KALYMNOS
Kalymnos is located on the northern side of Dodecanese and close to the Turkish coasts. This island distinguishes for the wild Rocky Mountains, which is why it has developed as a rock climbing destination over the last years. In fact, an International Climbing Festival takes place in Kalymnos Island every September. In the past, the locals used to make their living from sponge fishing. Although this activity has declined today, there are many sponge sellers at the beachfront of Pothia, the capital of the island. The beach resorts in Kalymnos Greece are nice and relaxing, while during your Kalymnos holidays you should not miss a day trip to the small island of Telendos, a popular nudist destination.
ASTYPALEA
Although Astypalea belongs to the Dodecanese complex; it has an intense Cycladic character. This is a small island and its shape looks like a butterfly. Tourism is not much developed but tourist facilities are enough to cater for the limited number of visitors. Astypalea Island looks very charming with the picturesque architecture of Chora, the Venetian Castle on top of the hill, the traditional windmills and the relaxing beaches. Few beaches close to Chora are organized, but as you drive away from the capital, you will find totally secluded places to enjoy privacy. Astypalea Greece is an ideal place for families and romantic couples, as nightlife is lounge on the island.
CHALKI (HALKI)
Halki is a tiny island of Dodecanese, located very close to Rhodes. Not much developed in tourism, this is a perfect destination for peace and privacy. The island distinguishes for its traditional architecture and the relaxing beaches. Nimporio is the only village and main port of the island. In the center of Halki Island, there is an abandoned village with a Medieval Castle on top. This village was abandoned when piracy was confronted in the Aegean Sea and people started to move around the port. Few beaches in Halki are organized and can be accessed on foot or by bus. The rest are totally secluded. The island can be visited for holidays or as a day trip from Rhodes.
KARPATHOS
Karpathos is one of the most beautiful islands of Dodecanese. It is located on the southern side of the Aegean Sea, between Rhodes and Crete. Due to the secluded location and the distance from the other Greek islands, Karpathos Island started developing in the last decades. In fact, the southern side of the island has mostly developed in tourism, while the central and the northern side has remained unspoiled and authentic, with picturesque villages away from mass tourism. Karpathos is mostly famous for the exotic beaches with the golden sand and the crystal water. Holidays in Karpathos are ideal for families and trekkers, as the trekking paths that cross the island lead visitors to amazing spots.
ARKI
Arki is a small Greek island which is part of the Dodecanese archipelago. It is situated in the eastern Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish Aegean Coast. The island belongs to the municipality of Patmos, and has a population of 54 inhabitants at the 2001 census.
The small population means that there is no real capital, but most inhabitants live close to the main harbour with the rest living scattered around the island on higher ground. The majority of the population find employment in fishing, goat herding or running one of the island’s four tavernas.
MEGISTI (CASTELLORIZO)
Kastellorizo is a special and an unusual Greek island at a 6 hours eastwards journey away by ferry from the island of Rhodes. Actually it is situated 90 km east of Rhodes and only 3 km from the Turkish coast. Sometimes the island is called Megisti, which means “large” but the island is only 9 km2 in size and has only 250 inhabitants. It is called “large” because it is the largest island of an archipel of 14 small islands that lay very close to the Turkish mainland
The most important sight on the island is the 14th century castle. Also the museum is interesting. The entrance is free and there is an exhibition of the finds that were made at the ancient acropolis of the island (Paleocastro), earthenware from a medieval wreck that was found near the island and other interesting local artifacts and costumes.
LEROS
Leros is a mountainous, green island with high cliffs and many small bays and villages. You should visit Platanos, the main city of Leros with steep stairs, narrow streets, and flower gardens. From Platanos you can take the steps leading up the Castle of Leros climbing 300 steps. Rent a bike or explore this island on foot.
LIPSI
On Lipsi Island there is beautiful sandy beaches and crystal green waters. The capital with its white houses, numerous taverns, cafeterias and restaurants is located in the small natural port. On the island, the Church of the Catopanaghia constructed in the 7th century deserves a visit, along with the Church of Panopanaghia from the 15th century.
NISYROS
The volcano on Nisyros Island erupted in 1422 and is still active. Nikea village is located on the side of the crater is constituted with white streets and a mosaic-style square. You can still see the gases coming from the underground of the crater (volcano).
PATMOS
Patmos is a small volcanic island in the Aegean Sea. It is at the coast of Asia Minor, to the south of Samos and west of Miletus. The island of Patmos is famous in history as the place of St. John’s exile: “I John… was in the island which is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus.” (Revelation 1:9); there according to general belief the Beloved Disciple wrote the Apocalypse, the imagery of which was part inspired by the scenery of the island. The spot where St. John was favored with his revelations is pointed out as a cave on the slope of the hill, half way between the shore and the modern town of Patmos.
RHODES
Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands. The island is quite a popular holiday destination as it has one of the best-preserved and the largest European Medieval cities and has warm weather for 300 days of the year. Rhodes has been the cradle of many civilizations; starting with the knights of St. John in the Middle Ages, then Ottomans and Italians. Thus, the island has a unique historical harmony and beauty. The main port of Rhodes is Rhodes City which bears the same name as the island. The other very touristic areas of Rhodes island are; Lindos and Kamiros. This city, which is still surrounded by a 12 meter thick city-wall which gives you the feeling of travelling back to Medieval times especially when you walk around its narrow, stone-paved roads. After dinner, we highly recommend you to enjoy in Rhodes Town night out.
SYMI
Symi is a mountainous Greek Island once known for shipbuilding and sponge industries to the point that the population reached 22.500. Today Symi’s main industry is the tourism and the population has declined to 2500. Its interior is dotted with small valleys and its coastline alternates between rocky cliffs, beaches and isolated coves. Its main town located in the Northeast coast, is also named Symi and consists of the lower town around the harbor, typically referred to as “Yialos” and the upper town called “Hora”. Panormitis is the island’s famous monastery which is visited by people from all over the world and many Greeks pay homage to St. Michael of Panormitis each year.
TILOS
Tílos is a small Greek island located in the Aegean Sea and, part of the Dodecanese group of islands, and lies midway between Kos and Rhodes. Pottery and stone tools discovered in Charkadio cave indicate human activity on Tilos in the early Neolithic period (8000 BC to 7000 BC), along with the large assembly of bones of 1.2-to-1.6-metre-tall (3-foot-11-inch-to-5-foot-3-inch) dwarf elephants, carbon dated to between 4000 and 7000 BC (some now in the museum). Masseti (2001) suggests coexistence of these animals with humans, possibly into the historic period. The island’s old capital, Mikró Chorió, first settled in the 15th century by the Knights of the Order of St John, overlooks the bay. It has been completely abandoned since 1960, its inhabitants having moved down to the harbor in the 1930s.
CYCLADES ISLAND
IOS
Ios Greece belongs to the Cycladic islands. It is particularly famous for the wonderful beaches, the picturesque village of Chora and certainly the intense nightlife that attracts mostly young crowds. Beach parties start in the midday and last till the early hours in Mylopotas, making it a popular place for teenagers and youth. However, this island is not only for partying. It has great places to relax away from large crowds and noise. The coastline of Ios has wonderful beaches with soft sand and emerald waters. You will also love walking along the narrow paved streets of Chora, one of the most picturesque villages in Cyclades. From the highest spot of Chora, you will enjoy a breathtaking view to the sea.
MILOS
Milos is a wonderful island of Cyclades, full of surprises and special charm. It is mostly famous from the statue of Venus of Milo (Aphrodite), a fine piece of Greek Ancient Art, that was discovered on the island and it is today hosted in the Louvre Museum, Paris. Over the last years, Milos Greece has also become famous for the astonishing lunar landscape in Sarakiniko, the exotic water of the beaches and the picturesque architecture of villages, like Klima, Plaka and Pollonia. Milos’s holidays are perfect for families and romantic couples, as the island has a unique relaxing atmosphere.
SIFNOS
Sifnos is a beautiful island located in the western part of the Cyclades. This is a typical sample of Cycladic Island, with traditional architecture, calm beaches, seaside taverns and low hills. The most popular beaches are located on the southern side of Sifnos Island and have crystal water, soft sand and many tourist facilities. There, you can also visit the fabulous Monastery of Chrissopighi, the protector of the island. Kastro is the most picturesque village in Sifnos Greece, with narrow paved streets, stone houses and great sea view. At the entrance of Kastro, there is the small church of Seven Martyrs, the most photographed chapel of Kastro.
SYROS
Although Syros belongs to the Cyclades islands; its architecture is more medieval than Cycladic. The capital of Syros Island, Ermoupolis, distinguishes for the elegant Venetian mansions, the picturesque quarter of Vaporia, the large churches and the impressive neoclassical buildings, such as the Town Hall and Apollo Theatre in the central square. The beaches of Syros Greece are nice and relaxing, with many tourist facilities and accommodation surrounding them. The island is ideal for families and couples looking for romantic holidays. Syros holidays can be combined with many other Greek islands, because it serves as a ferry transportation hub in the Aegean.
ANDROS
Andros is the northernmost island of the group with a great naval tradition and no landscape like the postcards from the Cyclades: apart from the sandy beaches, there are rocky coastlines, mountain ranges alternating with fertile plains, lush vegetation and abundantly flowing streams.
AMORGOS
Island of “The Big Blue” – a large part of the Luc Besson film was shot there – is at the southeastern most point of the Cyclades and it displays a very special scenery: mountains, cliffs ideal for climbing, terraces, precipices and picturesque coves with lovely waters.
MYKONOS
One of the most famous destinations worldwide and a favorite holiday spot of the jet set, Mykonos, is extremely beautiful and well known for its bare hills, the amazing sandy beaches, the white country chapels and the Cycladic architecture. Mykonos’ nickname is The Island of the winds. Tourism is a major industry and Mykonos is well known for its vibrant nightlife.
SERIFOS
Serifos is a typical Cycladic island with white villages, quiet harbors, golden beaches, bare hills and beautiful landscapes. The mild tourism growth has not affected the island’s nature and traditional features.
DELOS
Delos, the birth place of Apollo and Artemis, used to be a religious center for the whole of Greece in the ancient times, as well as the principal trading port in the Eastern Mediterranean during the roman times. Delos is uninhabited today and is listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, receiving large numbers of visitors who flock to admire remarkable monuments and impressive mosaics.
PAROS
Historically, Paros was known for its fine white marble, which gave rise to the term “Parian” to describe marble or china of similar qualities. Today, abandoned marble quarries and mines can be found on the island.Unrivalled natural beauty, beaches of crystal clear waters, “unique” Byzantine footpaths connecting traditional villages and breathtaking landscapes make Paros, located at the heart of Cyclades, one of the most beloved holiday destinations in Greece…
NAXOS
Naxos is the biggest and the greenest island in Cyclades with impressively high mountains, fertile valleys, lush green gorges, stunning seascapes and traditional villages perched high on mountain tops, where the inhabitants still wear their traditional dress and live off the fruits of the land! Naxos is also an island of beautiful old churches, monasteries and Venetian castles coexisting harmoniously with Cycladic cubic houses…
SANTORINI
Santorini is essentially what remains after an enormous volcanic eruption that destroyed the earliest settlements on a formerly single island, and created the current geological caldera (a giant central, rectangular lagoon is surrounded by 300 m (980 ft) high, steep cliffs on three sides.) It has been a popular destination in Europe for natural beauties and night life. Capital Fira and one of its big cities Imerovigli and Oia are must-see.
NORTH AEGEAN ISLANDS
IKARIA
Here, according to the mythological tradition, Icarus, ignoring his father’s, Daedalus, advice, flew very high towards the sun; his wax feathers melted, and he fell and drowned in the sea. Today, apart from sun-drenched beaches, in Ikaria you can discover archaeological sites, natural monuments (included in the European network NATURA 2000), traditional settlements, thermal springs known since antiquity, and endemic species of fauna and flora. A wide variety of religious feasts, and sport events are also organized here throughout the year.
LIMNOS
Since the 4th-3rd millennium BC, Limnos has had a remarkable network of settlements: some of them faced the Troad, while others faced the northern islands of Greece. In the town of Mýrina enjoy with the locals fresh fish dishes, and explore the town’s massive volcanic rocks. Visit the island’s museums and go on a tour at the Alikí and Hortarolímni lakes (also included in the European network NATURA 2000).
LESVOS
Lesvos is also known as “Mytilíni”. Here, Sappho, a woman poet of ancient Greece, was born. Traditional settlements are scattered all over the island (Agiássos, Assómatos, Vatoússa, Eressós, Mantamádos, Míthymna, Pétra, Plomári, Polihnítos, Sígri, Sykamiá). Plomári is famous for having the best oúzo, and the strongest. Accompany a drink of oúzo with Kaloní’s superb sardines. On the island you can also find a Zen center and other spiritual and cultural forums. Kaloní is the bird-watching capital of Europe, also rich in wild flowers. Cure yourself at thermal spas at Thermí, Efthaloú and Yéra. Walk also along unspoiled, golden beaches.
CHIOS
Chios or Hios. Known as the “Mastic Island”. Explore the famous Mastihohória, a series of fortified villages built in the 14th century during Genovese rule. Amongst them, Mesta is a medieval treasure with preserved castle towers, ancient churches and magnificent stone houses tightly joined together with arches. Here you can enjoy delicious dishes cooked with mastic, or have a sip of soumáda, a traditional drink made of almonds. Rich history, numerous museums, and religious feasts reveal this island’s long tradition in history and culture. There are always long sandy beaches, secluded or not, as well as deserted coves waiting to be discovered.
SAMOS
Samos is the birthplace of the Greek philosopher and mathematician Pythagoras, the philosopher Epicurus, and the astronomer Aristarchus of Sámos, the first to propose that the Earth revolves around the sun. Follow their footsteps, and visit numerous archaeological sites –the Heraion of Samos is a monument of World Heritage–, old monasteries and churches, and attends cultural events and music festivals. The Philosophy Conference of the University of Athens is also organised every year at Pythayóreio. Sámos is an island extremely rich in vegetation with white-sand beaches, and traditional villages. The island is also known for the “samiótiko krassí”, the sweet Samian wine.
OINOUSSES
Oinousses is a complex of nine islands, located between Híos and the Erythraia Peninsula of Asia Minor. Here, the Naval Museum is dedicated to the century-long nautical tradition of the islands. The whole island complex has been included in the European network NATURA 2000.
PSARA
The Island was first mentioned in Odyssey, rhapsody III by the name of “Psyrie”. Being the birthplace of famous warriors of the 1821 Greek War of Independence, Psará became a symbol of the Greek history. The island also used to be the third nautical power in Greece, after Hýdra and Spétses.
AYIOS EFSTRATIOS
Ayios Efstratios (called Ái Strátis) is a small volcanic island in the northeastern Aegean among Límnos, Lésvos, and Skýros. Due to its ruins of ancient cities, and serene unspoiled landscapes, the island has been declared as a Site of Community Importance (SCI), and an Important Bird Area of Greece.
THYMAINA
Thýmaina is an islet located between the western part of Foúrnoi and the eastern part of Ikaría, rich in aromatic plants, savory and sage, and home to rare species of flora and fauna.
IONIAN ISLANDS
CORFU
Corfu Greece is among the most beautiful and popular islands of the country. Due to its strong historical connection with Europe, this was among the first Greek islands to open to tourism. Located on the north western side of the country, Corfu Island has a cosmopolitan feeling combined with a special traditional character. Paleokastritsa, Sidari, Kassiopi and Acharavi are nice tourist places on the northern side of the island, while the inland is dotted with lovely villages and much sightseeing. Apart from the wonderful beaches, the highlight of the island is the Old Town with the characteristic Venetian style.
ITHAKA
Famous all over the world as the mythical island of Odysseus, Ithaca charms visitors with the laid-back island, the blue green water and the lush greenery. This is a small place ideal for families and romantic couples. Swim in the crystal water, walk along trekking paths, have your meal in fish taverns and chat with the welcoming locals. In the day, enjoy the hot sun and the clean water, while in the evenings stroll along the beach promenade of Vathy and have a relaxing drink with view to the night sky. Filiatro, Sarakiniko and Agios Ioannis are amazing beaches of Ithaca Island, while you will find many other secluded coves to swim.
LEFKADA
Considered as the Caribbean of Greece, Lefkada Island amazes visitors with the exotic blue colour of its beaches. Connected to the mainland through a small bridge, Lefkada can actually be accessed by car, so there is no need for ferry. This is the perfect place for families, couples and large groups of friends, as it has something for everyone. The beaches, on the western coast of Lefkada Greece, distinguish for the wonderful colour and the impressive landscape, particularly Porto Katsiki, Egremni and Kathisma. Around the island, visitors can find lovely villages with fish taverns by the sea and surrounded by lush greenery. Nidri, Vassiliki, Sivota, the Town and Agios Nikitas are beautiful places with special character each one.
KEFALONIA
The largest island of the Ionian Sea, Kefalonia is a very charming place. Although it has developed over the last years as a family destination, beach places in Kefalonia Island never get crowded due to the large size of the island. Mostly famous for the exotic beaches, including Myrtos, Antisamos, Lourdas and Skala, the island was chosen for filming the Hollywood movie Captain Corelli’s Mandolin. Apart from swimming, Kefalonia Greece also has many places to see, from picturesque villages to medieval castles and beautiful monasteries. Fiscardo is the most cosmopolitan place with a port that receives many yachts every summer.
KYTHIRA
Located on the southern side of Peloponnese, Kythira is a secluded island with relaxing atmosphere. Although Kythira Island is considered part of the Ionian Sea, it is located far from the other Ionian Islands. After a long time of Venetian occupation in the medieval ages, this island has a vivid Venetian architecture, especially in Chora, the capital town. On a hill above Chora, there is a strong castle with breathtaking view to the Aegean Sea. Kapsali, Agia Pelagia, Avlemonas and Diakofti are the most tourist places on Kythira Greece, while a drive around the island will bring visitors to wonderful beaches, lovely monasteries and even ghost villages, like the abandoned town of Paleochora.
MATHRAKI
Tiny island of Mathraki is among the most isolate islands in Greece. Located off the northern coasts of Corfu, in the Ionian Sea, Mathraki Island belongs to the complex of Diapontia islands, along with Erikoussa and Othoni. Pure in nature, with crystal water and houses spread in the countryside, Mathraki Greece is the ideal place to enjoy total isolation and privacy. Tourist facilities are very few there, as few are also the visitors that spend their holidays in Mathraki. Most tourists arrive for a day trip from Corfu or they are free campers seeking for totally secluded places. All transport on the island is done on foot. The most beautiful beach is Portello, while there are many peaceful coves around the island.
MEGANISI
The island of Meganisi is located just between Lefkada and the western mainland coasts of Greece. This is an island with few population and limited tourist development. Some beaches can be reached on foot and others are accessible only by boat, but they all have amazing water. Vathy is the most picturesque village of Meganisi island and its port receives many private yachts in summer. Stroll along the beach promenade and enjoy a meal in the many fish taverns of Vathy. Agios Ioannis, Fanari, Spilia and Barbarezou are the most frequented beaches, without losing their virgin nature.
PAXI
The tiny island of Paxi is located south of Corfu, on the northern side of the Ionian Sea. This is a place with intense cosmopolitan style due to the many yachts that moor in its ports in summer. Paxi Island is mostly famous for the wonderful beaches with the exotic blue color. Particularly the uninhabited islet of Antipaxi has few of the most wonderful beaches in Greece, with true Caribbean water. The islet of Antipaxi can be visited by boat from the port of Gaios, the capital of Paxi Greece. Gaios, Lakka and Logos are the three villages of the island, with traditional architecture and relaxing beach promenades.
ZAKYNTHOS
Zakynthos, or Zante, is among the most beautiful and popular islands of the Ionian Sea. Located south of Kefalonia, it is world famous for the crystal beaches and the intense nightlife, which makes it a frequent destination for the youth. Navagio is the most famous beach of Zakynthos island, with the golden sand and the exotic blue waters. Do not miss a boat trip to Navagio and the Blue Caves during your Zakynthos holidays. Wonderful beaches in Zakynthos Greece are also Vassilikos, Gerakas, Spiantza and other places on the southern side. Due to their soft sand and clean water, these beaches are used as breeding spots for the loggerhead sea turtle known as the Caretta-Caretta.
SARONIC & ARGOLIC GULF
AEGINA
Aegina is a lovely island in close distance to Athens. This is why it gets very popular as a weekend destination for the Athenians. A place with rich history, Aegina Island was a great naval power in the ancient times and a capital of Greece for a short time in 1828. The most popular tourist places is Agia Marina, Souvala and Marathon with relaxing beaches, while very nice is also the seaside village of Perdika. The Town, with the elegant neoclassical buildings, is a lovely place to stroll along the port promenade and the narrow streets. The most important sight in Aegina Greece is the Ancient Temple of Athena Aphaia, constructed in the 6th century BC. This island is also famous for the large production of pistachios.
AGISTRI
Agistri is a tiny island of the Saronic Gulf, located only a short ferry rides from Athens. Due to its close distance to the capital of Greece, Agistri Island is a popular weekend destination in summer. The tiny villages of Agistri Greece and the crystal beaches attract many tourists looking for relaxing holidays. Skala is the most popular resort on the island with a sandy organized beach and many tourist facilities. A local bus and a road train make the tour of the island leading to the nice beaches of Aponissos and Dragonera, while in a walking distance from Skala there is the naturist beach of Halikiada.
HYDRA
Hydra is the most impressive island in the Argo Saronic Gulf. Due to its close distance to Athens, it gets very popular as a summer weekend destination. The town is constructed on the slopes of a hill around a port and impresses visitors at first sight with the elegant stone mansions. The special thing about Hydra Island is that cars and other motor vehicles are entirely prohibited in all the island, so all transport is done on foot, by boat or riding the donkey. In fact, the donkeys are very characteristic figures of Hydra Greece. Beaches on the island are actually small coves with crystal water and green surroundings. Agios Nikolaos, Bitsi, Vlichos and Kaminia are the most beautiful beaches on the island.
POROS
A Small Island of the Saronic Gulf, Poros is a relaxing place for family vacations. As it is only an hour ferry ride from Athens, Poros Island is a popular weekend destination in summer. The Town, constructed on the slopes of a hill, is the center of most activities on the island. The most tourist place is Askeli, a sandy beach with clean water and lined up with many tourist facilities. The most picturesque spot of Poros Greece is the Love Bay, surrounded by the characteristic pine forests of the island. Over the last years, the island has developed as a departure point for sailing trips to the Saronic Gulf. This is why many sailing centers have their base on the island.
SPETSES
A Lovely Island of the Saronic Gulf, Spetses Island is a popular weekend destination due to its closeness to Athens. In the Medieval times, the island flourished with trade and the locals constructed elegant mansions that survive till today. When the Greek Revolution of 1821 broke out, the local commercial ships were turned into military ships and contributed to setting the country free. The Town is large and ideal for long promenades. Many beautiful beaches are found around the island, accessible by boat or bus. A large festival takes place in Spetses Greece on the second weekend of September, the Armata Festival, that peaks with the burning of a boat in commemoration of a naval flight between Greeks and Turks.
SALAMIS
Salamis or Salamina is the island of the historical ancient sea battle where the Greek ships destroyed the Persian Armada of King Darius in C5th BC. It is also the hometown of the famous Greek hero Ajax and also Euripides. Salamina has many archaeological sites and monasteries worth visiting. Salamina today is a holiday resort for many people from Piraeus and Athens; many of them have holiday houses in several resorts of the island. Salamina it might not be the Santorini of the Saronic Gulf but has many attractions and some nice beaches. It is also a nice place for those who like fishing and diving.
MONI
The Island of Moni is situated opposite the village of Perika (in the southwest of Aegina) between the islands of Aegina and Agistri. It is an uninhabited island, but one with a nice sandy beach and two small tavernas where you can eat or drink something. The beach is organized and there are umbrellas and sunbeds for hire. There are regular boat trips during the tourist season from Perdika to this island. The trip from the village takes about ten minutes. Moni is a green island with lots of pine trees and there are goats, rabbits, peacocks and a number of deer that are tame and that like to get fed by the tourists. Moni is a popular spot for divers because the water here is very clear. A path leads to the highest point of the island. During the Second World War Moni was occupied by the Germans and they built a bunker here with the aim to protect the port of Piraeus. This old bunker still stands on the island.
FLEVES
Fleves is a small, abandoned and fairly dry island south of the seaside resort of Vouliagmeni on the Greek mainland. The small island rises out of the turquoise see with its high white steep cliffs and is mostly covered with low bushes. There are sea caves along the coast. Fleves is popular with project developers that want to turn the island into a luxurious holiday paradise. So far that has not happened and nature action groups will try to prevent this from happening. The island is now the domain of the fishermen and of divers that want to explore the many old sunken boats that are scattered around the island, including boats from the ancient period (with amphorae, etc.).
DOKOS
Dokos is a small Greek island situated in the Argo-Saronic Gulf, in between Hydra and the Peloponnese. It is separated from the mainland of Greece by a narrow strait which is on some maps referred to as “the Hydra Gulf”. Dokos is part of the municipality the island of Hydra in the Piraeus Prefecture and it had a population of 13 persons at the 2001 census. The island is populated only by some Orthodox monks and a few sheep herders. Most inhabitants live from agriculture, fishing and sheep herding. Dokos is a dry, infertile, rocky and steep island and at its highest point it reaches a height of 308 meters. There are few water reserves on the island. On Dokos Island there are small and clean beaches. On the eastern side of the island there is a lighthouse which was constructed in 1923. It is 9 meters tall and built in the shape of a round tower. You can visit the island of Dokos by water taxi from Hydra, Ermioni or Spetses. There are no ferries going to the island. Dokos is popular with nature lovers that like to make hikes and with people that are looking for peace and quiet.
SPORADES ISLANDS
ALONISSOS
Part of the Sporades complex, Alonissos is an authentic island mostly known for its incredible natural beauty and the amazing beaches. Chora is the most picturesque village in Alonissos island, located on top of a hill and offering great view to the Aegean Sea. This village was severely damaged by the earthquake of 1965 and this was when most inhabitants moved to Patitiri, the port of Alonissos Greece. Patitiri, Votsi, Roussoum Gialos and Steni Vala are the most frequented tourist spots on the island, ideal for families and romantic couples. The beaches are crystal and surrounded by lush greenery, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
SKIATHOS
Skiathos is among the most popular islands of Greece. Famous for the golden beaches, the green nature and the vivid atmosphere, Skiathos Greece is a favourite destination for both youth and families. The most popular beaches are located on the southern side of the island, including the famous bay of Koukounaries. However, very impressive is the exotic beach of Lalaria, accessible only by boat trip that also goes to the Medieval Castle of the island. The Town is the centre of activities on the island, where visitors head in the evenings to enjoy a relaxing drink.
SKOPELOS
Located between Skiathos and Alonissos, Skopelos is a beautiful island that attracts mostly families and romantic couples. It mostly became famous to the world when scenes of the Hollywood movie Mamma Mia were filmed there few years ago. Particularly, the impressive church of Agios Ioannis Kastri is known as the Mamma Mia Church. The beaches of Skopelos island have crystal water and they are ideal to enjoy a long day under the sun. Town and Glossa, the two main villages of the island, are constructed on top of a hill and offer great view to the Aegean Sea.
SKYROS
The least famous island of Sporades, Skyros is located in the center of the Aegean Sea. Skyros island is a place with vivid tradition and special character. Chora is located along the slopes of a hill, offering great view to the Aegean Sea. Walk around the narrow streets of Chora, have a relaxing coffee and explore the Medieval Castle above the town. The most popular beach on the island is Molos, a long crystal coast with many tourist facilities. Around the island, there are equally beautiful places with fewer facilities and totally relaxing atmosphere. Ferry to Skyros Greece departs from the port of Kimi in Evia island, while in summer there is local ferry connection to Skopelos and Alonissos.
PERISTERA
Peristera. Peristera (means dove) is the island situated at a short distance, west of Alonissos. It’s only 14 km2 and it has few inhabitants. These are mainly shepherds tending their flock here. The highest point of the island is 259 meters. Around the island there are many caves where the Mediterranean monk seal safely lives.
KYRA PANAGIA
Kyra Panagia (Pelagos or Pelagonisi) is the largest of the uninhabited islands of the Sporades archipelago. It lies northeast to Alonissos and is approximately 25 km2. On the island live some people, especially monks. The island is owned by the monastery of Megisti Lavra on Mount Athos; hence the name Kyra Panagia is (Madam Mother). The island lies at the Alonissos Marine Park and is one of the places where the Mediterranean monk lives safely.
