I hope you are reading this blog because you will be spending a relaxing yet exciting day in Kastellorizo, Greece soon! This remote island in Greece allows you to experience the Greek culture while avoiding tourist traps and long lines. The island is stunning and a true charm. Kastellorizo is small enough to explore by foot. In fact, there aren’t cars on the island. I recommend spending most of your time simply walking around the streets and taking in the views, but below are a couple activities to add to your itinerary for the day!

Spend time by the harbor

When you arrive to Kastellorizo, you are greeted by colorful buildings lining the harbor, friendly locals, and cute stray cats. If you’re lucky, you may be greeted by sea turtles when you get off your ferry or boat. Right after I arrived to the ferry port in Kastellorizo, I saw two giant sea turtles swimming in the crystal clear water. I sat and watched them swim around for 10-20 minutes and was smiling ear to ear. The harbor makes for the perfect pictures! You can find a nearby bench and watch the local fisherman hard at work and search for sea turtles. Otherwise, there are restaurants or coffee shops where you can dine by the water as well. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the views!

Head to the Castle of the Knights

The Castle of The Knights of St. John is located on the island. This castle ruin is a short hike from the harbor where you can get a bird’s eye view of the island. The hike is slightly uphill and you can expect to climb a couple ladders to get to the top. This castle was built between 1379 and 1383. You can also find a Lycian tomb below the castle which is the only one of its kind in Greece. This is a top attraction for the island as Kastellorizo is laid back and not overrun by touristy activities.

Order a gyro

When in Greece, you have to try some local food! A gyro (pronounced “yee-ro”) is a popular choice. If you haven’t had a gyro, it is pita bread stuffed with thinly sliced meat (often lamb or chicken) with fried potatoes, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. It is a savory and filling sandwich that I recommend ordering! We found a local restaurant near the harbor that was hidden down a cute alleyway filled with hanging plants. The restaurant is called To Stenaki Grill. The owners were very friendly and hospitable!

Book a tour

If you are looking for a tour during your day-trip, you can find walking tours that educate you on the island’s history. There are also private boat tours you can book or boats you can rent to explore the coast of the island. The water is bright blue, so a day floating on the water with pretty views is always a good choice!

Hike around the island

My husband and I walked along part of the island’s coastline after visiting the castle. There are peaceful little coves where we sat on a bench and enjoyed the sunshine and the views. This is definitely a destination for relaxing, taking your day slow, and living in the moment.

Conclusion

Kastellorizo is the perfect destination for a day-trip! My trip was to Turkey, but I could not pass up a short ferry ride and a day in Greece. The island does not disappoint! It is quaint and relaxing, so I hope you get the chance to visit this hidden piece of paradise!

Thanks for stopping by! Cheers to exploring remote islands and making connections around the world. To read my other blog posts, check out the destinations tab on my website.