Located east of Crete, Kasos is the southernmost island of the Dodecanese archipelago. Boasting an untouched rugged terrain, its non-touristic character attracts visitors looking to escape the crowds and relish in the charms of an offbeat destination. Things to do in Kasos further reveal the island’s authentic side, brimming with myriad colors, customs, and culinary curiosities.
Take a Boat to Armathia
Although Kasos has a small airport, one of the best ways to reach the island is by boat. You can book ferry tickets to Kasos from Athens, Crete, Santorini, and other places via Ferryscanner. Even if you arrive by sea, taking a boat to explore the coastline of the island and its neighbors is an unmissable thing to do in Kasos.
One such day trip commences with a short boat ride to the uninhabited island of Armathia. On this secluded land, you’ll find remnants of a thriving town setup to mine minerals used for making plaster.
Armathia’s natural charm, though, lies in its stunning sandy and rocky coastline. Many argue that with its soft sand, blue-green water, rocky outcrop, and picturesque location, Marmara is among the best beaches in Greece. While this beach in Armathia has no services and little shade, it is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and endless hours of sunbathing.
Discover the Churches of Kasos
Kasos is home to over a hundred big and small churches and monasteries. Often built on high ground, several of these sacred spots offer magnificent panoramas of the surroundings. Another unique aspect of the churches in Kasos is that many of them have red terracotta painted rooftops.
Agios Spyridon is the largest church on the island, located next to the harbor in Fry. Having four domes, it honors Saint Spyridonas, the island’s patron saint.
The Monastery of Agios Georgios in Hadies is an important pilgrimage stop on the island. Known for its carved wooden iconostasis, there are guesthouses around the temple where visitors can stay overnight.
Lastly, Exi Eglisias is an unusual construction in Panagia that consists of six side-by-side churches. Built to ward off evil spirits, each church is dedicated to a different saint.
Visit the Museums of Kasos
If searching for things to do in Kasos that provide insight into the island’s artistic and historical past, plan a visit to the Archaeological Collection of Kasos.
Situated inside the old Town Hall of Fry, the museum exhibits a fascinating collection of artifacts dating back to the prehistoric era. Also on display are Hellenistic inscribed stones as well as tokens from the Greek War of Independence in 1821 and the Kasos Massacre of 1824.
Another quaint little gallery in Kasos is the two-room Folklore Museum in the village of Arvaitochori. Here, you’ll see items from everyday life on the island, from oil press equipment to agricultural tools and traditional clothing.
Have a Cheesy Day Out
Gourmands looking to enjoy a regional specialty will find tasting the variety of island-produced cheeses to be one of the main epicurean things to do in Kasos.
Made using milk from goats and sheep who wander around freely eating fragrant herbs, Kasos cheese is distinct in its texture and taste. Mitato is a traditional shepherd’s hut, dotted around the island, where locals typically make and store the cheese. However, Bonapastis is a recently opened dairy that tourists can visit to learn about cheese production.
Among an array of options, some must-try cheeses are Myzithra, a fresh and soft cheese, and Elaiki, which is Myzithra matured in butter for a couple of months. Then there’s Meriareno, known for its spiciness, and the salty Almirotiri. Sitaka, with its soft texture, is the most popular of all the Kasos cheeses, used in pasta dishes and as a spread.
Visit a Captain’s House
The island has a proud maritime heritage. Thus, among the quintessential cultural things to do in Kasos is paying a visit to a captain’s house. These traditional homes provide a glimpse into island life, especially that of locals living and working out in the sea.
There are several captain’s houses across the island, especially in the village of Agia Marina. However, almost all of them are private. Nevertheless, if you request the residents, they are often more than happy to invite you in for a look around.
On the other hand, the House of Ioulia Daskalaki is a traditional Kasiotiko home open to the public. Located in Fry, the house has on display antique furniture, household items, and artifacts that are an integral part of the island’s culture.
Indulge in Local Culinary Specialties
As is the case with several Greek islands, Kasos offers its own set of distinct and delectable culinary specialties. Influenced by Italian, Cretan, Egyptian, and Greek cuisines, the food promises robust flavors derived from homegrown provincial produce.
From squid cooked in wine to rice in squid or cuttlefish ink, known as soupiopilafo, seafood in Karos is fresh, rustic, and a must-try. Equally famous are dormaes. The island version of vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat, or seafood, differs in size from elsewhere in Greece. In Kasos, the dolma is cone-shaped and petite, with a prominent lemony taste. Kolokithopoulia, stuffed courgette flowers, is another local favorite worth trying.
Pasta lovers are in for a treat while staying in Kasos. Makarounes is the local variety of pasta, slightly thick, short, and handmade by resident women. Most tavernas on the island serve makarounes mixed with sitaka cheese and caramelized onions.
Two unique desserts from Kasos make for the perfect sweet treats to accompany a hot cup of Greek coffee. Moschopoungia is a tiny phyllo pastry pouch having almond and rose water filling. Xerotigana, commonly known as diples, is a festive recipe that includes frying thin strips of dough and dousing them in hot sugar syrup.