Marilita Hatzivassiliou, a Kasos local, says her island is ‘a secret known only to a few’ (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
For those who recall visiting the smaller Greek islands 30 years ago, this beautiful untouched paradise is like stepping back in time, bringing back memories of how things used to be. Unlike some popular Greek islands that have fallen victim to the effects of overtourism, Kasos, the southernmost island of the Dodecanese group, has preserved its authenticity and natural beauty.
Located between Crete and Karpathos, with one side touching the Libyan Sea, this tiny island is rich in history, tradition, and ‘filoxenia’ – the Greek word for hospitality – and is one of Greece’s most remote and southernmost inhabited islands. With a population of 1,223 permanent residents, life on this small island moves at a slower pace with locals still gathering in kafeneias – traditional cafés – to play cards and share stories, just as they have done for generations.
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The road to Avlaki beach was only made two years ago (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
Visitors come for authenticity rather than luxury resorts or nightlife, however, the island’s nightlife is unique with everyone, from teenagers to parents, ending up in the same two bars and one club, dancing together until the early hours.
Kasos local, Marilita Hatzivassiliou, who now lives in the UK, told the Express her tiny village is a well-kept secret known only to a few.
She says: “Its inaccessibility has preserved its authenticity and untouched charm, making it a true hidden gem. Kasos embodies wild beauty, with a deep maritime heritage and a way of life that remains unchanged.
“Unlike more tourist-heavy Greek islands, it feels like a secret known only to a few. It’s literally like Greece in the 50’s still.
“There are no large hotels, no mass tourism infrastructure and very little commercial development. Life moves at a slower pace, with traditions deeply respected and practiced in everyday life.”
The monastery of Agios Georgios (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
Eborios beach a sandy beach with gorgeous blue waters (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
A Greek salad overlooking Bouka port (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
St Mary’s church in Panagia village (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
But don’t let its small size fool you Kasos, which consists of five villages, has much to explore with the island home to over 100 churches and monasteries. Fry, the capital, is a charming harbour or town with picturesque alleys and traditional houses which curves around the picturesque harbour of Bouka.
Marilita, a renowned food blogger who goes by the Instagram handle @gourmelita, reveals Arvanitochori, a quaint village with narrow cobblestone streets, is her favourite.
“Arvanitochori, my favourite village, is home to Maroukla’s Kafeneio, a historic taverna where locals gather to eat and socialise”, says Marilita.
She adds: “Agia Marina offers stunning views and a glimpse of authentic island life. Armathia, a nearby tiny island complex, has some of Greece’s most breathtaking, untouched beaches, with powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.”
Fry, the capital, has picturesque alleys and traditional houses (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
“The island also has two significant caves, Stylokamara, known for its stalactites, and Ellinokamara, both with ancient historical importance.
“One of Kasos’ most special traditions is the Panigyria, religious festivals where food is freely offered and live music keeps the celebration going all night.”
Kasos boasts a rich fishing tradition, with considerable quantities of fresh fish caught and sent to markets in Rhodes and Crete. Scorpion fish, red mullet and cuttlefish being the favourites. People who come to this rocky island can’t help but fall in love with its authentic and vibrant food culture with the island renowned for an array of famous, delicious dishes.
Marilita said: “One of the most special dishes is Soupiopilafo, a black rice dish made with cuttlefish and its ink. The local cheeses, Elaiki and Sitaka, are full of flavour and unique to Kasos.
Loukoumades a fried dough dessert (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
“There are many family-run tavernas where you can taste these delicacies, some of which are right on the beach, like Kiki’s on Emborios Beach and Cantina in Ammoua.
“Kasos is also famous for its pure honey which contains something like 98% of thyme – it tastes divine and is served over some delicious fried delicacies like Loukoumades or Xilikopites, both fried dough desserts, with one being crispy on the outside but soft inside dough puffs and the other crunchy flat discs sprinkled with sesame.”
This hidden gem has all the elements holidaymakers look for in a Greek island but getting here is no easy task. The easiest route is to fly from London to Athens, then take a domestic flight via Rhodes or Crete, as the island has a small airport.
Alternatively, there’s a ferry from Athens’ Piraeus port, which takes around 12 to 16 hours, or from Crete, which is a shorter trip of about four to five hours.
The famous Dolmadakia – mini dolmades only made in Kasos (Image: Marilita Hatzivassiliou)
