Where to stay in Kastellorizo: The best areas and accommodation

Kastellorizo, or Megisti as it is officially known, is Greece's most remote inhabited island, located on the border with Turkey. There is essentially one settlement, built around the harbour, with colourful neoclassical houses reaching down to the sea. Therefore, accommodation options are mainly concentrated there and in two other spots around the centre.

The harbour is the heart of the island, with most accommodations, tavernas, and cafes looking directly out to sea. Mandraki, on the northern side, is quieter and a little further removed from the hustle and bustle. Kavos, to the south, offers accommodation with more privacy and access to quieter swimming spots.

As the island is small, distances between areas are measured in minutes on foot. Below, you will find an analysis of the areas with actual accommodation, so you can choose based on whether you want to be in the heart of the harbour or a little more secluded.

What to see and do in Kastellorizo

Kastellorizo, officially Megisti, has an area of approximately 9.1 square kilometres and a permanent population of around 250 to 500 inhabitants depending on the season, as many return in the summer from Australia, home to the largest community of Kastellorizian diaspora. It is located at the southeastern tip of the Aegean, just 2 km from the Turkish coast and the town of Kaş, and about 125 km east of Rhodes. It is the easternmost inhabited point of Greece, a geographical particularity that defines its character, from its architecture to its flavours and historical ties with Asia Minor.

Access is primarily by air, via the small airport that serves flights from Rhodes throughout the year and seasonally direct from Athens in the summer. The flight from Rhodes takes approximately 30 minutes with small, limited-capacity aircraft, meaning seats sell out quickly during the summer months. There is also a ferry connection from Rhodes and Piraeus, but services are infrequent, usually once or twice a week, and involve long journey times, so the plane remains the most practical option for most visitors. A car is not needed on the island, as the single settlement is small and everything is within a few minutes' walk from the harbour.

The most important attraction in the area is the Blue Cave, a sea cave with an intense blue light created by the reflection of sunlight on the water through a low natural opening. Visits are exclusively by small boat and are recommended early in the morning, around 8 to 9, when the light is most intense and the sea is calmest, allowing the boat to enter the cave. The island's beaches are few, small, and mostly pebbly, with Nifti, Plakes, and Ai Stratis among the best known, while many visitors prefer to swim directly from the rocks around the harbour or take a day trip by boat to more secluded coves.

When it comes to food, Kastellorizo has a strong influence from neighbouring Asia Minor, with dishes such as soumades, trachanas, and various seafood variations not easily found elsewhere in the Aegean, as well as sweets like mastic cookies. Tavernas are almost all concentrated around the harbour, with tables practically in the sea and views of the colourful neoclassical houses. Seasonality is pronounced, with the island essentially operating from May to October, peaking in July and August with festivals, feasts, and high visitor numbers, while in winter most accommodations, tavernas, and even the ATM operate limitedly or close completely.

The island holds significant historical weight, having been a point of friction during World War I and World War II, with bombings and a fire that destroyed a large part of the settlement in 1944, and later due to mass emigration to Australia, where today a larger community of Kastellorizians lives than the island itself. The Knights of St John's Castle above the harbour, the Archaeological Museum, and the island's sole mosque offer a glimpse into this layered history. The Italian film "Mediterraneo", awarded an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 1992, was filmed here and significantly helped make the island known internationally, with many visitors now seeking it out precisely because of this cinematic fame.

The best areas to stay in Kastellorizo

The Harbour

The harbour is the centre of life in Kastellorizo, with characteristic colourful houses reflected in the water. Here you'll find most accommodations, from small hotels to traditional apartments, all within a few minutes of the tavernas and the departure point for boats to the Blue Cave.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Harbour views from most accommodations
• Close to boats for the Blue Cave

Disadvantages:

• More busy on summer evenings
• Less privacy
• Noise from tavernas late at night

Recommended accommodation:

1. Megisti Hotel
One of the island's most renowned hotels, built almost in the sea, offering comfortable rooms and harbour views.

• Average cost: approximately 150€ per night

2. Poseidon Hotel
A family-run complex in a traditional building, with views of the castle and the harbour, among the most popular choices.

• Average cost: approximately 110€ per night

3. Karnayo
Traditional rooms and apartments in a renovated building, featuring local architectural elements, next to the harbour.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

4. Kastello
An apartment in a yellow neoclassical building in the harbour, offering spacious accommodation and good value for a small family.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

5. Chroma Kastellorizo
A modern apartment retaining its traditional exterior, close to the centre of the harbour.

• Average cost: approximately 115€ per night

6. Castle Home
A traditional apartment near the castle, with harbour views and a comfortable outdoor area for morning coffee.

• Average cost: approximately 95€ per night

7. To Pefko - Mezzanines
Small mezzanine-style apartments in a quiet part of the harbour, with a full kitchen and traditional decor.

• Average cost: approximately 100€ per night

Mandraki

Mandraki is Kastellorizo's small northern bay, where fishing boats once came to unload their catch. Today it is quieter than the main harbour, but still within walking distance of tavernas and shops, making it a good choice for those seeking a little more tranquillity without losing proximity to the centre.

Advantages:

• Quieter than the main harbour
• Still within walking distance of the centre
• Good views of the bay and the rocks

Disadvantages:

• Fewer dining options in the area itself
• Requires a short walk to most tavernas
• Less lighting at night in some spots

Recommended accommodation:

8. Mandraki Paradise
Maisonettes with traditional architecture in the quiet bay of Mandraki, featuring a comfortable outdoor area and sea views.

• Average cost: approximately 105€ per night

9. Agnanti Studios
Studios with a terrace and bay views, suitable for couples seeking peaceful accommodation close to the centre.

• Average cost: approximately 90€ per night

10. Maria's Apartments
Family apartments with a full kitchen, a few minutes' walk from the harbour, offering friendly service.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

11. Castellorizon Pensione
A simple guesthouse with a traditional character, a good budget option for a short stay on the island.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

Kavos

Kavos is a short walk from the harbour, on the southern side of the settlement, and offers greater tranquillity without cutting you off from the centre. It is a good choice for those who want to combine easy access to dining with a little more privacy in the evening.

Advantages:

• Quieter than the harbour centre
• Still close to tavernas on foot
• Good access to rock swimming spots

Disadvantages:

• Requires a short walk to the centre
• Fewer accommodation options
• Less lighting at night in some spots

Recommended accommodation:

12. Casa Muse Kastellorizo
An entire traditional three-bedroom residence in Kavos, ideal for families or groups seeking their own space.

• Average cost: approximately 180€ per night

13. Casa Mediterraneo Hotel
A boutique hotel on a hill above Kavos, with harbour and sunset views, thoughtfully designed down to the last detail.

• Average cost: approximately 160€ per night

14. Blue Horizon Kastellorizo
An apartment with sea views near Kavos, offering a comfortable outdoor area, a good choice for couples.

• Average cost: approximately 130€ per night

Practical tips for your stay

• Book your flight early. The airport serves small aircraft with limited seats, so tickets from Rhodes sell out quickly in summer.
• Take the Blue Cave excursion early in the morning. The light inside the cave is most intense in the morning, before the sun rises high. Boats usually depart around 8 AM from the harbour.
• Bring cash with you. The island's bank and ATM are not always reliable, especially in August during peak season. Many small businesses prefer cash.
• You don't need a car. The island is so small that everything is within walking distance around the harbour. If you want to swim in more remote spots, rent a small boat for a day.
• Check if the accommodation operates during your desired period. Many accommodations close completely from November to April, so confirm availability before booking a trip outside of summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Kastellorizo?

The most common way is by air from Rhodes, with a flight of about 30 minutes. There is also a ferry connection from Rhodes and Piraeus, but with infrequent services.

Do I need a car on the island?

No. Kastellorizo is so small that everything is within walking distance around the harbour.

How far is Kastellorizo from Turkey?

Just 2 km from the Turkish coast and the town of Kaş, which is clearly visible from the harbour at night.

What is the best time to visit?

From May to October, most accommodations and restaurants are open. July and August see the most visitors.

Is the Blue Cave excursion worth it?

Yes, it is one of the island's main attractions. Visits are by small boat and are recommended early in the morning for better lighting.

Which area is better for accommodation, the harbour or Kavos?

The harbour puts you in the centre of the action with direct access to tavernas, while Kavos offers a little more tranquillity within a short walk.

The conclusion

Kastellorizo is not an island for a quick visit, but for those who truly want to experience Greece's most remote spot, with history, flavours influenced by Asia Minor, and a harbour that resembles a film set.

Whichever area you choose – the harbour, Mandraki, or Kavos – all are within a few minutes' walk of each other, so the choice is mainly a matter of atmosphere: hustle and views in the centre, or a little more peace at the edges of the settlement.

See also our guides on where to stay in Meganisi and where to stay in Papingo.