Posted by Kastellorizo is located 3 km off the southern Turkish coast, far from other Greek islands (130 km east of Rhodes) and the Greek mainland. It is probably the most remote island in Greece. With only 9 square kilometers and 200 inhabitants, Kastellorizo is a very small island. The island became part of Greece in 1945. Turkey claims Kastellorizo, which leads to tensions.
The Parasta Cave (also known as the Blue Grotto) is well known. When the sun shines into the cave in the morning, the walls and ceiling are illuminated blue by reflections. Due to its remote location, the island is a natural paradise. There are seals and large turtles.
In recent years, a modest tourism industry has developed on the island. The only village on the island is Megisti. There are a few small guesthouses and private rooms there, as well as a few taverns, cafes and shops. Since the island is difficult to reach, Kastellorizo is still an insider tip. If you are looking for friendly people, peace, secluded beaches and seclusion, then this is the place for you.
Ferries Kastellorizo
There are about three large ferries a week between Kastellorizo and Rhodes, subsidized by the Greek government. Blue Star car ferries continue via other Dodecanese islands to Athens (port of Piraeus). The journey from Athens to Kastellorizo takes over 20 hours. No other Greek island takes longer to reach by ferry from Athens.
➔ To book ferries within Greece, we recommend the reputable website Ferryscanner.com
The Turkish mainland can be reached with smaller boats (depending on the political situation). Kastellorizo also has a small airport (daily flights to Athens in summer).
Despite the connections, Kastellorizo is considered the most remote island in Greece.
Kastellorizo Things to Do and See
Kastellorizo, a small Greek island off the Turkish coast, offers several enchanting activities:
Explore the Town: The main town of Megisti is picturesque with colorful houses and narrow streets. A stroll along the harbor is particularly charming.
Blue Grotto: The “Blue Grotto” is one of the largest and most spectacular sea caves in Greece. A boat trip is required to see the shimmering blues inside.
Swimming and Snorkeling: There are many small coves and beaches with crystal clear waters in Kastellorizo that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Hiking: There are beautiful hiking trails on the island of Kastellorizo that lead to ancient ruins, small chapels and stunning viewpoints.
Kastellorizo Castle: The Venetian castle offers fascinating views and a glimpse into the island’s history.
Visit archaeological sites: There are ancient remains such as the Lycian tomb and ruins of ancient settlements.
Blue Grotto Kastellorizo
To visit the Blue Grotto in Kastellorizo, you need to know the following:
In Kastellorizo, the blue grotto is called: “Blue Cave” or “Grotta Azzurra”
How to get to Blue Grotto:
Boat tours: The Blue Grotto is only accessible by boat and several local boat operators offer tours from the main port in Kastellorizo (Megisti). These tours usually last around 1–2 hours, including time in the cave and round-trip transportation. It is best to book a tour early in the day when the sea is calmer and sunlight enhances the cave’s bright blue color.
Private boat rentals: If you prefer a more private experience, you can rent a small boat or arrange a private excursion with a local captain. This gives you time flexibility and more time to explore the cave and surrounding waters.
Kayaking (for experienced paddlers): For the more adventurous, kayaking to the cave is an option, but is only recommended for experienced paddlers due to open sea conditions. The Blue Cave is about 5km along the island coast south from the main town of Kastellorizos Megisti.
Inside the Grotto:
To enter, visitors usually lie flat in the boat as the cave entrance is low (about 1 meter high). Once inside, the cave opens up into a much larger space with a high ceiling.
The best time to visit is in the morning (before noon, definitely) when sunlight enters the cave and creates the blue glow that reflects off the white seabed. The blue light is the real spectacle in the cave.
Tips Blue Grotto Kastellorizo:
Wear swimwear if you plan to swim in the cave. The crystal clear waters are perfect for snorkeling and offer views of the underwater rock formations.
Bring a waterproof camera to capture the stunning colors in the basement.
Be sure to come on one of the many sunny mornings.
There are other similar caves on the Mediterranean in Europe on the island of Capri in Italy and Blue Grotto in Croatia.
The village of Megisti
Megisti is the main town of Kastellorizo, often referred to simply as “Kastellorizo”. It is located at the easternmost point of Greece, very close to the Turkish coast. The village is the only town and central hub of the island and has a traditional atmosphere.
Image: tella0303 – Fotolia.com
Colorful harbor: The waterfront is lined with vibrant neoclassical houses in a variety of pastel colors. Many of these buildings have been restored to preserve the town’s unique character. The harbor area is lively, with fishing boats, yachts and small taverns where you can enjoy local cuisine.
Knight’s Castle (Kastellorizo Castle): The Venetian castle, built by the Knights of St. John, is located on a hill overlooking the harbor and offers beautiful views of the town and the sea.
Old Mosque: This historic mosque is a relic from the Ottoman era and has been converted into a cultural center and museum.
Santrapeia School (Kastellorizo Museum): A historic building that houses a collection of exhibits showcasing the island’s history and culture.
Megasti has maintained a relaxed pace of life. You will find several small shops selling local products and handicrafts from Kastellorizo, among other things.
Beaches: While the town itself does not have large beaches, there are swimming spots along the rocky coast and in the nearby coves. The nearby Mandraki port offers a quiet area for swimming.
Dining: Megisti has a selection of traditional Greek tavernas where you can enjoy fresh seafood and local specialties, as well as a few cafes and bars along the waterfront. Nightlife is relaxed, with the emphasis on enjoying the sea scenery.
The picturesque port and rich history of Megisti make it a great place to visit.
Visiting the Blue Grotto is the most exciting experience in Kastellorizo!
Map of Kastellorizo Island
On the map, Kastellorizo looks far away from other large Greek islands.
The airport is just over 1 kilometer outside the main town.
There are no people living on the smaller neighboring islands of Ro and Stroggili (both in Greece). Stroggili is the easternmost point of Greece.
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