Pandeli Castle

Dodecanese


A steep, stony stepped path zigzags up from Platanos to reach the hilltop ruins of Pandeli Castle. The castle's oldest, innermost sections date back 1000 years, but the outer ramparts were added by the Knights of St John during the 14th and 15th centuries. Few structures now survive, but the 360-degree views from the walls are breathtaking. You can also drive here, along an exposed road that winds up from Pandeli past the windmills, where you'll find a cafe in summertime.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Dodecanese attractions

1. Archaeological Museum

0.3 MILES

A 19th-century building on the edge of Agia Marina, at the start of the climb up to Platanos, holds Leros’ small Archaeological Museum. Well-chosen…

2. Historic & Folklore Museum

1.43 MILES

Housed in an incongruous castellated villa on the seafront, this museum covers several aspects of local history. The upstairs rooms are given over largely…

3. War Museum

2.25 MILES

Who remembers now that a major WWII battle was fought on this remote little island? After British troops forced the Italians to surrender in September…

4. Archaeological Museum

15.51 MILES

Kalymnos’ modern Archaeological Museum is tricky to find, hidden in the backstreets behind the eastern end of Pothia’s waterfront. It’s worth the effort…

5. Nautical & Folklore Museum

15.78 MILES

On the central waterfront, this is more of a collection than a museum. The nautical section focuses on sponge fishing, displaying mighty stone weights…

6. Kalymnian House Museum

16.16 MILES

This private folk museum, located on the road past the turn-off to St Savvas, southwest of Pothia, is choc-a-block with old costumes, household goods and…

7. St Valsamidis

16.47 MILES

This unorthodox collection is the life's work of a local Kalymnian man, Stavros Valsamidis, who for 48 years undertook private dives, and amassed items…

8. Monastery of St John the Theologian

20.19 MILES

As this immense 11th-century monastery-cum-fortress remains active, only a small portion is open to visitors. The entrance courtyard leads to a…