Kastellorizo Island

Address: Kastellorizo (Megisti), South Aegean, Greece (island)

Website: https://www.visitgreece.gr/islands/dodecanese/megisti_kastellorizo/

Kastellorizo, also called Megisti, is a small Greek island and town in the southeastern Aegean Sea, notable for its compact harbour, colourful waterfront buildings and historic castle ruins. It is the easternmost inhabited island of Greece and has a long history as a maritime and trading community.

The island’s main attractions are the harbour-front village, the medieval castle perched above the harbour and a number of coastal caves including the well-known Blue Cave that attract short boat trips. The harbour area contains tavernas, small museums and traditional architecture concentrated around a narrow bay.

Historically the island has alternated between different regional rulers and has a layered cultural heritage reflected in its architecture and fortifications. Geographically it sits in the southeastern Aegean near the southwest coast of Turkey, a few kilometres from the Turkish mainland.

• Names and location: Officially known as Megisti in Greek, the island is the easternmost inhabited Greek island and serves as a borderland community close to the Turkish coast.
• Transport links: Small ferries connect the island to other Dodecanese islands and to the Turkish coast when services operate, but schedules vary seasonally.

What to See#

• Mandraki Harbour (town): The harbour and waterfront village, known for its colourful waterfront houses and small fishing fleet, which form the island’s main settlement area.
• Castle and fortifications: The ruins of a medieval castle and fortifications that occupy a rocky promontory overlooking the harbour and were used historically to control the island.
• Blue Cave and coastal caves: The Blue Cave and nearby sea caves that are popular for short boat excursions when sea conditions permit, noted for clear water and coastal geology.

Kastellorizo (Megisti) is served by ferries from nearby Dodecanese islands (notably Rhodes) and by seasonal/scheduled small aircraft to Kastellorizo Island National Airport from Rhodes on some services; there are also occasional sea connections with the nearby Turkish coast (Kaş). From the ports or the airport the town is a short walk from the main harbour.

• Arrive on the early morning ferry or stay overnight-day trip boats from Kaş (Turkey) and Rhodes can crowd the harbour by midday, while early arrivals and overnight visitors get the best light and quieter streets.
• Climb up to the ruins of the castle (the 'kastello') above the harbour for the island's best panoramic views and to see the cluster of colourful neoclassical houses from above-many visitors linger only at waterfront level.
• If you intend to visit the Blue Cave or similar sea‑cave tours, book locally from the small harbour and check summer schedules; small boat excursions often operate only in calm sea conditions.