| Kassos has had an often violent recorded history | | | | extended family members who have emigrated |
| beginning with the arrival of Phoenician settlers. | | | | return home for a visit. Otherwise, there are not |
| Despite the chaos around them, the islanders have | | | | usually more than about ten visitors on the island at |
| continued their peaceful existence, maintaining their | | | | one time. Kassos' reputation is of being the least |
| traditional lifestyle. With an average of ten tourists at | | | | discovered of the Greek Islands. |
| a time, Kassos has two taxis, no buses, and plenty | | | | Limited tourism means not many people speak |
| of serenity to offer. | | | | English. It means two taxis and no buses serve the |
| This island, the most southern and western of the | | | | whole island. But, does that matter when each of the |
| Dodecanese group, has a long history. First settled by | | | | five villages is in walking distance from anywhere on |
| Phoenicians, Kassos is then mentioned by Homer. The | | | | the island! Visitors who have experienced Kassos |
| island's name is that of a Cretan prince, therefore | | | | recommend walking, hiking, exploring the island on |
| Minoan settlers are also part of Kassos' early history. | | | | foot, getting close and witnessing the vanishing |
| In the Eighth Century BC, Kassos was conquered by | | | | traditions. |
| Rhodes. | | | | Because of their history of poverty and isolation, |
| Three hundred years later, the island was part of the | | | | Kassos remains unspoiled. There are no night clubs, |
| Athenian League. During the Middle Ages, Kassos was | | | | and so locals create improvised celebrations - for |
| under Venetian rule, in name, but in actuality it was a | | | | instance, inviting everyone to come and recite |
| pirate's nest. This is when the noted caves came in | | | | limericks. The pace on Kassos is slow. Quiet days of |
| handy - the people of Kassos retreated and hid in | | | | fishing, hiking, snorkeling...isn't that what a vacation |
| the caves during pirate attacks. | | | | should be? |
| In the 1700's the seamen of Kassos established a | | | | The capital of Kassos is Fri, the island's only harbor. |
| merchant fleet, and for the first time the island grew | | | | About 250 people live in this town known for its |
| rich. The men and the ships were vital during the | | | | picturesque stone houses. There is an airport on the |
| Greek War of Independence in 1821. Because Kassos | | | | island. One place of interest is Sellai, a cave near |
| had been so important in the winning of that war, | | | | Ellinokamara. Sellai is 30 meters deep and 8 meters |
| the Turks seized the island and fired it. There were | | | | wide. Inside are fantastic stalactites. There are traces |
| few survivors. Turkish rule lasted until 1921 when the | | | | of a Neolithic settlement. |
| Italians took control. Kassos was freed in 1948. By | | | | The island is dotted with mitafa, old shepherds' huts, |
| then, the island and its people were totally | | | | reminding visitors of a long tradition of animal herding. |
| impoverished. | | | | Every island has its culinary specialties, and Kassos' is |
| Despite the chaos and violence around them and | | | | based on the local cheeses, another clue that |
| inflicted on them, the people of Kassos continued | | | | livestock, goats and sheep, are herded here. |
| their peaceful activities and managed to preserve | | | | Kassos is mountainous and steep with a rocky |
| their traditions which can still be experienced today. | | | | shoreline, and few beaches. It is full of rugged people |
| The small island, 66 square kilometers, has just over | | | | who live a tranquil, unspoiled life. |
| 1,000 people. In August the population triples as | | | | |