Discover Kasos

The Capital of Kasos

The Settlement of Fri is the capital and harbour of Kasos located on the north side of the island. The name of the capital means eyebrow in Greek, and it derives from the eyebrow shape of the village. The charming settlement has a traditional character with stone houses and narrow alleys. The most picturesque spot of Fri is the charming harbour of Bouka that constitutes a rare example of an old pirate base.

The Cave of Ellinokamara

The Cave of Ellinokamara is located on the southwest side of the village of Agia Marina. The cave served as a shelter for the Kasians during the period of the pirate invasions  while it acted as a place of religious worship from the Mycenaean years until the Hellenistic period. The cave is accessible through a hiking path.

The Festivals of Kasos

The Festivals of Kasos were always one of the traditional forms of entertainment and religious worship for the inhabitants of the island. Kasos has managed to maintain its traditions and customs as reflected from the numerous feasts, festivals and celebrations. The festivals of Kasos are one of the things you should not miss if you visit the island. The festivals are accompanied from traditional music, food and wine. If you want to experience the authentic festivities of the island visit the local celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary on August 15 and the local celebration in honour of Agia Marina on July 17.

The Isle of Armathia

The Isle of Armathia is located opposite the northern coastline of Kasos. It is a beautiful island with pristine sceneries and turquoise waters. It is advisable to request from the captain to make a detour to the islet of Makra, you won’t regret it. Excursion boats operate from the harbour of Emborio.

The Six Churches of Kasos

The Six Churches of Kasos is one of the most beautiful churches of Kasos located in the village of Panagia. According to tradition, the churches were built for conjuring six fairies that were present once at the area dedicated to six different saints. Here, one can admire astonishing views to the surrounding areas, especially during the sunset.

The Acropolis of Kasos is located on the top of the hill above the village of Poli. Archaeological excavations brought to light the traces of the ancient settlement of Poli. There, one will have the opportunity to admire carved tombs and the walls of the acropolis dating back to the 4^th century BC.

The Cave of Ellinokamara is located on the southwest side of the village of Agia Marina. The cave served as a shelter for the Kasians during the period of the pirate invasions while it acted as a place of religious worship from the Mycenaean years until the Hellenistic period. The cave is accessible through a hiking path.

The Church of Agios Spiridonas Thavmatourgos is located in the village of Fri. Agios Spiridonas is the patron saint of Kasos. It is a beautiful church that distinguishes for its fine woodcut iconostasis and the impressive bell clock tower.

The Church of Dormition of Virgin Mary is located in the village of Panagia. It is a three aisled church with a beautiful cobblestone mosaic floor and a fine iconostasis. The church celebrates in honor of the saint on August 15. This is the largest traditional festival of Kasos.

The Church of Panagia Potamitissa is built inside a cave in the village of Arvanitohori. According to tradition, the icon of Panagia returned to the church every time the residents moved the icon. The church is accessible through a hiking trail.

The Six Churches of Kasos is one of the most beautiful churches of Kasos located in the village of Panagia. According to tradition, the churches were built for conjuring six fairies that were present once at the area dedicated to six different saints. Here, one can admire astonishing views to the surrounding areas, especially during the sunset.

The Monastery of Agios Georgios is located ten kilometres southwest from the settlement of Agia Marina in the area of Hadies. The beautiful monastery is distinguished for its remarkable ecclesiastical icons and its woodcut iconostasis. The buildings around the monastery have been transformed into guesthouses, since overnight stays constitute a very significant experience for all Kasians.

The Archaeological Collection of Kasos is located in the village of Fri. The museum exhibits archaeological artefacts including inscriptions, coins, pottery objects and folklore material. The most important exhibit is the Hellenistic disk inscribed stones from the acropolis of Poli.

The Folklore Museum of Kasos is housed within the residence of Mavrikakis in the village of Arvanitohori. It is an old house that has been transformed into a folklore museum exhibiting traditional household items and art objects of the traditional house of Kasos.

The Huts of the Shepherds, known as Mitata, are the organized sheepfolds of the shepherds scattered in the villages of Kasos. Mitata are used for the production of fine dairy products from the shepherds.

The Traditional House of Ioulia Daskalaki – Diamantidi is located in the village of Fri. The private house is a fine example of the traditional house of Kasos and it is open for visitors.

Agia Marina is a mountainous village located on the north side of the island. Characterized as one of the most beautiful villages of Kasos, the charming settlement has an authentic character with charming houses, captain mansions and flowery courtyards. The sunset from Agia Marina should not be missed, as the view of the surrounding isles in the astonishing colours of the sunset is a great spectacle. Worth visiting sights include the cave of Ellinokamara, the church of Agia Marina and the windmills of Kasos.

Arvanitohori is a mountainous village located on the central part of the island. It is a traditional settlement with charming houses and quaint alleys. The jewel of Arvanitohori is the church of Agios Dimitrios and its imposing bell tower and the beautiful pebbled yard. The church celebrates in honour of the saint on October 26. The surrounding area of the village is blessed with flowery gardens and green trees ideal for natural explorations.

Fri is the capital and harbour of Kasos located on the north side of the island. The name of the capital means eyebrow in Greek, and it derives from the eyebrow shape of the village. The charming settlement has a traditional character with stone houses and narrow alleys. The most picturesque spot of Fri is the charming harbour of Bouka that constitutes a rare example of an old pirate base.

Panagia is a mountainous village located on the north side of the island. The charming settlement distinguishes for the glorious captain mansions. In Panagia, the biggest traditional festival of Kasos takes place in honour of Virgin Mary on August 15.

Poli is a mountainous village located on the central part of the island. Poli is the oldest settlement of Kasos built on a mountainous hillside at an altitude of 200 meters. On the top of the hill, one can the acropolis of Kasos with the traces of the ancient settlement of Poli. is worth visiting also the imposing church of Agia Triada. The village distinguishes for its panoramic views over the endless blue of the Aegean.

Spot: Church of Agia Kyriaki, Central Kasos

Spot: Church of Agia Triada, Central Kasos

Spot: Church of Agios Konstantinos, North Kasos

Spot: Monastery of Agios Mammas, South Kasos

Boat Trip: The Island of Karpathos has an undeniable personality with dramatic contrasts of indescribable beauty. It is believed that the first inhabitants of this island loved it so much that travelled to Mount Olympus in order to kidnap the Olympian Gods, and brought them to live with them to the highest mountain of Karpathos, and named it Olympus after them. Are you wondering what could possibly make them do that? The impressive purity of Karpathos combined with its mysterious beauty and the diversity of landscapes hides secret beauties that will take your breath away. The crystalline waters of Kyra Panagia, the narrow cobblestone alleys of Olymbos, the views of the endless blue from Pyles, the traditions of the faithful local people, the pristine paradise of Saria, the imposing mansions of Valandou, the verdant seashores of the western coastline are just a glimpse of Karpathos! An elegant microcosm is opening in front of your eyes swinging between the past and the future. The breathtaking sceneries of the island, immersed in culture and heritage, will make you find your own promised land and make you bring your own gods to live on the blessed island of Karpathos.

Bicycling and Hiking: Kasos hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. (1) One of the most beautiful routes is the one that starts from the village of Fri, passes through the villages of Arvanitohori and Agia Marina until the plain of Argos where you can enjoy a panoramic view from the Chapel of Agia Triada. As you walk along the trail, you will notice scattered shepherds huts, where the shepherds produce dairy products. You can then continue at the Monastery of Agios Georgios, where you can stay overnight. 2) Another interesting trail includes the one that starts from the area of Plakes in Agia Marina and leads to the cave of Ellinokamara. Then, you can then continue to the seaside chapel of Agios Konstantinos and enjoy panoramic views. If you want to further continue, the dirt road will lead you the beaches of Antiperatos. (3) It is also worth following the route that starts from the village of Arvanitohori that leads to the village of Polli. From there, a paved road moves towardds to the Monastery of Agios Mammas. The route offers beautiful sceneries over the endless sea. A detour before the monastery climbs on the top of the mountain where the church of Agia Kyriaki is located with breathtaking views of the northern coastline of Kasos.

Windsurfing: Kasos is known for its ideal conditions for lovers of windsurfing, as the island gets really windy especially in the summer. The beach of Helatros is ideal for practising windsurfing. Keep in mind that there are no windsurfing facilities on the island.

Antiperatos is a wide bay located on the north side of the island. The bay consists from four consecutive pebbled beaches with crystal clear waters. All of the beaches are isolated, so make sure you bring the necessary provisions with you.

Ammoua is a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the north side of the island. It is a secluded beach ideal for those looking for tranquillity. The beach is totally isolated, so make sure you bring the necessary provisions with you.

Emborios is a long pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the north side of the island. The beach is well organized with numerous amenities including sunbeds and umbrellas and a tavern.

Helatros is a pebbled beach with emerald waters located on the southernmost side of the island. The beach is secluded ideal for those looking for solitude. The waves of the beach are ideal for windsurfing lovers. Helatros is totally isolated, so make sure you bring the necessary provisions with you.

Hohlakia is a pebbled beach with crystal clear waters located on the southwest side of the island. The beach is totally isolated, so make sure you bring the necessary provisions with you. The easiest way to access the beach is by boat.

Marmaria is a long white sandy beach with turquoise waters located on the island of Armathia. The beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful beaches of the Mediterranean.

Coffee Corners

Apagio: Coffee, Bouka

En Plo: Coffee, Fri

Platia Cafe: Coffee, Fri

Sweet Memories: Breakfast and Coffee, Fri

Gastronomic Delights

Akri Restaurant: Greek Cuisine, Fri

Eborios: Seafood, Emborios

I Orea Bouka: Greek Cuisine, Fri

Helatros Canteen: Greek Cuisine, Helatros

Kikis: Greek Cuisine and Seafood, Fry

Marigoulaki: Greek Cuisine, Agia Marina

Maroukla’s: Souvlaki, Arvanitohori

Meltemi: Greek Cuisine, Fry

Minas: Greek Cuisine, Agia Marina

Milos: Greek Cuisine, Fri

Pelagia: Greek Cuisine, Arvanitohori

Το Steki: Souvlaki, Agia Marina

Cocktails Inspirations

Apagio: Cocktails and Drinks, Bouka

En Plo: Drinks, Fri

Platia Cafe: Drinks, Fri

Sweet Memories: Drinks, Fri

The local products of the island include the cheeses of almyrotyri and mizithra, menoules, a type of fish, sitaka, a local cheese made from the shepherds, elaiki, a local soft cheese made from mizithra, and kaouli, the local butter.

The local specialties of the island include makarounes, a type of pasta, boustia, a dish made with lamb intestines stuffed with meat and rice, dolmades wrapped in vine leaves, kolokithopoulia, a dish made with stuffed flowers of courgettes, the local pilaf with cinnamon, paspara, a dish made with lamb stuffed with rice and herbs, crayfish pasta, and the lovely dessert of moshopougia, a dish of pouch shaped pastries with nuts.

Every 23^rd of April, the traditional celebration in honour of Agios Georgios takes place at the Monastery of Agios Georgios in Hadies. The feast is accompanied from traditional music, dance and food.

Every 7^th of June, the Anniversary of the Holocaust of Kasos takes place in Kasos. The Municipality of Kasos organizes numerous events for three days in honour of the holocaust of Kasos.

Every 17^th of July, the traditional celebration in honour of Agia Marina takes place at the Church of Agia Marina. The feast is accompanied from traditional music, dance and food.

Every 15^th of August, the biggest traditional festival of the island takes place at the Church of Pera Panagia. The feast is accompanied from traditional music, dance and food.

Every 2^nd of September, the celebration in honour of Agios Mamas takes place at the Monastery of Agios Mamas. The feast is accompanied from traditional music, dance and food.

Mythology

According to mythology, the island owes its name to the hero of Kasos. Kasos was the son of Inahos from Argos. When he was in Cyprus, he married the daughter of the King Salaminos and they colonized the island of Kasos.

History

Archaeological findings show that Kasos has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Homer indicates that Kasos was inhabited from the Phoenicians who named the island, as the island of sea foam, followed by the Dorians before the Trojan War. All the islands of the eastern Mediterranean were conquered from the Athenian State during the Persian Wars, having to contribute to an annual fee. However, Kasos was dominated from the Macedonians, which remained a neutral stance, followed by its decline retaining its autonomy during the Roman Civil War after the assassination of Julius Caesar. Afterwards, Rhodes along with the other Dodecanese, were conquered from the Roman Empire, the Venetians and the Ottomans. Kasos was occupied from the Russians during the Orloff Revolution, who gave the island to the Turks. The Kasiots took part in the Greek Revolution, contributing in terms of naval fleet. The most remarkable historical fact of the period was the holocaust of the island where the Turks killed the entire population. Although the new nation of Greece was formed in 1829, Kasos along with the other Dodecanese islands, remained under the Turkish domination falling into the Italians, and officially became a part of the Greece in March of 1948.

By Air: Kasos has a national airport operating flights on a daily basis from the International Airport of Athens. The journey usually lasts one hour. Book your tickets with AirTickets.com!

By Boat (220 Nautical Miles): Kasos is accessible by boat from the harbour Piraeus. The journey lasts twenty one hours. Kasos is also connected with the islands of Karpathos, Rhodes and Santorini. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !