Leaving for Beirut

Monday 10.00

I was so impressed with this jewel of an Island, that I lifted the overview from their local website to share with you. I hope you enjoy reading the official overview as much as I have enjoyed spending the last 24 hours here. One word of caution. If you are refueling here beware of the pump attendant. He has an inflated view of the value of his services.

"At the south easternmost edge of Greek dominion, spreads out the calm and beauty of Kastellorizo. The islands lies 72 miles east of Rhodes, 328 nautical miles from the port of Piraeus and only 2 kms from the Turkish coastline. Its total surface is 9 sq. kms, its coastline is 19 kms and it has a population of 450 inhabitants.

On this small island that beholds a glorious past, you will truly feel you are standing right on the trade crossroad of Europe and Asia, as the Asian coastline is only 2 nautical miles away. Kastellorizo is an island with a rich nautical tradition that explains the noble air about the island that reflects its part glory and prosperity. Kastellorizo is the harbor and only settlement of the island and it is said that it is the best natural port of the Mediterranean. All of the islands inhabitants are gathered here, in the little districts of Pigadia, Chorafia and the little picturesque port of Mandraki.

The painted in vivid colors two and three story renovated mansions, spread along the harbourline offering an unrivalled amongst other islands beauty. Just behind them lies an impressive red rock that gave the island its actual name (Castello Rosso, Castellorizo). On this little hill lie the remains of the deserted now ancient castle of the island. The island has been proclaimed to be a preservable settlement and it offers the visitor the beauty of an idyllic landscape and the nostalgia of past glory. Due to the lack of any other settlement, there is no public transport on the island. You will visit the island of foot via by following the natural footpaths, or by boat, which is a good alternative transport means. Nearby the island’s port there are coasts ideal for swimming (Faros, Plakes, Mandraki) – the coasts of the litlle islets of Ro, Aghios Georgios and Stroggili are also very nice. For those of you who are visiting the island with your own boat, there is a gas refuel station on the port."