Travel Guide To Kasos Island, Greece – 14 Things To Do & See

Welcome to Kasos Island, an unspoiled jewel in the Dodecanese Islands, floating serenely in the Aegean Sea. If you’re seeking a guide packed with travel advice and things to do in Kasos, you’re in the right spot.

This island, steeped in history from the Greek Revolution to its days under the Ottoman Empire, offers a treasure trove of experiences. From the fresh fish served in local tavernas to the mesmerizing traditional music echoing through the streets, Kasos is a feast for the senses.

Venture to the village of Panagia or explore the historic Monastery of Agios Mamma’s. For the adventurous, a boat trip to the Cave of Ellinokamara links you directly to legends of the Trojan War. Don’t miss the insightful Archaeological Museum, showcasing the island’s rich heritage.

Wondering where to stay on Kasos Island? Choices abound, offering a comfy base to explore the many sites of this enchanting island. Get ready to dive into the heart of Kasos, where tradition meets tranquility.

Hidden at the southern tip of the Dodecanese, the tiny island of Kasos is a hidden gem. Boasting a rugged, untouched landscape, beautiful Byzantine architecture, and stunning turquoise bays, Kasos offers a quieter alternative to the more popular Greek islands.

If you are looking for a Greek escape, here is everything you need to know for a great trip to Kasos, Greece.

Things To Do & Reasons to Visit Kasos, Greece

1. Experience One Of The Aegean Island’s Many Festivals

The island of Kasos boasts many festivals throughout the summer months. With celebrations of food, music, and dancing going well into the night, it really is something that cannot be missed. While most of the celebrations take place during the summer months, the dates change annually, so check ahead of time if you want to plan your trip accordingly.

2. Hike To Magnificent Sights

Kasos Island is a hiker’s paradise offering you seven well-marked trails.

These trails meander through the island’s stunning landscape, connecting small villages, historic churches, serene monasteries, and picturesque beaches.

Signage throughout the island, including a large sign at the port, will guide you on your journey. 

Adventurous hikers can explore two fascinating caves, Ellinokamara and Stylokamara, along the west coast of Kassos.

3. Get On Two Wheels

Kasos also offers cycling paths; it’s worth noting that some might challenge beginners – so be sure to talk to your bike rental company. You can find them conveniently located at the port, making it easy for you to embark on your exploration of this captivating island on two wheels.

4. Explore The Six Churches Of Kasos In Panagia

The Six Churches of Kasos, located in the village of Panagia, are a significant historical and cultural part of the island. Each church is dedicated to a different saint:

1. Agios Charalambos
2. Antonios the Great
3. Apotomi tou Timios Prodromos
4. Agia Varvara
5. Agios Ioannis
6. Agios Nikolaos.

Interestingly, legend has it that the six churches were built to drive away the fairies that once lived in the area. Whether you believe the legend or not, the churches offer a taste of beautiful Byzantine architecture.

5. Wander More Churches

• Agios Spyridon in Fry is the largest church on the island and shouldn’t be missed
• Agios Konstantinos offers breathtaking sunset views over the Aegean Sea
• The journey to Agios Mamas monastery provides unforgettable barren and mountainous vistas
• The small church of Agia Kyriaki offers picturesque views (don’t leave without signing the visitors’ book)
• Stavros church in the village of Agia Marina is a magnificent sight, especially during panigiri

6. Visit Armathia – A Small Island In The Dodecanese

Frequent day trips take visitors from the Kasos to the uninhabited Armathia island. The island boasts one of Greece’s most famous beautiful beaches, Marmara, as well as some other stunning locations, Karavostasi Beach and Apopantoula Beach.

You can also find people renting boats in the harbor, should you prefer the freedom to explore the island alone.

7. Taste Local Cheese

Kasos is famous for its local cheese industry, especially around the villages of Agia Marina and Agios Georgios. The most common local cheeses to try are almyrotyri, mizithra, sitaka, and elaiki. The cheeses are generally thick and creamy and used in many of the island’s most popular dishes.

​8. Eat More Local Food

The regional cuisine in Kasos includes classic dishes such as stuffed vine leaves (Dolmadakia) and fresh fish. I recommend you try soupiopilafo, a black cuttlefish ink rice dish. Very fishy and very tasty.

Other Kasos Island foods to try are:

• Fresh fish like tuna, ray, and lionfish 
• Sitaka cheese and Kouloura rusk are local specialties
• Pilafi is rice cooked in tomato and onion sauce and seasoned with cinnamon
• Makarounes is pasta with Sitaka cheese and fried caramelized onions

9. Take a Museum Day

When visiting Kasos, don’t miss the chance to delve into the island’s rich history through its charming local museums. In the Port of Fri, the island’s capital, you’ll find an archaeological museum showcasing relics that trace Kasos’s past and a maritime museum that celebrates its seafaring heritage.

For a glimpse into traditional island life, head to Arvanitochori, where a folklore museum housed in a classic Kasian house displays artifacts and stories of the local culture.

 

 

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Best Kasos Island Beaches In The Aegean Sea

With crystal clear waters and many secluded coves, Kassos boasts beautiful beaches along its coast waiting to be explored. Here are some of the best spots to spend the day beside the sea.

10. Emporios Beach

Located close to the town of Fry, Emporios is the most popular sandy beach on the island. With many sun beds and tourist facilities, such as restaurants

and cafes; Emporios is an excellent option for a family day out close to town.

11. Kofteri Beach

Another beach located in the town of Fry, Kofteri, is a pebble beach. The beach is close to many tourist facilities and also offers some sun beds.

Interestingly, throughout summer, Kofteri is often used for volleyball competitions, which are great entertainment for visitors.

12. Ammoua Beach

One of the only sandy beaches on the island, Ammoua Beach, is only four kilometers away from Fry. With plenty of sun beds, toilets, and a cafe, Ammoua is the perfect spot for a beachside day out.

13. Antiperatos Bay

This turquoise bay offers three different beaches. The coves are exposed to the winds, making them a great place to practice windsurfing or, alternatively, to escape crowds and cool down on a summer day.

14. Helatros Beach

An off-the-beaten-track beach, Helatros is perfect for those seeking seclusion. Although it is relatively unknown, the beach boasts snorkeling opportunities, sun beds, and a restaurant throughout the high summer season.

How To Get To Kasos, Greece

To reach Kasos quickly, flying from Karpathos or Rhodes is your best bet. Additionally, there are ferry services linking Kasos with several other islands, including Santorini, Crete, Karpathos, and Rhodes, offering a scenic and leisurely way to arrive.

Fly

There is a small airport on Kasos connecting the island via domestic flight to Athens, Rhodes, and Crete, as I mentioned. 

Ferry

As flights may be infrequent and expensive, the most common way to reach Kasos is by ferry. The best way to reach Kasos is from the neighboring islands, Karpathos and Crete.

Karpathos offers the quickest journey, with regular crossings lasting only one hour. However, there are also frequent ferries from the Cretian port of Sitia to Kasos (journey time of two hours) or Heraklion (journey time of six to seven hours).

More infrequent crossings are also available from the nearby island of Rhodes, with journey times lasting around five hours.

Where To Stay In Kasos, Greece

Kasos is one of the smallest and least touristic islands in Greece. Therefore, there are fewer accommodation options. However, given its size, wherever you choose to stay, you will be able to visit the island’s best sites.

History Monuments Of Kasos

Kasos bears a tragic yet heroic history linked to the Greek War of Independence against the Ottomans. Its maritime prowess led the Kasiots to support the Greek revolution, but this bravery had dire consequences. In 1824, during the infamous Kasos Massacre, Ottoman forces brutally decimated the population and destroyed the island’s fleet, marking a dark chapter in the island’s history.

Today, Kasos honors this past with several monuments. A notable one is the Heroes’ Square in Fry, where a memorial pays tribute to those who perished in the massacre. These sites, along with local museums, preserve the memory of Kasos’ sacrifice and resilience.

The island’s story, embedded in the broader narrative of Greek independence, is a tale of courage and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Visitors to Kasos can explore these historical sites, gaining insight into the island’s significant yet somber role in Greek history.

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Now you know that Kason is 100% worth visiting, and. you have everything you need for a great trip to Kasos, Greece.