The medieval castle is Chalki’s most significant monument and landmark, standing on the strategically important 280-metre-high hill of St Nicholas.

From here, there are stunning views of the entire southern coast of the island and the town of Chalki. It was precisely thanks to this location that the castle served as an excellent defensive structure.

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The Fortress of the Order of the Knights of Malta

The castle was built in the early 14th century, when the Order of the Knights of Malta ruled the entire region and was constructing a dense network of defensive fortresses at that time – which you can also admire, for example, on the neighbouring island of Rhodes.

The castle protected the inhabitants of Chalki mainly from pirate raids and, thanks to its location, was one of the most inaccessible and therefore best-protected castles in the Dodecanese.

Breathtaking views

Although the journey to the castle is arduous, particularly in the heat, we definitely recommend making the trip.

The views of Chalki Island and distantRhodesare simply incredible, and personally, I found Chalki Castle the most impressive of all the sights I visited whilst travelling around Rhodes and the surrounding islands.

As well as the beautiful and, in places, almost mystical surroundings, this is partly down to the fact that very few tourists make their way here.

In fact, during my whole day spent in the Chalki countryside, I didn’t meet a single other person.

Admission fees and opening hours

The ruins of Chalki Castle are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Admission is free.

How to get there

The only way to reach the castle is on foot, or by car or motorbike by prior arrangement with the owner of the accommodation where you’ll be staying on Chalki.

The route from the harbour follows a tarmac road all the way to the village of Chorio (approx. 3 km one way). Although the route is constantly uphill and the gradient is steep, the road is wide, recently repaired and completely free of traffic.

From Chorio, the steepest climb awaits you as you pass through the historic ancient village. Although the remaining distance is only 460 metres, the climb is around 100 metres.

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