Kastellórizo… Far Flung Greek Isle

By Helen Grubner. Filed in Uncategorized  |  
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Friday 17 May-Saturday 18 May 2024

Thursday night, I slept well… thanks to a wee Zopiclone tablet. An early rise Friday, allowing for a leisurely stroll, first to find a bakery then to the Port. I enjoyed my 3h 35m trip to Kastellórizo on the ferry Blue Star PATMOS.

Kastellórizo, or as it is officially known Megisti, lies roughly 2km off the southern coast of Turkey. OMG… it is absolutely beautiful 😍 I’m already in love with this Greek isle. I’m also in love with my accommodation… Castellorizon Pensione. One of the nicest places, if not the nicest place I’ve ever stayed and I’m here for 7 nights. Located in an old building, which has been renovated to a very high standard, it has only been open for 4 weeks. 

Friday afternoon, aside from the usual settling in and going out for provisions, I had to deal with yet another hiccup in my itinerary. Blue Star Ferries has changed the vessel and the timing of my trip on 4 June from Chalki to Rhodes, meaning I wouldn’t make my connection to Syros later that day. I found an alternative route from Chalki to Kos with a 9h 20m wait there, then catch the original ferry I was booked on to take me from Kos to Syros. This afternoon, Ferryhopper has confirmed that I am eligible for a full refund. On that promise, I have gone ahead and made my new reservations.

As a long stay guest at Castellorizon Pensione, a complimentary bottle of Prosecco was left in my fridge, and I enjoyed a large glass last night before strolling down to Alexandra’s for dinner. Makarónia me Kimá… essentially Spaghetti Bolognaise. Very nice it was, too. Finished off my meal with a complimentary Creme Caramel.

This morning, I left my room to explore, and when I noticed a lot of people at the Police Station, I realized they were all leaving on a boat for Kaş in Turkey. I did think to go for a day but then it just didn’t sit well with me. I’m so pleased I chose not to as a little while later, I met Joél and Liz up at the castle. The loveliest couple, Joél is French, but they live in San Francisco, and just like my encounters in Rhodes with Arinna and then Paul and Lucille, we clicked. Coincidentally, their next two stops are the same as mine… Tilos and Chalki.

It is very warm here today, so after my strolling, I headed to Meltemi Cafe Bar for an ice cold Kaiser 🍺 and a Club Sandwich with Fries… a good choice anywhere in Greece 🇬🇷

I was going to venture out this evening. However, I made an executive decision to stay put in my lovely room, finish off the Prosecco with some nibbles, and have a shower and an early night. Tomorrow morning, before the heat of the day, I want to hike up to Palaeokastro, an old Byzantine fortress.

Castle of the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John, Kastellórizo
Me with Joél and Liz at the Castle
Waiting to board Blue Star PATMOS in Rhodes
Kastellórizo
Kastellórizo
Castellorizon Pensione
Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Complimentary Prosecco… Castellorizon Pensione
Bathroom, Castellorizon Pensione
Shower, Castellorizon Pensione
Balcony, Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Balcony, Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Balcony, Room 2, Castellorizon Pensione
Kastellórizo local
Kastellórizo harbour
Makarónia me Kimá (Spaghetti Bolognaise)… Alexandra’s, Kastellórizo
Kastellórizo
The first life I saw when I left my room this morning
Kastellórizo local
Kastellórizo
Kastellórizo
How Greek men pass their time
Kastellórizo harbour
Kastellórizo harbour
Kastellórizo
Kastellórizo harbour
Kastellórizo
I had to overcome my fear of heights to climb these steps at the Castle
And, this ladder
On top of the Castle of the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John
Kastellórizo
Kastellórizo
View from the Castle
Mandraki, Kastellórizo
View from the Castle
Castle, Kastellórizo
Castle of the Knights Hospitaller of the Order of St John
Not your typical pink, red, or white Oleander
Church of St Spyridon, Kastellórizo
Bell Tower of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni Church and the Church of St Spyridon
Agios Georgos tou Horafiou
Interior Agios Georgos tou Horafiou
Olive and Bougainvillea
Club Sandwich, Fries and Kaiser 🍺… lunch at Meltemi Cafe Bar

3 Comments

  1. Comment by Ann:

    St John’s Hospitaliere are everywhere. What a neat little town by the sea with Turkey right next door I hear Kas is incredibly lovely- never been there either.

    Glad you sorted out the ferry like the intrepid traveller you are! See you on Syros–

  2. Comment by Helen Grubner:

    I’ve also heard Kaş is very touristy. I may still consider going there for a day, but only if I run out of adventures to undertake on this paradisical island.

  3. Comment by Helen Grubner:

    See you on Syros 🥰😍❤️

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