Greek history is full of castles. To better defend themselves, the ruling forces of the time built many Greek castles, forts, fortresses and citadels to repel potential invaders. Many of the castles are open to the public and not only provide an insight into the history of the region, but also provide spectacular views of the surrounding coastline and countryside. Discover the most beautiful castles in Greece.
Bourtzi Fortress in Nafplion
The small island of Bourtzi in Nafplion is popular for its strong, impressive fortress. Still known by its Turkish name Bourtzi, meaning the Tower, it attracts many visitors. The castle, with entrances to the north and south, has three floors connected by movable stairs.
A small harbor on the north-eastern side offered easy and safe access to the fortress. To get protected by their enemies, the Turks had laid the surrounding sea bed with a large barricade of stones that made it impossible for large ships to approach the island and the fort.
Heraklion Fortress (Koules Fortress)
The Koules Castle dominates the modern port of Heraklion. It is a massive fortress with two floors that used to guard the entry to the port. The Castle was constructed by the Venetians in the early 13th century, and was called Rocca al Mare, but is now known by its Turkish name, Koules.
Palamidi Fortress, Nafplion
Palamidi Castle is located on the hill Palamidi of Nafplion at a height of 216 meters at a strategic point for the control of the Argolic Gulf.It is the best preserved castle and is considered one of the most beautiful in Greece, being an achievement of fortification architecture.
The name Palamidi is due to the Homeric hero “Palamidis” who took part in the Trojan war but did not return after he was assassinated after the Odysseus’ tribe for betrayal.
Palace of the Grandmaster, Rhodes Island
The Palace of the Grand Master, also known as Kastello, is located at the end of the Street of the Knights in the Old Town of Rhodes.
Originally built on the foundations of the Temple of the Sun God (Helios), whose cult was much spread in Rhodes during antiquity, this palace was the residence of the governor and administrative center in the Medieval times. Constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of Saint John, it is distinguished for its spherical towers and the arched gate.
Castle of Methoni, Peloponnese
Methoni Castle is a medieval fortification in the port city of Methoni in Messenia, southwestern Greece. Methoni Castle occupies the entire area of the cape and the southwestern coast to a small islet, which was also fortified with an octagonal tower and is protected by the sea on three sides.
Old Fortress in Corfu
When during the VI century the old town of Corfu placed in Kanoni peninsula (the Paleopoli) was destroyed by the invaders, the survivors decided to build again the town but in a safer area. Later the town has been preserved by the creation of a fortress around it: the OLD FORTRESS that takes up all the small island at the east end of Corfu town.
Frangokastello, Crete
Frangokastello (the castle of the Franks) is a small seaside village located on the south coast of Crete.Frangokastello is one of the most famous beaches of Crete, famous for the local Venetian castle on the beautiful beach and the legendary ghosts of Drosoulites.
White Tower of Thessaloniki
The White Tower of Thessaloniki, Greece, stands as a beacon of history and culture overlooking the azure waters of the Aegean Sea. This iconic landmark is not just a building but a symbol of the city’s rich past and vibrant present.
Today, it serves as a museum showcasing Thessaloniki’s diverse heritage through exhibitions and artifacts. Visitors to the White Tower are treated to panoramic views of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf from its rooftop terrace.
