Agathonisi
Greece has been a popular holiday resort for centuries and it is not hard to figure out the reasons why – with its numerous islands, year round sunshine, history and culture, Greece is one of the best places to soak up the sun, have a few drinks and relax for a week or two. With the staggering amount of Greek islands dotted around the Med, it means that international travellers come back time and time again to explore the next island.
Many travellers do not initially recognise the Greek island of Agathonisi, simply due to the staggering amount of islands there are. Only the most serious, or luckiest, of travellers actually stumple upon this amazing island. Part of the Dodecanese group of islands, Agathonisi is one of those islands where all of us at some point in our lives wants to visit for the chance to get away from the rest of the hectic world. Rocky and wind-swept, Agathonisi is strikingly pretty and is quiet enough for you to reflect on your life and what you are hoping to achieve when you get back to the rat race.
It takes about an hour to reach Agathonisi by ferry from Samos, or else you can make the two hour journey to Agathonisi via Patmos. Ferries arrive to and from Agathonisi about four days a week. However, before you make your way to Agathonisi, you should know that there is no internet access here, nor is there a bank, ATM machine or even a tourist office.
Another thing to be aware of is that there are no forms of local transport on the island. Instead, you will have to rely on your own two feet in order to make your way from Agios Giorgios to Megalo Horio, which is the main town. You will arrive in Agios Giorgios, a pretty village which is sheltered by the bay. There is a lovely pebbled beach, around 100 meters long, where you can go swimming, but if you make your way 900m south west you will arrive at Spilla Beach, which is much quieter. A good picture point is Gaidouravalakos, about 1km away, where the sea connects with a spring.
The main town is located about 1.5km away from where you land on Agathonisi and is what you would expect a sleepy little Greek town to be like. However, when certain religious festivals come around, Megalo Horio comes alive with a vengeance with colour and celebrations in the Greek style. Come to Agathonisi for Agiou Panteleimonos, held on the 26th July, Sotiros, held on the 6th August, and Panagias, held on the 22nd August.
Agathonisi offers the chance to explore several quaint little fishing villages where you can experience life at a snail’s pace, as well as the islet of Neronisi which is uninhabited. Beach lovers will enjoy several quiet beaches on Agathonisi including Tholos Beach, Poros Beach and Tsangari Beach.
Agathonisi offers the chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. This is the place where you can allow your mind, body and soul to thoroughly relax and bask in glorious sunshine whilst enjoying breathtaking natural beauty.
