a climber, and when I’m not guiding or scaling cliffs, you’ll often find me painting the natural scenes that inspire me. For me, nature isn’t just something we pass through — it’s something we can learn from, care for, and carry with us long after the adventure ends.
It only took one visit for me to fall in love with Rhodes — the colors, the light, the food, and the rhythm of island life stole my heart. Originally from Finland and after three holidays here, I finally made the decision to move, and now I’m lucky enough to call this place home.
I’ve always loved long walks, especially when the sun rises or sets and paints the sky in magical colors. With my camera in hand and something delicious planned for dinner, I find beauty in the simple moments.
Joining the Trekking Hellas team here has given me the chance to combine everything I love: hospitality, nature, photography, and meeting new people from all over the world. I’m grateful to help create memories our guests will carry with them — and maybe even inspire someone else to fall in love with Rhodes, just like I did.
