Kastellorizo is the tiniest of the Dodecanese — a single horseshoe harbour of ochre and blue mansions, tucked against the Turkish coast at the very edge of Greece. We spent nine days here swimming in impossibly clear water, eating fresh seafood by the port and boating out to the luminous Blue Cave. This is where we stayed, ate and explored on Greece's most far-flung island.
Where to stay
Hotel Mediterraneo
Designed by architect Marie Rivalant, this cute hotel sits waterfront, overlooking the clear waters of the Aegean Sea.
Casa Mediterraneo
A stunning, sophisticated six-suite hotel, also designed by Marie Rivalant, made up of three restored mansions.
Where to eat & drink
Lazarakis Restaurant
Well known for its buzzing, popular vibe — sit on the terrace jutting out into the harbour and enjoy the fresh seafood on offer.
Ta Platania
A traditional, family-run Greek taverna surrounded by fairy lights and olive trees, serving authentic dishes — the dolmades were the best we've tasted.
Old Time Story
A family-run taverna overlooking the harbour, serving traditional Greek fare.
Alexandras Restaurant
Overlooking the harbour with a great atmosphere, serving fresh seafood and traditional fare.
Pergola Bar
Sip cocktails, drink fine wine and indulge in small bites while taking in the stunning sight of Kastellorizo.
What to see & do
Monastery of St George
A climb of just over 400 rather rocky steps takes you to the top of the hill, from well-preserved mosaic floors to an underground, cave-like crypt.
Castle of the Knights
Near the entrance to the port sit the remains of the castle, with a 4th-century BC Lycian tomb carved into the rock at its base.
Blue Cave
On the south-east coast, easily reached by small boat — a cave of crystal-clear, sparkling blue water.
St George Island
A short boat trip away, for swimming and a casual beach lunch.
Know before you go
Getting there: Kastellorizo sits at Greece's far south-eastern edge, off the Turkish coast. Reach it by ferry or a short flight from Rhodes, or on the roughly 15-minute ferry from the town of Kas on Turkey's Turquoise Coast; seasonal domestic flights also connect via Athens. Connections are limited, so plan ahead.
Getting around: The island is tiny and walkable — everything rings the single harbour. Small boats run to the Blue Cave, St George Island and swimming spots; there's little need for a car.
Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the season, with warm days and calm seas ideal for swimming and boating. July and August are busiest; June and September are quieter. Many places close over winter.
Where to base yourself: There's really only one base — the waterfront around the harbour, where the hotels, tavernas and boats all are.
Good to know: This is a remote, low-key island with no big resorts and no sandy beaches — swimming is off the rocks and jetties. Greece uses the euro; English is widely spoken, but bring cash, as card facilities can be limited.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I stay on Kastellorizo?
Accommodation is intimate and waterfront. We loved the two Marie Rivalant-designed hotels on the harbour — Hotel Mediterraneo and the six-suite Casa Mediterraneo, set across three restored mansions. Both put you steps from the tavernas, swimming spots and boats around the port.
How do you get to Kastellorizo?
The island sits at Greece's far south-eastern edge, off the Turkish coast. Most travellers reach it by ferry or a short flight from Rhodes, or on the roughly 15-minute ferry from the town of Kas on Turkey's Turquoise Coast; there are also seasonal domestic flights via Athens. It's remote, so it pays to plan ahead.
What is there to do on Kastellorizo?
It's a small, slow island built for swimming and wandering. Boat out to the luminous Blue Cave, climb the 400-odd steps to the Monastery of St George, explore the Castle of the Knights and its ancient Lycian tomb, and take a boat to St George Island for lunch.
Where should I eat on Kastellorizo?
Dining is all around the harbour. Lazarakis and Alexandras do fresh seafood on terraces over the water, Ta Platania and Old Time Story serve authentic Greek taverna fare under the fairy lights, and Pergola Bar is the spot for cocktails with a view.
When is the best time to visit Kastellorizo?
Late spring to early autumn (May to September) is the season — warm days and calm seas ideal for swimming and boating, when the tavernas and hotels are open. July and August are busiest; June and September are quieter and just as lovely. Many places close over winter.
Is Kastellorizo worth visiting?
If you want somewhere small, remote and unspoilt, yes. There are no big resorts or crowds — just one beautiful harbour, crystal-clear water and a handful of tavernas. It's the antidote to the busier Greek islands, and the far-flung journey is part of its charm.