A Day Trip to Castellorizo (Meis): Greece’s Closest Island to Kaş
Ergun DündarWelcome to Castellorizo
Known as Megisti in Greek and Meis in Turkish, Castellorizo is the smallest of the well-known Dodecanese islands. While Rhodes is the closest Greek island to Castellorizo at 125 km, Kaş lies just 2.1 km away—making this island one of the most popular day trips from the Turkish coast.
Despite its small size, Castellorizo’s history is full of cultural layers and political change. The Dorians were its first settlers. During the Hellenistic Period, it was ruled by Rhodes, followed by periods under Byzantine, Ottoman, and various European powers. It changed hands many times, from the Knights of St. John to the Egyptians, the King of Naples, Sultan Suleyman, the Italians, the French, the British, and finally Greece in 1948 under the Paris Peace Treaty.
Exploring Castellorizo
After a short ferry ride from Kaş, you’ll go through passport control and reach the town centre within two minutes on foot. The heart of the island is a picturesque waterfront lined with pastel-coloured Italian-style houses, tiny shops, and open-air restaurants.
You can walk from one end of the main harbour to the other in under 30 minutes. Many restaurants place their tables right by the water, offering diners a chance to see fish—and sometimes loggerhead turtles—swimming close to shore.
What to See on Castellorizo
🏛 Ottoman Mosque & Ethnographic Museum
Located to the left of the harbour as you approach the island by ferry, this former mosque was built during the Ottoman period (16th–19th century) and restored in 2007 as a museum. Inside, you’ll find traditional artefacts and everyday items from the 20th century.
🌅 Castle of the Knights of St. John
Perched above the town, this 14th-century castle was built by the Knights of St. John atop earlier ruins from the 4th century BCE. The reddish hue of the stone at sunset gives Castellorizo its name—Castel Rosso, meaning “Red Castle.”
🕌 The Narrow Cliff Path
Beside the mosque is a quiet, stone-paved path that hugs the cliffside. Though narrow, it offers dramatic views of the sea and makes a great place for a peaceful stroll—or even a spontaneous swim.
⛪ Church of St. George
Follow the white stairs from the pier up to this Byzantine-style church, set next to a small square and restaurant featured in scenes from the film Mediterraneo.
🔵 The Blue Cave
Castellorizo’s most famous natural wonder is the Blue Cave, located on the island’s southern coast. Accessible only by boat, this 50-metre-long cave glows with a surreal, luminous blue light. You can book a boat tour to visit it—or, if you travel with our boat from Kaş, we include the Blue Cave stop for free.
🌊 Aya Yorgi Island
This tiny islet just off Castellorizo’s coast is perfect for swimming. Its turquoise water is calm and clear, and you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas for a relaxing afternoon.
What to Eat
Seafood is the star of the menu here. Try the grilled octopus, shrimp, or fresh fish at one of the seaside tavernas. Many restaurants serve classic Greek meze alongside local specialities. Some even accept Turkish lira, though Euros are recommended.
Getting to Castellorizo from Kaş
You’ll need a valid Schengen visa to visit Castellorizo. In high season, visa-on-arrival options may be available from Kaş—simply bring the required documents.
Option 1: Daily Ferry
- Departs: 10:00 AM from Kaş Harbour
- Returns: 4:00 PM
- Duration: About 20 minutes each way
- You’ll have plenty of time to explore the island, swim, eat, and visit cultural sites.
Option 2: Private Boat Tour (Recommended)
Our Castellorizo Boat Tour also departs at 10:00 AM and returns at 4:00 PM. The major advantage?
- Blue Cave visit included (no need to hire another boat on the island).
- Flexible timing, relaxing atmosphere, and direct access to hidden spots.
For more details, see our [Castellorizo Boat Tour page] (remove link for formatting, as requested).