Agathonisi

General Information A tiny island, Agathonisi is quiet and peaceful with only donkeys and roosters to wake you up in the morning, since it is almost traffic free

The islanders live mainly off fishing and the estimated 800 tourists that visit the island every summer. The locals have often gone through hardships because of poverty and isolation, but they are warm and friendly and will try to make you feel at home as soon as you arrive.

History The island was originally called Tragea or Netousa, and got its current name by a priest in the beginning of last century. The word "agathos" means good or gullible, and a common translation is "Island of the Fools" or "Island of the good-hearted".

Agathonisi lies only ten km away from the Turkish coast, and this has had consequences for the tiny island through history. Originally a place for exiles during Roman and Byzantine times and constantly attacked by pirates, Agathonisi did not have a proper community until the 19th century.

By then, it had been under Turkish rule since the 16th century, but the Turks never actually lived on the island.

In 1922 Agathonisi was occupied by Italian troops and was not liberated until after the second World War. In the 1980's, the island finally got electricity and telephone lines

What to See The island doesn't have any special sights apart from a couple of small churches. There are three villages on the island except the harbour Ag Georgios: Katholiko, a practically abandoned fishing village, Megalo Chorio, where most islanders live, and Mikro Chorio.

What to Do :You come to Agathonisi to relax, so bring good literature, snorkeling gear and perhaps a fishing rod. It is also a nice island for walking.

Beaches There are many small bays that you can discover on your own. If you like, you can also stay at the beach of Ag Georgios. Ormos Cochilia ("Shell Bay") is a lovely beach.

Nightlife: Only a couple of taverns where you can stay up late and just enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. In Megalo Chorio there are also a few cafes. If you consider the number of people that live here, and that about 800 more visit the island every year, it is not bad.

Food-IThe taverns on Agathonisi serve good, traditional Greek food. Try the local peas Fliskoukoudi.

Shopping: In Megalo Chorio you can get some souvenirs like handmade ceramics and textiles, a few postcards and wine.

Getting Around Only on foot! You might get one of the fishermen to take you if you ask nicely and are willing to pay a small fee.

Getting There :It is a little bit tricky to get here since the connections are not the best. Get a direct flight to Kos and take the ferry or hydrofoil from there. Be careful with the departure, it is probably best to leave Agathonisi one or two days before since it might get windy and the boats will be cancelled. Agathonisis is also connected to Samos, Kalymnos and Patmos.