Kastro
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The town of Kastro has been inhabited for over 3000 years and was at one time the capital
of the island. To get to Kastro you can take a bus there or by car or motorbike. There is also an old footpath
from below Artemona which is a beautiful walking trip due to the abundance of wildflowers and interesting plants
and the fact that it is entirely downhill. |
| The town is rich in antiquities and besides having an archeological museum, there are
artifacts scattered throughout the village. This is an ancient sarcaphagus, one of several in Kastro. |
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The white-washed village sits upon a domed rock that towers above the sea. To protect
the town from pirates there were only five entrances in the massive walls which enclosed it. These could be locked
by iron gates. When you enter the town you go through tunnels and passageways into a labrynth of tiny streets wide
enough for only two or three people to walk abreast. There are cafes, restaurants and several interesting old churches. |
| If you follow the main street to the left you will eventually come out at the sea with
a stunning view of the coast. As you continue to walk around the village with the Aegean below you, the ancient
walls and the ruins of the Venetian fortress are above you. |
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On the sea side of the village are two small beautiful churches. The Church of the
Seven Martyrs on the left sits above one of the finest spots for snorkling on the island. |
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From the tiny church of Saint Nicholas you can see Folegandros, Sikinos, Antiparos
and Paros.
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| In the valley and the hills around Kastro there are several churches and the remains
of ancient columns scattered around. These twin churches are a popular subject for the many artists who visit the
village. |
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The beach is great for swimming and snorkling, especially when it is rough in Kamares.
That generally means it will be calm in Kastro on the other side of the island.
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The port of Kastro is known as Saralia and has a couple fish taverns.
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There are rooms for rent in Kastro which are available through Aegean Thesaurus.
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