Exploration of the extensive but partially excavated ruins of Ancient Kamiros, one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes. The site spreads over a hill above the sea with remarkably well-preserved remains of streets, houses, baths, and temples. Fewer visitors than Lindos.
Ancient Kamiros is one of the three ancient cities of Rhodes — alongside Lindos and Ialyssos — located on the island's northwest coast in the South Aegean region of Greece, approximately 35 kilometres southwest of Rhodes Town. Unlike the towering acropolis of Lindos, Kamiros spreads across an open hillside above the sea with an unusually complete preserved street grid, offering an intimate view of a classical Greek city from the 5th and 4th centuries BC.
The site entrance is reached by car or tour bus via a signed road off the main west coast highway. Parking is available at the entrance at no charge. No advance booking or special permit is required; standard archaeological site admission applies (approximately €8, with free admission on certain national public holidays). The site typically opens at 8 AM and closes at 3 or 4 PM depending on the season; checking current hours before visiting is advisable.
The walk through the site covers approximately 3 kilometres in a loose loop, ascending from the lower residential quarters to the elevated temple terrace above. Elevation gain is around 50 metres across the hillside. The surface is compacted earth and ancient stone paving, maintained but uneven in sections. Low rope barriers define the visitor paths between excavated structures, and visitors are asked to remain on the marked routes.
Key landmarks include the lower agora and Hellenistic stoa with original column bases, a remarkably well-preserved domestic water cistern that served the ancient population, restored Doric temple foundations on the upper terrace dedicated to Athena, and a large reservoir at the site's highest point. Views from the temple terrace extend over the coastline and across to the Turkish coast on clear days. Information panels in English and Greek explain the excavation history and site layout.
There is no on-site cafe or drinking water within the ruins; water and snacks should be brought from nearby Soroni village. The site is substantially quieter than Lindos and frequently visited by only a handful of people at a time. Ancient Kamiros pairs naturally with the Valley of the Butterflies (Petaloudes), located approximately 10 kilometres to the north on the same west coast road.
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Rhodes
- Best season
- April-June, September-October
Highlights
- Ancient street grid preserved
- Temple of Athena
- Cistern system
- Sea views from upper site
Tips for visiting
- Far fewer visitors than Lindos — often practically empty
- Combine with the Valley of the Butterflies nearby
- The upper terrace has the best views
When to visit
April to June and September to October offer comfortable temperatures and clear sea views from the upper terrace. July and August visits are best made at opening time (8 AM) to avoid the full afternoon heat, as the hillside site has virtually no shade. Midweek visits typically encounter the fewest other visitors.
Accessibility
The Ancient Kamiros site occupies a sloping hillside with compacted earth paths, uneven ancient stone paving, and rope-bordered excavation trenches. The lower portion near the entrance is relatively flat and partially accessible for those with limited mobility, but the upper temple terrace requires ascending an uneven slope. The site is not fully accessible for wheelchair users.
Frequently asked questions
What makes Ancient Kamiros different from the Lindos Acropolis?
While Lindos focuses on a dramatic hilltop acropolis, Kamiros preserves an unusually complete ancient street plan including residential areas, a water supply cistern system, and a stoa, giving a more complete picture of how a classical Greek city functioned day-to-day. Kamiros also attracts far fewer visitors than Lindos.
What are the current opening hours and admission fee?
Ancient Kamiros is typically open from 8 AM to 3 or 4 PM (hours vary by season and may change). The admission fee is approximately €8. Admission is free on certain national public holidays; checking in advance with the Greek Ministry of Culture website is recommended.
Is the site suitable for children?
Yes, the open hillside layout with cleared paths between ruins is manageable for children who can walk on uneven ground. There are no significant drop hazards within the defined visitor paths, though the site has virtually no shade so hats and sunscreen are essential in warm months.
Is there transport from Rhodes Town to Kamiros?
KTEL buses serve the west coast road with stops near the Kamiros turn-off, though service is infrequent. Rental cars, scooters, and organised archaeological day tours from Rhodes Town are the most practical options for reaching the site comfortably.