Kasos is one of Greece’s most untouched islands — a rugged jewel of the Dodecanese, floating quietly between Crete and Karpathos in the Karpathian Sea. Reaching it is part of the adventure: a long ferry from Piraeus, or a short island-hop flight followed by a boat ride. But what awaits is worth every mile — empty beaches, stone villages, rich maritime history, and flavours you won’t find anywhere else.
If you’re craving slow travel, authenticity, and postcard-perfect Aegean moments, here are eight unforgettable things to do in Kasos.
Wander the Lanes of Fri (Fryi)
Fri is Kasos’ main settlement and port — the first sight that greets visitors arriving by sea. Its narrow lanes are lined with pebble mosaics, neoclassical seafarers’ mansions, whitewashed houses, and countless small churches.
Walk along Bouka harbour for coffee by the water, then continue to Emporios, which feels like a natural extension of Fri. Don’t miss:
- Monument of Heroes (commemorating the 1824 massacre)
- Town Hall Square memorial to the Holocaust of Kasos
Explore Kasos’ Traditional Villages
Beyond Fri, Kasos is dotted with charming hilltop settlements:
- Agia Marina – the island’s largest village, famous for its historic cheese-making tradition
- Panagia – home to the iconic Exi Ekklisies (Six Churches)
- Poli – the oldest settlement, built on a Mycenaean acropolis with sea views
- Arvanitohori – peaceful and traditional, just outside Fri
Each village feels frozen in time — perfect for slow wandering and photography.
Find Your Perfect Beach
Kasos’ beaches are wild, quiet, and strikingly clear:
- Emporios – sandy and central, next to Fri
- Ammoua – a small sandy cove with sunsets to die for
- Antiperatos – pebbly and uncrowded
- Helatros & Avlaki – sheltered, turquoise, and serene
- Trita – remote and best reached by boat or long hike
No umbrellas. No loud music. Just Aegean calm.
Take a Boat Trip to Armathia
A highlight of any Kasos trip is sailing to nearby Armathia islet, home to the jaw-dropping Marmara Beach — turquoise waters and golden sand that look straight out of the Caribbean.
Traditional wooden boats (kaikia) depart from Fri in summer. The shallow waters between the islets are rich in fish and reefs, making this trip a snorkeller’s dream.
Hike Kasos’ Wild Trails
Kasos rewards walkers with dramatic landscapes and sweeping sea views. The standout route:
Agios Georgios Monastery (Chadies) → Agia Marina (8.6 km)
Along the way, you’ll pass shepherd huts, gorges nicknamed “mini Grand Canyons,” remote beaches, and the mystical Ellinokamara Cave, once used as an ancient place of worship.
Another nearby cave, Stylokamara, hides stalactites and stalagmites deep within its rocky entrance.
Dive Into History & Culture
History lovers will want to visit:
- Archaeological Collection of Kasos – prehistoric to early Christian finds
- Maritime Museum – celebrating the island’s seafaring heritage
- Public Library of Fri
- Folk Museum in Arvanitohori
Kasos once had one of the most powerful merchant fleets in the Aegean — its grand mansions in Agia Marina still whisper stories of that golden age.
Taste Kasos’ Local Cuisine
Kasos’ food is simple, rustic, and unforgettable:
- Sitaka – buttery fermented cheese
- Makarounes – hand-twisted pasta with caramelised onions
- Doulmaes – small stuffed vine leaves with rich seasoning
- Kassiotiko pilafi – red rice cooked in meat stock
- Moshopoungia & mizithropites – traditional sweets
For the full experience, book a traditional cooking lesson or try a local wine tasting.
Visit Churches & Hilltop Monasteries
With over 100 chapels and churches, Kasos blends faith with raw landscape beauty. Must-sees include:
- Agios Spyridonas (Fri) – four domes and striking iconography
- Agios Mamas Monastery – mosaics and sweeping Aegean views
- Agia Marina Church – black-and-white pebble courtyard
- Panagia Potamitissa – carved into the rocks
- Exi Ekklisies (Six Churches) in Panagia village
The Agia Marina festival on July 17 is the island’s biggest celebration.
Ferry Guide: How to Get to Kasos
Route: Piraeus ↔ Kasos
Frequency: ~3 times weekly (more in summer)
Duration: 12–17.5 hours
Departure: Evening sailings (approx. 17:00–22:00)
Ferries: Conventional ferries with cabins & vehicle decks
Vehicles: Cars & motorcycles allowed (book early)