Agathonisi – Island Nature and History in the Dodecanese

Agathonisi is the northernmost island in the Dodecanese and lies a short distance south of Samos. Rocky islets, rare bird species and evidence of ancient settlement history give the destination a variety of facets. Notable points of interest include the landscape around the island, Megalo Chorio and the archaeological site of Kastraki.

Island Nature and Landscape

Agathonisi is surrounded by six rocky islets. Glaros, Kouneli, Nera and Psathonisi, in the surrounding area, are designated as areas of particular scenic beauty. Together with nearby islands, Agathonisi is part of the Natura network and is an important habitat for rare bird species. So, as well as the island itself, the natural areas and birdlife are also highlights for anyone interested in the landscape of the Dodecanese.

The island can also be explored from the water: Agathonisi is ideal for a boat trip around its shores. There are sheltered anchorages outside the port of Agios Georgios. If you want to focus your trip especially on island nature and boating, you can make these priorities when choosing a holiday apartment on Agathonisi.

Settlement History and Archaeological Traces

Megalo Chorio is designated as a traditional settlement and is Agathonisi’s largest and oldest settlement. It was laid out so that it could not be seen from the sea, to protect residents from pirate attacks. This distinctive history makes Megalo Chorio an important point of interest for anyone who wants to learn about the island’s history as well as its nature.

Further traces of the past can be found at Kastraki in the north of Agathonisi, northeast of Megalo Chorio, near Maistros on the present-day Gulf of Agios Georgios. Excavations there uncovered an ancient Hellenistic harbour and the fortified settlement of ancient Tragaia. In antiquity, the natural gulf at Kastraki served as a naval base for Miletus. The excavation finds also include 10,000 fragments of clay beehives. Kastraki therefore offers several specific historical points of interest: the harbour, the fortified settlement and the unusual fragments. Tholoi is another designated archaeological site on Agathonisi.

Churches and Chapels

Churches and chapels are also among the island’s named cultural sites. Near the port of Agios Georgios stands a double church dedicated to Saint George and Nektarios. Megalo Chorio is home to the Church of Zoodochos Pigi and the Church of Saint John the Theologian. The Chapel of the Transfiguration of the Saviour stands on the road to Katholiko. The area of Tholoi is also home to the Chapel of Saint Nicholas.

These different sites can be included as separate interests in your travel plans: you can explore the settlement history of Megalo Chorio, the archaeological evidence at Kastraki and Tholoi, or the churches and chapels as cultural highlights. Combined with the island’s nature, this gives you more than one possible focus for your stay.

Getting There and Travel Planning

Agathonisi can be reached by ferry via Samos, mainly from Pythagoreio, as well as from Piraeus. There is a daily year-round connection with Piraeus; local connections also serve Samos and Kalymnos. These connections are a useful starting point when planning your journey and stay on the island.

More destinations: Lipsi, Alinda, Astypalaia, Patmos, Kalymnos, Masouri, Agia Marina, Partheni.

For the main travel overview: Kalymnos.