Hotels in Kasos

For those wishing to travel to Kasos, the island can be reached both by sea and by air.

1. By sea

The island of Kasos is connected to Piraeus and other Aegean ports. Conventional ships make the "Piraeus - Kasos" route in approximately 24 hours, while high-speed vessels do it in about 18 hours. The ferry connection is served at least once a week.

Moreover, the port of Kasos has regular connections with other islands of the Dodecanese, some of the Cyclades islands and Crete. The closest destination is Karpathos, which you can easily visit as the itinerary is very frequent and takes just over an hour. Kasos also has direct ship routes to Kalymnos, Kos, Rhodes, Milos, Santorini and more.

Kasos offers a range of accommodation options that cater to a variety of tastes and budgets.

The island's main town and port, Fry, is a popular choice for accommodation. Its convenience to the port and various local amenities like restaurants, cafes, and shops make it an attractive base for exploring the island. Here, you may find a mixture of traditional guest houses and modern hotels.

The picturesque villages of Agia Marina and Panagia also provide lodging options. These can range from family-run B&Bs to vacation rentals such as apartments or villas. Staying in these villages offers an immersive experience into the local culture and way of life on the island.

It's also worth noting that as a relatively small and less touristy destination, Kasos doesn't have large resort complexes or luxury hotels that you might find on bigger islands. Instead, accommodation here tends to be more intimate and personal, often family-owned and operated, allowing visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the local community and its traditions.

Kasos, a gem of the Greek islands, boasts six unique settlements, each with its own distinctive charm. The capital, Fry, is a vibrant center nestled on the island's northern coast, renowned for its traditional architecture, impressive stone mansions and the old pirate harbor, Boukas. Founded in 1840, it offers a charming glimpse into the island's history and culture.

Just a short distance from Fry, Agia Marina, the largest village on the island, known for its scenic alleys and breathtaking sunsets, invites visitors with its neoclassical houses and beautiful architecture. Further into the island, the quaint settlements of Arvanitochori and Panagia offer a slice of traditional Greek life. Arvanitochori is home to old mansions, picturesque churches, and a renowned village cafe, while Panagia, an old village of captains and shipbuilders, is distinguished by its six small churches built to exorcise legendary ghosts.

Finally, a visit to Kasos wouldn't be complete without a trip to Poli, the island's ancient capital. Here, among the white houses spread on the hill slope, visitors can explore the ruins of an old castle and enjoy a breathtaking view that captures the timeless beauty of Kasos.

Visitors to the island of Kasos will find a wealth of attractions to explore, each steeped in rich historical and cultural significance.

The island's capital, Fry, is home to several noteworthy monuments. The 1821 Heroes Monument, marked by two anchors and four small cannons, pays tribute to the island's historical resistance. In the town square, the Kasos Holocaust Monument, sculpted by Anatoli Lazaridis, is a powerful reminder of a tragic period in the island's history. Other must-visit sites include the Archaeological Collection, housed in a traditional home, where exhibits range from prehistoric to Roman times. The Folklore Pavilion, though small, offers fascinating insights into the island's culture. The island's patron saint, Agios Spyridon, is honored with a beautiful church featuring an impressive bell tower. The Municipal Library, located nearby, offers a wealth of knowledge about the region.

Agia Marina houses the noteworthy Ellinokamara Cave, fortified with a 3rd-century BC wall, which served as a place of worship from the Mycenaean to the Hellenistic period and a sanctuary during pirate invasions. A short distance southeast, you'll find the stunning Selai Cave, known for its captivating stalactites and stalagmites, along with a spectacular view. A scenic drive through the valley of Argos towards the bay of Helatro leads you to the Monastery of Saint George, located in the Hadia region. Not only is this the island's patron monastery, but it also showcases remarkable frescoes and a beautifully crafted wooden temple. Other monasteries like Saint Mamas offer breathtaking views of the Libyan Sea, enriching Kasos' narrative of worship, refuge and striking natural beauty.

Kasos, a Greek island, boasts an array of beautiful beaches that cater to every preference, whether you enjoy sandy shores, rocky coves or pebbled retreats. From bustling and organized to remote and untouched, these beaches make Kasos a must-visit destination.

Emporios, the most popular beach on the island, is nestled in a windless bay, making it a favorite among visitors. Small yet bustling, Emporios is easily accessible by car, offering taverns and a pastry shop. This sandy beach, known for its clear, crystalline waters, was the island's first port and is close to the capital, Fry. Come summer, the beach is abuzz with locals and tourists alike, and the surrounding restaurants and cafes cater to every palate.

For a beach experience with amenities, Ammoua is the place to go. This sandy beach offers loungers and umbrellas for a day of sun-soaked relaxation. A beach bar serves snacks and refreshing drinks from morning to night, ensuring your day at the beach is a comfortable one. For surf enthusiasts, Antiperatos on the island's west side is ideal. Made up of three bays with crystal-clear waters, this pebbly beach is exposed to the north winds, making it perfect for surfing. However, make sure to bring your essentials, as Antiperatos is not a fully organized beach.

Further away from the crowds, you will find Helatros and Avlaki. Helatros, a small, wind-protected beach with pebbles and stunning turquoise waters, offers a serene environment for relaxation. Although remote, it provides umbrellas, loungers and a cantina for drinks and snacks. On the other hand, Avlaki, a small and tranquil beach, is tucked away in a narrow bay to the southwest of Kasos. Accessible by a one-hour walk or by sea, Avlaki is the ideal choice for those seeking a peaceful retreat.

If you're more of an adventurer, Trita is the beach for you. Reachable by a one-hour hike or by boat, this pebble beach with crystal-clear waters offers tranquility and isolation. This beach isn't equipped with amenities, so remember to pack all essentials. Finally, Marmara, situated on the Armathia islet, is regarded as one of the Mediterranean's most stunning coastlines. Its white sandy shores and clear turquoise water conjure up an idyllic, almost tropical atmosphere. Like Trita, it's unorganized and accessible only by boat, so come prepared with all necessary supplies.

Despite its relatively small size, Kasos is brimming with numerous attractions and natural beauties, making it an ideal destination for a wide array of activities.

One of the most popular and exciting activities to engage in while in Kasos is to take a kaiki (traditional Greek boat) trip to the nearby island of Armathia. Armathia is home to some of the Mediterranean's most breathtaking coastlines, including the illustrious Marmara beach. Taking a dip in Marmara's clear azure waters offers a memorable blend of the island's scenic allure and a hint of exploration.

In addition to its natural wonders, Kasos is also famous for its vibrant local festivals. Festivities and feasts are the heart of Kasos, allowing you to immerse yourself in traditional Greek culture. Dance to the tunes of the lyre and the lute, try local delicacies and partake in the island's spirit of celebration. The island's most significant festival takes place on August 15th in the settlement of Panagia, with other notable celebrations at Agia Marina, Saint George and Saint Mamas.

For nature lovers, Kasos offers stunning hiking trails to explore. You can traverse the island's beautiful paths, such as the trail from Fry to the Monastery of Saint George in Hadies, or undertake the ascent to Priona, the highest point of Kasos. These routes offer a unique opportunity to take in the island's landscapes while enjoying a bit of exercise.

Kasos is also a paradise for lovers of water sports. The abundant underwater life of Kasos makes it a premier location for spearfishing. This richness was globally recognized when Kasos was chosen as the venue for the 2003 World Spearfishing Championship. Additionally, the island's favorable weather provides the perfect conditions for a range of aquatic activities, including windsurfing, scuba diving and sailing. These water sports are suitable for all skill levels, inviting everyone to experience the enchanting Mediterranean sea.

In sum, Kasos is a treasure trove of diverse activities, providing everything from nautical adventures and sun-soaked beach outings to engaging cultural celebrations and scenic hiking trails. This ensures that the picturesque island caters to the interests of all visitors, making every journey to Kasos an exceptional experience.

Kasos might be a small island, but it offers a plethora of charming locations to explore. One such place is the quaint harbor of Boukas, which serves as a docking spot for small boats and a refuge for fishing vessels. Overlooking the harbor is the Church of Saint Spyridon with its four semicircular domes and intricately carved wooden temple dating back to 1866. This locale also serves as the epicenter of the island's lively social life, teeming with various taverns, cafes and bars that create a vibrant atmosphere.

You should also make a point to visit the Monastery of Saint George in Chadies, a symbol of devotion that also accommodates a spacious guesthouse. Another interesting religious site is the Monastery of Saint Mamas, the patron saint of shepherds.

For the adventurous, the island's caves are a must-see. The Hellenokamara cave with its cyclopean wall at the entrance and the Stilokamara cave with its numerous stalactites offer a unique exploration experience.

The locals of Kasos, known as Kasiotes, love to celebrate at every opportunity, with music accompanying every moment of their lives. Traditional melodies of the lyre and lute fill the air, followed by impromptu poetry and dancing. You may find yourself dancing into the early morning hours, savoring local delicacies like pilaf with cinnamon, famous dolmades and delicious local cheeses. You'll certainly be offered local wine and raki, making the experience unforgettable.

Lastly, for a sense of seclusion and a touch of adventure, visit Armathia, the largest of the islets surrounding Kasos. Even though it's deserted today, the remnants of homes, barns and ovens testify to a time of bustling activity until the mid-1900s. This is also where you'll find the gorgeous Marmara beach, a gem in the Mediterranean, distinguished by its delicate sand both underfoot and underwater.

Kasos is celebrated for its dairy products, particularly the sitaka, a creamy cheese derived from sheep or goat milk. This delicacy, prepared in the island's only cheese-making facility, often serves as a sauce for macaroni or as a topping on local bread. Other cheese variants, including the myzithra, elaiki, almyrotyri and anthotyro, also deserve a taste. The rare but delicious "kaouli", a local butter, is another must-try.

The island's cuisine also showcases the rich bounty of the sea. The parrotfish, a characteristic species of the Carpathian Sea, is commonly served grilled, fried or baked with onions. Additions to the seafood menu include menules, similar to sardines, and the enticing cuttlefish risotto made with fresh cuttlefish ink.

Makarounes (handmade macaroni) is a significant main dish on the island, served with garlic or sitaka and topped with caramelized onions. The famed dolmades and Kasian pilaf, a red rice dish cooked in a meat broth with tomatoes, hold a special place in festivities and weddings.

For those with a sweet tooth, Kasos offers desserts like moschopougia, almond-filled treats, and xilikopites, similar to Greek diples. The kouloures, a crunchy double-baked bread, is the perfect accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea. With such an array of flavors, Kasos provides a culinary journey worth embarking on.

The best time to visit Kasos can differ based on what you're looking to get out of your trip. For those seeking sun-soaked days perfect for beach activities and warm sea temperatures, the summer months from June to September are recommended as this is when the island experiences its warmest weather.

Alternatively, if your preference leans towards milder temperatures and less crowded tourist spots, the shoulder seasons of spring (April-May) and fall (late September-October) might be more suitable. The weather during these periods is generally agreeable, offering ideal conditions for leisurely exploration of the island.

Lastly, should you wish to immerse yourself in the local culture by attending the island's unique events and festivals, it would be worth aligning your visit to coincide with these special occasions.

Located in the southeast of the Aegean Sea, Kasos takes pride in being the most southerly isle within the Dodecanese cluster. It rests conveniently north of Crete and south of Karpathos.

Kasos is part of the Dodecanese islands and administratively falls under the jurisdiction of the South Aegean Region and the Prefecture of Dodecanese.

Based on the 2022 census data, Kasos boasts a population of 1,224 people.