Kastelorizo

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WorldMediterraneanAegean SeaGreeceDodecaneseKastelorizo

Kastelorizo has a Port of Entry

Kastelorizo
36°09.1′N, 29°35.5′E Chart icon.png
Greece Kastelorizo S.jpg
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Satellite View of Kastelorizo

The island of Kastelorizo, (Καστελόριζο) the ancient Megisti (Μεγίστη), or Meis in Turkish, is the easternmost part of Greece and certainly the most isolated, being 70 nM East of Rhodes. Kastelorizo with an area of 11.987 km2 is the smallest of the Dodecanese.

During the 19th and early 20th century Kastelorizo was fairly prosperous with a large trading fleet and had more than 20,000 inhabitants. For a period of time it was even a refueling stop for the Air France seaplanes flying to Lebanon. Following the 1921 Greco-Turkish war the inhabitants lost their land-holdings and trade with Asia-Minor and the island's economy went into steep decline. Many islanders migrated to Australia. During World War II the island was forcefully temporarily depopulated by the British. Today there are only 200 inhabitants (there are more Kastellorizoi in Sydney) but with many subsidies from Athens many of the old houses are being restored. It is a very quiet and pleasant place to spend a few peaceful days.

Local lore has it that during the World War II the British, after evacuating the inhabitants, set the houses on fire to prevent repatriation. "The Lady of Ro" who after being widowed tended her husband's flocks on the small island of Ro (Ρώ). She refused to be evacuated and stayed all by herself on the island during the war years and everyday, without fail, raised the Greek flag. She died just a few years ago.

Kastelorizo was the location of the delightful anti-war Oscar winning film Meditteraneo.

Charts

BA
236 Hisurönü Körfezi to Taslik Burnu including Rhodos
Imray-Tetra
G36 Marmaris to Kekova Adasi
ΝΙΜΑ
54420 Iskandil Burnu to Dildarde Burnu
Greek
452 Rhodos to Castelorizo

Radio Nets

  • Coast Guard - VHF channel 12, Tel. +30 2410 29 070
  • Olympia Radio - VHF no signal

Also see World Cruiser's Nets.

Weather

There can be very strong gusts during a meltemi blow. These gusts combined with a west setting current create very steep and possibly dangerous seas in the Kaqstelorizo-Kaş channel.

Islands

  • Ro (Ρώ)

Approach and Navigation

The approaches to harbor of Kastelorizo from the north are straightforward but, Danger: approaching Kastelorizo from the south is dangerous because of the many reefs and islets.

Check-in facilities (for Customs and Immigration)

Megisti is a port of entry/exit for Greece.

Berthing Options

You can either go to the harbor Megisti or anchor off in nearby Mandraki.

Ports

Megisti

Megisti
36°09.1′N, 29°35.5′E Chart icon.png
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Chart of Kastelorizo

Megisti (Μεγίστη) is the only harbor in Kastelorizo. Moor stern-to or bow-to the quay.

The quay can be somewhat noisy because of the restaurants. If you want to avoid the noise go to nearby Mandraki.

Marinas & Yacht Clubs

None.

Anchorages

Mandraki

Mandraki
36°8.9′N, 29°35.88′E Chart icon.png


Mandraki (Μανδράκι) is about 1 nM from the harbor of Megisti. It is preferable being quieter and since one can easily get to the town with the dinghy.

Anchor at 3-8 m depth, good holding.

Caution: There are numerous reefs near Mandraki.

Yacht Services and Repairs

Marine Stores

None.

Yacht Services/Repairs/Yards

None.

Fuel, Water, & Electricity

Fuel
N/A (Not Available)
Water
You may be able get a hose from a restaurant in Megisti
Electricity
ou may be able to connect at a restaurant in Megisti

Things to do Ashore

Kastelorizo 2.jpg
The Cyclopean Walls
Kastelorizo BluGr.jpg
The Blue Grotto

Tourism

There are several points of interest here. In town there is the Red Castle (this is the Castelo Roso after which the island is named) and the museum. The museum which is housed in a restored building within the castle consists of 2-3 small rooms with antiquities (not too exiting since the best pieces are in the National Museum in Athens) and some rather interesting ethnographic material (old photographs, costumes, embroideries, etc.). Mr. Elias, the guard, will give a complete tour of the museum as well as an overview of the recent history of Kastellorizo. He is a fountain of local lore.

An hour hike up the steps of the steep hill leads to the monastery of St. George of the Mountain (Ayios Giorgis o Voumias). The monastery is interesting but it is in a state of great abandonment, only the church is maintained. It was founded by Osios Anthimos and it was never fully staffed. Under the church there is a crypt, that is rather hard to climb down to. Before starting for this hike ask for the key to the monastery at the Little Paris café.

Other hikes are to the Old Castle on the north side of the island, which affords excellent views of the Turkish coast, and to the Cyclopean Walls straight up from the town.

From the town there excursion boats daily to the famous Blue Grotto.

Grocery & Supply Stores

  • Some stores but with limited supplies

Eateries

  • There are a number of good restaurants
  • Sydney by the water front is very good
  • A local specialty well worth asking for are katoumaria, honey dipped wheat strings

Internet/WiFi

In Internet cafés.

Laundry

There was an English lady (1997) with a washing machine who charged dearly for its use.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

N/A.

Garbage Disposal

There are bins around the harbor.

Transportation

There is regular air and ferry service to Rhodes with connections to Athens.

Routes/Passages To/From

Cruiser's Friends

Contact details of "Cruiser's Friends" that can be contacted for local information or assistance.

Forum Discussions

List links to discussion threads on partnering forums. (see link for requirements)

External Links

References & Publications

See Greece.

Comments

We welcome users' contributions to the Wiki. Please click on Comments to view other users' comments, add your own personal experiences or recommend any changes to this page following your visit. Personal experiences?

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Names: Istioploos


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