HomeDodecaneseKastellorizoThe Best 10 Things to Do in Kastellorizo Island

The Best 10 Things to Do in Kastellorizo Island

-

Also called Megisti, the little remote island of Kastellorizo lies at the easternmost edge of Greece and the Dodecanese complex. An important touristic attraction thanks to the 1991 Academy Award-winning motion picture Mediterraneo, it is known for the beauty of its harbor and its relaxed, laidback vibe. Here are some of the best things to see and do Kastellorizo Island, top attractions and activities.

Things to Do in Kastellorizo Island

kastellorizo island greece

Kastellorizo, the setting for Mediterraneo

This is where the 1991 Oscar-winning film Mediterraneo was shot, catapulting the island from obscurity to world fame. Audiences were entranced, not only with its beauty but with the open-heartedness, laid-back ambience and positive energy that shone through on celluloid. Kastellorizo has a viral power: stories and legends pass down from generation to generation and from country to country. And the backdrop is always the same: the deep blue of the Aegean. When you leave, you’ll also want to share your impressions of the island of the Red Rock.

The harbour: a technicolour amphitheatre

Lined with handsome old houses, Kastellorizo’s little harbour could be an advertisement for Dodecanese architecture. Two-storeyed, painted with vivid colours – not white – they climb the hill behind it like tiers in an amphitheatre, with the sea as the stage. Its different neighbourhoods – the Centre, Pera Meria (or Palameria), Kavos – still retain the atmosphere of a century ago.

kastellorizo island greece

Small island, long history

A stroll round to the older part of town is equivalent to an intensive history lesson. In Kastellorizo you’ll find a plethora of significant sights and attractions. Start at Kastello Rosso, where the castle erected by the Knights of St John on the russet hill, takes you back to the 14th century.

Climb the narrow iron staircase to where the Greek flag flutters for a wonderful view of the harbour. Below the castle is the beautifully preserved Lycian tomb, in haut-relief carved out of the rock. East of it lies the picturesque port of Mandraki and above it is the church of St Constantine and St Helen, the island’s cathedral with gothic features built on the site of an early Christian basilica.

megisti island greece

A trip to the Blue Caves

Some say this is the most stunning grotto in the Mediterranean. Arriving here by boat, you may agree. By some magical means, the sunlight reflected at the back of the cave paints the water an unbelievable shade of Aegean blue, which can be neither described nor captured in photos.

Wuthering heights up at Ai Giorgi

275, 276, 277… only a few more steps to go. You’re climbing the steep path from Horafia to the top of a high hill for a reason. Not only will you be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view but you’ll also find yourself at the fortified monastery of Ai Giorgi tou Vounou (St George of the Mountain).

how to get to kastellorizo (meis) island

The Lady of Rho, a legend in our times

The islet of Rho (also called Agios Georgios or Rhopi) lies to the southwest of Kastellorizo. For Greeks it has special, symbolic importance thanks to a remarkable woman, Despina Achladioti, who lived there completely alone for 40 years. What started as a patriotic act of resistance during the Nazi Occupation continued until her death. Every morning she raised the Greek flag on this remote outpost and took it down every evening as the sun set. Any would-be invader would have to contend with her first.

Ancient Museum of Kastellorizo

You’ll find a remarkable collection of artefacts from ancient and Byzantine times here, as well as pieces of local craft that will initiate you into the traditions of the island.

The date of this article on our blog may seem new due to some updates. The content of the article reflects the author's own opinion and it is possible that some information in the article, such as price and transportation, may have changed. We kindly ask you to take it into consideration.

Is it over? It's not over!

Discover Those Places

en_GB