While many people come for the stunning beaches and ancient Old Town, there’s so much more awaiting you in Rhodes! Monolithos is a small village located on the hills of Akramiti Mountain. The very moment we arrived, we knew it would be a unique experience compared to other places we’d been on the island. From exploring the Fourni Beach caves to hiking up to Monolithos Castle for sunset, this is truly a different side of Rhodes!
About Monolithos Rhodes
Monolithos Rhodes is home to just over 100 residents, and you can definitely feel the local vibes as soon as you arrive. The town gets its name from the massive Monolith stone on which its famous castle is built upon.
With its many hikes, beaches, scenic chapels, and viewpoints, Monolithos Rhodes caters to all different types of travelers. We felt it was the perfect breakaway from Rhodes Old Town, while also still having amazing beaches and history to enjoy!
This small and picturesque mountain village is about two hours from the city of Rhodes. You’ll need a car to drive to the village and to get around to Fourni Beach and the Monolithos Castle. Be sure you’re confident in your driving skills as the roads wind through the steep cliffs over the sea!
→ Monolithos Rhodes: Fun Beach Guide & Sunset at a 15 Century Castle
Staying in Monolithos Rhodes
After a long drive through the mountains from Lindos to Monolithos Village, we were so happy to check into Limeri Traditional Guesthouse. As soon as we walked up the stairs and through the gorgeous restaurant we felt right at home.
It’s not often that a place with such traditional characteristics is also equipped with modern amenities. Our room had a balcony with a view of the ocean and even a jacuzzi!
One of the best parts about staying at Limeri Traditional Guesthouse is the restaurant. We ate dinner there both nights in Monolithos Rhodes and the food was so delicious!
The pork and goat are slow-cooked for 12 hours overnight and falls right off the bone. We recommend spending a couple of nights in Monolithos. Yet, even if you’re just passing through make sure to stop in for a meal at Limeri.
→ Book Limeri Traditional Guesthouse
Hike to Plaka Beach
There are three beaches in Monolithos Rhodes that are an absolute must-visit! On our trip to town, we started with Plaka Beach. From the top of Monolithos village, you’ll start driving down the twists and turns of the road towards the ocean.
After passing the Monolithos Castle keep going until you come to a small turn-off. The path down to Plaka Beach is steep, and definitely not as fun on the way back up. However, once you reach this beautiful beach you’ll have no regrets about your hike!
Alki Beach in Monolithos Rhodes
Just a couple more minutes drive down the hill you’ll find the stunning Alki Beach. Alki is the second most popular beach in Monolithos Rhodes due to its accessibility. It’s just a quick hike down from the road and because of the limited parking, it often feels like you have it all to yourself.
Fourni Beach & Caves
Don’t worry, we saved the best for last! Fourni Beach is at the very bottom of Monolithos Village and has two separate sides to it. Closest to the parking lot you’ll find a sprawling rocky beach that’s perfect for an afternoon of swimming.
A quick jaunt up the hillside will take you to a viewpoint where you can see golden sand on the other side of Fourni Beach. Look down and you’ll see some caves hidden deep under the rocks.
At the time of our visit, there was a makeshift rope going down to the Fourni Beach caves. Still, be warned as it is steep and may be difficult to get back up!
Monolithos Rhodes Castle Sunset
As we were driving down the road towards Fourni Beach we looked out to the right and caught our first view of the Monolithos Castle. It was such a jaw-dropping sight!
We really couldn’t believe someone built a castle on the rocks over 300 feet high. As much as we wanted to hike up it right then and there, we knew saving it for the sunset would be so much more magical.
The main attraction in Monolithos Rhodes is this historic castle, and what draws most people to the village. It was built in 1480 by the Knights Hospitaller, and also includes a beautiful white chapel dedicated to Saint Panteleimon. It will be an incredible end to your day here among the ancient ruins as you watch the sunset over the Dodecanese Islands.
Visiting Nearby Siana Village
Just a quick three-minute drive from Monolithos is the colorful village of Siana. The small mountain town is famous for its Souma liquor and sweet honey.
The best place to stop in and try these local products is at the Ladomilos Olive Oil Factory next to the 19th-century church of Saint Panteleimon. There are also some great local tavernas and cafes along the main street to enjoy.
More Places to See Around Monolithos Rhodes
There are a few other amazing places to see around Monolithos Village. St. George Monastery is worth a visit after you’ve gone to Monolithos Castle if you have time.
If wine is your thing, the town of Embonas is just a 20-minute drive. We stopped at Alexandris Family Winery and had a fabulous tasting!
Kritinia Castle is just past that to see history and get some spectacular views of the Rhodes coastline. Also, Prassonissi Beach is about 45 minutes away and is the most famous spot for windsurfing. Clearly, Monolithos Rhodes is a great town to base yourself to explore this part of the island!
Have any questions about this special mountain village, or want to tell us about your sunset at the Monolithos Castle? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Rhodes Travel Inspiration
- Planning a Trip to Rhodes Greece: 10 Step Easy to Follow Travel Guide
- Rhodes Old Town Guide: Exploring the Medieval Island City in Greece
- 11 Best Beaches on Rhodes Greece: Anthony Quinn to St. Paul’s Bay
- 23 Epic Things to Do in Rhodes Greece
- One Week Rhodes Itinerary: Best Route, Hotels, and Tips For Your Visit
Greece Travel Planning
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
When island hopping use FerriesinGreece to compare different routes, prices, and companies.
Flights: We always check Skyscanner and Kayak to search for cheap flights. That’s how we got from Crete to Athens for under $50 USD!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Rental Car: You can book a rental car for around $20 a day in Greece! We use Discover Cars to explore the larger islands with a vehicle.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities in Rhodes Greece. You can find everything from a boat cruise with snorkeling and lunch, to a hop on hop off bus, and sunset dinner cruise.
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
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Explore Greece
Travel Planning: Planning a Trip – Cyclades Itinerary – 30 Facts – Greek Ferry Questions – Sky Express Review
Rhodes: Elli Beach – Kallithea Springs – Lindos Guide – Lindos Acropolis – Melenos Art Boutique Hotel – Anthony Quinn Bay
Karpathos: Fun Things to Do – 1 Week Itinerary – Must Try Food – 6 Best Beaches – Olympos – Saria Island Boat Tour
Crete: 10 Day Itinerary – 19 Food & Drinks – Matala Hippie Caves – Elafonisi (Pink Sand) – Renting a Car – Bus Tips – 20 Facts – Vai Beach Palm Trees – Best Things to Do
More Dodecanese: Halki Island – Symi Island Guide – Symi Things to Do
Cyclades: Moon Beach Milos – Adamas Milos – Ios – Naxos Beaches – Naousa Paros – Galissas Syros – Mykonos Old Town – Santorini
Corfu: Old Town Food – Greece to Albania Ferry
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I want to live in Rhodes Ille
Author
We would definitely live there, too! So beautiful 🙂