Dodecanese · South Aegean
The southernmost island of the Dodecanese, where the Aegean meets the Libyan Sea. An untouched place with five picturesque villages, pristine beaches, all-night festivals and the warmest hospitality in the Aegean.
The Island
Kasos lies between Karpathos and Crete, at the southernmost tip of the Dodecanese. With limited tourist development, the island has kept its authentic character: customs are still alive, locals are proud of their seafaring history, and daily life flows calmly and simply.
Five settlements, over a hundred churches and chapels wedged into the wild rock, exotic beaches and a living musical tradition of mantinades make up a destination for those seeking calm, nature and authenticity — far from mass tourism.
It is an ideal place for hiking on old trails, exploring by boat, and evenings that end with dancing, treats and song until dawn.
History & Music
In the most authentic corner of the Karpathian Sea, Kasos carries a weighty seafaring history and a musical tradition still heard at every festival.
During the Greek Revolution, Kasos was one of the most important naval powers of the Aegean, with a strong fleet that contributed to the struggle at sea. Its resistance came at a heavy price: in June 1824 Egyptian forces utterly destroyed the island, in one of the most tragic episodes of the War — the Holocaust of Kasos.
Ever since, the island has been honoured as the “Heroic Island of Kasos”. The memory of 1824 lives on in its churches, the captains’ mansions and the Heroes’ Monument in Fry.
Kasos also produced generations of sailors, captains and shipwrights — a people bound to the sea, who have kept their memory and customs alive to this day.
The Villages
The villages of Kasos are built close together, with narrow alleys, stone mansions and the distinctive architecture of sloping roofs found on no other Aegean island.
The capital and port, on the north side. The heart of island life, with the picturesque little harbour of Bouka — the old pirate anchorage full of colourful fishing boats.
CapitalThe largest village, spread across the hillsides. Neoclassical mansions, churches with white domes and narrow alleys that invite a stroll.
The largestThe oldest settlement, at 200 m altitude with superb views. The acropolis of the ancient city stood here; excavations have revealed tombs from the 4th c. BC.
The oldestAn old village of captains and shipwrights, with beautiful mansions. Here, at the church of Panagia, the island’s biggest festival takes place.
Of the captainsA picturesque settlement with traditional colour. Home to Agios Dimitrios, the Folklore Museum and the Traditional Olive Mill — a starting point for walks in the island’s nature.
PicturesqueBeaches
From easily accessible coves to pristine beaches reached only by boat, Kasos rewards those who seek seclusion and clear waters.
The most easily accessible beach, a few minutes from Fry. Fine sand, shallow crystal-clear water, umbrellas, sunbeds and tavernas — ideal for families.
In the heart of Fry, next to the port. White pebbles, clear turquoise water, umbrellas with sunbeds and a café-snack bar.
Fine sand, shallow turquoise water and a magical sunset. A few umbrellas and the Ammoua Beach Bar; easy access by car or scooter.
Wild, secluded beauty: large white pebbles and deep turquoise water. Some umbrellas and a canteen; access by car.
“The Caribbean of Kasos”: fine white sand and turquoise water. Reached only by boat from the port; unorganised — bring water, sunscreen & a hat.
White pebbles and deep-blue water in a wild landscape. Above it, the Holocaust memorial (the 1824 landing); one of the finest sunsets. Unorganised.
A picturesque, quiet bay with white pebbles and turquoise water. Reached by a dirt road; unorganised, ideal for absolute calm.
An authentic pebble beach next to Avlaki, with clear turquoise water. Reached by a dirt road; unorganised.
A quiet bay with turquoise water, ideal for the sunset. Reached by boat or along a path; unorganised.
Sights
Cult caves from Mycenaean times, historic monasteries overlooking the two seas, and monuments recalling the island’s heroic seafaring history.
The old pirate anchorage in Fry, with its colourful fishing boats. Above it rises Agios Spyridon with its 1866 carved wooden iconostasis; since 2020 the harbour also has underwater lighting.
One of the oldest places of worship in the Dodecanese (Mycenaean to Hellenistic era). Reached on foot along a ~300 m cobbled path from Agia Marina; its wall dates to the 3rd c. BC.
Two kilometres southwest of Agia Marina, 30 m deep and 8 m wide. A rough path and a hidden entrance — inside, impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
In the centre of Fry, just before Bouka, with two anchors and four cannons — a tribute to the island’s fighters.
On the Town Hall square, a work by sculptor Anatolis Lazaridis, in memory of the 1824 destruction.
The chapel at the island’s highest point, ~600 m altitude. Magical views and sunset over the islet of Armathia.
A historic monastery of 1690 at Chadies, on the way to Helatros bay, through the valley of Argos.
On a hill on the south side, near Poli, with superb views of the Libyan Sea.
The archaeological site of the ancient city, with traces of a Mycenaean settlement, sections of the acropolis wall on Kastro hill and a paved road to the port of Emporios. The relief of a youth holding a hare was found here.
Inscriptions carved in rock (2nd–1st c. BC) attesting to a sanctuary dedicated to the Samothracian Gods and the Nymphs, protectors of sailors — a unique example of ancient maritime worship.
In Fry. Vases, coins and finds from Ellinokamara, Hellenistic inscriptions from Poli, Minoan items from Helatros and exhibits from 1821. In the basement, a recreation of the Kasiot home.
Daily 8:30–15:30 · Admission ticketFrom the private collection of Antonis Hatzipetros. Sextants, compasses and nautical instruments, ship models, shipbuilding tools and historic documents of the island’s seafaring.
In Arvanitochori, in a classic old house. It recreates the traditional Kasiot home with everyday objects from another era.
In Arvanitochori, dedicated to Agios Dimitrios. An olive press, farmers’ and herders’ tools, the carpenter’s corner — created by the residents themselves.
Friday & Saturday 18:00–20:00In an imposing neoclassical building in Fry, donated by the family of Nikolaos Mavris. Around 4,000 titles and a space for cultural events.
Food
An authentic island cuisine based on dairy and cheese products that you won’t forget.
At the festivals
In the churchyards, at the festivals, plentiful traditional food and wine are offered free to locals and visitors alike. In the great kitchens, men in white aprons prepare the meat, the pilaf and the fried potatoes over open wood fires — just as they have for generations.
A soft, creamy cheese with a very long tradition and a strong flavour that reveals its roasting. Eaten with rusks or with makarounes.
PDO registration pendingA salty mizithra that matures for 4–5 months in a container, covered with butter.
One of the rare cheeses of the Aegean; a dry mizithra that matures within the “psitaris” butter, leaving a piquant flavour.
The renowned Kasiot butter, the base of many traditional recipes — together with kefalotyri, graviera, mizithra, feta and yogurt.
One of the purest honeys, with a strong, full thyme flavour — with devoted fans all over Greece.
Dairy & cheese products — Vonapartis Ioannis.
tel. 22450 41953 · mob. 6974 113789
Similar products are also sold by several local producers and farmers on the island.
Events & Festivals
The best way to dive into local tradition is a Kasiot panigyri: an all-night celebration with dancing, mantinades, plentiful treats and endless feasting.
Each year the Municipality holds three days of events in memory of the Holocaust of Kasos (1824).
One of the liveliest festivals of the summer, in the island’s largest village.
The biggest festival on Kasos. On the Dormition of the Virgin almost all locals and visitors gather — lyra, laouto, sousta dance, mantinades and treats until morning.
* Moveable feasts — dates vary by year. The full programme is announced each summer by the Municipality and local associations.
Stay & Eat
Welcoming traditional accommodation and authentic tavernas. The properties below come from the Municipality of Kasos registry — it’s best to confirm availability and prices directly.
Eating
In Emporios, tavernas with fresh fish and seafood by the water — parrotfish, crayfish, lobster pasta. In Fry, traditional cafés and meze places around Bouka.
Experiences
Boat trips to Armathia, hiking on old trails among chapels, and exploring the island’s caves and monasteries.
A traditional taverna on the harbour; local cooked dishes and grills.
Details →A picturesque taverna with authentic dishes and a family atmosphere.
Details →Sakelari Evdokia
Apartments · 2★ · up to 20 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41175, 41825 · mob. 6972 140910
evdosake@yahoo.gr · amfiseaview.gr
Details →Manoussos Stavros
Hotel · 2★ · up to 18 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41495, 41323 · mob. 6974 125145
info@anagennisishotel.gr · anagennisishotel.gr
Details →Tsakiri Maria
Apartments · 2★ · up to 10 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41268 · mob. 6992 673833
info@angelicas.gr · angelicas.gr
Details →Iliakostas Minas
Rooms · 2 keys · up to 14 guests · transfer
mob. 6948 193255
Details →Manoussou Stavroula
Apartments · 3 keys · up to 12 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41747, 41047 · mob. 6978 270269
stevenma@otenet.gr · manousos-kassos.gr
Details →Mariakis Ilias
Rooms · 2 keys · up to 14 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41661, 41176 · mob. 6942 534349, 6942 959270
evilifry@otenet.gr · evilifry.gr
Details →Kalafata Vera
Apartments · 2★ · up to 10 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41731 · mob. 6972 703950
evitavillage@yahoo.gr · Facebook: evitavillage
Details →Papageorgiou Vassilis
Rooms · 2 keys · up to 15 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41695 · mob. 6977 905156
info@fantasis-hotel.gr · fantasis-hotel.gr
Details →Koutlakis Michalis
Rooms · up to 14 guests
tel. 22450 41284 · mob. 6971 830757
michael.koutlakis@gmail.com · Facebook: michaliskoutlakis
Details →Stavrianou Irini
Rooms · 1 key · up to 15 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41393 · mob. 6977 344081
fotinidimitrios@gmail.com · Facebook: fitinidimitrios
Details →Alexandra Vretou
Apartments · 1 key · up to 18 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41223 · mob. 6975 767356
galanouview@yahoo.gr · galanouview.gr
Details →Sofilas Antonis
Rooms/Apartments · 3 keys · up to 25 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 42678 · mob. 6985 624965
Details →Manoussos Stavros
Apartments · 2★ · up to 14 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41495, 41323 · mob. 6974 125145
smanusos@otenet.gr · borianoula.gr
Details →Sofila Evdokia
Rooms · 2 keys · up to 8 guests · transfer
mob. 6985 685441
Details →Anna-Maria Mastromanoli
Apartments · 3★ · up to 22 guests · transfer
mob. 6980 173395 · tel. +1 203 508 5572
kasostours@gmail.com · kasostours.com
Details →Papageorgiou Giannis
Rooms · 2 keys · up to 12 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41890 · mob. 6973 018523
galinikasos@gmail.com · galini.gr
Details →Vonaparti Anna / Zouli Evdokia
Apartments · 2★ · up to 10 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41488 · mob. 6973 987316, 6972 124261
meltemi_em@hotmail.com · Facebook: meltemiroomskasos
Details →Anna-Maria Mastromanoli
Apartments · 2 keys · up to 8 guests · transfer
mob. 6980 173395 · tel. +1 203 508 5572
kasostours@gmail.com · kasostours.com
Details →Kalavrezou Irini
Apartments · 1 key · up to 12 guests
tel. 22450 41395 · mob. 6974 819535
magafoulak@gmail.com · alentiapartments.gr
Details →Manos Pepis
Villa · up to 10 guests
mob. 6974 794393, 6974 650749
manos@villa-meleti.gr · villa-meleti.gr
Details →Kakomanoli Ioulia
Apartments · 3★ · up to 25 guests · transfer
tel. 22450 41369, 41907 · mob. 6979 257115
aerikohotel@gmail.com · aeriko.gr
Details →Drakos Ioannis
Apartments · 1 key · up to 12 guests
tel. 22450 41088 · mob. 6972 571664
Details →A full, up-to-date list of accommodation with categories, capacity and transfer services on the Municipality’s official tourism site: tourism.kasos-heroicisland.gr
Shops
Unique handmade gifts, souvenirs and artworks inspired by the tradition of Kasos.
Getting Here
Hard for the crowds to reach — which is exactly why it stays authentic. There are two ways to come.