On the edge of Greece’s Dodecanese archipelago lies a little-known gem: Kassos (also spelled Kasos or Casos). It lies in one of the most authentic corners of the Aegean Sea, between Rhodes and Crete, near Karpathos. Volcanic and wild, this sparsely populated island doesn’t reveal its charms easily: you need to take your time. So let yourself be carried away by the nonchalant rhythm of the islanders’ lives and indulge in a moment of authentic calm. We invite you to discover the island of Kasos in Greece!
Presentation
This singular island is well worth the short odyssey required to dock in its port.
It covers an area of 66.4 km² and has a coastline of 59 km.
Kasos is home to five villages: Agia Marina, Poli, Panagia, Arvanitochori and Fry, the capital.
Kasos: an island where you can be alone in the world
It’s one of Greece’s least-known islands. And with good reason: situated in the Aegean Sea between Karpathos and Cretе, it is one of the southernmost Greek islands! Going to Kassos is a bit like traveling to the end of the world. Here, there’s no tourist infrastructure or artificial entertainment: just a simple way of life, traditional festivals and totally unspoilt volcanic landscapes.
With just a thousand inhabitants, the island of Kasos offers a calm and wild setting, ideal for recharging your batteries away from the hustle and bustle.
Life is punctuated by fishing, the changing seasons and religious celebrations.
With the exception of a few villages, Kassоs is sparsely populated due to its arid nature and rocky terrain.
However, you’ll easily find accommodation in charming little hotels or, even better, directly with the locals!
Kasos, Homer’s Iliad and the discovery of lost ships
Despite its low profile, the island of Kassos has had its hour of glory: it is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad. In the second canto, it is one of the islands that provided ships for the Greek army led by Achilles and Agamemnon. This exceptional mention inspired a major archaeological mission a few years ago: the Kassos project.
In March 2014, the team of scientists announced that they had discovered no fewer than 10 trading vessels sunken by the sea off the island.
The wrecks and their precious cargoes come from all over the world, some dating back to 3000 BC!
The pretty, peaceful villages of Kasos
Sparsely populated, the island of Kasos is home to a number of villages with their simple charm and rare authenticity.
Strolling through them is like taking a trip back in time!
Fry, the island’s main town
The small capital of Kasos lies to the north of the island, opposite Karpathos.
Fry is a pretty port with fewer than 400 inhabitants.
Nothing here has been altered by tourism.
You’ll find a few cafés and tavernas, mostly frequented by locals in fine weather.
During your visit, don’t miss the small fishing port of Bouka.
This former pirate lair is overlooked by a cathedral dedicated to the island’s patron saint, Agios Spyridon.
You’ll also be charmed by its small white and blue houses and the sight of fishermen mending their nets on the quayside.
Before you leave, make a detour to the archaeological museum, housed in a beautiful 19th-century mansion perched high above the harbour.
The village of Agia Marina
The main village of Kasos, Agia Marina, is 1.5 km from Fry.
It’s a pretty farming village with charming lanes where you can enjoy a stroll.
Situated at the top of a hill, it offers a magnificent view of the sunset.
Agia Marina is home to two churches that are very important to the people of Kasos: they host the traditional festivities that take place on the island in July and September.
Panagia and its six Byzantine chapels
The village of Panagia is also well worth a visit.
The church of Pera Panagia is a major cultural landmark on Kassos.
Every August 15, the island’s most important religious festival is held here.
Pera Panagia consists of six picturesque chapels built side by side. It’s an opportunity to admire an astonishing example of Byzantine architecture!
The wild beaches of Kasos
The beaches of Kasos are a reflection of the island: wild, bare and confidential.
But that doesn’t make them any less beautiful!
You’ll just have a better chance of fulfilling an unattainable dream: enjoying a heavenly seaside almost by yourself!
A 15-minute walk from Fry, Kasos beach in Emborios is a pretty sandy beach with crystal-clear waters.
The beach is equipped with two tavernas and parasols and deckchairs.
Further west, you’ll find two series of wild, pebble-covered coves: Fokiokamara and Antiperatos.
Nearby is Amoua Beach, a beautiful and popular beach with a beach bar.
To the south-west of the island of Kasos, you’ll also find Helatros Bay, a pebble beach with clear, clean waters, sheltered from the northerly winds.
For sandy beaches, you’ll have to head for two even more deserted spots: the uninhabited islets of Armathia and Makronisi. You can take a boat from Fry and enjoy a day trip to one of these peaceful havens.
But above all, don’t forget to bring something to eat, drink and protect yourself from the sun: Armathia and Makronisi have no tourist infrastructure!
The island’s churches and monasteries
On this small island, you’ll be amazed at the number of churches, chapels and monasteries… 102 religious buildings are scattered across the island, often with beautiful sea views.
They come in all sizes, usually with pebbled floors and carved wooden iconoclasts.
They bear witness to the deep religious feeling of this island of fishermen living constantly with the sea and its dangers.
Here are some of the most beautiful places to see:
- The church of Agios Spiridonas in Fry, a pretty church with 4 semi-cylindrical domes dedicated to the island’s saint.
- The church of Agia Marina in the village of the same name.
On July 17, one of the island’s most important festivities takes place here on the occasion of St. Marina’s Day. - The 6 churches in the village of Panagia were built side by side and dedicated to 6 saints to ward off the fates of 6 fairies.
- The Agios Mamas monastery, located at the top of the mountain, offers a beautiful panoramic view. Also worth seeing is the ancient church with its pebbled floor and mural paintings.
- Agios Giorgos Monastery in Hadies, St George is a very important protector saint in Kasos
- Potamitissa, a surprising little church built into a cave, where a shepherd found a representation of the Virgin Mary.
- The church of Agia Kiriaki is also worth a visit, especially for its magnificent view of the island and the sea.
The little-known traditional cuisine of Kasos
You’ve never heard of the gastronomy of Kasos?
That’s understandable: the island is so isolated that few people have had the chance to try it.
But the local cuisine is very varied and well worth the trip!
The island’s specialities include :
- Two local cheeses: sitaka, a tasty goat’s cheese, and elaiki, a mild cheese made from mizithra.
- Local butter, the famous kaouli.
- Kasos pilaf, inspired by nearby Egypt.
- And many stuffing-based specialties: bouka, a dish of lamb intestines stuffed with meat and rice; paspara, a recipe for lamb stuffed with rice and fresh herbs; kolokithopoulia, stuffed zucchini flowers; dolmadakias…
It’s the perfect way to enjoy a family tavern after an afternoon on the beach!
How do I get to Kasos?
As you can see, the island of Kassos is not for the faint-hearted.
Reaching its shores has to be earned!
By plane
Kasos has a small national airport. In season, a 1 h 20 flight departs from Rhodes every day except Sunday. You can also fly to Kasos from Heraklion in Crete (2 hrs. 50 min.) and the island of Karpathos (20 min.). Please note that the frequency of departures varies greatly according to the season! We advise you to check the Aegean airlines website to see what flights are available.
By boat
Reaching Kasos by boat offers more options, but it’s important to enjoy the journey! You can also come by ferry from :
- The port of Piraeus in Athens: you’ll have to be patient for this long crossing of over 16 hours.
- The Dodecanese islands of Karpathos (1 hour crossing) and Rhodes (between 5 and 7 hours).
- The following Cycladic islands: Anafi (approx. 3h45), Santorini (5h10 at the fastest).
- The ports of Sitia and Heraklion in Crete: 2h and 5h crossing respectively.
Where to stay?
In Kasos, the rental offer is concentrated in the north of the island, mainly in the villages of Fry, Panagia and Arvanitochori.
We spotted a number of nice accommodations on Booking from hotels to apartments and villas.
There’s also a lovely house in the small village of Arvanitochori at the foot of the mountains, Villa Evdokia with a flower-filled courtyard where you can relax in a hammock.
So if you’re not afraid of adventure, you’ll feel like you’ve reached a lost paradise.
We wish you a wonderful escape to the island of Kasos!
Sandra B.
