Nestled at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Kastellorizo Island is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Known locally as Megisti, or “The Greatest,” this tiny island is a tranquil escape that offers a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Despite its small size, the island is packed with numerous attractions, from colorful architecture to crystal-clear waters. Visitors can explore the picturesque harbor, swim in the famous Blue Grotto, or simply soak up the serene atmosphere. This authentic Greek experience is a refreshing alternative to the crowds often found in more popular destinations.
You can enjoy a cosmopolitan creative vibe on this island, making it an ideal spot for those seeking seclusion and serenity. With its rich history and stunning landscapes, Kastellorizo is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.
Discovering Greece’s Easternmost Gem
As Greece’s easternmost island, Kastellorizo offers a unique blend of cultures and landscapes. You can explore the island’s distinct character, shaped by its strategic location just 2.5 km from the Turkish coast. This proximity has influenced the island’s architecture, culture, and way of life, making it a fascinating place to visit.
The Island’s Unique Character
Kastellorizo is a tranquil retreat with fewer than 300 permanent residents, offering a laid-back atmosphere that contrasts with more touristy Greek destinations. As you stroll along the waterfront, you’ll be struck by the island’s colorful neoclassical architecture, creating a theater-like setting with houses painted in contrasting shades of burgundy, baby blue, sunflower yellow, and cypress green. The island’s relaxed pace and picturesque scenery make it an ideal destination to spend your days exploring and unwinding.
A Brief History of Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo’s history is as rich as it is complex, with various cultures leaving their mark on the island. As a strategic trading post, it has been controlled by the Greeks, Ottomans, French, British, and Italians throughout the centuries. The island was a thriving 19th-century shipping port, but it was badly bombed and virtually abandoned after WWII. However, it is now experiencing a renaissance, thanks in part to the Oscar-winning film “Mediterraneo” shot on the island in the early 1990s, which became a catalyst for tourism and revitalization. The island’s multicultural heritage is still evident in its architecture, cuisine, and the warm welcome it offers to people from around the world.
How to Reach Kastellorizo Island
Reaching Kastellorizo Island is an experience in itself, with options to travel by air or sea. The island’s remote location means that travelers need to plan ahead, but the scenic views and unique experiences make the journey worthwhile.
By Air: Flights to Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo has a small airstrip that connects to Rhodes via domestic flights operated by Olympic Air. While flights are limited and can be affected by weather conditions, advance planning can ensure a smooth trip.
By Sea: Ferry Options
You can also reach Kastellorizo by ferry, with connections from Rhodes operating several times a week, depending on the season. The journey takes approximately 4-5 hours from Rhodes. Alternatively, you can take a ferry from Kaş, Turkey, which is just a 30-minute ride. Daily ferry services are available in summer, with reduced schedules in winter.
Ferry services offer a more leisurely trip, allowing you to enjoy the Mediterranean coastline. Private boat charters and water taxis are also available for those seeking more flexible travel arrangements.
Kastellorizo Island, Greece: Best Things to Do – Top Picks
With its rich history, picturesque villages, and crystal-clear waters, Kastellorizo is a destination that promises something for every traveler. From exploring the island’s vibrant harbor town to discovering its serene natural beauty, there’s no shortage of exciting experiences to be had.
Explore the Colorful Harbor Town
The heart of Kastellorizo is its colorful harbor town, a place that feels like stepping into a living theater set. The town’s distinctive architecture, with its brightly colored houses and charming narrow streets, invites you to explore its picturesque waterfront. As you wander through the town, you’ll discover a mix of traditional Greek culture and the island’s rich history.
Visit the Blue Grotto
A must-visit attraction on Kastellorizo is the Blue Grotto, a natural sea cave that dazzles with its magical blue light. To experience this wonder, you’ll need to take a boat trip and lie flat in a small boat to squeeze through the cave’s narrow opening. Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by the enchanting blue hue created by sunlight reflecting through the water, making for an unforgettable experience.
Hike to the Monastery of Saint George of the Mountain
For those who enjoy hiking, the journey to the Monastery of Saint George of the Mountain is a rewarding experience. The hike involves climbing 400 steps carved into the rocky hillside, but the effort is well worth it for the stunning mosaic floors and panoramic views from the top. The monastery is a serene spot that offers a glimpse into the island’s spiritual heritage.
Discover the Island’s Museums
Kastellorizo is home to several museums that offer insights into its history and culture. The Museum of Puzzles, run by Greek-Australian mathematician Pantazis Houlis, is a unique attraction with its collection of 4,000 puzzles and interactive experiences. Additionally, the Kastellorizo Historical Collection, housed in a former mosque, displays artifacts that tell the story of the island’s complex history during the 19th and 20th centuries.
Besides these attractions, Kastellorizo offers excellent swimming spots, such as Faros, Mandraki, and Plakes, with their crystal-clear waters. The island may not have sandy beaches, but its natural beauty and clear seas make it an ideal destination for those looking to enjoy the sea. For the best views, several vantage points around the island offer spectacular panoramas of the harbor and across to Turkey.
Island Hopping Adventures from Kastellorizo
As you explore Kastellorizo, you’ll discover the thrill of island hopping in the surrounding waters. The nearby islands offer a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture, making them perfect for day trips.
Day Trip to St. George’s Island
Take a boat trip to St. George’s Island (Agios Georgios), a tiny uninhabited islet with excellent snorkeling opportunities along its rocky coast. The island is home to a simple beach bistro run by a Greek-Turkish couple, Tsikos and Hurigul, who serve a menu that blends culinary traditions, including gozleme alongside Greek salad.
Exploring Ro Island
Ro Island is another gem worth exploring. You can enjoy excellent swimming and snorkeling spots, castaway coves, and a small Greek military base and lighthouse. To reach Ro Island, you can rent your own boat, take a sea taxi, or book an organized trip with local operators like Visit Kastellorizo.
It’s essential to bring your own provisions when visiting Ro Island, as there are no facilities for tourists. These island-hopping adventures provide a perfect day trip option for those staying on Kastellorizo for more than a day and offer a different perspective of Kastellorizo and the surrounding archipelago from the water, sailing around headland.
Whether you’re exploring St. George’s Island or Ro Island, you’ll experience the untouched beauty of the Greek islands, including the charm of a tiny island and the serenity of the surrounding waters.
Where to Stay: Kastellorizo’s Charming Accommodations
Your Kastellorizo adventure begins with choosing the right accommodations, where you can unwind in style. The island offers a range of charming hotels and homes that reflect its unique character and charm.
Mediterraneo Hotel
The Mediterraneo Hotel is a gem on Kastellorizo, offering a boutique experience like no other. With its seven rooms, this “maison de famille” is a haven of intimacy and elegance. The seaside terrace is a perfect spot to start your day, with brightly colored cushions and rugs beneath the arches of the quayside veranda.
The hotel’s pièce de résistance is its ground floor suite, which has direct access to the sea. Guests can enjoy a Levantine breakfast at the communal table, mingling with fellow travelers in an unpretentious atmosphere.
The Admiral’s House
The Admiral’s House is a three-bedroom mansion on the rocky shoreline, owned by Constantina Agapitou Crowley, daughter of the admiral who built this historic home. The blue-and-white interiors are filled with history and character, while the succession of waterfront terraces offers daybeds and step ladders into the sea.
Casa Mediterraneo
Casa Mediterraneo is housed in three neoclassical mansions, offering six suites painted in earthy tones that change with the sunlight throughout the day. Guests gather under a garden pergola for breakfast and can join an in-the-know crowd for sundowners or pop-up suppers by guest chefs.
While accommodation options are limited on the island, each hotel or home offers a unique character and charm that reflects Kastellorizo’s distinctive atmosphere, making your stay truly unforgettable.
Culinary Delights: Where to Eat and Drink
The taste of Kastellorizo is unmistakable, with its waterfront restaurants offering a dining experience like no other. As you stroll along the harbor, you’ll be greeted by the sight of colorful fishing boats moored outside tavernas, creating a picturesque backdrop for your meal.
Waterfront Dining Options
The waterfront dining scene is centered around the skinny strip known as the Kordoni or “shoelace.” Here, you can enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. Ta Platania, located on Saint George’s Square, is a charming taverna that looks like a film set, complete with gingham tablecloths and fairy lights. It’s a great place to try local specialties like octopus stifado and stuffed onions.
Other notable restaurants include Alexandra’s, known for its excellent seafood and chef-patron Michalis Papoutsis’s creative preparations of the day’s catch. Lazarakis is another popular choice, especially among the yacht set, offering dishes like baby Symi shrimps and lobster linguine. For a more authentic experience, visit Old Story, Old Time, a family-run taverna serving delicious fish soup, roast goat, and dolmades.
Local Specialties to Try
While dining in Kastellorizo, be sure to try some of the local specialties. You might enjoy Greek pork dishes, which are a treat for visitors from Turkey where pork is less common. Other local favorites include Greek sausages and traditional Greek salad. Don’t forget to try a frappe, a traditional Greek coffee preparation. As you enjoy your meal, you might even spot sea turtles swimming in the harbor, adding to the unique ambiance of your dining experience.
Practical Tips for Visiting Kastellorizo
As you plan your trip to Kastellorizo, here are some practical tips to keep in mind. The island is relatively easy to navigate, with only one tarmac road connecting the tiny airstrip to the picturesque harbour town. You can explore the town on foot or byboat, taking in the vibrant colors and charming architecture.
Getting around is simple, with just one taxi available, driven by Yorgos, who also holds the key to the monastery. You can enjoy a leisurely day trip or stay longer to experience the island’s serene atmosphere.
The best time to visit Kastellorizo is from June to September, although May and October offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Be sure to pack sturdy shoes for hiking, swimming gear for the crystal-clear waters, and sun protection for the Mediterranean climate.
- Bring enough cash, as ATM facilities are limited, although many establishments accept credit cards.
- Enjoy dinner at one of the harbour restaurants or private dinner parties, as there is virtually no nightlife on the island.
- Explore the side streets of Kastellorizo town to discover a mix of renovated villas and dilapidated buildings, telling the story of the island’s past.
- Be aware of sea urchins when swimming from rocky areas and bring water when hiking, especially during the summer months.
While the island is small, it’s worth staying at least one night to experience its tranquil atmosphere after the day-trippers have left. You can enjoy a peaceful evening stroll around the harbour, taking in the sights and sounds of this charming Greek island.
Conclusion
As you conclude your journey to Kastellorizo, you’ll find that this Greek island offers a unique blend of tranquility and cultural richness. The island‘s small size and relative isolation have preserved its character and charm, making it a special place for those seeking tranquility. While it may not offer the typical beach resort experience, Kastellorizo’s crystal-clear sea and colorful architecture provide a different kind of Greek island experience.
To fully appreciate the island‘s relaxed pace and hidden corners, a trip of 2-3 days is ideal. You’ll enjoy a perfect balance of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and simple pleasures that define the best of Greek island life. The proximity to Turkey adds an interesting cross-cultural dimension, especially for those interested in the region’s complex history. For those who appreciate its understated beauty and tranquility, Kastellorizo often becomes a place they return to year after year.
