Kastelorizo, the easternmost island of the Dodecanese and of Greece is a small paradise on earth, a place ideal for quiet and peaceful holidays. It has fine beaches with crystal clear waters, unique natural beauties and hospitable residents.
Kastellorizo is one of the most beautiful Greek islands with a rich nautical tradition and an important history.
The tourist infrastructures are very good and satisfy all demands. You will find small hotels, apartments and rooms to let, providing all comforts, taverns, cafes etc.
In the island there is no public transport. You will visit it by foot or by boat.
KASTELORIZO is the harbor and the only settlement of the island.
The picturesque capital is built around the sides of a protected bay on the north coast. It is a small, quiet town with beautiful two or three-storey houses painted in vivid colors in the local architectural style.
Just behind them lies the castle of the Knights of the order of St. John built in the 14th century on an impressive red rock that gave the island its actual name (Castello Rosso = Castellorizo). Today, only parts of its exterior walls and of some of its towers are still intact. Sections are preserved of an outer fortification wall and three towers. Below the fortress is a tomb in the form of a small temple dug into the rock; it dates from the late 5th – early 4th c. BC. and is in a good state of preservation.
Ascending the 401 steps on the eastern side of the town, one reaches the monastery of St. George Tou Vounou. Inside the monastery there is a catacomb and Saint Charalambos.
The church of Saints Constantine and Helen (1835) is also of interest. It is the Cathedral church of Megisti and has several Gothic elements. It is a church of exceptional art, with a three-nave basilica, rich icons, marble icons screens and a tall marble bell tower.
Neolithic tools have been found at Paleokastro, 2 kilometers south-west of the town, and many cisterns and Ancient and Byzantine buildings are also preserved here. In the castle precincts are two churches, next to each other: one of the Panagia Kastrou and one of Agios Stefanos.
At Limenari, the remains are preserved of “Cyclopean” walls and there are the remains of ancient tombs at Avlonia.
The Archaeological and Folklore Museum, housed in a bastion of the castle contains some important items.
Nearby the island’s port there are coasts ideal for swimming (Faros, Plakes, Mandraki)
One of the major sights of the island is the Grotto of Parasta, or Fokiali (Blue Grotto), which can be visited by boat. Its interior is decorated with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. It is one of the most beautiful marine caves in Mediterranean.
NEARBY ISLANDS
The uninhabited islet of RO is situated 3 nautical miles north of Kastelorizo. The islet became famous from Kyra of Ro, Despina Achladioti, the only resident, who for years looked out for the island and raised the Greek flag every morning.
The coasts of the little uninhabited islets Ro, Strongyli, Agios Georgios are ideal for swimming.
TRADITION – EVENTS
There are many traditional festivals on Megisti, outstanding amongst them being the celebrations for Easter, which are accompanied by local dances and songs.
The most important one is on 20th July for the celebration of Prophet Elias. Also, on the 13th of September there are celebrations for the Day of Independence of the island. The feast of St. Paraskevi is held in June and of the Assumption of Virgin Mary in August.
LOCAL PRODUCTS – CUISINE
In the taverns and restaurants of the island you will taste fresh fish and the traditional local recipes. Don’t miss to taste the delicious local sweets as katoumaria (sweet pie), lazarakia, strava sweets and soumada drink.
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