Jan 21, 2025
welcome to kastellorizo
It’s tiny. It’s the most easterly of all the Greek islands. Its seas are crystal clear. And Condé Nast Traveller named it ‘the secret Greek island to know about for 2025.’ These are just a few of the reasons why the Ancient Greek Sandals team worked with photographer Nicholas Prakas on a project to capture the creative community of the remote Greek island of Kastellorizo.
Kastellorizo is special to everyone involved in the photographs: ‘There is something unique in Kastellorizo,’ says creative director Yannis Bournias, who worked on the project. ‘I commissioned photographer Nicholas Prakas to shoot a story there for Ancient Greek Sandals, photographing locals and visitors instead of models.’ The result is a series of portraits capturing everyday life in Kastellorizo – artists at work and play, locals in their homes and businesses, and frequent visitors in some of their special places.
For photographer Nicholas Prakas, Kastellorizo has a personal connection. ‘My love for Kastellorizo is deeply personal,’ he writes. ‘Growing up, I was always intrigued by this island, where my grandfather's family came from. It felt distant – geographically and culturally – from the rest of Greece. When I finally visited at 28, I felt truly “away” from the world and instantly in love.’
These moments of connection are echoed by the sitters in the portraits. Below, they have shared their secret favourite places on Kastellorizo, to create an insider’s guide to the island. But it’s truly a place for the adventurous: ‘Reaching Kastellorizo is an adventure in itself – it typically takes two days from Athens,’ warns Prakas. But the explorer will be rewarded: empty beaches and solo sunsets await.
The Insider’s Guide To Kastellorizo
‘There are so many spots on the island that hold dear to my heart, including the Pergola Bar at Casa Mediterraneo for a drink just before dinner. It’s owned by Marie Rivalant, who we shot for the series, and offers an elevated view of the picturesque harbour of the island while being slightly off the hustle of the quay.’—Nicholas Prakas, Photographer
‘My favourite place is Plakes, which most people get to by boat, although you can swim there too – it would take 45-60 minutes. I think it's an old quarry: beautiful stone, a sheer rock face, and of course the sea. You usually have the place to yourself because you can only get there by boat. I love the rocks and stone, they're so dramatic and once you're there, there's also several alcoves to choose from if other people happen to be there too.' —Renee So, artist
‘I love Kastellorizo’s unique landscape and small scale. I like to take a hike in the mountains, to Agios Georgios monastery, and then to the Palaiokastro Megisti to watch the sunset. You can start the day by going for a coffee, without plans, without a phone, and you will run into people and go with the flow. This is really the essence of the place; the freedom, adventure and healing of the summer.’ —Leda Athanasopolou, designer
‘Kastellorizo for me is the place of true encounter, but with the possibility of being able to isolate myself, to walk and swim in amazing places. I love to eat alone at the Old Taverniate, but every place on that island can be special: walking everywhere and swimming in every possible stretch of coast is therapy for me in Kastellorizo.’— Maria Katia Tufano, art conservator
