Kastellorizo or “Megisti” lies at the easternmost end of Greece, a stone’s throw away from the Turkish coast (72 nautical miles south of Rhodes). The small town centre is a captivating group of cheerfully painted houses of extraordinary architecture, awe-inspiring churches, and picturesque alleys. Kastellorizo has a long history and a great maritime tradition.
It was named Megisti after Megisteas, its first settler, in ancient times. The island knew a thriving period in the late 19th century; in the early 20th century the population rose to almost 13,000. Later, most locals emigrated to Australia and Egypt, while others went to Palestine as refugees, after the Italian and German bombings.
This lilliputian island barely covers an area of 9 square kilometres; it has a 19 km coastline and a population of 500. It was integrated into Greece in 1948. There are ferries to Piraeus and Rhodes and flights to Rhodes.

The Village
Picturesque Kastellorizo village is the island’s only populated area. You will walk on cobblestone alleys, past traditional colourful mansions, and wooden and iron balconies. It comprises two quarters: Pigadia and Chorafia. Taste katoumari and strava, the traditional sweets offered in local tavernas.

• The sites to be seen are:
  The Castle of the Knights of the Order of St. John dates back to the 14th century. The perfectly preserved stone-hewed Lycean tomb underneath the castle at the port entrance.
• Palaiokastro - the oldest site on Kastellorizo island. There you will see the remains of ancient buildings, water cisterns and neolithic tools.
• The Metropolis of St. Constantine and Helen - the saint patrons of Kastellorizo island.
• The Archaeological Museum.
• The famous Aqua-colored Cave of Kastellorizo is one of the rarest geological phenomena and one of the most amazing formations on Earth; Kastellorizo is worth visiting just for this cave.