Like Ialysos and Lindos, Ancient Kamiros was a powerful city-state of Rhodes that prospered on the island throughout the Hellenistic Period. While the smallest of the three city-states, Kamiros played an important political and commercial role within the ancient societies of the island and is an essential stop along any tour of Rhodes.
One of the most impressive archaeological sites in Greece, Kamiros is sprawled across three levels along a picturesque path on the northwest coast of the island and boasts a vast collection of ancient ruins that retell the story of the city’s prosperity.
From the most impressive ruins to how to get to the ancient city and where to stay nearby, this is everything you need to know for a rewarding visit to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes.
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Visit Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes: A Brief Guide
Ancient Kamiros Opening Hours: 08:00 – 20:00
Ancient Kamiros Ticket Prices: €6 general admission; €3 reduced rate
Ancient Kamiros Address: Kameiros 851 06, Greece
Nearby Hotels: K Farm House | Lemon Tree’s House | Elli’s House
Tours: Ancient Kamiros Kritinia Fort Embona and Scenic Mt Profitis Ilias
Top Sights: Ancient Agora | Residential Area | Acropolis of Kamiros | Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Ancient Kamiros Map
Ancient Kamiros: A Brief History
The area around Kamiros is known to have been inhabited since prehistoric times and was mentioned alongside Lindos and ancient Ialyssos by Homer as being founded by the Dorians. However, despite its long habitation, the earliest evidence of significant city planning in the region dates back to the 8th century BC.
The city itself was developed over three levels. The Acropolis sat at the top of the hill and contained the Sanctuary of Athena, which underwent heavy development in the 6th century BC with the construction of the first Temple of Athena Kameiras.
The main settlement was found along the middle terrace and consisted of the city’s residential area organized in residential blocks and parallel streets as defined by the time period’s Hippodamian system.
On the lower level at the bottom of the hill is where the city housed the ancient agora. Here is where the ancient inhabitants of Kamiros conducted much of their political, commercial, and social interests, with the site containing many of the most important buildings.
For much of its early history, Kamiros thrived as an independent state. However, towards the end of the 5th century BC, it, along with Lindos and Ialyssos, united into a single state, establishing the city of Rhodes as the new centre of power.
Despite the relocation of the island’s political and social centre, Kamiros continued to prosper for the following centuries but was destroyed by two major earthquakes, the first in 226 BC and the second following centuries later in 142 AD.
While the first earthquake was followed by large-scale reconstruction, the city was largely abandoned after being destroyed for the second time, only to be rediscovered during excavations in the 19th century.
Things to See and Do in Ancient Kamiros
The Archaeological Site of Kamiros was largely uncovered during extensive systematic excavation by the Italian Archaeological School between 1928 and the end of the Second World War. The findings of these digs can still be explored on three levels throughout the site.
Level 1 - Ancient Agora
The first level at the base of the hill largely consists of the city’s agora. This was the political, social, and commercial centre of the ancient society and contained the remains of the city’s most important public buildings, including the market area, Hellenistic Sanctuary, the Fountain Square, public baths, and an old Doric temple believed to have been dedicated to the god Apollo.
Level 2 - Residential Area
The central terrace is the most extensive level of the city and largely consists of residential buildings and private dwellings. This level of the archaeological site allows visitors to explore the ruins of houses along with the early development of the Hippodamian System, which consists of a grid network of parallel streets and residential blocks, which is still largely used in city planning today.
Level 3 - Acropolis of Kamiros
Set at the top of the hill is the Acropolis of Kamiros. Here, you will find the Sanctuary of Athena, which contains many of the most religious buildings and monuments of the ancient city, including the Temple of Athena Kameirados, the Hellenistic Stoa, and the Archaic Cistern that once served as the city’s water reservoir.
Archaeological Museum of Rhodes
Although not technically part of the archaeological site, you definitely need to include a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes to complete your tour of ancient Kamiros. Found about 43 minutes from the ruins in the modern city of Rhodes, the archaeological museum contains many of the artifacts recovered from the site’s excavation and is really a requirement to paint the full picture of what life was like living in the ancient society.
How to Get to Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes?
There are a few ways you can get to the Archaeological Site of Ancient Kamiros. The cheapest way is to rely on public transportation. Set along the western side of the island, you are going to want to take the Roda Bus Company. There are six buses connecting the city of Rhodes to the modern village of Kalavarda daily between Monday and Friday (3 on Saturdays). From Kalavarda, you can hike to the archaeological site or take local transportation.
Alternatively, the easier option is to simply rent a car and drive to the site. Although more expensive, this offers the far more convenient and flexible option.
Where to Stay Near Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes?
You can visit the site while staying just about anywhere on the island, and the closest and most convenient base is the nearby village of Kavandara. Only minutes from the archaeological site, the village contains several charming hotels and homestays, but the following are by far the most popular.
FAQS About Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes
Where is Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes?
Ancient Kamiros is located along the northwestern shores of Rhodes Island in Greece’s Dodecanese Islands group. It is about 50 km from Rhodes Town.
How Much is Admission at Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes?
Ticket prices for Ancient Kamiros cost €6 for general admission and €3 for its reduced rate, which includes off-season visits.
How Long Do I Need to Explore Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes?
The archaeological site of Rhodes is fairly extensive. I would plan for at least an hour to two hours touring the facility, and a further hour exploring the Archaeological Museum of Rhodes back in the city.
What Are Some Other Archaeological Sites Near Ancient Kamiros, Rhodes?
If you enjoyed exploring the ancient city of Kamiros, you should plan to stop by these other nearby ancient sites during your stay in Rhodes.
- Acropolis of Rhodes
- Lindos Acropolis
- Feraklos Castle
- The Grandmasters Palace
