Kastellorizo Car Hire

Things to do in Kastellorizo

On the easternmost side of Greece, you’ll come across Kastellorizo, one of the smallest yet prettiest islands of the Dodecanese complex. The name of the island was given because of its castle with the high double walls and battlements, and is famous for being the island where a lot of Mediterranean films have been captured. In particular, the Gabriele Salvatores’ oscar winning flick 'Mediterraneo', shot in 1991. After the release of 'Mediterraneo', the film brought a huge amount of attention to Kastellorizo, and the island shot to fame, opening up the doorways to tourism. Kastellorizo is the closest Greek island to Turkey, only 2.1 km from Kaş, Antalya, giving you the opportunity to hop between two fascinating countries at ease. You're able to jump on ferries that depart daily from Kaş and enjoy the beautiful Greek island of Kastellorizo and everything it has to offer, including beaches, good food, and wonderful, welcoming, amazing landscapes. Despite only measuring 10 square kilometres, and being the most remote island of the Dodecanese, your time spent here will be incredibly enjoyable and memorable.

Here are some things you can do in Kastellorizo

The island features three capes: Agios Stefanos (north), Nifti (east), and Pounenti (south west). You'll find the only town on the island in the main harbour, which sits in between Agios Stefanos and Nifti. Due to Kastellorizo's small size, you're able to explore the entire island very easily. Here are a few things that you can do to really soak in Kastellorizo's outstanding beauty and lovely atmosphere:

Watch the Sunset from 'Agios Georgios of the Mountain

This is a church built up in one of the most beautiful parts of the island. Put on your best footwear, as you'll be climbing four hundred steps. You don't need to be in top physical condition for this hike, as it's not too difficult and you can take as many stops as you feel necessary. Get ready to be awed as you ascend by the astonishing views of Turkey's shoreline. Once you arrive at the church, find yourself a comfortable spot, and take in the incomparable views. You can stay here for sunset but be aware that you will be descending in the dark, or the other option is to continue hiking to the oldest part of the island - Paleokastro. You can find great places in this area to enjoy the sunset.

Visit the Blue Cave (Fokiali)

Perhaps the most iconic and famous part of the island is the Blue Cave. One of the things worth doing in Kastellorizo is visiting this cave and swimming in its beautiful blue waters. You'll need to rent a small boat with a captain, since the entrance to the cave is challenging. Just be aware that the entrance to the cave is very small, so small that you will most likely pass by without seeing it. During days of bad weather, the cave entrance may even be prohibited. Hence it's best to arrange your visit to the Blue Cave during your first days on the Island to increase your chance of actually being able to visit!

City Tour

The city or 'the capital', as the locals call it, is the only settlement in Kastellorizo. The picturesque harbour with colourful mansions and alleys that lead you to the highest points of the island, is the city! There's lots to learn about the architecture and their way of life. You can visit the two museums: the folklore (folk art) museum, which is housed in a former mosque, and the archaeological museum. At the Museum of Folk Art, you'll have the opportunity to see a short film about the history of the island, helping you understand what Kastellorizo truly is about. Other sites to explore are the school and castle of the Knights from where you can enjoy another sunset.

Eating Out in Kastellorizo

Now you may be wondering, that seeing as Kastellorizo is such a small island, surely dining out won't be a grand experience, right? Well you'll be pleasantly surprised to hear that despite dining options being very few, they are most definitely more than enough. Every Greek island has its own unique flavours, and Kastellorizo is no exception. Visitors have really enjoyed the island's cuisine, hospitality and spoken very highly of the food made from fresh ingredients and cooked with love.

You'll find great options for seafood at the following restaurants: Alexandras, Little Paris, Athena, Aiolis, Billi’s restaurant & Lazarakis. For cooked and stuffed onions, check out 'Platania' restaurant, and follow this with a relaxing coffee at Meltemi café.

For those of you with a sweet tooth, have no fear as this island won't disappoint with its local sweets and pastries! The must try local sweets are 'katoumari' and 'bride's halwa'. 'Katourmari' is a pastry made out of handmade thin dough, then fried in butter with sugar and a dash of cloves. Definitely an experience you don't want to miss out on whilst on the island. 'Bride's halva' is a delicious sweet made with flour. It may be quite difficult to find halva since its recipe is nowadays known only to a few grandmothers of the island. However, if you are lucky enough to find it, you should definitely try it!

Transport in Kastellorizo

The best way of reaching Katellorizo island from mainland Greece is by ferry. Ferries from Piraeus via Rhodes stop twice weekly. There is also a small airport on the island - there aren't any direct flights from Turkey, however there will be flights from some Greek Cities.

The uninhabited western point of the island cannot be reached by car. There is no system of public transport either, though a shuttle bus flits between the town centre of Kastelorizo and the island's small airport just under 2-miles away. Public transport isn't necessary on this island, as it's very easy to get around anywhere on foot. So pack a good pair of walking shoes with you, and you'll be good to go!

A range of ferry routes to neighbouring islands currently operate from the port in Kastelorizo a few times throughout the week. Services hosted by Blue Star Ferries sail out of the cape before heading west to other Dodecanese islands such as: Kos, Nisyros, Kalymnos, Symi, Astypalea.

Top Tips when hiring a car in Kastellorizo

● Choose reputable car rentals in Kastellorizo that offer a range of vehicles, including options like Toyota Corolla or Kastellorizo economy Chevrolet Spark.

● Check the Kastellorizo pick-up and Kastellorizo drop-off locations and pick up and drop off time offered by the car companies to ensure they align with your travel plans.

● Be aware of any additional fees or restrictions for pick-up and drop-off outside of regular hours to avoid any surprises.

● Familiarize yourself with the specific policies and requirements of the car rental service in Kastellorizo, such as age restrictions, driver's license requirements, and insurance coverage.

● Consider any Kastellorizo add-ons or extras offered by the car rental companies in Kastellorizo, such as GPS navigation systems or child seats, to enhance your driving experience.

● Plan your drop-off time accordingly to avoid any late return charges or penalties.

● Enjoy exploring the beautiful island of Kastellorizo and the surrounding South Aegean region with the flexibility and convenience of a rental car.

● Kastellorizo drop-off pick-up services are available with select car rental companies, allowing for convenient transportation arrangements during your visit to the island.

● Some car rental companies in Kastellorizo may offer the option of returning the vehicle at a different drop-off location, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

● If you have a preferred brand in mind, you can inquire with the car rental companies in Kastellorizo to check if they offer vehicles from that specific brand.