Vigla, the highest mountain on Kastellorizo, rises steeply from southwest of the main harbour. It is variously described as being either 270 or 273 metres high. Perhaps the extra 3 metres is the height of one of the communication and radar towers which stand on its flattish summit. A chapel also sits up there.

To the west of Vigla (right in the photo) on the lower hilltop stand the ruins of the Paleokastro (old castle), the island's ancient acropolis. The rectangular fortress was built of limestone blocks with a plan measuring 60 x 80 metres. It had a massive gateway on its eastern side and contained large water cisterns. At the base of one of the walls a Doric inscription of the 4th - 3rd century BC refers to Megiste (the island's ancient name) as part of the Peraia (community or dominion) of Rhodes. During the Christian era several chapels were built in and around the castle's ruins. The course of the road is just about visible in this photo.

Right of the two peaks a valley marks the beginning of the 2.5 km long western peninsula of the island which stretches northwards as a series of hills to Cape Stephanos. Along this valley runs the road which leads from the main harbour towards the Paleokastro and beyond to the airport.

To the east of the main harbour (foreground in photo) is the once densely populated Kavos headland. This district used to be the home of the wealthier Kastellorizians, made rich by trade and shipping. A disastrous fire in July 1944, at the end of World War II, destroyed most of the buildings leaving the overgrown vacant lots we can see today.