Makares are a cluster of three uninhabited islands on the edge of the Cyclades that have been described as an important natural habitat home to many rare species of birds. Their etymology is exciting, as it comes from the islands of the blessed in Greek mythology, who, according to Hesiod, was a place of “Olbia” (happy) heroes, who are immortal!  Legend has it that these could reach the Western Ocean, and some people used to identify them with the Canary Islands since ancient times. Indeed, the modern geography uses the name “Macaronesia” to describe all of the island clusters of the Atlantic Ocean located near Europe and North Africa. The local tradition of Donousa people say that the islands took their name from the sound of the waves when hitting on the rocks of the islands resembled voices and songs people.

The three islands are located in the passage between Naxos and Donousa 3.5 nautical miles away from the Cape of Moutsouna in Naxos and 4.3 nautical miles from the port of Donoussa at the east. The northernmost island, which is the largest, is called Agios Nikolaos while the isle of Agia Paraskevi is just 80 meters away to the eastern side. The thirs island, Stroggyli, is located 500 meters south of Agia Paraskevi. Agios Nikolaos distinguishes for its lacy coastline of 7.5 kilometers and its two beautiful beaches while the two other islands are characterized by steep and rocky coastline. Around the islands, there are many shouals and reefs making the approach really dangerous!

The vegetation of the islands is typical Mediterranean with a few bushes (savory, thyme, heather), while a few trees (lentisk, junipers, wild olive and wild fig) are planted in Agios Nikolaos. It is characteristic that Stroggyli is overflown from bare bushes. The flora of the islands is surprising as it includes many rare and endemic species of the Cyclades, who have gathered in such a small area. The most important is the Achillea Aegyptiaca, the Allium Luteolum, the Anthemis Werneri Insularis, the bellflower Campanula Reiseri, the  Dianthus Cinnamomeus, the Ornithogalum Creticum, Lily Pancratium Maritimum and Silenus Silene Sedoides.

The islands are very important for the avifauna, since there is a large colony of dozens of falcons. These rare birds make their nests in the vertical rocks and hollows of the islands.It is also ascertained the presence of long-legged buzzard in the region with frequent observations especially during the summerB onelli’s eagle and kestrels visiting the island, while the presence of large numbers of falcons explained by the fact that the islands are important milestones for many small birds such as Sardinian Warbler.

The islands are very important for the avifauna. Here is a large colony of dozens of falcons. These rare birds make their nests in the vertical rocks and hollows of the islands. Here nest many herring gulls, and around the islands fly shags, guillemots and Artemis. It is also ascertained the presence of long-legged buzzard in the region with frequent observations especially during the summer. Bonelli’s eagle and kestrels visiting the island, while the presence of large numbers of falcons explained by the fact that the islands are important milestones for many small birds such as Sardinian Warbler, eat, black kite, Phylloscopos, asprokolines, stachtopetroklides and larks.

HOW TO VISIT MAKARES

Makares are  more easily accessible from the island of Donousa. During the summer, weather permitting, you should visit them with the traditional caique Donousa Magissa from the port of Donoussa. The trip takes about 40 minutes where you may encounter dolphins!