Having taken its name from the Castello Rosso that rises above the Red Rock over the island's harbour, Kastelorizo was very prospe­rous even from ancient times. With its significant merchant fleet, it transported timber, carpets, coal and other materials from the East to Egypt, Palestine, Cyprus, all the way to Italy. Until the beginning of the 20th century, Kastelorizo had a population of approximately 15.000 people. Today it counts approximately 300 inhabitants, who go to great lengths to bring Kastelorizo back to its former glory. Sights, monasteries, clear beaches are only a few of the things that this small wonderful island has to offer to visitors.

 

When you reach the harbour, and only settlement of the island, consisting of the districts Pigadia and Horafia, as well as the bay of Mandraki, you will face the most descriptive definition of the word "scenic". Traditional houses with impressive colours, tiled roofs and arched entrances made of local stone, tiles from Antalya and Marseille and timber from Asia Minor, welcome you. Wander in the cobbled alleys and walk towards the Castle of the Knights of the Order of St. John. Next to the remains are a Turkish bath and a windmill. A bastion has also survived, where the Archaeological Museum is located. There you will discover elements from the multinational past of the island: a Turkish tap, stone reddish sculptures from early Christian basilicas, amphorae from the bottom of the sea, stone anchors. Below the castle, carved in the rock, is an excellently preserved Lycaean tomb with Doric front, rectangular chamber and four positions for the dead.

 

Maybe the most significant ancient monu­ment on the island is the Paleokastro, the ancient Doric acropolis, its construction dating back to the 4th century B.C. It is about 2 km away from the settlement to the west. The view from the castle will leave you breathless.

 

You must also find some time to check out the Cathedral of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni and admire this impressive church with three naves and a dome and the twelve monolithic granite columns, which were carried all the way from the temple of Apollo, on the opposite coast of Asia Minor. For those who love hiking, more than 300 seeps lead you to Agios Yeorgios of the Mountain, a fortified castle-like monastery, with trees and benches for resting in its beautiful yard. Inside the church, a small entrance challenges you to go down the small, devout catacomb, which is located below the temples level.

 

Your excursion will not be complete if you do not visit the most beautiful, according to many, cave of the Mediterranean, the Blue Cavern or the Cave of Parastas. With a low boat, you will pass below the narrow entrance and be awed by a prismatic reflection of light on the clear blue water, a fairytale palace that has been chosen as shelter by some of the Mediterranean seals that you might catch a glimpse of, if you are lucky. From here you can visit by boat the small island of Ro, where for more than 40 years, Despina Achladiotou, lived alone with her elderly mother, raising the Greek flag against every conqueror.

 

>To try:

·        Revithokeftedes (chickpea balls)

·        Salantourmasi: stuffed onions with minced meat and rice

·        Stuffed goat with bread crumbs

·        The "twisted" desserts: a kind of baldava with walnut and sugar in pieces

·        Halva (dessert with semolina)

·        "Katoumaria": special pies with sugar and clove

·        "Lazarakia" (Lenten desserts made in the Saturday before the Holy Week)

·        Soumada (a drink with almonds)

 

> You will definitely get wet if you visit Kastelorizo the day of Profitis Elias (July, 20): the locals dive in the sea with their clothes on taking the visitors with them in the water!

 

Tip:

If you wish, you can take a short trip to the opposite coasts of Asia Minor, to the city of Kas, with which Kastelorizo has had strong ties for many years now.

 

Tourist agency: 22460 70630

Municipality: 22460 49269, 22460 49232

Police: 22460 49333

Port Authority: 22460 49270

Rural Health Center: 22460 49267

Taxi: 6938 739178

 

Where to stay (0030 + Tel. No)

MEGISTI HOTEL: 22460 49220

KASTELORIZO: 22460 49044

MANDRAKI PARADISE: 22460 49006

KARNAGIO: 22460 49266

POSEIDON APARTMENTS: 22460 49257

 

Where to eat (0030 + Tel. No)

KAFENIO TIS IPOMONIS: 22460 49224

VAGGELIS MAVROS: 22460 49396

ALEXANDRA: 22460 49019

MIKRO PARISI: 22460 49282

PLATANIA: 22460 49206