KASTELORIZO

Kastelorizo is at the easternmost part of Greece, only a short distance ?just one nautical mile- from the Turkish coastline, and is a favorite destination among individuals seeking beauteous remote corners for a quiet and relaxing respite. It covers a total surface of no more than 9 sq.km and the number of its permanent residents does not exceed 250 inhabitants. The island is also known as Megisti, which is also the name of the main town and port. It was first inhabited by the Pelasgians, a most ancient Greek tribe, in the Neolithic Era. The island is named after the distinctive reddish rock on which the Fortress of the Knights is built, on the top of the hill next to the port (Castel Rosso = Red Rock). This monument, along with the "Lycees Tomb", the remains of the Cyclopean walls, and the "Blue Cave" (accessible only by boat), are the most significant sights on the island. The nearby islets of Stroggyli and Ros have majestic beaches. Kastelorizo is an ideal destination for alternative holidays, offering wonderful trekking routes and an ideal setting for water sports. Visitors can take advantage of the services provided on the island, while the infrastructure includes a sufficiently supplied market, rented rooms, taverns and coffee shops. Visitors can enjoy the welcoming local festivals, fishing and hunting activities, the small museum, and the interesting local cuisine (chickpea pie, halvah, baklavas, "strava", fresh fish, and sweets). Flights are carried out from Athens and ferries depart from Piraeus all year round, offering surprisingly easy access to such a remote destination. There is also a plane connection with Rhodes and ferry boat connection with Rhodes, Kalymnos, Kos, Karpathos, Kasos, Chalki, the Cyclades (Paros, Santorini) and Crete (Herakleion) from the port of Piraeus, while in winter the island is also connected with Leipsoi, Nisyros, Tilos, and Symi.