Agathonisi

Photo Credits to Les Trolliens, Voil'yageurs

 

 

The Island of Kindness

Virgin Sceneries and Authentic Hospitality
An island of kindness is waiting to be discovered ready to surprise you. Kids playing in the safe waters of the bay of Agios Georgios, locals enjoying ouzo at the seafront taverns and fishermen struggling with their fishing nets are the simple images you will encounter on this island. Agathonisi is a mysterious island extending over a surface of just fourteen square kilometres composing an important ecosystem along with the neighboring islands, as it has been declared as a Valuable Shelter of Rare Bird Species from the European Network of Natura 2000. You will be touched from this unspoiled island with its virgin natural beauty of picturesque settlements, sheltered bays and small rocky islets, and the traditional way of island life and the authentic hospitality of the local people. Are you ready to experience the ultimate spirit of relaxation and peacefulness?
Agathonisi

Discover Agathonisi

Best of Agathonisi

The Capital of Agathonisi

Agios Georgios is the harbour of the island embellished from whitewashed houses and colourful fishing boats. Agios Georgios is one of the most beautiful bays of the Dodecanese and it is ideal for relaxing at the homonymous beach and the seaside taverns. Afterwards, you will see the village of Mikro Horio, a picturesque village with whitewashed houses and deserted stone farmhouses spreading around the charming square of the village. Walking uphill, you will distinguish the village of Megalo Horio. Actually, the distances between the villages are no more than three hundred metres. Megalo Horio is the oldest settlement of the island with charming houses and stonewalls. The best place to rest is the beautiful church of Agios Georgios that stands above the harbour.

The Church of Agios Georgios

The Church of Agios Georgios is a beautiful white and blue church with a bell tower located above the bay of Agios Georgios. The church offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

The Tholoi of Agathonisi

The Tholoi (domes) are located on the east side of the island. These are large arched structures that date back to the 11th century. Tholoi were used as food warehouses. According to the legend, there is a big cave underneath the structures that connects the one end of the island with the other through tunnels.

Archaeological Sites

The Hellenistic Settlement of Agathonisi is located on the northern side of the island in the area Kastraki/Maestros. The important traces include are a series of bronze and silver coins, clay hives of honey production and a network of cisterns for water supply surrounded from the outline of the fortified walls. Archaeological excavations are still in progress.

The Tholoi (domes) are located on the east side of the island. These are large arched structures that date back to the 11th century. Tholoi were used as food warehouses. According to the legend, there is a big cave underneath the structures that connects the one end of the island with the other through tunnels.

Chapels and Churches

As the size of the island of tiny, there are just a few religious monuments to visit. In the harbour of Agios Georgios, one can visit the imposing church of Agios Georgios for its beautiful views. In the village of Megalo Horio, one can visit the beautiful church of Metamorphosis Sotiros, the church of Agia Irini and the church of Agios Ioannis Prodromos. At last, one can visit the church of Agios Panteleimonas in the village of Mikro Horio.

Promenades & Villages

Agios Georgios is the harbour of the island embellished from whitewashed houses and colourful fishing boats. Agios Georgios is one of the most beautiful bays of the Dodecanese and it is ideal for relaxing at the homonymous beach and the seaside taverns. Afterwards, you will see the village of Mikro Horio, a picturesque village with whitewashed houses and deserted stone farmhouses spreading around the charming square of the village. Walking uphill, you will distinguish the village of Megalo Horio. Actually, the distances between the villages are no more than three hundred metres. Megalo Horio is the oldest settlement of the island with charming houses and stonewalls. The best place to rest is the beautiful church of Agios Georgios that stands above the harbour.

Sunset Spots

Spot: Church of Agios Panteleimonas, South Agathonisi

Spot: Church of Agios Georgios, South Agathonisi

Excursions

Boat Trip: The Island of Lipsi a miniature archipelago of deserted islands and rocky reefs. Scattered pieces of land in the Aegean form the utopia of Lipsi. Emitting an atmosphere of tranquillity and calmness, the mysterious island of Lipsi invites you to explore its beautiful sceneries. Lipsi is a well-kept secret, a buried hidden treasure and a hideaway escape in the Aegean waiting for you to discover it. The authentic character of the island is evident from the colours of the traditional houses painted in the shades of white and blue retaining the traditional identity of the Aegean. If you are pursuing in walking in labyrinthine alleys of a tiny settlement and discovering sheltered bays and coves with turquoise waters under the reflections of the glittering rays of the sun, this is the place for you. Whatever Lipsi might lack in size, it replenishes in landscapes and colours; besides they say less is more. An island embracing the value of tranquillity is ready to give you unforgettable memories, a place where beauty, nature and tradition harmonize in a very special way.

Boat trip: The Island of Patmos is waiting to reveal her true beauty to you embellished with exceptional charming bays, dreamlike seashores and breathtaking landscapes. It is said that a place dominated from monasteries is a place of exceptional natural beauty. So is Patmos. The charming capital of the island is one of the most beautiful villages of the Aegean. Whitewashed houses and well preserved mansions, cobblestone alleys and beautiful squares are crowned from the greyish walls of the fortified monastery, as the colours alter from the dazzling light of the sun of the Aegean and as though a formidable energy runs through the alleys of Patmos. Old doors and blooming gardens in every corner of the island hide a real surprize of unparalleled beauty. The natural beauty sceneries of Patmos alternate with small valleys and impressive cliffs rising like castles amongst the slopes of the hills in an effort to surpass the unique beauty of the fortified monastery by creating an amazing constant with the whitewashed colours of the Aegean architecture. In the absolute silence of the sacred places of the island of the Apocalypse, pilgrims come to meditate in order to find the answers in their souls. The soul of Patmos has a distinctive allure and a tempting charisma of tranquility to magnetize you with its unrevealed beauties. Are you ready to get inspired?

Activities

Bird Watching: Agathonisi and the surrounding islets have been declared as has as a valuable shelter of rare bird species from the European Network of Natura 2000. Agathonisi is the passageway of numerous migratory birds coming from Africa in the springs and travel to Europe. In the fall, the migratory birds go back to Africa!

Hiking: Agathonisi hosts numerous paths ideal for lovers of hiking. While walking, one will have the opportunity to discover the byzantine buildings of Tholoi, beautiful sceneries and pristine beaches. Discover more information from the Official Website of Agathonisi.

Snorkelling and Spearfishing: The crystal clear waters of Agathonisi are ideal for snorkelling and spearfishing lovers.

Beaches

All the beaches of the island are accessible from pathways, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes with you. These include Gaidourovlakos, Katholiko, Maistros Palos, Poros, Spilia, Tsagari and Vathi. Discover more information from the Official Website of Agathonisi.

Coffee Corners, Gastronomic Delights and Cocktails Inspirations

Coffee Corners

Bakery: Bakery, Agios Georgios
Island: Coffee, Agios Georgios

Gastronomic Delights

Giorgos: Seafood, Agios Georgios
Glaros: Seafood, Agios Georgios
Irini: Greek Cuisine, Megalo Horio
Nikos: Ouzo and Meze, Megalo Horio

Cocktails Inspirations

Island: Cocktails and Drinks, Agios Georgios

Local Products & Specialties

The local products of the island include fresh fish and wine.

The local specialties of the island include fava and roast lamb.

Events & Festivals

Every 27th of July, the religious celebration in honour of Agios Panteleimonas takes place at the Church of Agios Panteleimonas.

Every 15th of August, the religious celebration in honour of the Assumption of Virgin Mary takes place in Agathonisi. The feast is followed with traditional music and treats of traditional baked bread, pastries and fresh local meat.

Every 29th of August, the religious celebration in honour of Agios Ioannis takes place in Agathonisi with treats of grapes, figs and sea urchins.

History & Mythology

Mythology

The island of Agathonisi is not associated with any myths.

History

Historical evidence show that the Carians, the Dorians and the Ionians were the first inhabitants of the island while the Battle of yLadis between the Ionian and the Persian fleets, which held the fate of Miletus to the Persians, took place near the sea area of Agathonisi.  During the Byzantine period, Agathonisi was probably inhabited from the exiled of the Byzantium, which were the source of the linguistic idiom of the island. Agathonisi was abandoned from its inhabitants owing to unfavourable living conditions, with the latest communities being the one of the people of Patmos and Fournoi in the early of the 19th century. The island was donated to the Monastery of Agios Ioannis Theologos in 1294 while it was then dominated from the Ottoman Empire in 1522. On August 6 of 1824, the Ottoman-Egyptian fleet sought shelter at the island, and a few days later, the sea battle of Gerontas took place near the island. In 1912, Agathonisi fell under the Italian domination along with the other Dodecanese islands and it was later captured from the Germans during the World War II. Finally, it became a member of the Greek State in March of 1948 and it officially became a separate community in 1954.

Travel & Transport

By Boat (60, 66, 37, 18 and 154 Nautical Miles): Agathonisi is accessible by boat from the harbours of Kalymnos, Kos, Leros, Leipsoi and Rhodes. Book your tickets with FerriesinGreece.com !

Mysterious Greece Tips

About Agathonisi

Agathonisi is one of the smallest islands of the Dodecanese. It is an ideal island for the lovers of nature and exploration. The island has been declared as an important area for migratory bird species from the European Network of Natura 2000. So, bare in mind that you have to respect and protect the environment! Discover Agathonisi through a photographic journey of Google!

Bird Watching at Its Best: Agathonisi Island

It is interesting to mention that Agathonisi is the passageway of numerous migratory birds coming from Africa in the springs and travel to Europe. In the fall, the migratory birds go back to Africa! The most rare species that find shelter on the steep slopes of the northern part of Agathonisi include the Seagull of Aegean-Larous Auduinii, the Silver Seagull of Larus Argentatus and the Eleonora Falcon.

Book and Novels Under the Sun of the Aegean

Reading your favourite book under the sun of the Aegean is just marvellous! So, make sure you bring your favourite book with you!

Cultural Festivals from the Cultural Association of Agathonisi

Every summer, the Cultural Association of Agathonisi Yetoussa organizes numerous cultural and musical events.

Emerald, Sapphire and Turquoise Waters

Agathonisi stands out for its crystal clear waters! Gaidourovlakkos and Spilia are among the most beautiful beaches of Agathonisi. Keep in mind that all the beaches of the island are accessible from pathways. So, make sure you bring comfortable shoes with you.

Escape from the World

Agathonisi is an ideal destination for those looking for an escape from the real world!

Hop on A Traditional Boat

Hop on a traditional excursion boat to visit the deserted beaches of Agathonisi. One will have the opportunity to discover the pristine sceneries of the isles of Kounelonisi, Neronisi, Strongili, Praso and Psathonisi. You can take the boat from the harbour of Agios Georgios.

Observing like An Olympian God

Don’t miss out visiting the church of of Agios Georgios with its beautiful bell tower. The chyrch offers panoramic views of the surrounding areas.

Participate in the Authentic Festivals of Agathonisi

The feasts of Agathonisi were always one of the traditional forms of entertainment and religious worship for the inhabitants of the island. Agathonisi has managed to maintain its traditions and customs as reflected from the numerous feasts, festivals and celebrations. The festivals of Agathonisi are accompanied from traditional music, food and wine. The most important festivals include the festival held in honour of Agios Panteleimonas (July 26) and the festival held in honour of Virgin Mary (August 15).

Photo Credits

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Note: All the images are copyrighted from their owners. Please see Terms & Conditions. You can find the original images at the following links:

Agios Georgios: Official Website of Agathonisi

Boats: Official Website of Agathonisi

Cave: Official Website of Agathonisi

Church Metamorphose Sotiros: Official Website of Agathonisi

Kastraki: Chrisostomos Fountis from the Official Website of Agathonisi

Landscape: Official Website of Agathonisi

Spilia Beach: Official Website of Agathonisi

Tholoi: Official Website of Agathonisi