Sandy beach with a view to the greenish blue sea surrounded by rocks

Kasos

NOW 16 °C

Next 5 days

TUES 18 °C
WED 16 °C
THURS 18 °C
FRI 18 °C
SAT 18 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

Wild and Beautiful

Kasos Island is the southernmost island of the Dodecanese group. It boasts a rich history, interesting archaeological sites and shares many features with the nearby island of Crete.
You will enjoy its stunning beaches, beautiful villages, local cultural events and festivals as well as its delicious traditional cuisine. This is the ideal off the beaten path destination for laid back holidays.

Kasos port with the traditional whitewashed houses and the church in the background

It’s believed that the island’s first inhabitants were the Phoenicians. The ancient Greek author Homer states that the island took an active part in the Trojan War. Kasos used to be a significant naval and commercial force whose fleet took part in the 1821 Greek Revolution.

Touring the Island

The island’s capital is named Free. Yes, that’s how it’s pronounced, but you’ll probably see it written as Fri or Fry. Located on Bouka’s Bay, it is home to the island harbour on the North coast. It was founded in 1840 by Agia Marina’s inhabitants. Walk along the port of Fri with its fishing boats, cafes and lighthouse and see the town’s colourful houses.

Visit the Archaeological Collection of Kasos, housed in a traditional building, which showcases finds from the Prehistoric Era up to the Roman period as well as a small collection of local folk art exhibits.

See the Church of Agios Spyridonas with its impressive bell tower, the Municipal Library and the Monument of Heroes of the Greek War of Independence (1821).

Take a trip to Emporeio hamlet, located 500 m from the island’s old port, and visit Kasos biggest church Gennisi tis Theotokou (1856), built on the ruins of an Early Christian Basilica.

Agia Marina (500 m from Fri) is the island’s biggest village with picturesque narrow alleys, stately buildings and two lovely churches Agia Marina and Stavros tou Christou. Visit the cave of Ellinokamara with a fortified wall that dates back to the 3rd c. B.C. and the Selai cave with its beautiful stalactites. Stop by Agios Georgios Monastery (1690) at Chadies on your way to Chelatros Bay through the valley of Argos.

Panagia is home to the local sea captains and shipwrights, with charming traditional houses. On the 15th of August this is the place where locals and visitors gather to celebrate the largest feast on the island, which takes place at Pera Panagia Church. At Apano Geitonia, visit six charming little churches where you will be impressed by the 18th c wood-carved icon screens and religious icons.

Poli is the oldest hamlet with whitewashed houses built on a hillside, where you will also see the ruins of a fort on the hilltop. Make a stop by Agios Mamas Monastery and enjoy the area’s wild landscape and breathtaking scenery.

At Arvanitochori village stroll by the old houses and cute little churches. Don’t miss Agios Dimitrios church and the Kasos Folklore Museum.

At 2km NW of Fri, there's Armathia, one of the largest nearby islets. There used to be a gypsum mine up to 1970 there and a couple of families who raised sheep. The best beach here is Marmara, but you might also want to explore Karavostasi and Apopantoula beaches as well.

Tip: Don’t miss a visit on the island during the carnival and Clean Monday celebrations (usually early spring). This is the time when you can savour local delicacies and engage in the traditional kite-making known as taliera. Throughout the Easter holiday there are many customs you can enjoy as well as mouthwatering local dishes.