At the entrance to the harbor of Kastos stands an old windmill. Its mechanism is intact; it was taken out of service in 1949. The island’s windmills are privately owned, and one is considered the best-preserved in the Ionian Sea. The windmill theme thus links a specific place at the harbor and a dated history of operation with a broader perspective on the Ionian region. The contrast between the preserved mechanism and its discontinued use makes the mill’s history especially tangible.

Coves on the East Side

On the east side of Kastos lie Ampelakia, Fiki and Limni; all three beaches can also be reached by land. Ampelakia lies south of the harbor and is characterized by fine pebbles and crystal-clear water. Water conditions can vary. Fiki is a small cove farther south and offers limited space. Limni is the island’s largest beach and offers room to spread out. The coves therefore differ considerably in terms of space: Fiki is the small option, while Limni offers the most room. Ampelakia is a distinct point of reference for its location south of the harbor and its description as having fine pebbles and clear water.

History and Island Themes

Remains found at Vigla point to connections with Meganisi and Kalamos dating back to antiquity. Kastos is also home to the Sea Museum, which displays the skeleton of a whale found there. The historical references differ in nature: the windmill’s closure is dated to 1949, remains at Vigla point to connections, and the Sea Museum adds the discovery of a whale to these themes. Technical history, evidence of ancient island connections and a specific whale discovery thus stand side by side. Those interested in Kastos’s history can choose between these different themes without combining them into a single narrative.

Cave and Landscape

Near Agios Aimilianos, the Fokotrypa Cave lies among the rocks. It is 30 meters deep, has a sandy interior and is considered a traditional refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal, Monachus monachus. Fokotrypa’s defining features differ from those of the beaches: its depth, interior and traditional role for an animal species, rather than beach size and space. Small roads also wind through olive groves on Kastos. The cave and the groves add other landscape themes to the picture of the island, clearly distinct from its beach coves.

Connection to Mytikas

Kastos is connected by a kaiki to the opposite coast at Mytikas. If you plan to use this connection to travel to or onward from the island, check the sailing times in advance. It provides a specific point of reference for travel planning beyond the island, while the small roads through olive groves describe an aspect of Kastos’s landscape. The windmill, coves, historical finds and natural features offer different starting points for deciding what to focus on during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Sivros, Athani, Kariotes, Fterno, Aghios Nikolaos Niras, Geni, Lefkada, Katouna

Go to the main travel overview: Lefkada.