Posted by Kasos (also Kassos) is a small island next to Karpathos, a few hours by ferry east of Crete and a few hours west of Rhodes. Although there is now limited tourism there, the island is only suitable for a holiday if you are looking for peace and quiet and are interested in traditional island life in Greece. The island (just under 70 sq km) is quite sparsely populated with around 1,050 inhabitants in 2025.
The ferries arrive in the main town of Fri (also written Fry, Phry or Phri). There are a few accommodation options, taverns, a post office and limited shopping opportunities in the town. The Milos tavern is recommended. Another good restaurant is simply called Kasos. Milos is one of the few taverns that is also open outside of the main season. The “Anessis” room rental and the small “Anagenissis” guest house are quite good and cheap accommodation options in the main town of Fri on Kassos. There are four other villages on the island (Agia Marina, Arvanitochrio, Poli and Panasgia). These can all be reached either on foot from Fri in a few hours (the island is not particularly large) or by bus in summer. In Fri you can rent a small motorbike or bicycle. Many roads on the island of Kassos are now paved.
There are not many sights. The 20m deep Sellai cave in the interior of the island and some churches are noteworthy. There are a striking number of old shepherds’ huts on the island. The coast consists largely of steep cliffs, and there are only a few beautiful beaches. The beach in the main town of Fri is fine, however. The inhabitants live mainly from agriculture, tourism and fishing.
There is a flight almost every day from Kasos to Rhodes, Athens (with a stopover) and Karpathos. The airport is only about 1 km outside of Fri, there are no international flights. The flight time from Karpathos to Kassos is about 5 minutes!
Kassos map
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Kasos can be written with an s in the middle or with a double s. There are no official spelling rules for place names in Latin script in Greece. There is also a beautiful, secluded beach on the island of Armathia north of Kasos. In summer, a day trip for tourists is sometimes offered by boat from Kasos to Armathia. Armathia is uninhabited today, but in the 19th century there was an important Turkish military base on Armathia. |
From Crete, you can reach Kasos easily and inexpensively by ferry. Twice a week there is a ferry from Heraklion and Sitia to Kassos (3-5 hours). This ship continues to Karphathos (1.5 hours) and the island of Rhodes (6-7 hours). During the season, smaller boats travel daily from Kassos to the neighboring island of Karpathos (mostly to Arkassa).
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
Fauna Kasos: The Lycian salamander (Lyciasalamandra) is noteworthy. It is only found on the islands of Karpathos and Kassos, as well as in a very small area in nearby Turkey. The occurrence of the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) around Kassos is particularly interesting. With around 1,000 living animals, it is perhaps the rarest species of mammal in Europe. Some rare birds can also be seen on Kassos.
Beaches: Kassos has some beautiful beaches, such as Afiartis Beach or Antiperato Beach, which are ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. Some beaches are easily accessible via the developed road network of Kasos.
Hiking: The landscape of the island is great for hiking. There are various hiking trails that lead to picturesque viewpoints, mountain peaks (up to 600 meters high) with magnificent views of the island and the Mediterranean Sea and hidden bays. Other villages on the island can also be reached on hiking trails. In addition to Fri, there are 4 other larger settlements on the Dodecanese island.
Buses Kasos: In summer, an island bus runs several times a day from Fri to various places on the island. These include Agia Marina, Emporios Beach, Arvanitohori and Poli. As far as we know, bus travel on Kassos is free! No ticket is required. However, even in summer there are only a maximum of 3-4 buses per day to the above-mentioned destinations, most of them in the morning.
Villages of Kasos: There are 5 villages on Kassos, including Fri, with Agia Marina and Fri being the two largest settlements – Arvanitochrio, Poli and Panagia are the other three inhabited villages.
Renting a car and motorbike: This is also possible on Kassos. There are several rental companies. You can also explore the island by bike or e-bike. The island is quite large on foot, and the walk between some villages takes several hours. Another option is to take boats along the coast.
Eating out in Kasos: In addition to great fresh fish and seafood, you should also order the traditional Kassos vegetable dish “Makarounes” in a tavern. The Mylos tavern near the port of Fry is recommended.
What to do on Kasos?
Exploring the villages
Fry: The capital and port of Kassos. Here you will find traditional houses, cozy taverns and cafes. It is the liveliest place on the island, although it is still very quiet.
Arvanitochori: A charming village with traditional stone houses and great views.
Agia Marina: The largest village on the island with narrow streets, old chapels and an authentic Greek feel.
Emborios: A small fishing village with a quiet beach and good taverns right on the water.
Discovering beaches
Kassos has small, unspoilt beaches with crystal clear waters:
Ammoua: A beautiful, quiet beach with crystal clear waters.
Helatros: The southernmost beach on the island, ideal for relaxing.
Emporios: Small beach near the fishing village of the same name, perfect for swimming.
Enjoy culinary highlights
Kassos is known for its traditional cuisine:
Makarounes: Handmade pasta with fried onions and fresh cheese – an absolute must.
Sitaka: A local cheese with a slightly sour taste, often served with pasta or bread.
Dolmades: Stuffed vine leaves, often with a special local twist.
Visit the tavernas in Fry or Emborios to try these specialties.
Visit churches and monasteries
Agios Spyridon: The main church in Fry with beautiful architecture and painted ceilings.
Agios Mamas: A monastery in a remote area, known for its annual festival in September.
Panagia Potamitissa: A beautiful church near Agia Marina that is worth a visit.
Hiking and experiencing nature
Kassos is a small island, but it offers beautiful hiking trails through the barren but impressive landscape:
Hikes lead to remote chapels, hills with great views and hidden beaches.
Enjoy the peace and natural beauty of the island.
Where is Kasos most beautiful?
Kassos is a quiet, unspoilt island in the southern Dodecanese, known for its traditional Greek atmosphere and stunning coastal landscapes. The island has many beautiful spots that are ideal for a relaxed, authentic holiday:
1.Fry – The picturesque main village and port of Kassos. Here you will find narrow streets, charming white houses and cozy tavernas serving fresh fish and local specialties. Fry is also a great base for exploring the island.
2.Antikythera – A small, quiet village in the northwest of the island, known for its unspoilt beauty and tradition. From here you have great views of the surrounding sea and can go hiking or experience the local culture at your leisure.
3.Afiartis – A beautiful spot in the south of Kassos, characterized by its secluded coves and crystal clear waters. Afiartis is ideal for nature lovers looking for a quiet, unspoilt environment. It also has some of the best beaches on the island, including the famous Afiartis Beach, known for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
4.Kasos Beaches – The beaches of Kassos are less crowded than on other Greek islands and offer quiet, natural beauty. Particularly recommended are Bergianni Beach and Kiparissi Beach, two small bays ideal for swimming and relaxing.
5.Kaloriziki – A smaller beach surrounded by lush vegetation. This secluded spot is perfect for those who want to spend a peaceful time surrounded by nature.
Kassos ( 
German version)
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Comments:
The reader Jürgen writes: Years ago we were on the beautiful island of Karpathos (Arkassa) and could see over to Kasos from there. So the desire to sail “over there” arose. But we took the plane: flight time Karpathos>>Kasos = 4 minutes!! The shortest island-to-island flight connection in Greece!!
We wanted to return by ferry in the late afternoon! But a storm came up and the ferry didn’t dock at Kassos. So we got to know an almost desolate island for 3 days (that’s how long the storm lasted).
We found very cheap accommodation and a very good tavern with a “quaint landlord”!
He would shout “Welcome to Kassos” every time a ferry went by.
The sights of the island are quickly covered and are not necessarily worth seeing!
We remember Kassos because of the funny host, his delicious Stifados and because of the “exciting circumstances”! But we could have done without it.
kalo taxithi wishes Jürgen