On the 4th Oct we set sail from the island of Kalamos in light winds to sail the short 3.8 n miles to the island of Kastos.  The wind dropped and we continued to explore the east coast of Kastos where there are several anchorages........ a rare treat in the Ionian as most bays are very deep and are only anchorable with stern lines to the shore rocks.

 

Kastos sits between the larger island of Levkas, smaller islands of Meganisi, Kalamos and the Greek mainland.

It is a place off the radar, the smallest inhabited island of the Ionian sea. It is flat, low lying only 7.5 km long and 900m at its widest point.

 

The harbour area is tiny, pretty with room for a handful of yachts and is framed by a scattering of houses.  The 1950 census shows there were 285 people living on the island reducing to 120 by 2001----in fact there are actually only 40 permanent residents today.

 

Cars are rare on the island as there is no petrol station. All provisions are brought into the island by local boats each day. The harbour has one cafe, three taverna’s and a tiny minimarket.

The best way to visit this island is by yacht.

 

We left Kastos the next day to sail and motor in calm seas to the island of Meganisi and to Port Atheni.

 

Photos of Kastos harbour, bay, from the hillside, shadows on palm leaves. Tioram in the harbour, windmill taverna.

 

Love to all

Tina and Tony x x x