A Tiny Piece of Home
What many of you might not know is that my father is Greek. While I was born in Australia, my great-grandparents were from a tiny island called Kastellorizo. During World War II, they left everything behind and moved to Australia, building a new life. But our connection to Kastellorizo Greece never faded.
Kastellorizo – Kazi, as the locals call it – is just a 45-minute boat ride from Kaş, Türkiye. It’s a small, quiet island with only around 550 residents, but in summer, it comes alive. Families who have long since moved to other parts of the world, many of them now in Australia, return to reconnect with their roots.
There isn’t a long list of things to do on Kazi – and that’s exactly why it’s so special. The town is built around the harbour, with a handful of colourful buildings stretching over the hill to the next bay. It’s the kind of place where you can walk the entire town in an hour, stopping at the two tiny grocery stores, the bakery, and a few charming cafes. There are no big hotels, no bustling nightlife – just a few small guesthouses and Airbnbs. There’s exactly one taxi, and one road that leads from the harbour, past the airport, and up the mountain to the monastery. Simplicity is its charm.
And the food? Some of the best we’ve had in Greece. Fresh seafood straight from the boats, simple yet incredible Greek dishes, and a slow, relaxed way of dining that makes you appreciate every bite.
One of our favourite places was the monastery at the top of the mountain. To get there, you climb 400 steps, each one revealing a more breathtaking view of the town below. Once you reach the top, the scenery is stunning – but so are the goats. I swear they were following us! The monastery itself is peaceful, open to visitors from 4 pm to 7 pm in summer. But what really stood out was the crypt hidden beneath it. There’s a small hole in the ground that leads down into a candlelit chamber, and even further below, an ancient water supply. It was eerie, yet fascinating – I still can’t believe I squeezed myself down there!
A short boat ride from the harbour takes you to the famous Blue Cave. If the tide is right, the boat will slip through the entrance; if not, you jump in and swim. The water glows electric blue, reflecting the sunlight outside. It’s like stepping into another world.
Swimming is a way of life here. There are no big sandy beaches, but you can jump in from designated swimming spots around the harbour or from the rocky edge below the castle. One of the best spots, though, is just offshore – St. George’s Island. This tiny island has nothing but a church and a small café where you can rent sunbeds. We took a boat over, laid out our towels, and swam in the crystal-clear water.
And then something incredible happened.
While sitting at the café, we struck up a conversation with another family. As we talked, I learned that the man was my cousin. My actual cousin. Turns out, he knew exactly where our family’s old house was. That afternoon, he took me to see it – my great-grandmother’s house, bombed in WWII but still standing, waiting to be restored.
It was an emotional moment. As kids, we’d heard stories about the island, but standing there, touching the walls of the house where my ancestors once lived, was something else entirely. It wasn’t just a story anymore; it was real.
The surprises didn’t stop there. The woman running our Airbnb recognised my maiden name and pointed out another house – my grandfather’s family home. Seeing both houses, knowing the history, and feeling that deep connection to my roots was overwhelming in the best possible way.
Since then, I’ve taken Chloe back to both houses. She was too young to understand it, but one day, we’ll show her the photos and tell her the stories. We’ve returned to Kastellorizo a couple of times now, and I know we’ll keep going back. It’s more than just a beautiful place – it’s a part of us.
If you’re curious about Kastellorizo or planning a visit, feel free to DM us on Instagram @thereardonfamily. We’d love to share more about this special little island!