Agathonisi

Population: 185 (2011)

 

ISLAND OVERVIEW

 

Agathonísi is a small island near Patmos and the northernmost point of the Dodecanese in Greece. It is surrounded by many smaller islands and covers an area of 13.5 sq klms (5.2 sq mi).  The highest point on the island is 209 metres (686 feet) above sea level. It is made almost entirely of subcrystalline stratified limestones, and is covered with thorny macchia.

The island is home to two villages, both inland; the main village is Megalo Chorio and the other is, Mikro Chorio, a small village near the peak of the mountain.  Between them is the small settlement of Agios Georgios (Saint George), which forms the island’s only harbor and consists of a few hotels and restaurants. The island is also locally known as Gaidaro (“Donkey”), or by its ancient name Tragea. There are five chapels along the island and some nice, quiet coves to swim. Its inhabitants are mostly old in age, but very friendly. Along the port, you will find some taverns and a couple of hotels. 

Agathonisi can be reached by boat from Patmos, Samos or Lipsi.

Agathonisi, Greece boat

The Island & Its History

 

Agathnonisi Greece map
click image to view in Google Maps

In ancient times, Agathonisi was known as Psetoussa. 

The island was frequently attacked by pirates from the ancient times till the 19th century, therefore it was not permanently inhabited. The first people to come on the island and settle were six families from Patmos and Fourni in 1895, when the Greek fleet had stopped the pirate problem for good.

It was occupied in 1912 by the Italians and then finally ceded to Greece in 1947.

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