Kastelorizo, the eastern-most Greek island in the Dodecanese.
Despite its small size, the island, part of the 12-islands ensemble, has a rich and fascinating past that is closely intertwined with the history of Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean region.
The island was first inhabited in the Neolithic period and was later ruled by various civilizations, including the Minoans, Persians, and Romans. In the Middle Ages, Kastelorizo was an important cultural center ruled by the Byzantine Empire until it was captured in the early 13th century by the Knights Hospitaliers who built the castle.
Then, becoming part of the Ottoman Empire, Kastelorizo became a major port for trade and commerce, with a thriving community of Greek and Jewish merchants. The island was also a hub for the Ottoman navy and was an important stopping point for ships traveling between the Aegean and the Levant.
In the 20th century, Kastelorizo became, in turn, French and then Italian, until 1948, when it joined Greece.
The island was re-discovered after the movie Mediterraneo and soon became a sought after destination, with its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and cultural heritage.
Kastellorizo is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich and diverse history of the Eastern Mediterranean.