Kasos

NOW 17 °C

Next 5 days

SUN 20 °C
MON 21 °C
TUES 19 °C
WED 19 °C
THURS 19 °C

Source: National Observatory of Athens /meteo.gr

Wild and Beautiful

Kasos island is the southernmost island of the Dodecanese complex, with a rich history and common features with the nearby island of Crete. Besides its archaeological and historical interest, the island boasts natural charm. Stunning beaches, beautiful villages, fun local feasts, events and festivals as well as delicious traditional cuisine.
This is the ideal off the beaten path destination for laid back holidays where local customs are very much alive. Don’t miss a visit on the island during the carnival and Clean Monday celebrations. This is the time when you can savour local holiday delicacies and engage in traditional kite-making known as taliera. Throughout the Easter holiday enjoy customs that have been passed down from generation to generation and taste mouth-watering local recipes.

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 Free. Yes, that’s how it’s pronounced, but you’ll probably see it written as Fri or Fry. It is built around Bouka’s Bay and is home to the main port of the island 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 architectural style houses.

Visit the Archaeological Collection of Kasos, housed in a traditional house showcasing finds from the Prehistoric Period up to the Roman times as well as a small collection of historic artefacts part of local folklore.
See the Patron Saint Church of Agios Spyridonas with its impressive bell tower, the Municipal Library and the Monument of the Revolution of 1821’s Heroes.

The hamlet of Emporeio, located 500 m from the island’s old port, is where you can visit Kassos biggest church Gennisi tis Theotokou (1856), built where a Palaiochristian Basilica once stood.

Agia Marina (500m from Fri) is one of the island’s biggest villages with picturesque narrow alleys, stately buildings and two lovely churches you should see (Agia Marina and Stavrou tou Christou). Visit the cave of Ellinokamara with a fortified wall that dates back to the 3rd c. B.C. and at 2 km southeast the Selai cave with its beautiful stalactites. Stop by (1690) Agios Georgios Monastery at Hadies (10 km NW) on your way to Helatros Bay through the valley of Argous.

Panagia is a captain and shipwright village with stately houses. On the 15th of August this is the place where all locals and visitors gather to celebrate the largest feast on the island, which takes place at Pera Panagia Church. Next stop, Apano Geitonia (1km from Fri), visit six charming little churches with religious icons and wood-carved icon screens from the 18th c.

Poli is the oldest hamlet with white houses built on a hillside and the ruins of a fort on the hilltop. Go by Agios Mama Monastery (4km SE) and enjoy the area’s wild landscape and breathtakingly dreamy scenery.

Old houses and cute little churches compose the wonderful village of Arvanitochori. Don’t miss Agios Dimitrios church and the Folklore Museum of Kasos.

Island Journeys

At 2km NW from Fri, you’ll reach Armathia, one of the largest islands around Kasos. A gypsum mine and families with sheeps used to live on Armathia playing a significant role for Kasos up to the 20th c.The best beach here is Marmara, but you might want to explore Karavostasi and Apopantoula as well.