Kritinia Castle
A 15th-century castle ruin perched on a hilltop, offering spectacular Aegean Sea views and a glimpse into Rhodes' medieval past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Kritinia Castle
Best Time
Golden hour magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 15th-century castle ruin perched on a hilltop, offering spectacular Aegean Sea views and a glimpse into Rhodes' medieval past.
"The views are absolutely breathtaking and make the short trek well worth it. "
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The castle grounds have uneven floors and steps. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring safely.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable in the area, so have your directions ready offline.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Sea Vistas
Castle ramparts
Breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands, especially magical at sunset.
+1Historic Castle Ruins
Castle interior
Explore the remnants of a 15th-century castle built by the Knights of St. John.
Island Hopping Views
Castle viewpoints
Gaze out at the islands of Makri and Alimia from this strategic hilltop location.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate with Confidence
Embrace the Free Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The castle grounds have uneven floors and steps. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring safely.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable in the area, so have your directions ready offline.
💰 Bring Cash for Donations
While entry is free, consider a small donation to help preserve this historic site.
📸 Sunset Spectacle
The views at sunset are incredible, often with fewer people towards the end of the day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The castle grounds have uneven floors and steps. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring safely.
🗺️ Download Offline Maps
Cell service is unreliable in the area, so have your directions ready offline.
💰 Bring Cash for Donations
While entry is free, consider a small donation to help preserve this historic site.
📸 Sunset Spectacle
The views at sunset are incredible, often with fewer people towards the end of the day.
🚗 Accessible by Car
The road is mostly tarmac, with some steep sections near the top. Small rental cars can manage.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Kritinia Castle's breathtaking panoramic views and its free entry, calling it a must-visit historical gem. While the ruins are impressive, some note the lack of shelter and the uneven terrain, emphasizing the need for sturdy shoes. The sunset views are particularly highlighted as a magical experience.
"Rather remote, but beautiful little ruin of a castle that must have been very impressive in the past. From the top of the ruin you have an impressive view into the bay and the small islands in the vicinity. On a clear day you can see the coastline of Turkey in the distance. In the public section there is no roof structure left, so in the very unlikely event of rainfall you would not have any meaningful cover. Great that this precious spot is free of charge."
MC B
"While driving around the island, we noticed signs pointing to the castle ruins and decided to make a spontaneous detour. The road leading up to the site is mostly tarmac and fairly accessible, with just a few short but steep sections near the top. Our small rental car managed it with no issues.
There’s a free car park right by the castle that can hold around 15 cars, which was a nice bonus. Entry to the ruins is also free, accessed via a set of built steps. Just a note – not suitable for a wheelchair access, unfortunately.
Once you reach the top, the views are absolutely breathtaking and make the short trek well worth it. We also noticed a small café nearby, but we didn’t stop in so can’t comment on the food or service.
Overall, it’s a great little stop if you’re exploring the island – highly recommended if you’ve got an hour to spare and fancy a bita bit of history paired with stunning scenery."
Mon Dab
"This place was amazing. Probably my favourite place on the entire island, especially going for sunset. I had the entire place to myself (until the very end when someone else came for sunet too), and the place is just peaceful. It appears there used to be a cost for the castle, as there's an abandoned ticket booth at the gate, but it's free entry. The place is in ruins, but it's still worth the visit."
Adam O
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The castle is accessible by car via a mostly tarmac road, though there are some steep sections near the summit. Small rental cars can navigate it. It's recommended to download offline maps as cell signal can be weak in the area.
Yes, there is a free car park near the castle that can accommodate around 15 vehicles.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Kritinia Castle directly. Renting a car or taking a taxi is the most convenient way to visit.
The road is generally well-maintained tarmac, but becomes steeper closer to the castle. It's manageable for most vehicles, including small rental cars.
Absolutely! Kritinia Castle is a fantastic stop for a road trip, offering stunning views and a dose of history with minimal walking required.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Kritinia Castle is completely free. There used to be a ticket booth, but it is now abandoned, and visitors can explore the ruins without charge.
Kritinia Castle does not have set opening hours as it is an open ruin. Visitors can typically access it during daylight hours.
No, booking tickets in advance is not necessary as Kritinia Castle is free to enter and does not require reservations.
Unfortunately, Kritinia Castle is not suitable for wheelchair access due to the uneven terrain and steps.
While you can visit, there is no roof structure left in the public areas, so you would have no cover in case of rain.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the ruins of the 15th-century castle, enjoy panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and nearby islands, and soak in the historical atmosphere.
It's highly recommended to wear sturdy, comfortable shoes like hiking boots or trainers, as the castle grounds have uneven surfaces and steps.
A visit to Kritinia Castle typically takes about an hour, allowing time to explore the ruins and enjoy the stunning views.
There are porta-potties available in the parking area. A small cafe is also located nearby for refreshments.
Late afternoon, especially around sunset, offers the most spectacular views and a peaceful atmosphere. Weekday mornings are also good for fewer crowds.
📸 📸 Photography
The castle ramparts offer incredible panoramic shots of the sea and islands. The ruins themselves also make for dramatic and atmospheric photos, especially during golden hour.
Yes, Kritinia Castle is renowned for its stunning sunset views, making it a prime spot for photographers looking to capture the golden hour light over the Aegean.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea views, while a telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details of the islands. A tripod can be beneficial for sunset shots.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local drone laws and regulations for Rhodes before flying a drone near historical sites like Kritinia Castle.
There are no specific restrictions mentioned for photography at Kritinia Castle, but always be respectful of the historical site and other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and water, as facilities are limited. The drive to the castle can be an adventure in itself, and the panoramic views provide a great opportunity to teach children about geography and history. It's a good stop for an hour or so, breaking up a longer drive around the island.
🚗 Road Trippers & Explorers
The free parking and easy access (once you're there) make it a convenient stop. This is an ideal spot for a spontaneous stop to stretch your legs, take in the history, and capture some incredible photos, especially at sunset.
🌅 Sunset Chasers & Photographers
Arrive a bit before sunset to explore the castle and find your ideal vantage point. Bring your camera gear, including a tripod if you plan on capturing long exposures or low-light shots. The peaceful atmosphere, often with fewer people towards the end of the day, makes it a truly magical experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Glimpse into History
Today, the castle stands as a picturesque ruin, a testament to its storied past. While much of the structure has succumbed to time, the remaining walls and ramparts offer a tangible connection to the medieval era. Visitors can imagine the lives of the knights and soldiers who once garrisoned this impressive fortress, gazing out at the same azure waters.
The castle's architecture, though weathered, still hints at its former grandeur. Exploring the grounds allows for an appreciation of its defensive design and the sheer effort involved in its construction. It's a place where history whispers on the wind, inviting contemplation and wonder.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Kritinia Castle
+1 The golden hour, especially during sunset, bathes the castle and its surroundings in a warm, ethereal light, creating unforgettable photographic opportunities. When visiting, consider bringing a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the seascape and the imposing presence of the castle. A telephoto lens can be useful for framing shots of the distant islands or details within the ruins. For sunset photography, a tripod will be invaluable for achieving sharp images in low light conditions.
Beyond the grand vistas, the weathered stones and crumbling walls of the castle itself offer compelling subjects. Look for interesting textures, shadows, and the interplay of light and dark. The abandoned ticket booth also presents a unique photographic element, hinting at the castle's past accessibility.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Upon arrival, you'll find free parking available, which is a welcome convenience.
The castle offers little in the way of shelter, so be prepared for sun exposure during the day. Visiting in the late afternoon or early evening, especially for sunset, is often considered the best time, offering spectacular views and a more tranquil atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit