Dodecanese - Greece - page 962

reached the height of its powers in the 7th century BC. By the 4th century BC it had been
superseded by Rhodes. Most of the city was destroyed by earthquakes in 226 and 142
BC, leaving only a discernible layout. Ruins include a Doric temple , with one column
still standing, Hellenistic houses , a Temple to Athena and a 3rd-century great stoa .
It's best visited in the afternoon when there are few people to break the spell cast on your
imagination.

Ancient Kamiros to Monolithos Αρχαία Κάμειρος προς
Μονόλιθο

Picturesque Skala Kamirou , 13.5km south of ancient Kamiros, serves as the access port
for travellers heading to and from the island of Halki.
Just south of the harbour, before the town of Skala, is a turning for Kritinia. This will
lead you to the ruined 16th-century Kritinia Castle with awe-inspiring views along the
coast and across to Halki. It's a magical setting where you expect to come across Romeo
or Rapunzel.
The road south from here to Monolithos has some stunning scenery. From Skala
Kamirou the road winds uphill, with a turning left for the wine-making area of Embonas
about 5km further on. The main road continues for another 9km to Siana , a picturesque
village below Mt Akramytis (825m).
The village of Monolithos , 5km beyond Siana, has the spectacularly sited 15th-cen-
tury Castle of Monolithos perched on a sheer 240m-high rock and reached via a dirt
track. To enter, climb through the hole in the wall. Continuing along this track, bear right
at the fork for Moni Agiou Georgiou , or left for the very pleasant shingled Fourni
Beach .

Wine Country

From Salakos, head inland to Embonas on the slopes of Mt Attavyros (1215m), the is-
land's highest mountain. Embonas is the wine capital of Rhodes and produces some of
the island's best tipples. The red Cava Emery or Zacosta and white Villare are good
choices. You can taste and buy them at Emery Winery ( www.emery.gr ; Embonas;
9.30am-4.30pm April-Oct)

, which offers tours of its cottage production. You'll find it

on the eastern edge of town.
Detour around Mt Attavyros to Agios Isidoros , 14km south of Embonas, a prettier
and still unspoilt wine-producing village en route to Siana.