Ten Suggestions to Discover Kastellorizo
Kastellorizo, also known as Megisti, is the easternmost inhabited point of Greece. It was ceded to Greece, along with the rest of the Dodecanese, by the Italians in 1948 after World War II. This small Dodecanese island spans just 9.1 square kilometers, situated 72 nautical miles from Rhodes and only 1.2 nautical miles north of Asia Minor. The island is part of a cluster of islands and islets, with Megisti being the largest (hence the name). Despite its small size, Kastellorizo offers a variety of experiences, the top ten of which are listed here in no particular order.
The island captivates visitors at first sight, as its picturesque settlement, resembling a movie set, adorns the harbor. According to the 2021 census, Kastellorizo has a population of 594. The island is ideal for hiking, boasting numerous archaeological, historical, and ecclesiastical landmarks, thanks to its compact size and short distances. While Kastellorizo lacks traditional beaches, the crystal-clear waters offer a unique experience, as one can dive into the sea from almost anywhere.
The Castle of Megisti dominates the red rock above the settlement. Known as the "Kastello Rosso" (Red Castle), it gave the island its name and was built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John of Rhodes. Today, only a small part of the castle remains, including the main tower. Visitors can access it easily from various paths, and the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking.
West of the castle, above the harbor, you'll find the Churches of St. Nicholas and St. Demetrius, standing side by side. St. Nicholas, a 14th-century monument, once featured 17th-century frescoes now preserved in the island's Archaeological Museum. Both churches have been restored after the bombings of World War II.
3. A Visit to St. George's Islet.
St. George’s islet lies east of Megisti’s harbor, just a 5-minute trip by water taxi. A popular destination for excursion boats and taxis, it’s the final stop after visiting the Blue Cave. The islet offers a serene beach with turquoise waters, albeit shallow with a rocky seabed and sandy shores. The area near the tavern and the chapel is organized with umbrellas, loungers, snacks, and drinks. Canoes and scuba jets are also available for rent. Dining options are available at the islet’s tavern.
Visiting the Blue Caves, located southeast of Kastellorizo, is a must. Daily excursions and water taxis transport visitors to this natural marvel, a massive cave with towering ceilings and stunningly blue waters. To fully enjoy the experience, choose a calm day, as rough seas may prevent boats from entering, allowing access only by swimming, which makes taking photos challenging.
5. Hiking to St. George of the Mountain.
Ascending 401 steps from the "Chorafia" area and hiking a 1,100-meter trail, visitors reach St. George of the Mountain amidst a landscape of sharp white rocks. This monastic fortress, built on the site of an early Christian basilica, features mosaic floors and column capitals from the original structure. Renovated in 1759, the monastery became stavropegial (under the direct authority of the Ecumenical Patriarchate) in 1761. Beneath the main church lies a crypt dedicated to St. Charalambos, containing the island's only freshwater spring.
In recent decades, the monastery had fallen into disrepair until its full restoration in 2010 through an EU-funded program with a budget of €1,100,000. Visitors can also access it by road, following a dirt path branching off near the airport.
Paleokastro, the oldest historical site on Kastellorizo, crowns the Vigla hill north of the airport. Built in the 3rd century BCE on the ruins of an ancient Doric acropolis, its fortifications bear traces from different eras, including antiquity, the Hellenistic period, the Middle Ages, and World War II. Within the acropolis, remnants of houses, cisterns, and churches are still visible. Highlights include the well-preserved churches of Panagia tou Kastrou and St. Stephen, connected by a pebble-paved courtyard dating to 1858. The site is accessible by a dirt road branching off before the airport and continuing to the ancient castle walls and the Monastery of St. Panteleimon.
7. Pilgrimage to the Grave of the Lady of Ro.
A trip worth taking when visiting Kastellorizo is to the small island of Ro, west of Megisti (approximately 1 hour by the boat "Varvara!"). Here lived and was buried Despina Achladioti (1898–1982), better known as the Lady of Ro, who raised the Greek flag daily from 1943 until her old age. At her accessible grave, next to the Greek flag and the chapel of Saint George, you’ll find an inscription that reads, "Holding high the banners of Greece and Christ, awakening in our souls the unspoken beauty of the idea by hymning it."
After this moving visit, the excursion continues with swimming in the stunning, crystal-clear, turquoise waters of Ro, at the southern part of the island.
8. Walk to Agios Stefanos Cape and swimming at the Plakes.
The northernmost point of Kastellorizo is Cape Agios Stefanos, featuring its lighthouse and the chapel of the same name, which is the first to greet you as you enter the harbor bay. The chapel and the lighthouse are accessible via a relatively easy trail (1,200 meters, 45 minutes) that starts at the western edge of the harbor, behind the Megisti Hotel. The trail runs along the eastern side of the bay at a low elevation of 40–80 meters. At the end of the trail, a dirt road continues for 500 meters to the chapel of Agios Stefanos, and from there, a 200-meter path leads to the cape and the lighthouse.
The beautiful Plakes (flat rocks) are located at the northwest entrance of the settlement’s harbor and offer a unique swimming experience in their crystal-clear waters. Plakes are accessible by sea with water taxis or via the trail that ends at Cape Agios Stefanos.
9. Coastal Path to Mandraki and swimming at the Beach.
A very picturesque and short route is the stone-paved coastal path that begins at the eastern edge of the settlement’s harbor, at [Kavos][TID:], and ends at the Mandraki settlement, east of the harbor bay. Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the islets spread out to the north, most notably that of Saint George (which you can visit by water taxi). Just before Mandraki, a sign on the right and a few steps will lead you to the impressive Lycian tomb from the 4th century BC.
In Mandraki, you’ll find the island's only sandy beach—a closed and shallow beach with a rocky seabed that resembles a lake. It stands out for its beautiful colors, especially in the late afternoon, and its tranquility.
10. Visit to the Archaeological Museum and the Lycian Tomb.
The island's rich archaeological history comes to life with a visit to the settlement’s museum. The most significant archaeological find is a well-preserved Lycian tomb from the 4th century BC.
Climbing up from the harbor towards the castle, you’ll see small signs pointing to the island’s archaeological museum. The museum building itself is part of the medieval castle (the ground floor), while the first floor is a 19th-century addition. The museum exhibits findings from ancient Megisti, sculptures from the Early Christian period, detached frescoes from St. Nicholas Church (located west of the castle), and a dedicated folklore room. Despite listed operating hours, you need to call the phone number posted at the entrance to arrange for someone to open it for you.
To visit the Lycian tomb, follow the coastal path towards Mandraki, and just before reaching the settlement, you’ll see a sign on the right pointing to the tomb. Climbing up the short stairs, you’ll encounter an impressive archaeological site carved into the red rock—a Lycian tomb from the 4th century BC. Similar tombs can be found in the Lycian region, such as in Idyma, Telmessos, and Araxa, showcasing the island’s ties with the nearby areas of Asia Minor.
