How to get to Kastellorizo

The picturesque Kastellorizo is the easternmost island of Greece, located just a few kilometres from the Turkish coast. This tiny yet incredibly colourful corner of the Mediterranean attracts travellers with its neoclassical architecture, serene atmosphere, and distance from noisy tourist trails.

Despite its modest size and isolation, you can reach it in various ways by combining different modes of transport. Most often, tourists use air connections or sea routes, but the journey can also include a trip by car or bus to major nearby ports followed by a transfer to a ferry.

The fastest way to reach the island is by air. There is a small Kastellorizo Airport (KZS) operating here, which receives regular flights connecting this remote corner with the "mainland". The airport is located just a few kilometres from the only settlement, so the transfer will not take much time.

The main hub for transfers is usually Rhodes, from where short flights to the island are operated. Travellers may also consider flight options via neighbouring Turkish airports, such as Antalya or Mugla (Dalaman), to then reach the coast and use marine transport; however, the Greek route via Rhodes remains the most predictable and convenient option.

There is absolutely no railway service on the island of Kastellorizo due to its miniature size and rocky terrain. Trains also do not run on the neighbouring island of Rhodes, which often serves as a transit point for tourists.

Rail travel enthusiasts can only take a train to major mainland cities in neighbouring countries, for example, towards the resorts of Antalya or Mugla (although the rail network is limited there as well), and cover the remaining part of the journey by bus and ferry. Thus, a train can only be the initial stage of a complex multi-leg route, but not a method of arrival directly onto the island.

There is no direct bus service to Kastellorizo since it is an island, but buses are actively used to reach ferry departure ports. The most popular route runs through Rhodes: tourists travel by bus to the port to then transfer to a ship. The total distance of such a trip, including the sea portion, is about 148 km.

A journey with a transfer in Rhodes will take approximately 4.8 hours. This is an excellent option for those who wish to save on air tickets and enjoy views of the Aegean Sea on the way to the easternmost outpost of Greece.

A trip by car to Kastellorizo is always a combination of driving and a ferry crossing. The most common option is to drive to the port on the island of Rhodes and load the vehicle onto a ferry; the entire journey in this case will take about 10 hours, and the distance will be around 145 km.

Alternative routes for car travellers run through the Turkish coast, from where you can find a boat (often without the possibility of transporting a car). The road through the region where Mugla is located will take approximately 16.5 hours (405 km), and the route from the city of Antalya will be the longest — more than 20 hours (718 km). Please note that a car is practically unnecessary on the island itself due to the lack of a road network.

When planning a trip to this secluded Greek island, it is worth remembering its isolation and measured pace of life. Here are a few tips to make your stay on Kastellorizo as comfortable as possible.

1. Clothing and Footwear. Bring comfortable flat shoes, as the streets here are paved and can be steep. In summer, a hat and sunglasses are mandatory, and a light windbreaker will be useful for evening walks by the sea.
2. Transport. The island is so small that you will not need a car. It is best to move around the town on foot, and distant beaches can be reached by the island's only taxi or a water taxi.
3. Finances. The official currency is the Euro. Cards are accepted in most restaurants, but be sure to carry cash for small expenses in kiosks or to pay boatmen.
4. Health. There is a small medical centre and a pharmacy on the island, but the range of medicines may be limited. We recommend bringing a basic first aid kit, especially if you require specific medications.
5. Connectivity and Language. Locals speak Greek, but thanks to tourism, many speak English well. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and cafes, though speeds may be lower than what you are accustomed to.
6. Local Etiquette. Greeks are famous for their hospitality. A greeting of "Kalimera" (Good morning) or "Yassas" (Hello) will bring a smile and help you bond with the locals. Rushing is not customary here.
7. What to Avoid. Do not attempt to swim to the Turkish coast (the city of Kas) on your own without passing through passport control — this is a border violation. Also, avoid walking on unequipped rocky paths during extreme heat.
8. Blue Cave. Be sure to book a boat excursion to the Blue Cave — it is one of the most impressive sea caves in the Mediterranean, and you can only enter it from the water and only in the morning when the water level allows the boat to pass inside.

By following these simple recommendations, you will be able to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of tranquility and enjoy the unique beauty of this region without being distracted by minor inconveniences.