‘Megisti’ (meaning ‘biggest’ or ‘greatest’), as Kastellorizo was once called, spans an area of just nine square kilometres.
But don’t let that fool you as it is a peaceful and alluring island that will surprise you with its hidden beauty.
The island reached worldwide fame in 1991 after the war comedy-drama film ‘Mediterraneo‘, was shot on the island.
The film, directed by award-winning film director and screenwriter Gabriele Salvatore, won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film in 1992.
The island can be reached by a flight from Rhodes or ferries from Athens- but these only occur a few times per week.
Olympic Air offers three flights per week- making it difficult for tourists to access.
When in Kastellorizo, it is an absolute must to taste the most popular dishes of the island:
- Salantourmasi – Onions stuffed with a mixture of rice and tomatoes.
- The day’s fresh seafood catch- the fresh taste of the sea is a serious enough reason for not wanting to leave the island. Not to mention, the prices are reasonable.
- Katoumari – the traditional sweet pie of Kastellorizo.
- Strava – fried baklava bites.
If you are after a special or casual meal, Alexandra’s Restaurant is the place to go.
There is a good menu selection available, and it’s so easy to fall in love with the elegant, fresh design of the restaurant, including little olive trees on every table.
Kastellorizo does not have a single sandy beach, but it does have several places residents and visitors can go for an unforgettable dip in the crystal clear waters.
Agios Georgios is another beautiful bay worth taking a sea taxi to.
There, you will find emerald waters, shade, sun loungers and a cafe selling cool drinks and food.
The Archaeological Museum ,which is housed in a monument near the ruins of the Castle, exhibits include archaeological findings of valuable price, objects dated back to the palaeochristian and Byzantine period, frescos of the 17th century as well as objects of folk art.
Arguably Kastellorizo’s premier attraction, the blue cave, as it is one of the most beautiful underwater caves of the Mediterranean.
20 minutes away from the main port by boat, once inside the cave, with its stalactites and the odd seal, the magic of light begins.
Swimming in this secret emerald lake is a unique experience.