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Kastellorizo

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City
—°13
Kastellorizo (Greece)
ℹ️

Practical info — Kastellorizo

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Visit the spectacular Blue Grotto in the morning when sunlight hitting the water creates the most spirited colors.
  • The island is virtually car-free, so be prepared to walk or take small sea taxis to get around.
  • Bring your passport if you want to take a short boat trip across to the Turkish town of Kaş.
  • There are no sandy beaches; enjoy swimming directly off the rocks or ladders at the harbor.
  • Climb the stairs to the ruined Castle of the Knights for a magnificent sunset view over the colorful houses.

🍽 Food

🍽
Revithokeftedes

Try these local specialties (chickpea fritters) at a traditional taverna on the harbor front.

🍽
Fresh seafood

Order the catch of the day at the waterside restaurants where tables sit inches from the sea.

🍽
Katoumaria

A sweet twisted pastry with clove and cinnamon, found at local bakeries near the main square.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Local honey and herbs

Well-suited culinary souvenirs available in small grocery shops along the harbor.

🛍
Sea sponges and shells

Souvenir shops near the port offer traditional marine items reflecting the island's heritage.

🧘
Mandraki Harbor

A smaller, much quieter secondary harbor located just behind the main town hill.

🧘
Paleokastro

An ancient fortress ruin offering a peaceful hike and sweeping views over the Mediterranean.

Kastellorizo (also known as Megisti) is a remote gem on the border between Europe and Asia. Since there is no significant car traffic and no large sandy beaches, the island has preserved an extraordinary tranquility. The island's only town is clustered in a horseshoe shape around the deep harbor. The two-story neoclassical houses are painted in bold colors like red, yellow, and blue, giving the place a cinematic backdrop, the Oscar-winning film 'Mediterraneo' was filmed here. The island's most spectacular natural phenomenon is the Blue Grotto (Parasta). It is one of the largest and most beautiful sea caves in Greece. Since the entrance is only about one meter high, it can only be entered by small boats when the sea is calm. Inside, sunlight reflects off the seafloor, bathing the entire cave in an unreal, deep blue. Culturally, the Lycian rock tomb from the 4th century BC right by the harbor is a must-see, the only one of its kind on Greek soil. The island does not offer a classic beach holiday with sandy beaches; you jump directly from the harbor piers or cliffs into the deep blue water. Getting there is an adventure: either by small propeller plane from Rhodes or by ferry. Many visitors also come for a day from the nearby Turkish town of Kaş. The best time to visit is June to September. Those seeking seclusion and genuine Greek hospitality in a majestic setting will find it here.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C141415172125282826231916
Rain mm174114593722623196695175

Geography

Population
594 (2021)
Coordinates
36.15000, 29.58333

Facts

  • Easternmost inhabited point of Greece
  • Filming location of the Oscar film 'Mediterraneo'
  • Only 2 km away from the Turkish coast
  • Blue Grotto is 40-50m high inside
  • Only Lycian rock tomb found in Greece
  • No significant car traffic on the island
  • Castle of the Knights of St. John above town
  • Highest point is Mount Vigla (273 m)

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Kastellorizo (13)

Paralia Agiou Georgiou🎡 recreation

A beach resort in Kastellorizo, offering swimming opportunities in a pretty setting.

Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo🏰 castle

Medieval fortress on a hill above Kastellorizo's harbour.

Mouseio Griphon🏛 museum

Small museum featuring local history and artefacts.

Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz🏛 museum

Housed in a former Ottoman Mosque, this museum displays historical collections in the city of Kastellorizo.

Palia Agora📍 landmark

Palia Agora is the historical old market area and a tourist attraction in the city of Kastellorizo.

St. George of the Mountain⛪ religious

A Byzantine monastery perched on a mountain above Kastellorizo harbour.

Plakes limestone Beach🎡 recreation

Beach of flat limestone slabs for sunbathing.

Kastellorizo Castle🏰 castle

Kastellorizo Castle, built in 1451, sits on the island of Kastellorizo.

Mandraki🎡 recreation

Photogenic harbour with colourful houses.

Kastellorizo Archaeological Museum🏰 castle

A museum in Greece located in Kastellorizo, housed within a historic castle structure, displaying local antiquities.

Blue Cave

A spectacular natural attraction in Kastellorizo, known for its impressive blue waters and unique geological formations.

Palaiokastro🏺 historical

A prominent historical site in Kastellorizo, where visitors can discover the ancient roots and past of the island.

Saint George of the Fields⛪ religious

A beautiful church in Kastellorizo, Greece, serving as a peaceful religious sanctuary and architectural landmark.

Frequently asked questions

How to get to Kastellorizo?
By ferry or domestic flight from Rhodes. There are also short boat trips from Kaș, Turkey.
What is the most famous sight in Kastellorizo?
The Blue Grotto (Galazio Spilaio) is one of the most spectacular sea caves in Greece.
Are there sandy beaches on the island?
No, there are almost no beaches; people jump directly from rocks or piers into the deep, clear sea.
When is the best time to visit?
From May to September, the weather is good for boat trips and swimming.
Is Kastellorizo expensive?
Prices are moderate, but due to its remoteness, they can be slightly higher than on larger islands.
Kastellorizo: where is it located?
Kastellorizo is located in Greece.
Kastellorizo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Paralia Agiou Georgiou, Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo, Mouseio Griphon.
Kastellorizo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Kastellorizo: why is it worth visiting?
Kastellorizo (also known as Megisti) is a remote gem on the border between Europe and Asia.
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