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Sightseeing in Kastellorizo

The oldest and most important site on the island is Palaiokastro. An ancient settlement in the west of the island, which contains buildings, cisterns and a Doric Acropolis from the 3rd century BC, where there survives an inscription with the name “Megisti”. Palaiokastro is located approximately 1 km from Hora, as the capital of the island is known.

One of the most picturesque points on the island, which is perfect for an afternoon’s stroll, is the mole of Kordoni in the port, with its colourful and restored neoclassical houses, and the tavernas and ouzo restaurants.

The Castle of the Knights of the Order of St John (Castello Rosso) dominates the island on the red rocks from which it took its name. Today, only its ruins and its walls survive. In the region you can also see the ruins of the Turkish hammam (baths) and some half-hanging windmills, one of which has been renovated by the Municipality. You will certainly be rewarded for coming up here with the beautiful view over the port and the Turkish coasts.

At the foothills of the Castle, at the entrance to the port, is the Lycian Tomb, which has a Doric façade and dates from the 4th century BC. Its name comes from the area of Lycia in Asia Minor (today’s Turkey), which faces Kastellorizo.

Above Mandraki is the delightful Cathedral of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni (Saints Constantine and Helen), a three-aisled domed basilica. It is richly painted inside and has a marvellous belfry, while its roof is supported on twelve granite columns which were transported here from the temple of Apollo in Asia Minor.

A visit to the Diachronic Museum of Megisti-Kastellorizo is definitely worth it. Here you can admire invaluable archaeological finds, artefacts of the Early Christian and Byzantine periods, wall paintings of the 17th century as well as folk art objects.

The abandoned Monastery of Ai Giorgis tou Vounou (Saint George of the Mountain), built in the 18th century, stands at the summit of a path with 401 steps. The effort to climb up here from the port is definitely worth it, as this spot is exceptionally beautiful. There is a catacomb inside the Monastery church, where you can see a spring and a wall painting with the icon of the saint.

The beaches of Kastellorizo

Kastellorizo is famous for its crystal-clear waters and also for the fact that it does not have many beaches, as you can dive into the sea at any point from the waterfront and the rocks around the Castle.

At various points there are small steps to assist bathers with getting into the water. You can also take a day trip by boat to the Blue Cave (Galazia Spilia), to the island’s beaches and to the small, nearby islets.

Ideas for Excursions near Kastellorizo

The famous Blue Cave, or Cave of Parastas, is located here, at the most southern edge of the Mediterranean. It is one of the most remarkable sea caves in the Mediterranean region. Located in the south of the island, its entrance is not easily visible from the sea as it is particularly narrow. You enter the cave hunched over in a small boat, although once inside you can sense the size of the cave, its rich adornment of stalactites and the stunning colours of its interior. In the summer, depending on the weather, there are almost daily boat trips from the harbour to the cave.

Kastellorizo is located just 1 mile from the Turkish coasts, and so it is well worth planning a day trip to the town of Kas, ancient Antiphellus, in Turkey. Kas is known for its large bazaar and the interesting monuments in the region.

The islet of Ro, with its beautiful crystal-clear waters, lies next to Kastellorizo and so is ideal for a little trip and a swim. Boatmen from the island will take you from Kastellorizo to Ro, along a route that sometimes also takes in the Blue Cave. On Ro you can see the monument to Despina Achladioti, the celebrated “Lady of Ro”. She was the island’s last inhabitant and, after the Second World War raised the Greek flag every day for decades, until her death in 1982.

Shopping and Entertainment

From Kastellorizo you can go shopping in the bazaar of Kas on the opposite Turkish coasts. As you leave the island, make sure to stock up on the traditional sweets, such as strava, fried small baklavas cut into wonky pieces, as well as sykalaki glyko (sweet figs), halva spoon sweet and soumada syrup.

Kastellorizo is not known for its nightlife. The pace here is calm and visitors can enjoy strolls around the port and a coffee or relaxing drink in the few bars. Even so, on the island you can enjoy fresh fish which is plentifully available in the tavernas of the port.

Transport from the airport

You will land at Kastellorizo Island Municipal Airport, which is located just 4 km from Megisti, the capital of the island. The road that goes there is the only surfaced road on the island and comprises its entire road network. There are no cars on Kastellorizo aside from a few taxis and a local bus for the airport, which only runs during the summer months.

If you are looking for an island that is picturesque, small and quiet with deep, crystal-clear waters then this is the ideal place for you. Book cheap flights with Olympic Air and fly to the southernmost edge of Europe with Europe's best regional airline.