Where to stay in Kastellorizo – Best areas, hotels & Airbnb
Kastellorizo is the hidden gem of Greece, a small island just off the Turkish Coast where the life travels in slow motion.
It is the perfect place to relax and chill out, enjoying the swimming in the turquoise water, the amazing local food and a tsipouro at the end the day.
Mass tourism has not arrived here. You will still find a limited number of hotels and rentals and understanding where to stay in Kastellorizo is more challenging than you may think.
In this guide you will see the 3 best areas to stay with my suggested hotels and rentals to enjoy a relaxing stay.
Moreover, I have organised a map and a quick reference table that compares the best options. That will make your selection process so much easier.
But let’s get deeper into it.
Best places to stay in Kastellorizo – In a nutshell
Here is a short list of the best 3 accommodations to stay in Kastellorizo. However, for more information on the areas and other options, keep reading below.
- 🥇 Alexandros is a characteristic 2BR house with a great view over the bay (from the rooms) and a backyard, which is ideal for the meal time. Located in the heart of the Harbour area
- 🥈 Poseidon, set in a lovely square and a characteristic island building, this is my favourite accommodation in Kastellorizo, though it is so hard to find availability (wonder why). Poseidon has been so successful to expand to a couple of nearby neoclassical mansions, with more availability since 2022.
- 🥉 The Boutique Admiral’s House, probably the most lovely accommodation in Kastellorizo for a big family or group of people
There are no real cheap hotels on the island.
However, you can find some amazing value for money stays.
Here below a map and a comparative table of the three areas where you can book your accommodation.
Keep in mind that there is not really any beach around, however you have access to the water through ladders. It’s like being in a huge marine pool.
| Area Town | Best for | Avg. Cost | Suggested Hotel | Km from ferry | Access to water | Character | Nightlife |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Bay | Being close to everything | $$-$$$$ | Alexandros | <1km | 3 | 5 | 1 |
| Harbour | Unique character, quiet | $$$-$$$$$ | Poseidon | 0 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Mandraki Bay | Quiet, Beach Seclusion | $-$$$ | Admiral’s House | 1-2Km | 2 | 3 | 1 |
Keep in mind that the main and only town develops around the harbour bay, with beautiful, colourful houses, and a small, quiet bay on the back called Mandraki Bay.
This means that you will be within walking distance of everything. Any hotel is perfect for the sightseeing of Kastellorizo.
However, the 3 areas below are quite different in what they offer and the price too.
The Harbour
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Kastellorizo for an overall experience 🏩 Alexandros is the recommended accommodation in this area
- 👍 Pros: metres from everything that Kastellorizo offers, including the Faros Cafe, the best spot for a swim
- 👎 Cons: it can get busy during the arrival/departure of the ferry, but that is only once or twice a day
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Billy’s, Lazarakis and Aiolís
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: Faros Bar and Kavos Cocktail
The Kastellorizo Harbour, on the east side of the bay, is the best place to stay for sunset, restaurants and drinks.
Even if you decided it is not your area, go there for sunset drinks.
Of course, it is not an industrial port. Instead, a small picturesque harbour, with a limited number of boats per week.
This is the last Greek island visited by the ferry (Kastellorizo is the easternmost island of Greece) and the loading/unloading is quick and not crazy as on other islands. It is more of a travel show.
The Archaeological Museum of Kastellorizo is also located in this area of the island.
It is an interesting attraction, with mostly exhibits discovered on the island itself. Entrance is free, and donations are welcomed.
The sea water is very clean but I wouldn’t suggest having a swim on this side of the bay. There are many boats around.
Go instead to the Faros (lighthouse) area, right at the bottom end of the promenade where you will have free sunbeds and some cool music to spend the afternoon
This area has plenty of bars and restaurants. In fact, you will not even notice where do they start and finish.
Have a check to Kavos for some chilled out music and a cocktail.
Billy’s is an a la carte restaurant that is the perfect spot for a dinner by the water. Book your table in advance, though, because it can be very busy.
Here below, my 2 suggested accommodations in the area.
Alexandros (2BR)
Here you get a climate controlled house, complete with balcony, garden and terrace. You even get views of the harbour right from the bedroom, such a great location.
Guests get to enjoy additional treats like the backgammon game, the most common bar pass-time.
You can get cosy with that “home away from home” feeling during your stay, with the ample seating area, kitchen that is fully stocked with the equipment needed to make your meals, while still being close to local attractions and the waterfront, of course.
Maria’s Apartments (1BR)
This ground-floor apartment with mountain views comes with a barbecue, and even a terrace.
Free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchen, amenities that include a washing machine, throughout to towels and bed line to use during your stay – it all contributes to making your visit comfortable.
It’s a brisk walk to the harbour, and the host is particularly welcoming – going as far as picking you up and dropping you off at the airport or port.
While here, be sure to pop by the host’s family restaurant Platania that’s in the main square – just a couple of steps from the apartment.
Another good budget option, also close to the water, is Alexandra Pension. True, it does not have a sea view, but you will be a stone away from it.
Alexandra Pension has got recently a major renovation with rooms that today are absolutely spotless and spacious
West Bay
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Kastellorizo to relax in a boutique place 🏩 Poseidon is the recommended accommodation in this area
- 👍 Pros: very quiet, boutique hotels, good for snorkelling next to the famous turtles of the island
- 👎 Cons: none if a short walk to the restaurants and bars area (5-10 minutes)
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Little Paris and Old Story
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: walk to Faros Bar and Kavos Cocktail
The west side of the main bay is one of the best areas to stay in Kastellorizo if you are looking for a boutique hotel to just relax.
The entire island is very quiet, of course, but this side of the bay is something else.
One of the great advantages, especially if compared to the east side of the bay, is that you can enter the island’s crystal clear waters for a swim.
It’s a great spot for snorkelling, although there is no sand, unfortunately. There are ladders to enter the sea.
And you may be lucky to see the huge turtles going around the bay.
On this side you will find also the main square of Kastellorizo Island with the lovely Saint George at Pigadi Orthodox Church and the tiny boutique Saint Merkourios Holy Chapel, a must visit
Here below are two of the best hotels in the area and the island too.
Poseidon
This has been my base on my last trip and one of my favourite Kastellorizo hotels. I am actually writing this post from my balcony.
Poseidon provides a relaxing stay in a neoclassical building (one of the most beautiful traditional buildings in Kastellorizo), complete with its rustic decor, dark wood furnishings, air-conditioned rooms, and a balcony.
Depending on the unit you check into, some come with different views of the Mediterranean (really awesome from my suite).
Each of the available unique rooms has its kitchenette and features, like the fridge and a satellite flat screen TV.
Beach towels are available, as well as a lovely buffet breakfast. There’s a family-run restaurant right next to the ground floor of the building with a lovely sitting area.
The staff at Poseidon is so lovely and friendly, providing a daily room service.
4-star Megisti Hotel Kastellorizo Island
Given that all the rooms at this accommodation face the sea, you get spectacular views throughout your stay.
This is the best hotel in the luxury segment, and it comes with spacious elegant rooms, fully equipped bathrooms, and its own private deck with lounge chairs and umbrellas
There are also private swimming facilities for the guests of Megisti Hotel, to give any possible comfort for a memorable stay
You can also go sunbathing on the patio. The 4-star hotel even has its own private steps leading into the sea – where you go snorkelling in the clear waters as well.
Mandraki Bay – Best for views and beach time
- 🌎 Best area to stay in Kastellorizo for a quiet stay with views 🏩 The Boutique Admiral’s House (3BR) is the recommended accommodation on this beach
- 👍 Pros: extremely quiet, access to a couple of nice places for a dive, lovely snorkelling around, a small bay for a SUP session
- 👎 Cons: isolated and 15-20 minutes walk from the harbour town
- 🍷 Best restaurants and bars: Mediterraneo Restaurant
- 🧛♂️ Nightlife: walk to Faros Bar and Kavos Cocktail
This is the second bay of Kastellorizo, much smaller than the main one. But what it lacks in size, it makes it up with the views.
This bay has also the only sandy beach on the island, in a boutique size though.
The water is very shallow, making it hard to have a swim. It’s more of a place to have a walk but not really to have a dive.
You will not have much of a sunset here, but the walk to the harbour area takes only 10-15 minutes.
There are no restaurants, except the Mediterraneo Restaurant, between the two bays.
These two hotels below are both great value, although catering for a completely different market
The Boutique Admiral’s House (3BR)
This private beachfront property gives you a relaxing stay in a serene environment, plenty of terrace space to enjoy, with the Kastellorizo’s crystal clear waters just a couple of feet away from the accommodation (it is like having the own private swimming pool).
The Admiral’s House comes with its fully equipped kitchen and bedrooms that have great views.
You get your own private access to the Aegean sea, and the house itself has been well maintained. Patio access with sitting area, free WiFi and parking – you get them all.
Mandraki Paradise (budget oriented)
This family run pension is well equipped to give you that homely feel, from the dishes and refrigerator, all through to the air conditioning.
The double rooms here are large and come with their ensuite bathrooms, and the location itself is just a minute away from the beach.
The patio faces the Aegean sea. It’s set in a quiet area that’s still easily accessible from the main town.
There’s a cove, 2 minutes out, facing the Turkish coast where you can go snorkelling.
Take your breakfast in the backyard, enjoy some wine on the terrace – the relaxing setting enables you to enjoy such comforts.
The Mandraki Paradise is one of the best Kastellorizo hotels in the budget oriented segment
How to get to Kastellorizo
There are essentially two possibilities:
- take a direct ferry from Rhodes. It takes around 3 hours, however the ferry is NOT scheduled on a daily basis. This is my favourite way because the boat trip through the Greek islands and the Turkish coast is just marvellous.
- catch a flight. There are 2 to 6 flights a week (based on the season) between Kastellorizo and the island of Rhodes. The trip takes only 40 minutes, and it is usually inexpensive, however if you count check-in & boarding time, and the trip from the Kastellorizo Island Public Airport to the coast town (same in Rhodes), you end up having a trip as long as with a ferry. There are no direct flights to Athens. You would have to go first to Rhodes.
Kastellorizo is probably the island with more character in the Dodecanese archipelago, together with Symi, but much less busy.
It is still somehow an undiscovered island, that was partially under the spotlight 3 decades ago thanks to “Mediterraneo“, an Oscar winner movie filmed there.
The long trip to Kastellorizo, made of flights and possibly ferries, is the perfect journey to prepare you for this laid back island.
And finally, a fun fact. Everyone knows this island as Kastellorizo instead of its official name, Megisti (even the few Greek people I asked about!).
Kastellorizo is the name of the archipelago that includes Megisti (“the bigger island“)
More photos on the areas and hotels of Kastellorizo
