Kasos:
The Unexplored Secrets of the Greek Islands

Kasos is the southernmost of the Dodecanese, situated between Karpathos and Crete. A small, rugged place with a long naval history, it is one of the last unexplored secrets of the Greek islands.

If one thing characterises this tiny corner of the Eastern Aegean, it is the authenticity and hospitality of its inhabitants. Its five pretty villages and the hundred or more churches and chapels nestling among its rocks, not to mention its exceptional beaches, gastronomic riches, and lively music culture, promise a unique holiday experience for lovers of tranquillity, unspoiled natural landscapes, and tradition. It is a paradise for hiking, watersports and spur-of-the-moment exploration.

1. One of the island’s legendary village festivals, for a night of merrymaking that lasts until dawn, with dancing, singing, food, and plenty of wine.
2. If you choose one of the ferry tickets to Kasos, don’t forget to visit the enchanting Church of Our Lady Potamitissa, built inside a cave.
3. Watching the sun set over the Libyan Sea from the majestic 19^th-century monastery of Saint Mamas.
4. Travelling around the island by boat to discover secret idylls and untouched landscapes. Make a stop at the beaches of Agkali and Trita, the latter distinguished by an arched rock in the middle of the sea. Explore the Kasonisia, 14 pristine islets surrounding Kasos that are Natura 2000 sites.

Kasos is blessed with fantastic beaches to suit every taste: some that are long and sandy, for endless games; some that are surrounded by high rocks, great for exploring and diving off; some that cater for tourists, offering every amenity; and some that are deserted and can only be reached by boat. Don’t miss:

• Attractive Ammoua, on the west side of the island, with plenty of sand and blue-green waters. The surrounding hills protect it from the wind and there are sun loungers, umbrellas, and a canteen for snacks. Its crowning glory is the church of Saint Constantine, with its magnificent views of the sunset.
• Antiperatos, a series of four secluded beaches with colourful pebbles, where the limpid aquamarine sea contributes to an exotic setting of wild beauty. It is unprotected when the wind is from the north and is ideal for anyone who wants to avoid crowds. There is easy access by car via an asphalt road.
• Spectacular Helatros, in a bay that was a refuge for sailors in ancient times. It has pebbles and crystal-clear azure waters, and is protected from the north wind. Marvellous waves form off the coast here, creating perfect conditions for windsurfers. However, it is difficult to reach and there are no facilities, so you should bring everything you need if you want to enjoy it properly.
• Emporeios, the island’s most popular beach, owing to its proximity to Fri and its good amenities. It is small and sandy, and the sea is bright blue. There are two tavernas and a patisserie.
• Little Avlaki, situated in a cove with heavenly turquoise waters, which is remarkable for its gorgeous caves and sheltered sea. It is ideal for anyone who loves exploring the rocks or snorkelling! It is located in the south-west part of Kasos and is accessible in two ways, by boat and via a path from the Monastery of Saint George.

Fri
The island’s capital, built in 1840 around the harbour of Bouka, is a charming sight with its elegant stone mansions and captain’s residences. Make a stop at the memorial commemorating the Ottoman massacre of its inhabitants in 1824.

Agia Marina
Kasos’ largest village is a striking location, with picturesque streets, lovely old captains’ houses, and scenery that recalls the Cyclades.

The Monastery of Saint George
This striking monastery in Hadhies, which dates from 1690, is one of the island’s largest sites of pilgrimage. Its church contains an intricately carved wooden icon screen and some excellent religious paintings.

Poli
Above the narrow lanes and dry-stone walls of today’s village, it is possible to see the remains of the ancient acropolis and carved tombs dating from the 4^th century BC, when this was the capital of the island.

The Cave of Ellinokamara
This major natural attraction is also of historical interest. The islanders used to seek refuge here during pirate raids, while longer ago, from the Mycenaean to the Hellenistic period, it was a place of worship.

The Six Chapels
Built in the village of Panagia in the 18th century, this row of tiny, conjoined churches is an extraordinary cultural monument and a superb example of Byzantine-style architecture. Each is dedicated to a different saint and according to legend, they were intended to exorcise six aerika (disease demons) that had appeared in the area.

Armathia
This uninhabited island north of Kasos is a secret paradise with a long history. Its dazzling white scenery, the result of its rich gypsum deposits, give it a romantic aura. Come and swim at the famous Marmara, among the most stunning beaches in the Mediterranean, with its fine white sand, turquoise waters, and colourful seabed. It is accessible only by boat.

The Folklore Museum
A traditional dwelling in Arvanitohori now displays a collection of household objects and authentic works of folk art that reveal what life here was once like.

The food on Kasos is influenced by different cuisines, owing to the islanders’ long contact with the cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean but also America.

Among the most famous delicacies here are the celebrated dolmades (stuffed vine leaves). You should also sample kolokithopoulia (stuffed courgette flowers) and makarounes (handmade pasta) served with sitaka cheese and roasted onion. Other tempting dishes include rice pilaf with cinnamon, fakorizo (lentils and rice), bombaria (lamb offal stuffed with minced meat and rice), and roikia (a local variety of wild greens cooked yiahni-style in a tomato sauce). If you love seafood and choose one of the itineraries for Kasos, make sure you try soupiopilafo (rice pilaf with cuttlefish ink) and pateliorizo (rice with limpets).

Kouloures, the crunchy double-baked cookies commonly served with tea or coffee, can also be enjoyed on their own as a snack.