I had wanted to come here for years. Like many, I dreamed of visiting this island far from everything and everyone. This dream appeared after seeing the legendary “Mediterraneo.” It was an unforgettable movie directed by Gabriele Salvatores in 1991.
But, for one reason or another, it had always been impossible for me to get here to Kastelorizo.
Even just a “day trip” is not enough. A few hours will not allow you to see everything properly.
Many people, when imagining their landing in Kastellorizo, dreamed of an approach akin to the military in the “Mediterraneo” movie. They envisioned arriving at the stony beach and entering the deserted village.

Around Kastelorizo

Now,
I don’t know in which part of the island those scenes were shot. It is clear that everything has changed a lot here since then. Despite this, Kastelorizo has retained the flavor and colors of the past. As you enter the marina with the ship, you will instantly see the white chapel. It is the one often framed in the film’s cover photo. You will also notice the long port of the town, which is colorful and perfectly preserved.

Vassilissa’s blue house is now a small hotel. It’s a B&B or studio. It is clearly visible in this photo above in the village part. As are the columns with the arches alongside which a scene of the film was shot. Only in 1991 they weren’t as colorful and well-kept as they are now.
Almost everything is now used as restaurants, hotels or structures dedicated to tourists. “Mediterraneo” has been very successful in cinema. It has also brought tourists from all over the world to Kastelorizo.

If you decide to walk and discover this beautiful island, you will find other wonderful glimpses. These glimpses are scenes from 30 years ago. You will surely get excited.

Walking Walking and walking again.

When I started to get passionate about photography, I quickly learned something important. I needed to arm myself with patience. If I wanted to find interesting views, I had to walk a lot. I stopped for lunch at a restaurant in Kastellorizo. I asked a waiter where the military base of the film “Mediterraneo” is. Without much thought, he pointed me to the top of the hill.
Without thinking about the fact that it was more than 40 ° C, I walked under the sun before 4.15 pm and my ship took me away from this beautiful island.

Get lost behind the many restaurants overlooking the sea. This is enough to admire the secrets and small alleys of Kastelorizo.
You are lucky and see one of the 5-6 sea turtles pass by. They now live here permanently and allow themselves to be photographed. This is proof of their strength. It also shows that Kastellorizo, despite the tourism, has managed to preserve the authenticity of the past. The beauty here is such that even nature approves!

A couple of photos

The waiter

A poignant remark from the waiter caught my attention before I ascended the hill bravely. I was in search of the film’s legendary outpost.
With a spark of curiosity, I asked him, “But what do you do here all winter? The tourists vanish, and you find yourself alone.”
His smile radiated warmth as he replied, “Ah, that’s obvious, isn’t it? We simply await the arrival of summer!”