Kastelorizo - (Castelorizo - Meghisti)
In ancient times Castelorizo was known as Meghisti (large), perhaps the origin name after the first settler Meghisteas, or according to another version because Castelorizo is the only large island of the 14 small island in the archipelago.
Welcome to Kastelorizo island
You may be forgiven for not having made acquaintance with Kastellorizo previously, but once visited, never forgotten. This beautiful little island is the jewel of the Dodecanese and is the southernmost of the Dodecanese islands. With a little under 300 inhabitants, Kastellorizo is open and ready for business all year round, offering its visitors, peace, tranquility and plenty of heartfelt hospitality.
Dip in the sea
There are no beaches here which is why the water is crystal clear and deep azure. If you fancy a dip in the sea to cool off, there are plenty of steps along the harbour to enable you to do so. You will see turtles swimming right up to the quayside and if you’re very lucky you may glimpse one of the monk seals.
Kastelorizo (Meghisti)Village
is the islands only settlement and the main port, (allegedly the best between Piraeus and Beirut). In world war two it was bombarded by the Germans, the British set fire to the whole village quarter with the prestigious mansions.
The vibrant life at the waterfront, colourful three storey mansion houses, many tavernas with seafront terraces, shops and coffee houses, The narrow street behind the seafront is being restored to its former glory. A new ferry quay and increased number of moorings for leisure boats any size and style surrounding the port/harbour area.
Sleeping in the Village
Accommodation at the end of July and whole of August is in very short supply - Book in advance. Out of high season you will most of the time find a bed and if you arrive by ferry you will be met by offers when ferries dock.
Megisti Hotel Located on the edge of the port/harbour, a 2 minute walk to the main square. All modern facilities. 19 rooms (including 4 suites) all rooms with sea view. Also a safe spot for swimming.
Poseidon Hotel Located on the west side of the port/harbour. Varied accommodation to high standard, read more on their web site. Poseidon is family owned who run the hotel. they also own Stratos Cafe, just a few steps from the hotel.
Sights
On foot, you can visit the island’s museum, the Lycian tomb, the castle built by the Knights of St. John and if you want to keep fit you can climb the 401 steps to the St. George monastery (although the locals suggest you take the taxi up and walk down) If you did decide to make the journey on foot in the hotter weather it is advisable to take plenty of water with you and go up early morning.
To get around
There are only one taxi and one minibus down to the harbour, but as it is such a short trip, it doesn’t take long to ferry all the passengers down to the square, which is the drop-off point as no traffic is allowed on the quayside.
Nightlife for the more relaxed visitor
Kastellorizo offers much in the way of nightlife for the more relaxed visitor. There are no noisy bars or clubs, but the wonderful array of tavernas that stretch out along the quayside stay open late into the night serving traditional Greek food and fresh fish.
Kastellorizo Island
A very small, friendly and intimate island where nothing is too much trouble. Once you have walked up and down the harbour front and said Good Morning (Kalimera) to the locals, you pretty much know everyone! Less than 2 km to the resort of Kas in Turkey, Kastellorizo offers plenty of boat trips.
Blue Cave
A must-see is the fantastic Blue Cave where you can see the stunning stalactite formations.
There is a water taxi that will take you around to the nearby St Georges cove
where you can relax on a sunbed; and plenty of trips to the stunning Blue Cave.
Blue Cave brilliant YouTube presentation by Kevork7. Sit down and enjoy!
Getting here
By air
Kastelorizo airport KZS is about 3.5 km south of the Kastelorizo Village. Although it is possible to walk the distance, a minibus and the island's only taxi is available for transfer. Flight arrivals from Athens and Rhodes only.
By sea
In the summer, there are at least 2 ferries from Piraeus to Kastelorizo every week. The ferry from Athens to Kastelorizo lasts for about 21 hours.
Throughout the peak season, there are at least 2 ferries from Rhodes to Kastelorizo every day. The ferry trip from Rhodes to Kastelorizo lasts for 2.5-3 hours.