Destination: Kastos Island Kastos Island - Explore this untouched gem of the Ionian About Kastos Island - Kastos island is one of the least developed in the Ionian, making it a gem of a place to visit if you are looking for a quiet escape. The harbour itself is small so space is scarce but there are other options for a safe overnight mooring. The olive clad island is perfect for exploring on foot with several idyllic swimming spots along the coastal path. Kastos had a population of just 40 people in the 2021 census. It was known as a good place to hideout for several leading figures during the Greek War of Independence in the early 1800s, including General Kolokotronis. Longitude & Latitude - 38°34'.12N 20°54'.73E How to moor - A few options depending on what space allows. Kastos island is surprisingly popular for so few facilities, the quay is often full in the summer months. Stern-to with an anchor on the main town quay (port side as you enter). Note that the spaces on the inner harbour wall do get quite shallow so keep an eye on your depth gauge. You'll need to drop your anchor fairly close to the beach to get enough chain out. The sea bed is hard and well packed so anchors can drag if not well in. Avoid the small quayside on the starboard side as you enter the harbour unless you know the harbour well, or have a shallow draft, it is very shallow and yachts often run ground there. Anchor (freeswing) in under 10m of water to the north east of the harbour entrance, inside the small island. Longlined to the beach. Drop your anchor towards the bow of the other yachts stern-to on the quay, being careful not to cross them. Longline to the beach - there are various lamp posts or other inanimate objects to attach to. Typically stern into wind so an easy long line location. Longline outside, stern against the breakwater. Where you drop anchor is only 5-10m deep so it's one of the easier long lining spots, typically with the wind on your stern. Easy to tie longlines to the boulders in the breakwater. A lovely swimming spot too! When to go - Kastos is fine and comfortable in most W or NW conditions. The island is low lying so the prevailing NW wind can gust over the top of island down through the harbour in the late afternoon but this usually dies down at sunset. When to avoid - Definitely avoid in NE, SE or E winds - the surf coming in has been known to come over the top of the breakwater into the cockpits of the yachts moored stern-to, and there is no shelter if you are anchored or longlined. Facilities ashore - Part of the reason why people love Kastos island is that there are few facilities. There's a small supermarket, a couple of restaurants & cafés and some excellent bars. And that's all - plenty for a laidback stay. Note Kastos does not have facilities to deal with the rubbish and recycling left by visitors, please take your rubbish with you and dispose of it properly on a larger island. Restaurants - There are a couple of restaurants in the harbour itself - Il Porto & Belos, serving Greek food and good seafood. The windmill taverna has good facilities but just past it the cocktail bar Mylos, in a convertd old windmill, is one of the best bars in the Ionian and has an enviable setting. El.A café & bar is set slightly into the village with views out over the harbour. Alex is sure to make you feel welcome - they offer pizza early evening and good music & drinks late into the night. Somewhere to swim? The beach just to the north east of the town is lovely. If you are anchored outside the harbour, it's perfect for swimming. The water is particularly clear around Kastos so it's worth taking a walk along the coastal path heading north away from the village and swimming from one of the many coves. Anything else to do? As above, the trails are excellent for exploring on foot. The Kastos Marine Museum - Home of the Fin Whale is also worth a visit if you find it open! There is a very old olive tree just outside the harbour. I'd highly suggest buying Rod Heikell's Ionian Pilot Guide for detailed information on the harbours & bays of the Ionian. On the chart - Other Destinations to read about: Kioni Ithaca Fiscardo Kefalonia Vathi Meganisi This post was written by admin