12 Beautiful Castles in Greece So Stunning, You’ll Forget All About the Acropolis
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Did you know Greece has approximately 800 castles? While most tourists visit Greece to experience the nation’s picturesque islands, beautiful beaches, hot weather, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, many people also visit mainland Greece and the Greek islands to discover ancient landmarks and learn more about Greek history, including us.
Greece is brimming with history, offering history buffs the opportunity to visit countless ancient sights, medieval fortresses, and world wonders.
Here are 12 beautiful castles in Greece to start your journey through time. These offer rich history, impressive views, and architectural beauty.
Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes, Rhodes

The first castle on our list is the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes on the Dodecanese island of Rhodes. Rhodes is famed for its medieval Old Town, and this is one of its main highlights. Also known as the Kastello, this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of few examples of Gothic Architecture in Greece.
The main palace was constructed in the 14th century, but its history dates back to the 7th century when the castle served as a Byzantine citadel. Interestingly, the site was previously the location of an ancient temple dedicated to Helios. Today, Kastello is a museum offering tourists a look into the past.
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The Castle of Methoni, Methoni

In the charming Greek town of Methoni in Messinia, a picturesque castle and medieval fortification dominate the waterfront. The Castle of Methoni is a beautiful 13th-century Venetian structure featuring an octagonal stone tower, a tall stone gateway, and a small islet fort. Aside from its apparent beauty, the impressive sea views are a major draw.
Defending the small fortified island of Bourtzi, the castle is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Therefore, you can expect beautiful views of the region’s crystal-clear turquoise waters. To reach the castle, you must cross a small arched bridge and pass through the impressive gates. If you have a drone, this is a great place to take it up.
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Molyvos Castle

If you prefer castles that look like they’ve been taken straight out of a storybook, you’ll quickly fall in love with Molyvos Castle. A must-see when visiting the town of Mithymna, Lesvos Island, it sits proudly on a hill overlooking the harbor below. It was likely built on the ancient city’s former acropolis site when the Byzantines built a fortress atop the hill.
However, its current design is credited to the Genoans, who reconstructed the castle in the 14th century. It features a polygonal ground plan and covers an area of 7 acres (3 hectares). It features multiple towers, cobblestone walkways, and arched gateways. As you would expect, the views from the top are breathtaking.
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Angelokastro Castle, Corfu

This beautiful Byzantine castle can be found on the stunning island of Corfu. Also known by the name Angel Castle, it’s easily one of the most impressive ones in Greece, sitting precariously on a tall peak that stands 1,000 feet (305 meters) above the sea. As such, you can expect 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding lush landscape and the Ionian Sea.
Built in the 13th century, you’ll be spoiled with medieval ruins, enormous stone walls, hidden chambers, and Corfu’s rich history here. Admittedly, the hike is a challenge, but the rewards are exceptional. With that in mind, don’t forget to carry a bottle of water and wear walking boots.
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Bourtzi Castle, Nafplio

Bourtzi Castle is arguably the most beautiful in Greece. Only reachable by boat, it is a 15th-century fortress in the middle of Nafplio harbor. Built by the Venetians and later occupied by the Ottomans, it can only be reached by jumping on an organized ferry from Nafplio harbor.
Aside from its spectacular appearance and mind-blowing construction, Bourtzi has a fascinating history. Firstly, the castle was initially designed to protect Nafplio from pirates. However, it also served as a prison and a home for executioners. That’s not it, though, as between 1930 and 1970, Bourtzi was even converted into a hotel.
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Ioannina Castle, Ioannina

Ioannina Castle is a fortified Old Town in the city of Ioannina in northwestern Greece. Sitting atop a 2,788-foot (850-meter) high hill overlooking Pamvotis Lake, it’s a fabulous place to visit if you want to admire Ioannina’s lush scenery and learn more about the city’s rich history. The first fortification of the city dates back to the 6th century when Byzantine Emperor Justinian built a fortress on the hill.
However, much of what we can see today was constructed during the Ottoman rule. The Old Town is surrounded by a 6,561-foot (2,000-meter) long wall enclosing approximately 49 acres (20 hectares) of land. During the Byzantine period, these walls circled the entire city. You can explore two inner fortresses, two keeps, and various scenic viewpoints.
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Koules Fortress, Heraklion

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Sitting proudly at the harbor entrance to Heraklion on the magical island of Crete, Koules Fortress is a beautiful 16th-century Venetian-era fortress that draws tourists in with the promise of remarkable architecture, rich history, and sea views. The fortress’ interesting story starts with its construction.
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It’s believed the Arabs first fortified the site in the 9th or 10th centuries before a Byzantine tower was built, which was subsequently demolished in the 16th century to build the fortress we see today. To increase the area of the platform tourists cross to reach the castle, old ships were filled with stone and sunk. Koules Fortress was completed in 1540 but has been restored multiple times since.
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Kavala Fortress

Kavala is one of Greece’s most underrated cities. It offers tourists Greek charm, postcard-perfect scenery, golden-sand beaches, and rich history. The crown jewel of Kavala is Kavala Fortress, a breathtaking 15th-century castle that stands proudly above the city’s orange tiled-roofed houses. For starters, the fortress offers fantastic views of the Bay of Kavala.
Unfortunately, the castle isn’t as well preserved as others on our list, but it still has much to offer. You’ll find a beautiful round tower, a guardhouse, and a prison inside the tall stone walls. As you wander the grounds, keep your eyes peeled for the armories and gunpowder stores. If you time your visit, you can watch a show at the fortress’ open-air theater.
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White Tower, Thessaloniki

Thessaloniki, a port city in mainland Greece, is known for many things, including vibrant culture, festivals, and a stunning coastline. However, the city’s most iconic attraction is the White Tower. Sitting on the city’s waterfront, the White Tower is a 75-foot (23-meter) tall structure built in the 15th century.
It was built on top of a 12th-century Byzantine fortress but has stood alone since 1911, when its surrounding walls were demolished. During Ottoman rule, the tower became a prison and was notorious for its mass executions. The name White Tower was given to the structure when convict Nathan Guiledi whitewashed it in exchange for his freedom. Today, it’s a little friendlier, welcoming visitors as a museum.
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Castle of Mystras

Castle of Mystras, better known as the Archaeological Site of Mystras or ‘the Wonder of Morea,’ is a famous historical fortified town in mainland Greece. It’s famed for its 13th-century fortress, amphitheater, and lush surroundings. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the fortress was constructed on Mount Taygetos above ancient Sparta.
Therefore, it offers panoramic views of the olive and orange tree-dotted landscape as well as historic architecture. The Castle of Mystras was erected by the prince of Achaia, William of Villehardouin, before being conquered by the Byzantines and occupied by the Turks and Venetians. It was then abandoned in 1832. Today, Mystras is home to various exciting sights, including Agios Demetrios, the Convent of Panatassa, and the Constantine XI Palaeologus statue.
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Agios Nikolaos Fortress

Agios Nikolaos Fortress in Rhodes is another architectural masterpiece. This castle is a stand-alone fort at the end of the Mandraki Port pier. It was built in the 15th century by the Grand Master of the Order of St. John Zacosta. One of the things we love most about Agios Nikolaos Fortress is its proximity to Rhodes’ other key attractions.
It’s only a 13-minute walk from the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. Since the 17th century, the forts have also featured a lighthouse. The fort is a beautiful sight, but its impressive coastal views and views of the Old Town are a significant draw, too.
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Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos

The Venetian Castle of Nafpaktos, otherwise known as the Castle of Lepanto, remains one of Greece’s most well-maintained castles and fortifications, despite much of this hilltop fortification being covered in lush vegetation and trees.
The walls of the castle still stand strong, dominating the Nafpaktos skyline. In our opinion, the addition of trees inside and around only adds to its allure. The original walls belong to ancient times, but the present shape of the fort dates back to Venetian rule. You can walk up to the castle, but the walk is steep. However, the struggle is worth it because you’ll be treated to impressive landscape vistas and beautiful Greek architecture.
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