Kastos is a low-lying, long and narrow little island covered in olive
trees and at which dozens of boats sailing over the Ionian Sea moor safely each
day. It is also an excellent place for fishing. It has only fifty permanent residents,
which rises to 500 in the summer when friends and relatives gather here.
Kastos has a greatest width of 900 metres and a surface area of six
square kilometres. It has many low hills, the tallest of which is no higher than
150 metres. The island's west coast is rugged, whilst the east coast has many
small beaches, which can be accessed from land or the sea. These are Ambelakia
and Fyki in the south, Vali, Koilada, Ayios Aimilianos, Limni, Kamini and Vrisidi...
There are only a few roads on the island, and it is for this reason
that there are no cars. The distances are very short and the people move around
on foot and, of course, by boat. Every resident of the island has his own boat
or small speedboat. The Saracene bay, the natural bay on the west of the island,
also has a small mole which makes anchorage possible even during bad weather,
so that the island will not be cut off by the strong southerly winds...
At Kalikerimi there is an olive grove with very old olive trees. They
are tall with thick trunks and giant roots which indicate that they must be several
hundred years old. At Ayios Aimilianos, a little to the north of the port of Kastos,
there is a small cave, Fokotrypa (Seal Hole). It is around 30 metres deep with
a little sand within it. From its name we can conclude that in the past seals
would seek refuge here. The island's pathways provide for pleasurable walks and
are generally quite accessible and straight.
The view from the pathway along the ridge which goes towards the north
is exceptional. In addition, the small road which was recently built provides
for a delightful stroll through the verdant landscape, which exudes a sense of
peace and calm. The ancient remains at Vigla are evidence for the possible relationship
of the island with
Meganisi
and
Kalamos from ancient
times (the Tafios islands).
Kastos is linked by caique with mainland Greece. There are a few connections
each day to and from the coast of
Mytikas
on the other side of the island, which is also Kastos' central marketplace. The
caique is the island's only connection to the outside world. The island has fanatical
supporters who come here each summer to pass a few carefree and peaceful days
in an atmosphere that is different and in an environment that is still clean and
unpolluted, as though it were located on the edge of the world.
