Monolithos Castle
Κάστρο Μονολίθου
A knights' castle perched atop a 240-metre solitary rock, where a whitewashed chapel and cliffside sea views make it one of Rhodes' most spectacular sights.
Monolithos Castle stands near the village of Monolithos in the southwest of Rhodes. The Knights Hospitaller built it in 1480 on a solitary rock about 240 metres high, sheer on three sides (monolithos means 'single stone'), which made it hard to attack. Inside, a 15th-century white chapel, Agios Panteleimon, survives. From the walls you can look down over the cliffs, pine forests and deep-blue sea, and the sunset views are magnificent. Entry is free. The climb from the car park up the stone steps takes about 10 minutes. A mountain road below the castle leads to Fourni Beach, a good spot for a swim. The castle is about 75 km from Rhodes Town, roughly 1.5 hours by car.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Kritinia Castle
- Embonas
- Prasonisi
- Ancient Kamiros
- Acropolis of Lindos
- St. Paul's Bay
- Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes)
- Seven Springs