The Basics
| Pronunciation | Kastel-loh-rizzo |
|---|---|
| Alternate Island Name | Megesti |
| Transportation | Air, ferry, hydrofoil |
| Main Attractions | The Blue Grotto |
| Food | Limited but good choices |
| Accommodations | Limited but good choices |
Kastellorizo Characteristics
Kastellorizo is the easternmost part of Greece and Europe, only 1 1/2 miles from Turkey. It lies 72 miles to the S.E. of Rhodes and 328 nautical miles from Piraeus. A tiny and rocky island, with only 9 sq. km of land mass and 19 km of coastline, its population is 280. It is the largest of a group of 14 islets and thus its official name of Megesti (the biggest).
Island Features
The movie Mediterraneo was filmed here. Many Italians visit the island in summer, and plenty of Australian-Greek Kastellorizians. There are no sand beaches, only pebbled ones in small coves with wonderfully clear water and excellent fishing, including oysters–very rare in Greece.
The island was named for the red castle that once dominated the main port. Kastellorizo Town's castle was last rebuilt by Juan Fernado Hereia Grand Master of the Knights of St. John. An ancient acropolis occupied the spot previously.
There are no beaches, but you can sun on the rocks like a contented seal, and the snorkelling is excellent. You can swim out to the tiny islets that Kastrellorizo broods over like a mother hen.
Towns
Kastellorizo Town is the only settlement. Near the waterfront it's spruced up with nice houses with red-tiled roofs. The back streets are less attractive. Knights of St John Castle stands above the quay. You can see all the way to Turkey from the castle grounds.
From the harbor a path leads to a Lycian tomb cut into the rock and sporting Doric columns. These type of tombs are most commonly found in Turkey across the strait. Other finds may be seen in the Museum (Tues-Sun, 7:30-2:30) including photos of the town before its devastation by earthquakes and the War.
Zigzagging white stone steps lead to Moni Agiou Georgiou in Kastellorizo Town. Outside of town, there's a monastery at Moni Agiou Stefanou, on the north coast.
An hour from town by boat is Parastas Cave or the Blue Grotto. This famous cave is known internationally for its wonderful rock formations. It is the largest sea cave in Greece and seals frolic in it. When the light is right, the entire cave turns blue. There are inexpensive boat trips to the grotto and surrounding islets, including Rho, where a nationalist heroine became famous for raising the Greek flag each day.
Drinking and Dining
The waterfront is quite active with several taverns and most amenities.
Accommodations
Email Us for information about accommodations on Kastellorizo.
History
This island has been conquered by just about everybody including Crusaders, Venetians, Egyptians and the Turk to whom it surrendered peacefully and was awarded special status. It was an Italian possession until 1948 and was bombed almost to the ground during WW II. Many of the islanders emigrated to Australia and over 10,000 of them live in Perth.
Hints from Harry
Day trips to Turkey are possible from Kastellorizo. You can get a boat to Kas, Turkey, along the waterfront.
If you go to the Blue Grotto, wear your swimsuit because you'll get wet and go in the morning when the light is best. See more photos of Kastellorizo.
Maps
The Complete Details
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