We met late with Meis, the beautiful island of Greece right under our noses, but we bonded quickly, I fell in love with it, and I don't think it's empty against me. Meis, one of the closest Greek Islands to Turkey, is only a 20-25 minute ferry ride from our beautiful coastal city Kas. Since it is a small island, it is also possible to take a day trip. Meis Island travel guide, which contains all the information you will need on your Meis trip, such as the history of Meis, where, how to get there, what to eat, places to visit in Meis, where to stay I prepared, have a nice read!
What You Will Find In This Article
History of Meis Island
We call it Meis Island, but Greeks call Meis Island Megisti and Europeans call it Kastellorosso, that is Kızıl Hisar in Turkish. The name of the port where we landed in Meis is Megisti. We call them all as Meis Island.
If I were to briefly describe the history of the island; The island lived for a long time under the rule of the Knights of Malta. Since it is in an important location for Mediterranean trade, it was a very rich island thanks to maritime trade. It came under Ottoman rule in 1512.
The island was given to the French at the end of the First World War and passed under the administration of the Italians with the Treaty of Lausanne. This is the reason for the Italian influence we see in the island architecture now. Meis Island; II. After World War II, it was given to Greece together with the twelve islands with the Paris Agreement. Since the island is one of the Greek Islands closest to Turkey, there is a serious military zone here.
What made Meis Island world famous is a 1991 movie called Mediterraneo. When the film won the best foreign film Oscar in 1992, the island suddenly becomes a popular tourist destination.
A small amount of olives and grapes are grown on the island, the main source of income is sponge fishing and, of course, tourism. The population, which is around 400, rises to over a thousand in the summer months.
Where is Meis Island, How to Go to Meis?
Meis Island is the furthest Greek Island from mainland Greece, located in the Eastern Mediterranean. It is located exactly opposite the city center of Kas, only 2.1 km away.
Turkish Citizens need a valid passport and a valid Schengen visa to go to Meis Island. If you have a green passport, you can pass without a visa. And of course, unfortunately, you have to pay the international departure fee.
The easiest and fastest way to go to Meis from Turkey; To go to Meis Island by ferry which takes only 20-25 minutes from Kas. Changing countries during the transition from Beşiktaş to Kadıköy is a wonderful experience.
From Kaş, you can go to Meis Island by ferry in the morning and return in the evening. Meis Ferry Lines; Between May 1 and October 31, every day at 10:00 in the morning, there are ferry services from Kas to Meis at 16:00 in the afternoon. There are also ferries that return at 22:00 or 23:00 on certain days. We went on a full tour of Meis, leaving at 10:00 in the morning and returning at 22:00 in the evening. Thus, we had the opportunity to see every place to be seen on the island to the fullest and to experience the island's evening. To get detailed information about voyage times and fees, contact Meis Ferry Lines; You can get information from their offices in Kaş Harbor or Kaş Marina, from their website or from their instagram page.
If you are going to Meis Island from Greece, you have to go to Rhodes Island. You can reach Meis from Rhodes by ferry or plane.
Where is Meis Island, How to Go to Meis? You can find more details about transportation to Meis Island in my article.
Map of Places to Visit in Meis Island
You can see the places on the list of places to visit in Meis Island and my recommendations for eating and drinking on the google map below.
Places to Visit in Meis Island
Meis is a tiny island and the settlement is located only on the northern side facing Kaş. For this reason, almost all of the places to see are located on this side. Megisti, where colorful houses that do not exceed three floors are lined up on the seashore, looks so beautiful from afar and up close… As you get closer to the island, one question comes to mind: “How do we come to such a different place in just 20 minutes?”.
Now, let's take a look at the list of places to visit in Meis Island in the order we visited.
Blue Cave
Blue Cave, one of the most beautiful sea caves in the world, is located on the southeast side of the island and there is no land access. Therefore, as soon as we got off the ferry, we made a plan to get on one of the tiny boats in the harbor and go to the Blue Cave. It is necessary to go to the cave before noon both in order to see the Blue Cave brightly and because it is not possible to enter the cave in the afternoon due to the waves, which was one of the reasons we rushed. Our boat was owned by Stavros, a little sullen but it was no problem.
Obviously, when you reach the cave entrance after a short, bumpy and rough sea voyage, one is a little intimidated. There is a small gap, I should say, a hole, and the cave is entered by leaning in the boat. When you go inside, all your fear is over because a magnificent blue color has painted the cave walls, the water is beautiful, the cave floor is beautiful.
The cave looks incredibly impressive with its length of 100 meters, width of 80 meters, and ceiling height of 35 meters. The boat takes a short swim break here. Swimming here is also very impressive, although a little creepy.
We paid 10 Euros per person for the boat to go from Megisti Port to the Blue Cave (year 2022).
Aya Yorgi Island and Saint George Beach
Returning from the Blue Cave, we pass to Aya Yorgi Island, which is home to the most beautiful beach of the island, Saint George Beach. The boat that takes us to the Blue Cave drops us off at the island on the way back, without any additional charge, and comes back at the time we want. By the way, don't think it's too far, it takes only 5 minutes by boat from Megisti Harbor to Aya Yorgi Island.
We took a break on the island for about 2 hours to rest and swim. Aya Yorgi Church and Saint George Beach are located on the island. It's a tiny island. Almost everyone who comes to Meis visits here because the sea is very beautiful.
The only Turkish bride of the island, Huri Hanım, is the operator of the Saint George beach. He will be happy if you say "hello" when you go. The cost of sunbeds on the beach was 2022 Euros in 4, and food and beverage prices were similar to the Greek Islands, for example Frappe was 3,5 Euros.
Megisti Harbor and Its Surroundings
The name of the place where we got off the ferry on Meis Island is Megisti Harbor. Almost everything to see is scattered around the port, but you should definitely take time to walk along the port, watch all the buildings, stop in front of every door and take pictures. Sea turtles roam the harbor, don't pass by without saying hello to them.
Of course, don't just wander around the harbor, take a dip in the side streets, let the wonderful Italian architecture adorned with flowers surround you. When you continue along the harbor St. George's Church will come your way. This is the largest church on the island.
The Oscar-winning Mediterraneo movie that made Meis famous was shot. Mediterraneo Kastelorizo To reach the hostel, you have to walk to the end of the beautiful harbor. Don't worry, every building and every angle you will see along the way is more beautiful than the other.
The cleanest and most beautiful you have ever seen fish market is also in the port. Of course, we couldn't see the fish because the fish came early in the morning, but it was nice when it was empty.
Ottoman Mosque
When approaching Meis Island by ferry, you will see a mosque minaret on your left. That mosque was built in the 18th century during the Ottoman period and was used by the Janissaries at that time. It is not currently used as a mosque, but its building and minaret are preserved and serve as an archeology museum. The museum closes at 15:30, you cannot visit it if you are late.
Lycian Tomb
If you continue towards the castle in front of the Ottoman Mosque; There is a stone-paved path around the hill on which the Red Castle, which gives Meis its Italian name, is built, on which you can walk. On this path, there is the only Lycian rock tomb in Greece. It cannot be compared to the magnificent rock tombs on our side, but it is worth seeing because it is the only one on the island.
Red Fort – Castle
The castle, which was founded by the Knights of Rhodes between 1379-1388, was named Red Fort (Kastellorosso) because the hill on which it is located is red soil. The island got its Italian name from this castle. If you go to the place where the flag is on the walls of the castle, which is within walking distance from the port, you can see a 360-degree view of the island; you can enjoy great views of both Megisti Harbor and Mandreka Beach. Entry to the castle is free.
Santrapeia School
From the Red Castle to the interior of the island, continue in the direction you see the church bell through the side streets, and you will come across the Santrape School. The reason why I included a school in the list of places to visit in Meis; the school building, the garden gate and the pebble mosaics in the garden are very beautiful. While on the island, in the movie Mediterraneo La Platania your restaurant and Santrape St. George's ChurchI would like you to see the square and this beautiful school.
Saint George Convent & 400 Steps
One of the activities on the must-do list when you come to Meis Island is to climb the stairs to Saint George Monastery. If your time is limited, you don't need to go up to the monastery, but I recommend you to climb up the path a little, because a magnificent view of Meis Harbor and Kaş accompanies you along the path. The exit to the monastery is a very steep path consisting of 1100 meters and 400 steps. Do not go out in the middle of the day in hot weather, it is best to climb after the sun has reduced in the evening.
The wooden iconasta (the wall on which the icons are displayed), the pebble mosaic garden and the view of the monastery, which dates back to 1759, are worth seeing, but before we went up to the monastery, we came back halfway because it was getting dark.
Paleokastro Castle
If you go to the southwest of the main settlement, there are ancient ruins, a 4th century tower and recently built chapels. We didn't go here, but I added it to the list in case anyone wants to go.
If you're short on time on the island and want to see everything, you may want to consider renting a scooter to gain speed. So you can walk around the whole island. There is a car rental office just parallel to the port, where you can also find scooters.
Meis Beaches
There are few beaches on Meis Island.
The name of the beach where you can swim on the main island in Meis Mandrake Beach. The view of the beach from the castle is also magnificent.
The most beautiful beach of the island Saint George Beach. From Megisti Port, you can reach the Aya Yorgi islet with the beach for 5 Euros, or if you have arranged a boat to go to the Blue Cave, you can ask them to drop you off at the beach on your way back.
What to Eat and Where to Eat on Meis Island?
Meis Island is a tiny island with only 400 households. That's why there aren't hundreds of eating and drinking options, but don't be afraid, you won't go hungry. If you're in Greece, you're sure to find a place to eat pastries and seafood, drink wine or beer if nothing else.
All venues are located in the port area on your right when you get off the ferry. You can also take a walk and eat at a place you catch your eye. Of course, I will still list my suggestions.
The most beautiful and enjoyable restaurant of the island is located on the seaside in the harbor. Alexandra's Restaurant'Have a meal too, especially the seafood is very delicious, the service is very concerned. Eat baby shrimp (grass shrimp) and drink white wine, this is a Greek Island classic. The octopus was really delicious. He also ate the fried Saganaki cheese with honey, which was also very good. If you go, say hi to Mihalis, the owner, for me.
Also located on the seaside in the port Athina RestaurantYou can try classic Greek delicacies such as fried zucchini and Greek salad. The owner of the restaurant bought a Turkish groom from Kaş. Kerem Bey is usually at the restaurant.
in the movie Mediterraneo La Platania RestaurantTaste the stuffed onions.
The only bakery on the island Kastellorizo FurnaceYou can buy snacks and pastries in the morning hours.
Where to Stay in Meis?
Meis is a small island, you can visit it in one day, but it is also a very enjoyable place to go on a long vacation and relax. If you want to escape from the crowd of Kaş, Meis is exactly the place!
The hostel, in which the movie Mediterano, which made Meis famous, takes place, is still operated as a hotel. Mediterraneo Kastelorizo One of the most interesting places to stay. Apart from this, there are other boutique hotels and hostels on the island.
Best fit for your budget Click for Meis Island accommodation options.
Don't Come Back Without Doing It While Going to Meis
- Do not return without seeing the Blue Cave, swimming in its crystal blue waters!
- Take a break for swimming and sunbathing at Saint George Beach on Aya Yorgi Island.
- Take a leisurely stroll in Megisti Harbor, dive into the side streets and enjoy the beautiful architecture.
- Walk on the stony road leading to the castle with a wonderful view of Kas and Meis.
- Visit the rock tomb, considered the only Lycian tomb in Europe.
- Climb up to the castle that gives the island the name of Red Fort and enjoy the view of the island.
- See the pebble mosaics of the Santrapeia School, the island's only school.
- You have to climb 400 steps to get to the Saint George Monastery at the top of the island, it's worth it for the view.
- Be sure to taste the zucchini fries, baby shrimp, octopus and white wine menu!
I enjoyed every minute I spent in Meis, go see it too!
Stay tuned for exploration tips and travel tips!