Ancient Kamiros
Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Ancient Kamiros, a Dorian city offering a glimpse into ancient life and stunning Aegean views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Ancient Kamiros
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temperatures
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the remarkably preserved ruins of Ancient Kamiros, a Dorian city offering a glimpse into ancient life and stunning Aegean views.
"One of the best sites I’ve ever been. Very well preserved & the view is stunning."
🚗 Rent a Quad for Freedom
Explore the west coast and reach Ancient Kamiros easily. The drive is scenic!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain across a large site.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hellenistic Houses
Residential Area
Explore remarkably preserved ancient homes, offering a glimpse into daily life with their central courtyards and room layouts.
City Layout and Cisterns
Upper City
Marvel at the discernible outline of the ancient city and understand the ingenious water management systems of the past.
Panoramic Aegean Views
Hillside Location
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of the sparkling Aegean Sea from the elevated position of the ancient city.
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Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Ancient Kamiros
Getting to Ancient Kamiros
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Rent a Quad for Freedom
Explore the west coast and reach Ancient Kamiros easily. The drive is scenic!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain across a large site.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the ruins.
🧐 Read the Signboards
Informative signs enhance understanding of the ancient structures.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Rent a Quad for Freedom
Explore the west coast and reach Ancient Kamiros easily. The drive is scenic!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on uneven terrain across a large site.
💧 Bring Plenty of Water
Especially during warmer months, stay hydrated while exploring the ruins.
🧐 Read the Signboards
Informative signs enhance understanding of the ancient structures.
📸 Capture Stunning Views
The hillside location offers incredible photo opportunities of the ruins and sea.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ancient Kamiros for its remarkable preservation, offering a clear view of an ancient city's layout and ingenious infrastructure like cisterns. The breathtaking Aegean views and the historical significance as a Dorian city are major draws. While the entrance fee is considered reasonable, some note that on-site facilities like toilets could be better maintained.
"Even after a thousand years, you'll find fascinating remains of a sophisticated culture here. This place is huge, with many spots to explore. It's truly breathtaking what the people of Rhodes were able to accomplish so many years ago. The entrance fee was €10, but considering what you'll see, it's reasonable. Parking was free."
František Tulec
"One of the best sites I’ve ever been. And I’ve been to many, because I’m an ancient historian. ;) Love how you could see the layout of the town and how the cisterns worked back in the day. The view is stunning. Must see when you’re in Rhodes. Very friendly people who work there as well."
Robert Visscher
"Kameiros was one of the major cities of the island, the other two being Lindos and Ialyssos, and all of three being of Dorian (a major ancient Greek tribe) origin, whose coalition built the city of Rhodes in the late 5th century BC, a polis that evolved into a major regional player in the ancient world.
Though the building of Rhodes naturally shifted much of the interest of the local population there, the city of Kameiros remained in use for approximately another millenia.
Its disuse after that and its distance from urban centers that evolved significantly in the following ages left it considerably well preserved. The outline of the city and most of its buildings is quite discernable.
Thus, though not even nearly as spectacular as Lindos, it is well worth a visit. The ascent is much less tiresome, the ruins are impressive, and the view is wonderful."
George Syros
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most convenient way to reach Ancient Kamiros is by car or quad bike, taking approximately 1 hour from Rhodes Town. The drive along the west coast is scenic, passing through villages and olive groves. Public transport is limited, so renting a vehicle is highly recommended for flexibility.
Yes, free parking is available at the site, making it easy for visitors arriving by car or quad.
For a scenic journey, take the inland route passing through villages and olive trees. This route offers beautiful views and a sense of discovery.
Absolutely! Ancient Kamiros is a perfect destination for a day trip from Rhodes Town, especially when combined with exploring the west coast.
While not explicitly mentioned in the provided content, it's common for tour operators on Rhodes to include Ancient Kamiros in their itineraries. Inquire with local tour providers for options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is approximately €10 per person. Many visitors find this reasonable given the size and preservation of the site.
Information on specific discounts is not readily available, but it's always worth inquiring at the ticket office for potential student or senior rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official website or local tourist information for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Online ticket purchasing options are not explicitly mentioned, but it's becoming increasingly common for historical sites. Check the official website for any online booking facilities.
The site involves walking on uneven terrain and inclines. While some areas are accessible, visitors with mobility issues should be prepared for challenging paths.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore the well-preserved layout of the ancient city, including residential areas with Hellenistic houses, public buildings, and ingenious cisterns. The panoramic views are also a major highlight.
Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to thoroughly explore the site, taking your time to appreciate the ruins and the stunning scenery.
Yes, toilets are available on-site. However, some reviews suggest they could be better maintained.
Yes, while Lindos is more spectacular, Ancient Kamiros is well worth a visit for its excellent preservation, discernible city layout, and impressive cisterns. The ascent is also less strenuous.
Ancient Kamiros was one of the three major Dorian cities on Rhodes, contributing to the founding of the city of Rhodes. It remained in use for about a millennium and is remarkably well-preserved due to its distance from later urban development.
📸 📸 Photography
The elevated positions offering panoramic views of the Aegean Sea are fantastic. Also, focus on the architectural details of the Hellenistic houses and the intricate layout of the city.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' provides beautiful, soft light that enhances the ancient ruins and the sea views. Morning light is also excellent.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with local authorities or the site management before flying a drone to ensure compliance.
Generally, photography for personal use is allowed. However, commercial photography or the use of tripods might require special permission.
A versatile lens (e.g., 24-70mm) is useful for capturing both wide landscapes and architectural details. A wide-angle lens is great for the panoramic views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities are limited. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for navigating the uneven terrain. Consider visiting during the cooler parts of the day to make the exploration more enjoyable for younger children. The panoramic views can also be a fun element for kids to appreciate.
🏛️ History Enthusiasts & Archaeologists
As one reviewer, an ancient historian, noted, it's one of the best sites they've ever visited. The ability to see the layout of the town and how the cisterns worked provides invaluable context for understanding ancient civilizations. The site's historical significance as one of the three major cities of Rhodes adds another layer of importance.
🚗 Road Trip Adventurers
Combine your visit to Kamiros with stops at other points of interest along the west coast. The flexibility of having your own vehicle allows you to set your own pace and truly immerse yourself in the diverse landscapes and historical sites of Rhodes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ingenuity of Ancient Kamiros' Water Systems
These systems highlight the resourcefulness of ancient civilizations in adapting to their environment. The ability to efficiently collect and conserve water was a hallmark of advanced societies, and Ancient Kamiros stands as a testament to this. Exploring these features provides a deeper appreciation for the daily lives and challenges faced by the people who once called this city home.
The well-preserved nature of these cisterns, along with the overall city layout, makes Ancient Kamiros a valuable site for understanding ancient urban planning and infrastructure. It's a fascinating look into how a community thrived in this Mediterranean setting centuries ago.
Exploring the Hellenistic Houses
Walking through these remnants, you can visualize the arrangement of rooms, imagining where people slept, ate, and socialized. The descriptive signboards at the site further enhance this experience, providing context and details about the daily lives of the inhabitants. It’s a vivid glimpse into ancient domesticity that is both educational and engaging.
The preservation of these residential areas is remarkable, allowing visitors to appreciate the layout and functionality of homes from over two millennia ago. It’s a stark contrast to the grand public buildings often found at other archaeological sites, offering a more intimate perspective on ancient life.
The Strategic Importance and Preservation of Kamiros
Its remarkable state of preservation is largely attributed to its disuse after the ancient period and its distance from major urban centers that evolved significantly over the centuries. This isolation meant the ruins were less likely to be quarried for building materials or disturbed by subsequent development. As a result, the outline of the city and most of its buildings remain quite discernible, offering an exceptional archaeological experience.
This preservation allows historians and visitors alike to study the urban planning and societal structure of an ancient Greek polis. The site provides valuable insights into the daily lives, economic activities, and architectural styles of its inhabitants, making it a key location for understanding the broader history of the Aegean region.
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