Knights’ Castle

Perched majestically on the summit of Saint Nicholas Hill, overlooking the abandoned medieval village of Chorio and the sparkling port of modern Halki, the Knights’ Castle stands as one of the most captivating and rewarding destinations on this idyllic Dodecanese island. Built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century on the foundations of an ancient Hellenistic acropolis, this remarkable fortress is not just a monument—it is a window into centuries of history, resilience, and breathtaking natural beauty. As you approach the island by boat, the castle immediately catches your eye, dominating the skyline and promising an unforgettable adventure.

Reaching the castle is an experience in itself. For those who love walking, the climb from the old village (Chorio) takes approximately 90 minutes from Emborio, and while the path can be steep in places, every step is rewarded with increasingly spectacular, panoramic views of the port, the deep blue sea, and the dramatic Trachia peninsula. The vistas are truly astonishing and will simply blow you away—a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream. If you prefer an easier approach, a local bus operates during part of the day, dropping you near Chorio so you can walk through the atmospheric abandoned village, past the charming old church (still used for ceremonies today), and gently ascend the final pathway to the castle. Whichever way you choose, remember to bring a hat, sun protection, and plenty of water.

Once you arrive at the castle, covering an area of approximately 2,000-2,200 square metres with a perimeter of 260 metres, you will be amazed by its intimate yet powerful presence. The elongated fortress follows the natural ridge of the rock, and its most striking feature is the large, square northern tower, which has been beautifully restored during extensive maintenance and renovation works (notably in 2004 and ongoing from 2014). These excellent restorations have brought the monument back to life, with clear signage and information boards that help you understand every wall and tower. At the main eastern entrance, you can still admire ancient gate stones and lintels from the original Hellenistic acropolis, cleverly reused as spolia in the Knights’ construction. Look closely at the north section of the defensive wall, and you will find the engraved emblem of Grand Master Pierre d’Aubusson himself—a tangible link to the great Knights who once ruled here.

Inside the castle walls, one of the most precious treasures awaits: the medieval church of Agios Nikolaos (Saint Nicholas) . This single-aisled, vaulted church is one of the most important monuments from the Hospitaller period on the island. Within its humble interior, you will discover remarkable surviving frescoes dating from the 15th and 17th centuries, depicting saints and religious scenes with vibrant, centuries-old colours. Even more intriguing is a monolithic pillar, placed upside down in the foundation, which preserves a saint’s image from an earlier 13th-century building phase. The church is wonderfully well preserved, alongside large sections of the northern defensive wall, creating a truly atmospheric and sacred space.

While the castle’s history includes challenges—its small size meant it was occasionally evacuated, and it later served the Ottomans as an observation post—today these stories only add to its rich character. In fact, in 1658, vigilators here famously spotted the approaching Venetian fleet of Admiral Francesco Morosini and sent warning signals to Rhodes, a daring tale that brings the past alive. Far from being a place of abandonment, the castle now stands proudly restored, welcoming visitors from all over the world.

And do not leave without exploring just below the castle, on the part of the ancient acropolis site. Here you will find the legendary ancient thrones of Zeus and Ekati—carved stone seats that offer you the unique chance to sit where gods and ancient rulers once gazed out over the same endless Aegean panorama. It is a magical, almost spiritual experience that connects you directly to the deepest layers of Halki’s history.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a hiker seeking spectacular views, or simply a traveller in search of authentic beauty, hiking to the Knights’ Castle is an absolute must-do when you visit Halki. The combination of medieval fortifications, ancient ruins, a beautiful frescoed church, and views that take your breath away at every turn will leave you with memories to treasure for a lifetime. Come and discover the magic of Halki from its most glorious heights.