Monolithos Castle

Monolithos, Greece

Outside the Monolithos village is the medieval castle, built on top of a 100m rock. It was built in 1480 by the Knights of Saint John to protect the island from attacks. In fact, this castle was never conquered. The Castle of Monolithos is widely ruined today but it offers great views of the sea and the two islets opposite to it. Inside the castle, there is a small working chapel dedicated to Agios Panteleimon (Saint Pantaleon).

Access to the castle is by a staircase cut into the rock. The steps, whilst not particularly steep, are quite slippery simply due to the numbers of visitors wearing them away. On the climb up to the top, you are likely to see hundreds, if not thousands, of small piles of rocks from 3–10 in number. These piles are left there by the visitors as a form of a memento.

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Founded: 1480
Category: Castles and fortifications in Greece

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Charly Bidi (3 months ago)
It is a little slippery on the stairs as the stones are so smooth. But the view is breathtaking and worth the climb.
Sarah Windsor (4 months ago)
A nice spot to get a few photo's, but be aware that some of the ruins have been fenced off so you can't get all the shots seen on Google. Worth noting that the only toilet is part of the cafe and is strictly only available to their customers. The milkshake is really good though so worth a stop. There are regular coach tours stopping here so it's gets crowded for a short while but they only get about 20mins so easy to wait it out if you have hired a car. Plenty of spots to park when we went in Sept.
Eugenijus Sanda (4 months ago)
Not AAA place to visit. But if here is nothing more to do or you very much adventurer, please do it. Very few steps up to the castle remains from free car park. Nice panoramic views. Keep in mind if you follow the road down from monolith, you will come down to the dead end. and you have to combag same way.(cyslists!!!!) Road is bit tricky, steep, narrow. Take it slow. But there is nice beach at the bottom. Also give a hug to the ladies at the top within the kiosks. Beautiful local ladies selling local produced goods. They have a local shnaps from the tap! Have a good one.
Daniel Yonk (6 months ago)
This place is unforgettable, I advise you to come here at sunset and just enjoy the incredible view of the sea and mountains. The beauty is so mesmerizing that everything inside is shaking, be sure to do it!??️?
craig patrick (7 months ago)
The remains of a 15th-century castle built on a cliff with picturesque views of the sea. I would recommend you wear appropriate footwear if you wish to climb to the top as the path is made of loose rocks, polished bolders and fixed stone. From the top, there are impressive views and a lovely place to take in the sunset. Small church at the summit, which is open. Opportunity to light a candle. Ample parking and a nearby cafe selling everything you would expect in addition to some tourist bits.
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