What to Do

What to Do

There are no beaches, let's get that out of the way. That said, there IS swimming along the rocks. Follow the walkway around the base of the castle to find many spots. Across the Horafia and past the cemetery, there is a nice spot called the Niftis (though the council is working to "improve" it and is ruining it bit by bit.) Yorgos of the Barbara can run you out in a skiff to small platias - flat stone swimming areas on the outskirts of the harbour. And there are beach chairs and umbrellas at the Megisti Hotel which all may rent. You'll not be playing beach volleyball, but the water is some of the cleanest in Greece.

Shopping? There is some, but this is not the Plaka. Caretta is the most interesting shop - find it behind the old market. There is a French antique shop in the square by Saint George of the Well, and an interesting Turkish import shop near the Sweet Shop. But for Turkish things, go to Turkey. Most Mondays and Fridays you can travel to Turkey for 4-6 hours and shop in Kas. The Barbara and Marco Polo are the boats of choice, the fare runs 15 Euros. Passports are necessary, currently visas are not for these day trips. There is an indecisiveness about being able to travel for a longer stay via Kas. Kastellorizo is not a "official" entry station, but I know of folks who have done so. Also with regards to the "official" entry status of the island is an uncertainty of non EU visitors (Australians, Americans, etc.) being allowed to take the Turkish day trips. Right now, they apparently can "unoffically", but that can change. There is talk of Kastellorizo becoming an offical port of entry in May -hopefully that will resolve the questions.

The Blue Grotto - you've got to make that trip. What you want to do is talk to Yorgos of the Little Paris/Marco Polo. Arrange an early trip, 7 or 8 am to get the best light. Enjoy the trip out, duck, swim inside, and try to take a photograph which even somewhat shows the glowing blue color... Sometimes this trip can be combined with a trip around the island or even a stop over on Ro.

Otherwise, walk. Yes, I used the four letter word, but walking is how you will get a taste for the island. The obvious first choice is up the steps behind the town and then on to the St. George of the Mountain. Another trail leads up to the Paleocastro and perhaps onward to the fossil valley, but there are dozens or other routes. Marina Pitsonis has written a small booklet Capture Kastellorizo - available at the Caretta shop - which shows a dozen walks (I will say the drawings are absurd, and the directions sometimes sketchy, but you will get there if careful.)