KastelorizoDodecanese Islands · Greece

All About Kastelorizo

Kastelorizo (also written as Kastellorizo or Castellorizo), officially known as Megisti, is a Greek island roughly 2 kilometers off the coast of Turkey that officially belongs to the Rhodes regional unit. Its attraction lies in the isolated location as well as the beautiful scenery and no doubt upon your arrival, you will become totally enamored by both. The island is said to have taken its name from the 14th-century castle built by the Knights of the Order of St. John, the ruins of which overlook the port. It is a tiny island with only 430 permanent residents and is surrounded by the tiny uninhabited islets of Agios Giorgios, Agrielaia, Mavro Pini, Polifado, Ro, Strogili, Psomi, and Psoradia.

Kastelorizo has been inhabited since prehistoric times and was a trade port for the Dorians, Romans, Crusaders, Egyptians, Turks, and Venetians. The island’s economy flourished at one point and it had a very strong merchant fleet before being bombarded in the First and Second World War, forcing most of its residents to evacuate. The island has gained recent popularity after the making of the Oscar-winning movie Mediterraneo, which was filmed here, and you can discover even more of the island’s beauty on a local boat trip around the coastline.
 

Routes and Ferries to Kastelorizo

Book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner and sail to Kastelorizo from the port of Piraeus with Blue Star Ferries. The trip takes approximately 22 hours and stops off on the way to other islands. You can book your ferry tickets to Kastelorizo and sail from the islands of Symi (6.10 hrs), Tilos (8 hrs), Nisyros (9.20 hrs), Kos (11 hrs), Kalymnos (12.20 hrs), and Astypalaia (13.30 hrs). You can also choose to book your ferry tickets to Kastelorizo and sail from the islands of Patmos (12.50 hrs), Lipsi (12.35 hrs), Ikaria (15 hrs), and Fourni in 14.25 hrs with Hellenic Seaways. From Rhodes, the ferry crossing only takes 2.30 hrs with Dodekanisos Seaways or 3.40 hours with Blue Star Ferries.

Some domestic flights are available to Kastelorizo Airport, which is very small, from Athens, Thessaloniki, Rhodes, and Lesvos during the high season. If you are arriving at Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’, you can fly to Kastelorizo or take a flight to Rhodes and arrive in an hour. International flights also operate to Rhodes during the summer months and from there, the ferry crossing to Kastelorizo takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes so be sure to book your ferry tickets with Ferryscanner in advance.
 

Ports of Kastelorizo

The island of Kastelorizo has only one port, which can be found in the capital town of Megisti. All passenger ferries embark and disembark here and it also serves as a sheltered harbor for local fishing boats and sailing yachts.
 

Capital & Villages

Megisti

Megisti is the only remaining settlement on the island of Kastelorizo and it is here that you will find a charming port with all the necessary amenities. The small harbor houses are brightly colored and well preserved, displaying the typical characteristics of Dodecanese architecture. Megisti offers the visitor the simplistic beauty of an idyllic landscape and the traces of a Medieval past as observed by the old castle above the town. The archaic local dialect still exists today, revealing the proud Greek spirit of its few inhabitants. The only road on the island leads from here to the small airport.
 

Things to Do

Marvel at the Mansions

Walk around the port, which is often called Kordoni by the locals and was once a thriving maritime hub, to admire the lovely colorful mansions that reflect the island’s grandeur. Many of the neoclassical buildings are extremely well preserved in line with strict restoration guidelines to retain their character. Other buildings, such as New Market and City Hall were built during the Italian occupation and have an impressive architectural style of their own.

Check Out the Museum

The Kastelorizo Archaeological Museum is an interesting building in itself, once being part of the medieval castle of Agios Nicholas in Kastelorizo’s fortified precinct. Used by the Ottoman Turks as the governor’s headquarters and a barracks, it became a hospital during the French occupation and was again used as a barracks by the Italians. On display, you will find a small selection of archaeological finds from the Classical, Hellenistic and Roman eras, some Byzantine pottery, a large icon of Saint George and the dragon, and cultural artifacts such as a sponge diver’s suit.

Discover the Blue Cave

Catch a local boat excursion to visit the Blue Cave, which is a unique natural sea cave that is 75 meters long and 35 meters high. Also known as the Azure Grotto, it is the largest of its kind in Greece. There is a second chamber that has become home to the Mediterranean monk seal, monachus monachus. The ceiling is adorned with chandelier-like stalactites and the water has a deep blue color when the light is just right, making it a magical place to swim when sea conditions allow.

Visit a 4th-Century BCE Tomb

The Lycian rock-cut tomb with a Doric facade carved out of the rockface is the only one of its kind in Greece. It can be found by taking the ten-minute walk along the coastal path and up some stone steps onto a steep slope. The tomb shows the close links that peoples of the area had with the Lycians, who were an ancient race from Asia Minor.

Follow the Mountain Path

There is a white path that zigzags up the cliff from the harbor and with its 400 steps, it will take you about 20 minutes to get to the top. Once there, you will be taken aback by the spectacular sea views stretching out as far as the eye can see, and along to the coast of Turkey.

See the Mosque

There is a mosque in the main square that was built in 1753 by Osman Agha during the Ottoman occupation of the island from 1523-1913. The single lead-covered dome sits on a square structure and features a 23-meter high minaret. Its simple design meant it could be easily converted to a cultural center yet much care has been taken to maintain the integrity of this religious building, with the lovely terracotta tiled floors still visible.

Take a Tour

The tiny nearby islets are worth a visit and you can do so on a tour with a small water taxi from the harbor. They are all mostly unpopulated yet breathe the life and soul of past inhabitants, such as the island of Ro. Home to local heroine Despina Achladiotou, ‘The Lady of Ro’ (1898 – 1982), she and her husband kept goats on the island and were sure to raise the Greek flag every morning. At the harbor, you will find the small church of Agios Georgos of the Island. There is also a small beach there and it is a popular swimming and snorkeling spot.

Go For a Swim

There are no sandy beaches on Kastelorizo, so it is not the ideal destination if you are seeking a beach holiday. There are some rocky places where you can take a dip, with ladders making getting in and out of the water relatively easy, but you won’t find sun loungers and umbrellas here. The harbor is a popular swim spot and other areas include Kavos, Foros, and Plakes. The best option is to take one of the water taxis to enjoy the sea in a designated swimming area. The islet of Aghios Georgios is a good example, as well as the Blue Cave.

Sample the Local Flavors

You won’t find much nightlife on the island although there are a few bars and all-day cafés at the port. The family-friendly restaurants and traditional taverns are truly an unforgettable experience where you can enjoy freshly caught fish as you gaze up at the clear blue skies. Try the traditional sweet pastries with cinnamon while you are there, as well as halvas, strava (syrup-soaked phyllo bites with nuts), chickpea patties, stuffed goat, and fresh seafood, all washed down wonderfully with some local wine.
 

Transportation Around Kastelorizo

This is a small island with only one road serving the main harbor town, so there is no need for any kind of transport. Stay close to the capital or hike overland to explore the terrain, but do so on foot if you wish to enjoy it more. A couple of taxis are available but they mainly run to and from the airport, as does the local bus.