One of the most underrated Greek islands, Kastos has a relaxed feel with a yacht marina, cafe culture and elegant restaurants. The island’s most notable feature, however, is its exquisite beaches and hidden coves.
Take a day cruise to wooded satellite isles on a traditional gulet run by an Anglo-Greek couple; swim in Fokotripa’s sea caves, feast on grilled fish with basil-infused mastiha and watch the sunset while sipping a cocktail at a converted windmill.
2. Papalagi
Papalagi is a popular place for locals and tourists alike. Its menu includes a wide variety of delicious food, including seafood dishes. It is also known for its great coffee and excellent service. Those staying at the resort will also enjoy a free breakfast, which is sure to start their day off right.
A Papalagi lives between stones, like a sea mussel in fixed housing or a centipede in the cracks of lava. There is only one spot for entering these stone crates and the Papalagi calls it “entrance” when he enters and “exit” upon leaving. One must push many wooden wings aside forcefully before he is able to enter.
He spends his whole life between those stones; sometimes he is in this crate, sometimes in that one. The crates are high above the ground, higher than the highest palm-tree. The Papalagi’s wife and children live in the country but he is not allowed to visit them often.
The Papalagi knows exactly how many suns and moons have passed since he saw the light for the first time. He also knows exactly how many of those times he spent in the darkness and how much time he has left until the next light.
This is the way of life of a Papalagi and it is not without its advantages. In fact, many Papalagis believe that they have more rights than the country people. They are not allowed to plant vegetables in the soil, but they do not complain about this injustice. The country people are also convinced that their work is more important than planting vegetables in the field. But the conflict between the two groups is not severe enough to lead to war.
3. The Windmill Bar
The Windmill Bar is more than a dining destination; it’s an experience. Whether guests are looking for an iconic Caribbean sunset or an immersive cultural encounter, the restaurant’s one-of-a-kind ambiance and breathtaking vistas set the stage for a memorable visit. Its unique fusion of tradition and innovation infuses every facet of the establishment, embracing St. John’s rich gastronomic heritage and beckoning travelers to connect with its soul.
As its name suggests, the venue is anchored by a meticulously restored historic windmill, a reminder of St. John’s agricultural past and a symbol of the island’s continuous evolution. A quaint and cozy bar and eatery surrounds it, creating an inviting oasis for social interaction and relaxation. Guests are welcomed by a staff that embodies the warm and genuine hospitality that is emblematic of St. John, allowing them to instantly feel at home.
The menu showcases delectable Caribbean flavors with a modern twist, blending ingredients and culinary techniques from the island’s rich gastronomic traditions. From mango-glazed mahi-mahi to coconut-infused cocktails, each bite and sip offers a new taste adventure. The restaurant also hosts themed nights and cultural events, further immersing visitors in the local community while providing a dynamic experience that is as captivating as the surrounding vistas.
The bar is located on Neptune’s Lookout, a recreational estate that encompasses the Susannaberg windmill and overlooks Hawksnest Bay, a scenic bay with white sand beaches and turquoise water. The property also features a camping ground, 9-hole disc golf course, and a private beach. The cozy bar serves drinks, snacks, and dinner, and offers a variety of live music. From reggae to acoustic melodies, there is something for everyone to enjoy and sing along with.
4. The Whale Museum
The newest attraction on Kastos, this museum is more than just exhibits; it’s an eco-awareness hub. It focuses on the Southern Resident Killer Whales and their habitat. There are informative audio guides, daily talks, information on recent whale sightings and child friendly activities. The museum is also home to a large open air coastal viewpoint and a cafe.
The cafe is well-stocked and serves great homemade bread (the shopkeeper is Australian) and a few other delicious treats. They also sell a very reasonably priced variety of local and educational toys and books. Children love the ‘Pod Nod’ pajama sleepovers in summer, which are supervised and include movies, science projects and breakfast!
It’s easy to spend an entire day here exploring the coastline and absorbing the views. A good option is to join a tour on an old Turkish-style gulet, run by an Anglo/Greek couple, such as the Classic Tour from Lefkada, which takes in the overlooked islet of Formekula, Kastos and Kalamos. This trip includes a full buffet lunch with wine, snacks at the Windmill cafe on Kastos and plenty of swimming stops.
There are a few taverns on the islands, but most of them are pretty basic and serve fish and meat dishes. You can walk to a few of them from Kastos harbour along the beautiful coastal path.
For those on a yacht there is ample space to anchor in the harbour, although you will have to be careful where you drop your anchor as some of the rock shelves are covered with coral. The sheltered position makes it a good choice in strong westerlies that often blow through the Ionian. There are plenty of mooring rings but expect the place to be packed with flotillas in the high season.