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

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Post author Nick

Written by our local expert Nick

Nick is is digital nomad originally from Athens, Greece. You will now find him exploring the Greek islands, Bulgaria and beyond.

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.

Greece Travel Blog_Kasos Island Greece

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

Port of Fry - Kasos Island Greece
Port of Fry, Kasos Island

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

How To Make Croatian Crni Rizot - Black Risotto

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

Port of Fry - Kasos Island

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

Kasos Island Greece - 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

Kasos Island 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.

KASOS ISLAND NEIGHBORHOODS

There are four main villages on the island. Most of the tourist accommodation is centered in the main town, Fry, with some rentals available in other towns.

Fry – Capital Of The Island

As the island’s main town, Fry offers most accommodation options close to the port, beaches, various eateries, and nightlife. The main port of Kassos is home to the old Church of Aghios Spyridonas, which houses an important collection of family photographs illustrating life on the island over the past century.

Agia Marina

The second biggest town on Kasos, Agia Marina, is full of picturesque alleys and traditional houses. If you are looking for a traditional stay, this is the perfect place for you.

Panagia

Close to the main town, Panagia is a small village with a couple of good accommodation options. If you happen to visit in August, the Church of Pera Panaghia hosts one of the biggest celebrations on the island on August 15.

Arvanitochori

A beautiful old town full of cute churches and old traditional houses, Arvanitochori is home to the island’s folklore museum. This village is a great place to stay if you are interested in being close to the island’s cultural heart.

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.

FAQs

KASOS FAQs

What makes Kasos a unique destination?

Kasos is a small, untouched island in Greece that offers visitors a unique and authentic experience. Its beautiful beaches, picturesque villages, historic landmarks, and delicious dairy products make it a hidden gem.

What are some notable landmarks to visit in Kasos?

Some notable landmarks in Kasos include the Old Port of Bouka, with its 2,000-year-old history, and the Church of Aghios Mammas, known for its Byzantine architecture and stunning Aegean seascape.

What are the highlights of the villages in Kasos?

The villages of Pounta, Emboreio, and Panaghia are worth exploring. Enjoy a sunset walk or a swim at the beach in Emboreio, admire the well-maintained stately homes in Panaghia with archaic-style columns, and discover Byzantine architecture in the village.

What are the best beaches in Kasos?

Kasos offers a variety of beaches. Ammouas, Antiperatos, and Helathros are secluded beaches with turquoise waters. The beach at Helathros is embraced by massive rocks, creating a picturesque setting.

What is unique about the dairy products in Kasos?

Kasos is renowned for its excellent cheeses and dairy products. The Vonaparti family’s dairy, located near the village of Aghia Marina, produces fine local cheeses and is the only large business on the island that exports them across Greece.

What can visitors expect during festivals and feasts in Kasos?

Kasos is known for its traditional feasts and festivals. These events are hosted to celebrate occasions like weddings, baptisms, or religious holidays. Visitors can enjoy local bands performing traditional tunes, theatrical performances, and the rich cultural heritage of the island.

What are the local culinary specialties in Kasos?

Kasos boasts traditional Greek cuisine with unique local flavors. Try dishes like stuffed vine leaves, local cheeses, and fresh fish, all offering a taste of the island’s culinary richness.

What activities are popular in Kasos?

In Kasos, you can enjoy hiking, boat trips to nearby uninhabited islands, snorkeling at rugged beaches, and exploring the island’s natural and historical sites.

How accessible is Kasos for travelers?

Kasos is accessible by air and ferry. You can fly to nearby islands like Crete or Rhodes and then take a ferry, or opt for a direct ferry from Piraeus port in Athens, which takes approximately 22 hours.

What is the best time to visit Kasos?

The best time to visit Kasos is during the late spring to early fall, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the island’s natural beauty.

What kind of accommodation options are available in Kasos?

Kasos offers a range of accommodation options, from cozy guesthouses and traditional hotels to rental apartments catering to various preferences and budgets.

What are the nearby Islands to Kasos?

Kasos is conveniently nestled near Karpathos and Crete, making it an excellent stop for island-hopping enthusiasts.

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

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