Plizio Visual Lab
Kastellorizo

ℹ️Practical 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
Try these local specialties (chickpea fritters) at a traditional taverna on the harbor front.
Order the catch of the day at the waterside restaurants where tables sit inches from the sea.
A sweet twisted pastry with clove and cinnamon, found at local bakeries near the main square.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Well-suited culinary souvenirs available in small grocery shops along the harbor.
Souvenir shops near the port offer traditional marine items reflecting the island's heritage.
A smaller, much quieter secondary harbor located just behind the main town hill.
An ancient fortress ruin offering a peaceful hike and sweeping views over the Mediterranean.
Water temperature…
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.
- Location: Greece
- Top sights: Paralia Agiou Georgiou · Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo · Mouseio Griphon
- Population: ~594 (2021)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 28 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 16 |
| Rain mm | 174 | 114 | 59 | 37 | 22 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 19 | 66 | 95 | 175 |
Geography
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your morning absorbing the local atmosphere at the old market square before diving into the rich folklore at the nearby museum. Midday brings you to the striking Ottoman Mosque, standing as a testament to the island's layered cultural history. In the afternoon, wander up to the impressive castle ruins for spectacular views over the colorful harbor. Conclude your evening with a leisurely stroll down to Mandraki, where you can unwind by the calm waters.
Palia Agora
Mouseio Griphon
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Mandraki
A rainy morning wraps the harbor in misty air, with vibrant houses reflecting in the glistening stone streets. At noon, the island's museums provide the perfect dry sanctuary to explore rich local history indoors. In the afternoon, the climb to the castle requires care on slippery steps but offers dramatic views of the stormy Aegean. By evening, find warmth and comfort in a cozy harbor tavern.
Palia Agora
Mouseio Griphon
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Mandraki
A crisp winter morning brings fresh sea breezes and incredible visibility across to the Turkish coast. At noon, the low sun bathes the narrow streets in a soft light, perfect for exploring museums without the summer heat. Since the sun sets around 17:00, plan your castle visit early in the afternoon. The evening belongs to the silence and the locals gathering in cafes.
Palia Agora
Mouseio Griphon
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Mandraki
Kick off your cycling day at the ancient Palaiokastro, enjoying morning breezes and panoramic views of the sea. By midday, pedal up to the serene St. George of the Mountain, offering a quiet spiritual retreat. The afternoon invites you into the heart of the settlement to explore the Ottoman Mosque and the medieval castle. As evening approaches, cruise down to the unique limestone slabs of Plakes Beach for a refreshing seaside sunset.
Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo
St. George of the Mountain
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Plakes limestone Beach
A rainy day on a bike demands good gear and caution on the steep paths leading to Palaiokastro. At noon, the town's museums offer a welcome break to relax your muscles in the dry. In the afternoon, coastal roads glisten in the rain, but brakes should be constantly checked on slopes. The evening is best spent in dry clothes near the harbor.
Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo
St. George of the Mountain
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Plakes limestone Beach
The cool winter air makes cycling to the island's heights pleasant and sweat-free. At noon, the sun gently warms the town's historic walls while you visit museums. Since it gets dark early, the Palaiokastro tour should be done in the morning for the best light. It gets windy on the bike in the evening, so head for the shelter of harbor streets early.
Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo
St. George of the Mountain
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Plakes limestone Beach
Begin your drive at the impressive Palaiokastro ruins, where ancient walls meet the morning light. Midday takes you through the island's rugged terrain to the peaceful St. George of the Mountain and down to the historic Agora. In the afternoon, park near the harbor to visit the Ottoman Mosque and explore the commanding Kastellorizo Castle. Finish your day driving towards Paralia Agiou Georgiou, a perfect spot to unwind as the evening settles over the Mediterranean.
Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo
St. George of the Mountain
Palia Agora
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Paralia Agiou Georgiou
A rainy day in a car provides maximum comfort for exploring the island's heights while staying dry. At noon, museums are easily reachable without getting soaked. The view from the window of the gray sea is mesmerizing but requires caution on narrow, wet roads. In the evening, park right by the harbor to quickly duck into a warm tavern.
Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo
St. George of the Mountain
Palia Agora
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Paralia Agiou Georgiou
A clear winter morning in the car is perfect for exploring the island's windy highland roads. At noon, the museums in the sheltered harbor await, while you can enjoy the heater in the car. Plan your castle visit for early afternoon before the sun sets around 17:00. The evening can end beautifully with a stroll along the quiet winter harbor.
Palaiokastro of Kastellorizo
St. George of the Mountain
Palia Agora
Ottoman Mosque - Historical Collection of Kastelloriz
Kastellorizo Castle
Paralia Agiou Georgiou
Sights in the town Kastellorizo (13)
Frequently asked questions
How to get to Kastellorizo?
What is the most famous sight in Kastellorizo?
Are there sandy beaches on the island?
When is the best time to visit?
Is Kastellorizo expensive?
Kastellorizo: where is it located?
Kastellorizo: what is there to see?
Kastellorizo: when is the best time to visit?
Kastellorizo: why is it worth visiting?















