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
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…
20.54 MILES
Nestled amid the pines halfway to Hora, the Monastery of the Apocalypse focuses on the cave where St John lived as a hermit and received his revelation…
29.07 MILES
The island’s most important ancient site stands on a pine-covered hill 3km southwest of Kos Town, commanding lovely views across towards Turkey. A…
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…
Dibeklihan Culture & Art Village
26.2 MILES
In the all-but abandoned village of Yakaköy just off the road between Yalıkavak and Ortakent, this complex contains an art gallery, shops, the Dibek…
26.99 MILES
Didyma (now Didim) was a important religious centre, the site of the Oracle of Apollo. The astonishing Temple of Apollo here was once the ancient world's…
29.87 MILES
North of the Ancient Agora is the lovely cobblestone Plateia Platanou, where you can pay your respects to the Hippocrates' plane tree, under which…
29.8 MILES
Due to damage caused by an earthquake in 2017, Kos’ magnificent 15th-century castle is currently closed. Nevertheless, given its extraordinary location at…
Nearby Dodecanese attractions
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…