Monolithos Castle

The Knights of Saint John built here in the fifteenth century, choosing a limestone spire that rises about 240 metres from the coastal slope with vertical faces on every side; the only way up is a stair cut into the rock and a short walkway, which made the position effectively impregnable and gave it a view over the whole southwestern coast. Inside the small enceinte are ruined outbuildings and the whitewashed chapel of Agios Panteleimon, still used and usually open, with a bell hanging outside. The rock stands above a wooded slope descending to Fourni beach, and the sunset from the walls, with the sea and the islet of Chalki in the distance, is the reason most people make the long drive.

What you actually see

• The rock spire - a castle perched on a vertical-sided pinnacle.
• The cut stair - the rock-hewn approach to the gate.
• The chapel - a small white church inside the walls.
• The coastal view - the southwestern shore and Chalki island beyond.

When to go

Late afternoon for the sunset, which is the local attraction; spring and autumn for comfortable walking. The site is unlit, so allow time to descend before dark.

Honest expectations

There is little inside beyond the chapel and rubble, and the visit is short. The stair and walkway have drops with minimal railing, unsuitable for anyone uneasy with heights. The drive from Rhodes Town takes about ninety minutes.

Nearby

Fourni beach lies below; Kameiros and the west coast road run north.