Book a Flight to Kastellorizo from €56

Palaiokastro: The most important monument, and the most ancient of the island, is on the west side of Kastellorizo. It is an ancient village with buildings, tanks and a Dorian acropolis of the 3rd century B.C., where a sign with the word “Megisti” is preserved. In the area, at Limenari, defence walls stand to this day, built in the technique used for the Cyclopean walls in the acropolis of Mycenae.

The Castle of the Knights of the Order of Saint John: The fortress of the Crusader Knights of the Order of Saint John is a 14th century building, only parts of which survive to this day on “Kastello Rosso” the red rock that gave its name to the island. In the area you will also find the ruins of a Turkish bath, and some castled windmills, one of which was restored by the municipality.

Lycian Tomb: A 4th century B.C. tomb with Doric façade, carved at the foot of the Castle, in the entrance of the port. Note that “Lycians” were the residents of the opposite area of Asia Minor (Lycia), as their god, Lycian Apollo, was worshipped as “lykoktonos” (killer of wolves) or, according to others “bearer of light” as the ancient prefix “lyk-” identifies light (lykofos, i.e. twilight).

Cathedral of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni: The impressive cathedral at the most prominent spot of the island, above Mandraki, is built as a three-aisled dome basilica, with rich iconography and marble templa. Its roof is supported by twelve monolith granite columns, carried from the temple of Apollo at Patara of Lycia, in Asia Minor.

Museums: The Diachronic Museum of Megisti - Kastellorizo is housed in a historical monument near the ruins of the Castle and its collection includes priceless archaeological artefacts, objects from the early Christian and Byzantine era, 17th century frescoes and folk art. Tel.: +30 22410 49283

Ai Giorgis tou Vounou (Saint George of the Mountain): A beautiful, abandoned monastery stands on the top of 401 steps, which, however, are worth climbing. Dating back to the 18th century, it was renovated in 1759 by Hosios Anthimos Kourouklis, Aommatos (Eyeless). In the church you will find a catacomb, where there is a fountain and a fresco with the icon of the Saint .

The Blue Cave: One of the most beautiful sea caves in the Mediterranean, on the south of the island, the Blue Cave or Cave of Parastas is, to many, a good reason on its own for visiting the island. You will reach the cave by boat from the port, to admire this amazing secret of island nature. The 75m. long Blue Cave hides an impressive colour palette and an abundance of stalactites. Swimming in this emerald, secret lake is a unique experience.

Beaches: On the island, you will swim mainly diving from rocks, from the port bay or “Faros”, as there are no sandy beaches, with the exception of a small beach in Mandraki. You can take a boat to get to Plakes, where the waters are crystal clear, and to the impressive Blue Cave.

Trips to nearby islands: Local boatmen will take you to the beautiful beaches of nearby, but currently uninhabited, Ro, where you can swim and visit the monument of the Despoina Achladioti, the famous “Lady of Ro”, who after World War II raised the Greek flag on the mast in her yard every day for decades, until her death, in 1982. An excellent swimming option is the small island of Strongyli, with the imposing lighthouse, while you can also take a day trip to the nearby Turkish coast, to Kas.

In Kastellorizo you can buy traditional sweets, such as “strava”, fried baklava bites cut in oblique shapes, figs in syrup, spoon halva and soumada. For more shopping you can take a trip to Turkey's coast, where you must visit the bazaar in Kas.

In Kastellorizo, you will enjoy quiet walks in the port, where there are a few bars, picturesque coffee houses with traditional sweets and tavernas that stay open till late at night. What you will enjoy the most will be the traditional recipes of the island. Try chickpea pie and chickpea patties, giouvarlakia and kid goat stuffed with breadcrumbs. As for sweets, ask for spoon halva, fig in syrup, “stravo” baklava and “katoumaria”, a thin pie sprinkled with sugar and cloves. Of course, Kastellorizo, is an ideal place for those that love fresh fish and fish delicacies.

• The most important fair is that of Profitis Ilias, on 20 July. To honour the Prophet, locals dive in the sea with their clothes on, on the eve of the celebration. A three day fair and feast is also held during Easter, after Resurrection Day. On 13 September, the liberation of the island is celebrated with various events, while traditional weddings also have a special note to them, as they are prepared with “Mousoukarfia”, herbs and incense and are followed by an open feast where everyone's invited.

Transportation from the airport

Aegean Airlines lands on the airport of Kastellorizo, which serves only light, 20-seats type aircraft. The airport is just 4km from Megisti and the road leading there is the entire road network of the island. There are no cars in Kastellorizo, apart from a few taxis and a bus for the airport, which is on service only in summer.