This hidden gem in the Dodecanese is home to rocky beaches and industrious locals who grow everything they need. Go with a fisherman to explore secluded beaches and try their traditional dishes such as stuffed lamb, goat potatado, and stewed clams.
The main settlement is Megalo Chorio and the port of Agios Georgios which has a south-facing pier that shelters fishing boats and yachts from northern winds.
1. Agios Panteleimonas
The monastery of Agios Panteleimonas is located on the west coast of Skyros. It is atop of a hill and offers beautiful views over the beach of Pefkos, the port of Linaria and the southern half of the island. The monastery was founded after 1539 when monks from the seaside monastery of Saint Anthony in Pera Galini were attacked by pirates and moved to this location. The church is dedicated to Saint Panteleimon and the monastery carries his name in honor of him.
Agios Panteleimon is one of the most popular destinations to visit when you are on vacation in Greece. This is because it is home to a beautiful beach and the impressive Church of Agios Panteleimon of Acharnai. The church is one of the largest churches in Greece as well as one of the biggest ones in the Balkans. It is situated north of Victoria Square and along Acharnon Avenue.
During your stay at Agios Panteleimon, you should definitely take the time to visit the church and enjoy its magnificent architecture as well as its breathtaking views. The church has two sections and it is basilica shaped. The north section is dedicated to Saint Antonios while the south section is dedicated to Agios Panteleimon.
One of the best things to do in Agios Panteleimon is to sit outside and enjoy the breathtaking views of the beach and the mountains that surround it. You can also enjoy some delicious food at the local cafes and restaurants.
There are many vacation rentals that you can choose from in Agios Panteleimon. These homes are perfect for couples, groups of friends, or families and they can offer you the privacy that you need during your vacation. Most of these vacation homes are also equipped with a variety of amenities, such as a hot tub and a garden. You can choose from a wide range of accommodations, including handicap accessible or non-smoking options.
Getting to the Church of Agios Panteleimon is easy when you stay at a vacation rental in this area. It is located in a very convenient location and it is within walking distance of the metro station. The Church of Agios Panteleimon can be reached in approximately eight minutes by foot from the Victoria metro station.
2. Megalo Horio
The settlement is full of narrow streets and alleys, ideal for walking. There is a small paved square at the top of the village where visitors can admire the views of the surrounding rocky islets. It is surrounded by beautiful churches, including the church of Zoodochos Pigi and the chapel of Agios Ioannis tou Prodromou. The taverns of the village offer delicious dishes made with local products, such as cheese and wine.
Guests can also visit the cave of Charkadio, where paleontological fossils were discovered. The locals are very friendly and will remind you of the true meaning of Greek hospitality. The village has a very special atmosphere and it is the perfect place to spend your vacation on the island of Agathonisi.
In Megalo Chorio, you will find a range of hotels and apartments that will make your holiday enjoyable and relaxing. Some of the best places to stay in Megalo Chorio include Milios Studios, Nitsas Hotel Apartments, and Eristos Beach Hotel. These accommodations are close to the local tavernas and offer rooms with sea views. They are also equipped with all the necessary amenities, so you can enjoy your vacation to the fullest.
The most convenient way to get to the island of Agathonisi is to fly to Rhodes International Airport, which is located on the nearby island of Rhodes. From there, you can take a ferry to Tilos and then travel to the village of Megalo Chorio. The trip will take approximately 2 hours and will be well worth it.
There are also several options to reach the island of Agathonisi from Athens, but this option is more time consuming and requires many transfers. Alternatively, you can fly to Heraklion International Airport in Crete and then take a ferry to Tilos. This option is a little bit more expensive, but it will save you the hassle of travelling to multiple islands. The ferries to Tilos depart from the ports of Heraklion, Katapola, and Agios Nikolaos on a regular basis throughout the day. The price for the ferry will vary depending on the season and number of people traveling.
3. Spilia Beach
Right next to the beach of Kalafatis there is a little hidden gem of a restaurant called Spilia (Greek for Cave). It’s nested inside and in front of the natural rocky cave hanging above the sea. The view is simply spectacular.
The restaurant is one of the most famous in Mykonos and offers up a stunning Mediterranean-Mykonian culinary experience. Fresh seafood such as oysters, mussels, urchins, and crayfish are served along with grilled meats and vegetables from the local farmers. It’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up some sun. The music is carefully chosen to create a laid-back atmosphere that you can enjoy throughout the day and into the night.
Visitors are treated to a unique dining experience as the food is prepared in front of them, and they can even pick out their own shellfish and seafood. The menu is designed with both traditional and modern cuisine in mind, so you can be sure that you’ll find something to suit your tastes. The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
You can reach the restaurant by taking a boat from the Arki port or you can drive up to it on a dirt road that starts above the beach. It’s a bit of a climb, but the views and the experience are worth it. It’s a great option if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Mykonos and just enjoy some peace and quiet.
The island of Agathonissi is small and sparsely populated, but it’s definitely worth a visit. Its rocky shores offer many spots for snorkeling and diving. The villages are quaint and authentic, and the people are friendly and welcoming. The best thing about this island is its unique nature, which lends itself to carefree and non-conformist holidays.
4. Gaidourolakkos Bay
Located in the northern part of the Dodecanese, it borders Patmos on its southern side and Samos on the north. The tiny island of Agathonisi has three settlements, a port and a few small hotels and is an ideal place for those who prefer a quiet escape away from mass tourism. During the summer it’s easy to find a spot on one of its secluded beaches for some quality time alone or with your loved ones.
During the winter months, Agathonisi is mostly visited by locals who come here to take advantage of the milder weather. They flock to its cozy taverns and cafes to enjoy their favorite cup of coffee or ouzo by the seaside. The beaches are sheltered from the wind, have pebbles and tamarisk trees for natural shade and provide a nice atmosphere to just sit down and relax.
The main economic activities on the island are fishing and livestock farming. The rich catches from the Vathy Pigadi and Katholikos ports employ many of its permanent residents. Livestock farming on the other hand is a vital source of income for the island as its grazing lands are abundant and offer great conditions for livestock to thrive.
Agathonisi is also a shelter for numerous migratory birds as it lies in the migration path of several species. The most notable species that can be seen on the island include the seagull of Aegean-Larus Auduinii, as well as the silver stork of Larus Argentatus.
Another thing that visitors can do in Agathonisi is to enjoy the traditional feasts that are organized throughout the year, especially during Christmas and Holy Week. These feasts are famous for the music, fun and dancing that go on until the morning. Moreover, they attract people from the surrounding islands, such as Samos, Patmos, Leipsos and even Kos to experience authentic Greek culture.
Getting to Agathonisi is easy, as it has direct ferry connections with Patmos, Samos, and Lipsi. The island also has a modern heliport that is used by a number of private helicopters. It’s also possible to get here by conventional ferries or high-speed boats from the ports of Kalymnos, Karda