Kastellorizo (also known as Megisti) sits at the very edge of Greece — a tiny island just two kilometres from the Turkish coast, closer to Antalya than to Rhodes. It is the smallest inhabited island of the Dodecanese, and one of the most extraordinary places in the entire country.

The Island

Kastellorizo is tiny — around 12 square kilometres — with a permanent population of fewer than 500 people. The main (and only) settlement is the harbour town, also called Kastellorizo, a crescent of neoclassical mansions in terracotta, ochre and blue that curves around a deep, sheltered bay. The houses were once among the finest in the eastern Mediterranean; many were damaged or destroyed during the Second World War and the subsequent exodus of the population, but restoration has been ongoing for decades.

The island became internationally known after the 1991 film Mediterraneo, which was filmed here and won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Sights and Attractions

The harbour is the island's great sight — simply walking along the waterfront, looking at the restored mansions reflected in the still water, is one of the most beautiful experiences in Greece. The Lycian Tomb carved into the cliff above the harbour is a reminder of the island's ancient past.

The Blue Cave (Parasta) on the south coast is one of the most spectacular sea caves in the Mediterranean. Accessible only by small boat, its interior glows with an extraordinary blue light when the sun is at the right angle. The Castle of the Knights above the town offers panoramic views over the harbour and across to Turkey.

The Archaeological Museum in the old mosque holds finds from the island's long history.

Beaches

Kastellorizo has no sandy beaches — the coastline is rocky and dramatic. Swimming is from rocks and jetties in the harbour, or from small coves accessible by boat. The water is extraordinarily clear.

Eating and Drinking

The tavernas around the harbour are excellent — fresh fish, lobster, octopus and the freshest seafood in the Dodecanese. Lazarakis is the most famous, with tables on the waterfront and a menu that changes daily. Eat slowly, drink local wine and watch the sun set over the Turkish mountains.

How to Get There

Kastellorizo has a small airport with flights from Rhodes. By sea, it is served by ferry from Rhodes (around 4–5 hours). The journey is part of the experience.

Best For

Kastellorizo is for travellers who want to feel genuinely at the edge of the world — those who appreciate beauty in small things, who are happy to swim from rocks, eat at waterfront tavernas and do very little else. It is one of the most romantic destinations in Greece.

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Thinking about Kastellorizo? Talk to us — we can combine it with Rhodes and Symi for an unforgettable Dodecanese itinerary.