Named for the red stone castle that once dominated the port, Kastellorizo is the smallest of the Dodecanese – and the largest of the archipelago of tiny islets, which gives it its other name, Megisti. It is more than seventy nautical miles east of Rhodes, Greece just a stone’s throw from Kas on the Turkish coast. It’s rocky place with a small permanent population. Supplies are shipped from Rhodes or brought from Turkey. Photo by: AbsolutelyEverything

In the nineteenth century the population of this thriving community was over 10,ooo. After the two World Wars it was left almost deserted. Now the harbour resounds in the summer to Australian accents: many migrants are returning to find their roots, reclaim and rebuild their family homes. Another to draw to tourists number has been the Oscar – wining Italian film, Mediterraneo, which was filmed on the island. Photo by: craigaio

The only settlement is the harbour village and its suburb over the hill. The waterfront is lined with graceful neo-classical houses, and the path round the headland passes Greece’s only Lycian house-tomb. Peaceful walks around the island pass monasteries and ruins. On the zigzag stepped path to the top of the crag above the town you may see flocks of bee-eaters – the migration route of these colorful birds touches the island. Photo by: craigaio

There are no beaches, but very enjoyable swimming is possible from rocks, and from the ‘lido‘ platform at the mouth of the harbour. The water there is very clear-crystal and peacock-hued. Photo by: craigaio

When to go: May, June, early July and September (because of the high temperature during the high summer time). Population: 430. Getting there: Flight from Rhodes. Ferry from Rhodes and inter island ferries. Photo by: craigaio