The wild natural scenery, intimate beaches and charming harbours of Kasos are a great choice for travellers looking to relax. It’s also a place for experiencing local culture with traditional feasts and festivals during summer.
See more of what the island has to offer by staying near Fry in Theoxenia Apartments or joining a tour with Kasos Tours. Our group stayed at the latter and loved their experience!
1. Visit the Monastery of Agios Georgios
Located near Helatros Beach on the southern coast of Kasos, this monastery is one of the most beautiful on the island. It is dedicated to Saint George the Alaman (or a variant of his name) and was built in 1856. It is a peaceful place where you can escape the noise of the modern world and just sit and empty your mind.
A great place to visit on a sunny day, the monastery also has a lovely cafe where you can grab some lunch or just enjoy the view. If you are lucky enough, you may even catch a choir performing here!
You can also try the local cheeses here, which are very tasty. The cheese makers are very proud of their work and if you look around while driving, you will see small stone houses that are their dairy huts. They still use traditional methods to make their delicious products.
If you’re looking for something more active, the monastery is also a popular spot for hiking. There are a couple of paved roads to explore, and you can get some incredible views from the top!
There are six main villages on the island, and each has their own unique charm. The capital Fry has beautiful traditional houses that frame the small harbour, and is home to the Patron Saint Church of Agios Spyridonas with its bell tower. Nearby is Agia Marina, with stunning views of the sunset; Arvanitochori, where you can hike up to a monasteries; Emporeios, with its beautiful ancient basilica; and Poli, with its old fortress ruins.
The rest of the island is full of small hamlets, each with their own little surprises. For example, a must-visit is the gorge of Tripitos with its arch-shaped rock formation. Also, don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Ellinokamara cave. The island’s people are extroverted and love their island very much. They will welcome you with open arms and share their passion for Kasos. If you can, join in the festivities and feasts that take place throughout the summer. It is a truly special experience!
2. Take a Day Trip to Armathia
Whatever Kasos lacks in size, it makes up for with its pristine landscapes and authentic lifestyle. The locals may seem shy at first but once you get to know them, they are warm and welcoming. Embark on a journey of discovery as you explore their age-old customs, partake in their festivals under the rhymes of lute and lyre, swim in the crystalline waters of the islet of Armathia or visit the former pirate port of Bouka.
The island is also home to the monastery of Agios Mammas, a beautiful structure that looks like an impenetrable castle. The church of Agia Kyriaki is another must-see spot on your trip to Kasos, especially if you stay for the sunset and admire the magnificent views of the bay.
Other attractions include the lighthouse of Kasos, which offers breathtaking views over the sea and the picturesque scenery. A trip to the hamlet of Emporeio is also a must-do, as you can learn about the island’s rich history in this historic location. You can even climb to the top of a historic tower to enjoy amazing panoramic views.
Kasos is a great destination for foodies, as it has many delicacies to try. The cuisine has influences from Crete and Egypt. Some of the best things to eat in Kasos include fresh fish, cuttlefish with rice, kasiotic dolmadakia and makarounes pasta with sitaka.
It is possible to take a day trip to the neighboring Karpathos, which has stunning beaches and charming villages. You can also venture to the islet of Helatros, which has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the Mediterranean. You can also visit the six picturesque churches located near Ayia Marina. These unique structures were built next to each other and have a very distinct architecture. Legend has it that they were built to drive away unruly spirits.
3. Try Local Cheeses
Kasos is home to a rich local cuisine that has strong influences from Crete island and also Egypt. Known for its dairy products, the island is a cheese lover’s paradise! You’ll find everything from roikio (wild grass that looks like spiny chicory and is boiled and flavored with salt, as well as braised in red sauce or preserved in brine) to moshopougia (puff shaped pastries filled with almonds and sprinkled with flower water). Another must-try is the local pilaf with cinnamon, boustia made from lamb intestines stuffed with rice, koulokithopoulia which are stuffed flowers of courgettes, black rice boiled with cuttlefish ink, makarounes pasta with sitaka (buttery cheese), and even crayfish pasta.
The best way to experience the traditional cuisine of Kasos is to visit one of its six villages and stroll through their narrow alleyways. The capital of Kasos, Fry, is a vibrant center nestled on the northern coast of the island. Here, you’ll be able to see the city’s traditional architecture and impressive stone mansions. The town is also renowned for its historic port of Bouka, which dates back two centuries and served as a pirate refuge in the past.
The rest of the island’s villages are just as lovely, and they all have their own unique charm! Make sure to explore each of them when you come on a Kasos island tour. During your stay, you’ll likely see sunburned fishermen with calloused hands, cattle breeders who spend their lives outdoors, and old immigrants who return to the island every summer from the United States. These locals will welcome you with warmth and hospitality that is unmatched in the Greek Islands! You’ll love experiencing their culture and learning about their customs.
4. Visit the Ancient Acropolis
Kasos is filled with beautiful churches and monasteries that reflect the island’s religious nature. Most are located in villages but there are also plenty of chapels that can be found throughout the countryside. Among the most noteworthy are the monastery of Agios Georgios Hadion (Kasos’ major pilgrim centre), the six church complex of Panagia Potamitissa, and the impressive cave of Antiperatos.
Visiting Kasos feels like stepping back in time. It’s quiet and off the beaten path, with streets full of local charm and traditional tavernas that offer delicious food at great prices.
The best time to visit Kasos is between May and September when the weather is warm but not too hot. This is also when the island is less crowded, so it’s easier to enjoy its natural beauty and get to know the locals.
Kasos is easily explored by rental car, though visitors should be aware that some of the roads are narrow and winding. For those who prefer not to drive, there are also many bus and taxi options available.
The best way to experience Kasos is to stay in one of the island’s villages, such as Fry, Agia Marina, Panagia, Poli, and Arvanitochori. All of these villages are home to a variety of beautiful churches and have a rich history that can be discovered by walking around the streets. The villages are also home to friendly residents who are eager to show off their culture and cuisine. You can even join in on a traditional feast and experience the hospitality of the island firsthand! It’s a memory you’ll treasure for years to come.
5. Visit the Folklore Museum
Kasos has a lot to offer for travelers looking for an off the beaten path Greek island experience. Its wild natural scenery, intimate beaches, and charming harbours are just a few of the things that make this little gem so special.
The island’s rich culture is also something that should not be missed. Kasos is home to more than 100 churches and monasteries, reflecting the deep religious feelings of the island’s residents. Some of the most popular ones include the monastery of Agios Georgios Hadion, the Panagia Potamitissa (impressively built into a cave), and the Exi Ekklisies (a complex of six churches built next to each other).
Locals love their island and they are always willing to share it with visitors. It’s hard not to feel embraced by their hospitality as soon as you arrive on the island.
For those who want to see Kasos’ authentic side, we recommend attending one of the traditional panigyria that take place throughout the summer months. These feasts are a true feast for the senses, with delicious food, traditional music, and dance.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and folklore of Kasos, the Folklore Museum is a great place to visit. It is located in the village of Arvanitochori, and features a collection of historical and ethnographic artefacts. The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m to 7:00 p.m. It’s recommended that you book tickets in advance to avoid long lines. To learn more about the museum and its exhibits, please visit their website. In addition to the museum, there are many other things to do in Kasos. For example, you can visit Kira Panagia beach, which offers pristine waters and a beautiful sandy shore, or explore the Antiperatos Cave, which is filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.