Arki & Amarathia | Embrace Island Tranquility
The tiny island of Arki & Arkioi is close to Patmos. Yachts and fishing boats use the small protected harbor of Arki as a shelter from strong winds. Only about 50 people live on this barren island.
Since the island is so tiny, it is best discovered on foot. You can cover most of the island in about 20 to 30 minutes. However, the farthest beach is about a 50-minute hike.
The beaches stretch along the southern and eastern coastlines, offering stunning crystal-clear waters. Please note that some of these beaches may have rocky shorelines.
A group of smaller islets known as the Arki surround the island. This island complex includes Marathi, Smineronisi, Tsouka, Tsoukaki, Avaptistos, Makronisi, Psathonisi, Kalovolos, and Nisaki.
Places to see on Arki
- The Harbour of Arki is the only village on the island and is on the island’s southwest side. The majority of the people who live there work in agriculture or fishing. Three-quarters of the island is uninhabited.
- The Castle of Arki is on the west side of the village. The colony of Miletus constructed it in the 4th century BC, and the Byzantines reconstructed it.
- Another monument is the Cave of Votsi. In 1943, inhabitants of this island found shelter here from German bombardment.
- The Church of Panagia Pantanassa is the most important religious monument in Arki. Monks built this chapel since the island belonged to the monastery of Patmos.
Things to do on Arki
- Go to the beach. Tiganakia Beach is the only tourist beach on the island. It is a sandy and pebbled beach with turquoise waters. The beach is in a small cove and separated into three parts by rocky outcroppings.
- Swim. Swimming across the bay is an easy way to reach the small islets, but watch for boats during the high season.
- Use your yacht’s water toys!
- Attend a festival. August 23rd, the festival of Panagia honors the Virgin Mary. Traditional music, food, and wine are essential components.
- Birdwatch during the migratory period in the spring and fall.
- Watch the sunset from the hill above the main port of Arki. Here, you may find traces of the Ancient Acropolis of Arki.
- Dine. Three to four Tavernas serve fresh seafood and delicious specialties. There are no flashing Disco lights and a crowded room with loud music on Arki. However, at the Trypas Bar, one can hear Jazz, New Age music, or Blues while enjoying a cocktail.
Armathia
The biggest Greek island around Kasos belongs to the Kasos municipality. Decades ago, it was essential to Kasos. No one lives on the island today.
Gypsum mines operated on Armathia until the mid-20th century, and families lived here, cultivated the land, fished, and raised sheep. Sponge fishing boats from Kalymnos, Chalki, and Symi once anchored here.
Today, only the ruins of these buildings remind visitors of the flourishing past. The white-washed chapel of Ypapanti is still standing proud and majestic. People from Kasos come to the island each year on February 2nd to conduct a liturgy and celebrate.
Marmara, Karavostasi, and Apopantoula are impressive beaches on this small island, displaying beautiful azure-blue colors that make the visit worthwhile. For some visitors, Armathia’s beaches are some of the best in Greece.
