Monolithos is a village in the southwest of the island of Rhodes. The village is known for the nearby picturesque remains of the St. John castle which is situated on a rock and which was built in 1840 on the remains of an older Byzantine castle. The Monolithos castle is now mostly in ruins but it has never been conquered. The setting is beautiful and together with Lindos these belong probably to the most beautiful castles of the island of Rhodes, and who knows of the whole of Greece. From the village the road goes through the woods and along small stands where olive oil, honey and souma (local drink) are sold. Along the way you will have a beautiful view of the rock with the castle on it. At a fork in the road there is a small square where you can park your car to see the castle. There is also a cafeteria where you can get a drink. The castle is open to the public and accessible via a number of steps that have been carved into the rock. Within the grounds of the castle there is a beautiful church, the St. Pantaleimon, which dates from 1476. Here you can also take a look, but the interior is not very special. There are some paintings, icons and plates on the walls, but the inside it is painted just as bright white as the exterior. A second church on the site is completely dilapidated. The view from the castle is beautiful.

It's also nice to have a look at the village Monolithos itself. There is a beautiful church with a tomb and there are lovely views over the sea. It is very quiet and there are not many people (about 150). It lies at the foot of the mountain Akramytis, which with its 825 meters is the second highest mountain of Rhodes. Monolithos is an agricultural village and the people live mainly from the cultivation of olives and the production of souma and honey. Rhodes Town is about 77 kilometers from the village of Monolithos.

From the junction at the castle, you can drive north towards Kritina and Kamiros Skala, or you can take the coastal road to the south, which leads along the beaches. Alyki Beach is the first beach on the route and then follows Fourni beach where there are also some caves.

For all accommodations in Monolithos - click here.