Greeces castle destinations offer the chance for romantic getaways all year round.
Valentines Day is approaching and, even if youre not a fan of the occasion, it is always a good excuse for a last-minute romantic getaway. In Greece you will find more than 1,000 castles, many of them medieval. In fact, quite a few of them can be destinations in their own right and are well worth a visit. We picked five castle towns where you can stroll and admire their fairy-tale architecture.
Monemvasia
It never ceases to amaze visitors, one of the countrys most popular castles that is unlike any other. The castle of Monemvasia feels as if time has stopped, built upon the rock on a small piece of land. The birthplace of Yannis Ritsos, where his house also stands, impresses people of all ages. Its worth choosing accommodation inside the castle town so you have immediate access to both the sights and the shops. Stone-built houses, little boutiques and restaurants along the picturesque alleys lie among Byzantine churches and guesthouses. At the summit towers the Acropolis of the Upper Town, with breathtaking views. If youre in the mood for a hike, head towards the Monemvasia Lighthouse, which stands at the edge of the rocky islet.
Nafplio
For many, it is the most romantic city in Greece. Nafplio, or Anapli, never stops filling up on weekends throughout the year. There youll find not just one, but three castles for endless wanderings. Palamidi is one of the most impressive in the country and beyond, as it is the largest and best-preserved fortress complex of the Venetian period from the 18th century . Whether you choose to climb its 857 steps or drive up, the visit will reward you.
At the other end of the old town youll come across the Fortress of Acronafplia, best walked at sunset, with views on one side of the sea and on the other of tiled rooftops that stretch to the harbor. One of the citys best-known and most popular sights is the famed Bourtzi opposite the seafront road on the island of Agioi Theodoroi, accessible by boat.
Ioannina
Ioannina is a city with a distinctive character and a long history, a romantic destination especially in the winter and spring months. In its historic center beside Lake Pamvotida lies the fortified town of Ioannina, a city within the city. Whichever gate you choose to enter, youll lose yourself in its stone-paved lanes. On your stroll youll come upon a neighborhood straight out of a movie set, as well as major sights such as the Museum of Silversmithing, the Byzantine Museum at the acropolis of Its Kale, the Fethiye Mosque and the Municipal Ethnographic Museum of Ioannina, in the Aslan Pasha Mosque.
Nafpaktos
A seaside castle town built at the foothills of Pindos, it captivates with its imposing beauty. It lies just 2.5 hours from Athens and offers endless options for going out and for excursions into the nature of Mountainous Nafpaktia. The fortifications of Nafpaktos begin at the Venetian harbor and culminate on a 200-meter-high hill. When the sun sets, youll see the city lit up like a fairy tale. On the ascent to the Castle, youll come across the City Clock and the Botsaris Tower. At the top, your gaze will travel across a living postcard, with the whole city spread out against the backdrop of the Rio - Antirrio Bridge.
Rhodes
Even if youre not an island lover in the winter months, Rhodes stands out as a destination for its vibrancy. The Palace of the Grand Master, or Castle of the Knights as it is widely known, lies in the medieval city of Rhodes and was built in the 14th century by the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. A UNESCO World Heritage monument, it stands vibrant before your eyes after so many centuries.The Palace, which served as the administrative center of the Knights and the residence of the Grand Master for two centuries, today operates as a museum with important exhibits from the ancient city of Rhodes and its evolution through the centuries.
