Kastelorizo island: into the Red Castle

Kastelorizo or Megisti is a remote, small Greek island only 2 nautical miles from the Turkish coast.

The eventful history of the easternmost border of Europe dates back to the Neolithic Age. In the 20th century, it became a great maritime power and reached 15,000 inhabitants. Today only 400 people guard the Greek border with courage.

On the island, there are traditional mansions built of stone, wood and tiles, which surround the medieval Red Castle, Castello Rosso, from which the island gets its name.

Southwest of Kastelorizo lies the island of Ro, famous for the Lady of Ro, Mrs. Despina Achladioti (1898-1982), who raised the Greek flag every day for 40 years. She had moved there with her husband and mother and they were the only inhabitants of the small island. After the death of her relatives, she lived there for many years, was alone and guarded the Greek island until her last breath. She was awarded by the Navy, the Greek Parliament, the Ministry of National Defense, and when she died she was transported to Ro and buried under the mast where she raised the flag.

You can visit the ruins of the castle of the Knights of St. John from the 14th century B.C. Below the castle, you can admire the tomb of the Lycians from the 4th century B.C.

The main attraction of the island is Paleokastro, an ancient settlement with many buildings.

The Blue Cave, also known as the cave of the Parastas or Fokialis (which means seal and is so called because of the seals that seek refuge there), is one of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean. It has wonderful stalactites and crystal clear water and can only be visited by boat.

You can also climb the 400 steps that lead up to the monastery of Saint Georgios, where you can see a catacomb underneath, and also visit the temple of Saints Konstantinos and Eleni at the port.

Discover Kastelorizo: on the fringes of the Dodecanese, an island-gem rich in sights, attractions and magestic landscapes decorates the Mediterannean.

Enjoy a flight over Kastelorizo (Megisti) island