Kastellorizo

General Information A tiny island, Kastellorizo is a place where your only means of transport are your own legs, and the pace is slow and laid-back. The people are typical islanders: friendly and curious, and even thought their lives are not the easiest on this isolated island, they try to liven things up with romantic songs of the past and many festivals.

At first glance, you'll probably think that this is a place that has always been like it is today, but surprisingly, this was once of the most glorious places of the Aegean sea. Exploring the island, you'll find many interesting remains of the past: the only witnesses of what once was.

History:In ancient times, the island was called Megisti. According to legend, the first settler was Megisthus, a Cretan prince, but archaeologists have found evidence of Neolithic settlements on the island. It was conquered by Rhodes in the 8th century, and was to become an important commercial centre with 15 000 inhabitants.

The real greatness of the island was during the Turkish rule. When it stood clear to the citizens that fighting the Turks was no use, they managed to get special privileges when the island came under Turkish rule in 1537. The local fleet had trade with many cities in Asia Minor, as well as with other Greek islands.

When the war of Independence broke out in 1821, the men of Kastellorizo fought hard, but the island was not to be freed until 1948. It had then been used by the French as a base for their fleet in the first World War, and during the second World War it had been occupied by Italy. In the island was made the famous Italian movie Mediterraneo, a touching story of few Italian solders on the island during the second world war.

What to See  A striking feature of the islands only village, Megisti, is the brightly painted houses. This goes back to the Byzantine and Turkish time, when the colours of the house would display the status of its mistress.

In Megisti there is an archaeological/folklore museum worth a visit, as well as a few churches of special interest. The Church of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni was built partly with materials from the ancient Apollo temple in 1835. The Church of Agios Nikolaos was built on top of the temple.

The Castle of the Knights dates back to the 14th century and was built on an ancient temple site. This castle gave the island its current name since it was built on red rocks: Castello Rosso. There are also some ancient ruins here, as well as the remains of a Turkish bath.
Parastras is a stalagmite cave worth a visit. At the port there is a Mosque.

What to Do : Kastellorizo is an excellent place for diving, sailing and fishing. Apart from that, you can simply relax and enjoy the peace and quiet! On the island are several traditional events and fairs.
On 13 September the island celebrates its liberation.
The feast of the Prophet Elias is on the 20th of July. On the eve the custom is to drop people with their clothes into the sea.
On 21 May, is the feast of the Saints Constantine and Helen.
With devoutness also celebrated in the island the Holy Week. In Easter there is a three days feast with dancing and night long jamboree.

Kastellorizo has maintain its traditional character for decades. The preparation of marriage starts from the beginning of the week of marriage. On Thursday, are the "Mousoukarfia (cloves). The unmarried girls soak carnations, and make necklaces for themselves singing traditional songs. On Friday, are the tradition of the "beds" in the home of the couple.
On Saturday morning the children of the island pick herbs from the mountain and put them on a boat, which goes around the port while the children singing songs about the herbs. On Saturday evening they light up incense to perfume the clothes of the groom and the bride to be, whilst the water used for the soaking of the carnations is used for the washing of the hair of the couple. The herbs are distributed to all the guests on that same evening. On Sunday the wedding is celebrated, followed by a traditional feast, open to all guests.

Beaches There are a few beaches here, and it is a good idea to take a walk and find your own little bay. At Pharos, where a small pier allows for boats to approach as well as at Plakes, within 20 min. walk to the north. At Mandraki, a narrow stripe of sandy beach. More beaches to be found at the islands of Ro - two concave stripes of sand - Aghios Gheorghios and Strongyli.
For the daredevils: swimming within the Blue Cave (alias Cave of Phokialis), accessible by boat.

Nighttlife:You won't find any loud bars or discos here, but staying up late on one of the taverns or in the cafes is a nice way to spend your evenings, there are also some bars in Megisti.

Food The food served here is traditionally Greek. The local specialty is a pie made of chickpeas.

Getting Around On the island there is a taxi and a small shuttle bus for the airport, the best way to go around is by foot.

Getting There:There are daily 2 flights from Rhodes , the island is connected also with Athens as well as with some islands of the Dodecanese during the summer with the Catamarans.

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