Agathonissi - Dodecanese (Greece)
Agathonissi. Agathonissi is a small island that lies near Kalymnos and the Turkish coast. Agathonissi literally means "Island of the good / brave / innocent / naïve," and accurately describes the characteristics of the people who live here. Agathonissi is not a busy tourist island but it is worth a visit. You will enjoy the many cafes and beautiful beaches. Although there are many hotels and apartments, in the peak summer season it is sometimes difficult to find accommodations.
Most of the inhabitants of the island are professional fishermen. The fish is sold on the local market or at the fish market on the island of Samos.
Agathonissi is accessible, daily, by boat from Patmos. Agathonisi was first called Tragea or Tragia. In ancient times the island was inhabited by the Ionians of Militos. This is illustrated by the ancient ruins on Agathonissi, dating from those times. Its present name was given by a teacher/priest Gianni Panagiotou, who came from the island of Fourni and worked in Agathonissi during the second and third decades of the last century.
The current name reflects the good nature of its inhabitants. Agatho means “good.” The island has had several occupiers in previous centuries, (Turks, Italians, Germans) before it became part of Greece. There are about 110 residents on the island today, the majority of them lives in Megalo Chorio (Big Village), the oldest village of the island. Beautiful houses with a special architectural style, punctuate the village.
Photo Gallery Agathonissi - Photos of Dodecanese
Sights and what to do on Agathonissi?
- Tholi has Byzantine ruins of the 11th century.
- In the northern part of the island there are ancient ruins in the area of Kastraki.
- There are also ancient settlements in the area of Aghios Ioannis and Alonia.
- The peaceful life on the island, the tranquility, the hospitality of the people and the beauty of the beaches of Agathonisi make it an ideal place for those who prefer a quiet holiday, far from crowded tourism.
- There are plenty of rooms and apartments in Agathonisi but not in high season. If you come in July or August, you better book in advance.
How to get on Agathonissi?
Agathonissi is connected by ferry with Samos, Fourni, Ikaria, Patmos, Lipsi, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos and Arki.
Text: Yorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer
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Agathonissi in other languages
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