Kritinia Castle, known locally as Kastellos, stands on a rocky hill above the west coast of Rhodes, not far from the village of Kritinia. The fortress is one of the string of strongholds the Knights of St John built in the fifteenth century to protect the island's coastline and farms, and it was meant as a lookout and a place of refuge as much as a garrison. Time and earthquakes have been hard on it, and what remains is a ruin rather than a restored monument, which is exactly its charm. You can still see the stone walls climbing the hillside, the arched gateway with carved coats of arms, remains of cisterns and stretches of rampart. A small chapel stands within the walls. The view is the real reward: below the castle the land falls away in a patchwork of pine woods and fields to a coast of cliffs and small coves, and out at sea the island of Halki and the smaller islets of Alimia lie on the horizon. Because it is off the main tourist routes, Kritinia is often almost empty, which makes it a peaceful stop.
The visit is short and simple. Park near the base of the hill, follow the path to the gate and walk through the ruins, taking care on loose stones and uneven ground. There is no entry fee and no fixed ticket office, so you can wander freely. Information is limited, which suits those who like to imagine the history for themselves, and a guided tour will give you more context about the Knights' coastal defences and why they were built here. Most visitors spend thirty to forty-five minutes at the castle itself.
Getting there is straightforward by car. Kritinia lies roughly sixty to seventy kilometres from Rhodes Town, about an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half by road, and the castle is a short drive from the village. Buses to the area are limited, so a hire car or a day tour of the west coast is the practical choice.
It sits neatly between Ancient Kameiros, which is only a few minutes away, and Monolithos Castle further south, so the three together make a fine day trip with a mix of ancient history, medieval fortress and sunset. A few tavernas in the village and along the coast road serve simple food, which makes it easy to build a lunch stop into the route.
Seasons
The castle is an open hillside ruin and can be visited at any time of year, with the best conditions in spring and autumn, when it is green or golden and comfortably warm. Summer afternoons are hot and exposed, so come in the morning or late in the day, when the light on the sea is lovely. In winter the weather can be changeable, and wet stone is slippery, so wear good shoes and check the forecast.
If you are short of time, Kritinia is the easiest sight in this guide to skip. If you have a car and like quiet ruins with a view, it is one of the most rewarding stops on the west coast. On the way back, take a moment to look at the village churches and the terraced fields around Kritinia, which show a side of Rhodes that most day visitors never see.
What to expect
The experience
A short, free walk through a ruined Knights' castle on a hill, with an arched gateway, walls and a chapel, and wide views toward Halki.
Best time
Morning or late afternoon, in spring or autumn for the most comfortable weather.
How long
Thirty to forty-five minutes at the castle, plus the drive.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes for loose stones, bring water and a hat in summer, and combine it with Ancient Kameiros and Monolithos Castle.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Quiet-ruin lovers with a hire car who want a view and no crowds.
- Families
- Children can explore the walls and gate, but the ground is uneven and there are some drops, so supervise closely.
- Couples
- A peaceful stop on a west coast drive, ideally late in the day with the sea glowing below.
- Pair with
- Ancient Kameiros and Monolithos Castle.
- Time needed
- Thirty to forty-five minutes, or a day with the other west coast stops.
Good questions
What is Kritinia Castle?+
A ruined fifteenth-century fortress of the Knights of St John on a hill above the west coast, also called Kastellos, with a gateway, walls and cisterns.
Is Kritinia Castle free?+
Yes. It is an open hillside ruin with no entry fee, and you can walk around it at any time of year.
How far is Kritinia from Rhodes Town?+
About sixty to seventy kilometres, roughly an hour and a quarter to an hour and a half by car. Bus connections are limited.
Can I visit Kritinia with Kameiros?+
Yes. The two are only a few minutes apart by car, and together with Monolithos Castle they make a good west coast day trip.
How long do I need?+
Thirty to forty-five minutes at the castle is enough, plus the drive from Rhodes Town.
