Unexplored and authentic, Kasos, the southernmost island of the Dodecanese, is renowned for its beautiful villages, gorgeous beaches and exquisite traditional cuisine.
If what you’re seeking from your holidays is days of complete carefree bliss, with strolls through beautiful and quiet settlements and dips in pristine beaches far from the crowds, then Kasos is a destination worth discovering. The southernmost island of the Dodecanese, between Karpathos and Crete, preserves its authenticity and is an ideal choice for truly tranquil holidays. Kasos seems to have remained untouched by time, with the customs of the past still alive.
What to see in Kasos
The villages
Fri, the island’s capital and main port, retains its traditional character in its architecture, with beautiful, well-preserved mansions. It’s worth walking along the old little harbor of Bouka, filled with fishing boats and caiques, reminiscent of a pirate port. Visit the church of the island’s patron saint, Agios Spyridon, with its lovely bell tower, the Municipal Library, and the monument to the heroes of 1821. A distinct area in Fri is also the old harbor of Emporios, with the island’s busiest beach and the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos.
The island’s largest village is Agia Marina. In the village’s narrow alleys you’ll see captains’ mansions that reveal the island’s great seafaring tradition, as well as the churches of Agia Marina and of the Cross of Christ. In the southwestern part of Agia Marina you can visit the Ellinokamara Cave, considered one of the oldest places of worship in the Dodecanese, from the Mycenaean to the Hellenistic period.
Panagia is an old village of sea captains and shipwrights. On August 15 almost all locals and visitors gather here for the island’s biggest festival, held at the Pera Panagia church. Unique in the Aegean is the complex of six small churches (in the Upper Neighborhood), with carved wooden iconostases and 18th-century icons. According to tradition, the villagers built the chapels to drive away the six fairies that appeared there.
Poli (the island’s oldest settlement, with the ruins of a castle) and Arvanitochori, with its old mansions, charming square, and many small churches, are two more picturesque villages of Kasos worth visiting.
Beaches
Emporios is the organized beach of the village of the same name and the island’s most popular. It is close to Fri and easily accessible. Ammoua is a small sandy beach with wonderful sunset views. It has a beach bar, sunbeds, and umbrellas. Antiperatos with its three coves, the small pebbly beach of Helatros, Avlaki, and the secluded Trita are ideal for quieter swims.
It’s also worth visiting by boat or caique the uninhabited islet of Armathia, close to Kasos, to dive into the turquoise waters of the beautiful Marmara beach, which has been described as one of the Mediterranean’s loveliest.
Local flavors
Kasos is famed for its delicious traditional cuisine that will stay with you. Kasiot dolmadakia, Kasiot pilaf (made with the broth of boiled meat and served with cinnamon), makarounes with sitaka (a local creamy cheese), and black cuttlefish pilaf (with cuttlefish ink) are some of the local specialties you must try.
Accommodation
- Angelica’s apartments in Fri feature refined, traditional decor and offer a comfortable stay.
- At Amfi Sea View in Fri you’ll find traditional stone-built rooms, thoughtfully maintained, with wonderful views and every amenity.
- Aeriko Hotel - Apartments in Arvanitochori offers comfortable, well-kept rooms in a very lovely and quiet part of the island, close to the port.
- The complex of self-contained and fully renovated apartments Theoxenia Apartments in the village of Panagia is a distinctive accommodation option in Kasos.
Food
- In Emporios, take a seat at the taverna of the same name for fresh fish and home-style dishes right on the beach.
- In Fri, be sure to try the seafood meze at Meltemi.
- You’ll also enjoy good traditional food, along with lovely views, at Mylos.
- Marouklas Kafeneio in Arvanitochori serves tasty meze and souvlaki.
- In Agia Marina, make a stop at the grill house Kathistres for spit-roasted chicken and steaks.
