In the words of a famous Greek poet and lyricist, Kasos island is “a kiss imparted by the foam-decked sea”. Southernmost of the Dodecanese group and home to many sea captains, the island played a considerable role in the 1821 Revolution. Rocky and unusual, it is a far cry from the standard mass tourism destination; a very special experience for any visitor.
With houses of old-world charm in hamlets retaining their authenticity, pristine beaches and warm-hearted residents who make up limericks on the spot especially for you, it’s not hard to see why many regard Kasos as the ultimate escape from the normal routine. That’s why when you leave the island, one phrase will resonate “Na s evro”, meaning to find you, the islanders’ first words of welcome that stay with you, instilling the hope that you will very soon return to experience their wonderful hospitality.
Ellinokamara cave (Archaelogical): A place of worship from the Mycenaean to the Hellenistic period, it served as a refuge for the locals during the pirate raids.
Selai cave (aka Stilokamara): A mountain cave southwest of Agia Marina with impressive stalactites.
lthough modest in size, Kasos has plenty of opportunities for you to enjoy a swim, such as Antiperatos, Ammoua, Katarti, Vrisi and Kofteri. Avlaki is a small beach with sea caves on the south side of the island. Impressive Trita has Tripitos, an arch- shaped rock, as its hallmark.
gios Mamas: It is southeast of Poli and the infinite expanse of the Libyan sea lies seductively at its threshold. The blend of Byzantine tradition and Aegean landscape here is captivating. On the saint’s holy day, September 2nd, lots of people spend the night in the monastery’s dormitories.
Agios Georgios: In an area known as Hadies, the monastery of Saint George, a vision in blue and white, has remarkable frescos and a carved wooden screen.
The locals take every opportunity to lay on a traditional feast, always with music to accompany the festivities. They get underway with limericks and folk songs set to the traditional sound of lyre and lute, followed by a dance extravaganza, including the “sousta” and “zervos”. Housewives will offer you local delicacies, pilaf with cinnamon and the famous lovingly prepared dolmadakia – rice mixture wrapped in vine leaves- and most certainly wine, raki – a local tipple- and delicious local cheeses.
