Description of Kastelorizo

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Kastelorizo or Megisti is easternmost island of the Dodecanese and Greece. The Island located east of Rhodes, near the Turkish coast. Kastellorizo means red fortress and is named after the Knights of St. John Castle, the ruins of which now overlook the port. Despite its small size, Kastellorizo has great tourist facilities with hotels above the average and seafront restaurants. It is the ideal place for peaceful holidays in natural beautiful surroundings.

Geography of Kastellorizo

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Kastelorizo spans an area of 11,9 sq. km. with a total population of 430 residents. It is located very close to the Turkish coasts and the nearest town is Kaș. The islands closer to Kastellorizo are Rhodes on the west and Cyprus on the east. The islets of Agios Giorgios, Agrielaia, Mavro Pini, Polifado, Ro, Strogili, Psomi and Psoradia are not inhabited.

History of Kastelorizo

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Kastellorizo has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The island was a trade port serving Dorians, Romans, Crusaders, Egyptians, Turks and Venetians. It acquired the name Kastelorizo much later, from the castle built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century, on the red rock (Castello Rosso: red castle). In 1552, Kastellorizo came under Ottoman Rule without resistance and in return they were given privileges of maintaining their language, religion and traditions by paying annual taxes. The economy flourished and the merchant fleet of Kastelorizo became powerful in Mediterranean. Kastelorizo was bombarded during First and Second World War and the destruction forced the residents to migrate abroad. The island joined the Greek State in 1948.

Sightseeing on Kastellorizo

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The only settlement of Kastellorizo is situated on the main port of the island under the still dominant ruins of the Castle. Around the port there are two storey houses, painted in vivid colours with wooden stairs and balconies. In Kastellorizo there is a very rare geological phenomenon, the famous Blue Cave. The cave is known for the stalactites and the beautiful blue colour that water gives to the walls of the cave. The island has become more popular thank to the Oscar-winning movie “Mediterraneo” which was filmed on the island.

Local Products of Kastelorizo

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There is always fresh fish. Try also the local sweets katoumaria and lazarakia.

Getting to Kastelorizo

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By air from Athens International Airport or by ferry boats departing from Rhodes Port.

Best time to visit Kastellorizo

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From May till October.

Useful Phone Numbers on Kastelorizo

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Police: +30 22460 49333
Port Authorities of Kastellorizo: +30 22460 49270
Airport: +30 22460 49250
Medical Services: +30 22460 49267