Latest news with #WindmillBar
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Pretty European ‘floating village' with quiet beaches and a picturesque port
AN ISLAND in Europe is said to feel like a "floating village" where time "slows down". Home to less than 100 locals, the Greek island of Kastos is a great alternative to busier destinations such as Corfu. Advertisement 5 Kastos is a great alternative to Corfu Credit: Alamy 5 The island is home to pretty and quiet beaches Credit: Alamy 5 The water surrounding the island is clear and calm Credit: Alamy Located off the coast of Lefkada, Kastos has only one village and is ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Just above the port of Kastos you can enjoy sunset drinks at the Windmill Bar, with a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding islands. One recent visitor said: "A superb restaurant with great food, choice and of course a setting to die for. "Super friendly staff and great service all at super prices." Advertisement One beach on the island, Limni beach, is home to azure blue waters and a long stretch of pebbled beach that benefits from no shadows. Alternatively, closer to the town, is Kastos beach - which again features crystal waters and is quiet from masses of tourists experienced in nearby Corfu. The waters surrounding the island are known for being clean and calm, which makes them ideal for swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers. One review of the island, shared that the island town features three small taverns and one mini market - so is ideal for a peaceful getaway. Advertisement The mini market specialises in local products including local wines, honey, olives and biscuits. The shop also sells fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fresh bread from Lefkada. The Peloponnese penninsula - an underrated Greek holiday destination The local taverns also serve reasonably priced meals including traditional Greek dishes like Moussaka for €11 (£9.36). Close to the port is a small picturesque square, which is surrounded by trees and flowers. Advertisement There are also a couple of shops near the port, including an art and jewellery store. On the nearby harbour, visitors can see boast bobbing up and down on the water and enjoy views across the ocean. It is worth noting that no where on Kastos accepts credit or debit cards, so you should come armed with cash. Greece has long been one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations and welcomed just under 36 million travellers in 2024, a 9.8 per cent increase on 2023. Advertisement A Greek local has also revealed the four better value destinations that locals go to. Plus, how to do two Greek islands in one holiday. 5 The market features a small supermarket Credit: Alamy 5 Visitors will need to catch a ferry to get to Kastos Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
18-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Pretty European ‘floating village' with quiet beaches and a picturesque port
AN ISLAND in Europe is said to feel like a "floating village" where time "slows down". Home to less than 100 locals, the 5 Kastos is a great alternative to Corfu Credit: Alamy 5 The island is home to pretty and quiet beaches Credit: Alamy 5 The water surrounding the island is clear and calm Credit: Alamy Located off the coast of Lefkada, Kastos has only one village and is ideal for nature lovers seeking tranquility. Just above the port of Kastos you can enjoy sunset drinks at the Windmill Bar, with a panoramic view of the sea and the surrounding islands. One recent visitor said: "A superb restaurant with great food, choice and of course a setting to die for. "Super friendly staff and great service all at super prices." Read more on Greece One beach on the island, Limni beach, is home to azure blue waters and a long stretch of pebbled beach that benefits from no shadows. Alternatively, closer to the town, is Kastos beach - which again features crystal waters and is quiet from masses of tourists experienced in nearby The waters surrounding the island are known for being clean and calm, which makes them ideal for swimmers, snorkellers and scuba divers. One review of the island, shared that the island town features three small taverns and one mini market - so is ideal for a peaceful getaway. Most read in News Travel The mini market specialises in local products including local wines, honey, olives and biscuits. The shop also sells fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as fresh bread from The Peloponnese penninsula - an underrated Greek holiday destination The local taverns also serve reasonably priced meals including traditional Greek dishes like Moussaka for €11 (£9.36). Close to the port is a small picturesque square, which is surrounded by trees and flowers. There are also a couple of shops near the port, including an art and jewellery store. On the nearby harbour, visitors can see boast bobbing up and down on the water and enjoy views across the ocean. It is worth noting that no where on Kastos accepts credit or debit cards, so you should come armed with cash. Greece has long been one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations and welcomed just under 36 million travellers in 2024, a 9.8 per cent increase on 2023. A Greek local has also Plus, 5 The market features a small supermarket Credit: Alamy 5 Visitors will need to catch a ferry to get to Kastos Credit: Getty
Metro
04-05-2025
- Metro
The lesser-known Greek 'floating village' with return flights for just £100
Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini: all stunning Greek islands we've heard of time and time again. But if you're in search of an island less travelled, then look no further than Kastos. Boasting unspoiled nature and tranquillity in abundance, it's a brilliant alternative to the likes of popular destinations like Corfu. Home to less than 100 residents, Kastos feels like a 'floating village' according to travel expert Claire Shields of Sunsail, a yacht charter company. 'With only one small harbour, a cluster of stone houses and a few tavernas, time seems to slow down here,' she says. If you're a sucker for a beach and turquoise water, you'll be right at home on this small island. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. When surrounded by glistening ocean there's one must do, and that's water sports. From swimming to snorkelling and scuba diving to sailing, take the opportunity to do it all. Paralia Vali beach is just a short walk from the port and is the most popular beach, while Limni beach is a particularly good one for swimming. Babakia and Vrisidia are both on the east coast of the island while Aberlaki is on the south coast – all are accessible by foot or by car. Agios Emilianos is also a must visit because it's where Fokotrypa (Seal Hole) can be found – a small cave with a beach inside it. It's full of history too, with archaeological findings from as far back as the Roman and Early Byzantine years. Kastos was also a refuge for fighters and civilians during the Greek Revolution, when Greeks revolted against the Ottoman Empire in 1821. There's even a little Marine Museum – 'Home of the Fin Whale' – which holds the skeleton of a young fin whale which washed up on the shore of the island in the 70s. The quaint little sea port of Kastos offers stunning sunset drinks at the Windmill Bar, which has panoramic views of the ocean and surrounding islands. Mylos Bar is another spot with a 'spectacular' and 'phenomenal' view of the Ionian sea, according to Tripadvisor users. El.a Cafe Bar also came highly recommended by many users too. User iskrapari wrote: 'Beautiful island Kastos, but it is upgraded by this particular bar. It is not only the magnificent view from the balcony but… warm and friendly… excellent drinks and especially the rock, jazz, blues dance that make up its uniqueness.' A mini-market behind the main harbour has the essentials you'll need like fruit and veg but don't expect to find any cash points, or chemists. Card payments aren't typically accepted here, so make sure to take out plenty of cash before you go. While you're staying on Kastos, you should take the opportunity to visit its neighbour Kalamos, via ferry or boat. Covered in pine forests, it's a chance to really switch off and connect with nature. Travel and yachting expert Claire says: 'Sailing around Kalamos means discovering quiet beaches, sea caves, and perfect little swim with no one else around. 'It's also great for slow living. You will not find big beach bars or resorts, just local tavernas with fresh fish, homemade wine and homegrown vegetables.' If you're a keen walker, the Kalamos mountain range will give you some breathtaking views, while some creeks are great to explore via kayak or small boat. You can also explore the two villages Kalamos on the east coats, and Episkopi on the northwest coast. Kalamos is your best bet for restaurants, cafes and shops, with a small promenade and some limited hotels. Episkopi has a harbour, a single restaurant and a small cluster of houses, although its near to the ruins of a Venetian castle which is great to explore. Getting to this little hidden gem isn't as simple its more popular counterparts but it's not ridiculously pricey either. More Trending You'll want to fly from London Gatwick to Preveza airport, also known as Aktion National Airport in Greece. It'll cost you £108 per person for a return flight with easyJet, and your journey will take around three-and-a-half hours. This will land you just 6.7 kilometres from Preveza and 20km from the nearby island of Lefkada. Once your out of the airport, you'll need to get a transfer to Mytikas, either by taxi or bus. By taxi will set you back around £15 but you'll get to the port in just 11 minutes, while a bus is more expensive and will take hours because of the long-winded route. Once you catch the ferry (which only operates once daily) it'll take 40 minutes before you finally reach your destination. Do you have a story to share? Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@ MORE: I thought bird-watching was for pensioners until I flew 8,000 miles from home MORE: The 'jaw-dropping' Greek beach that's just four hours from UK named world's best MORE: I trekked Earth's second-largest rainforest to meet one of our closest ancestors
