Feraklos Castle, Dodecanese Travel Guide

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Explore the ruins of Feraklos Castle in Haraki, Rhodes, for breathtaking views and a journey into medieval history.

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Feraklos Castle

Perched atop an 85-meter hill overlooking Haraki, Feraklos Castle is a ruined medieval fortress with Byzantine origins. Captured and fortified by the Knights of St. John in the early 14th century, it served as a vital defensive stronghold and refuge for local villagers. Today, its remains offer panoramic views and a glimpse into the island's rich history.

A brief summary to Feraklos Castle

Charaki, 851 02, GR

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Feraklos Castle.

Wear sturdy shoes for the climb to the castle, as the path is rocky and uneven.
Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat and crowds.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities at the castle.
Take your time exploring the ruins and enjoy the panoramic views of the coastline.
Combine your visit with a relaxing afternoon at nearby Haraki or Agathi beach.

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Explore Feraklos Castle on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Feraklos Castle, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Haraki beach, walk towards the left side of the bay. Follow the coastal path, which then turns into a rocky trail leading uphill to the castle entrance. The walk takes approximately 20-30 minutes from the village center. Be cautious of slippery rocks, especially on the steeper sections.
Public Transport

From Rhodes Town, take the KTEL bus towards Lindos or Gennadi and alight at Haraki. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour. From the main road in Haraki, walk towards the sea and follow the walking directions to the castle. Bus fare from Rhodes Town to Haraki is approximately €4-€7.
Taxi

Take a taxi from Rhodes Town or Lindos to Haraki. Ask the driver to drop you off at the base of the hill leading to Feraklos Castle. From there, follow the walking directions to the castle. A taxi from Rhodes Town to Haraki costs approximately €35-€50 and takes around 44 minutes. A taxi from Lindos to Feraklos Castle costs approximately €13-€16 and takes around 18 minutes.

Discover more about Feraklos Castle

Feraklos Castle, also known as Feraklou or Faraklenon Castle, stands as a ruined testament to Rhodes's medieval past. Located on the eastern coast, near the village of Haraki, the castle's strategic position atop a steep, rocky hill provided commanding views of the Aegean Sea and surrounding coastline.Originally built during the Byzantine era, Feraklos gained prominence in the early 14th century when the Knights of St. John captured and fortified it. It became their first possession on the island and a crucial part of their defensive network. The Knights expanded the castle, adding substantial walls, towers, and other structures. It served as an administrative and military center, a prison, and a safe haven for villagers during attacks.Despite withstanding numerous sieges, including a major Ottoman assault in 1445, Feraklos eventually fell to the forces of Suleiman the Magnificent in 1523. Following the Ottoman conquest, the castle was abandoned and fell into disrepair.Today, visitors can explore the castle's ruins, including remnants of its walls, towers, and interior structures. Coats of arms of the Knights and Grand Masters are still visible on some walls. The climb to the castle can be challenging due to the rocky terrain, but the panoramic views from the summit are well worth the effort.