Agathonisi, Dodecanese Islands

In brief
This is one of those almost untouched islands by time and tourism, and here, you'll find Greece at its most genuine and traditional. 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.

General Information
The easiest jaunt to Agathonisi is from Patmos. This islet with its wonderful beaches is an ideal spot for anyone wishing to escape the pressures of everyday life for a while. In older times it was called Netousa or Tragea. The islanders live mainly off fishing and the 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.
Here the visitor's glance cannot stay cool; one experiences a never-ending wandering adventure.
There are three communities in Agathonisi: Mikro Chorio, Megalo Chorio and Agios Georgios. Megalo Chorio is the largest and oldest community on the island where most islanders live, while the other two communities Mikro Chorio and Agios Georgios – the island’s main harbour – have only few inhabitants each.

Sightseeing 
The island doesn't have any special sights apart from a couple of small churches. There are also archeological remains dating from the Hellenistic & early Roman period, found on the island's north side where the ancient city - harbour Tragea used to be. 

Beaches
Agathonisi has many beaches, pebbled with clear blue waters: Ai Giorgis, Spilia, Gaidouravlako, Tsaggari, Palos, Poros, Vathi Pigadi, Chohlia and Katholiko and few others.

Useful Information
How to get there
By sea from PIreaus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful telephone numbers
Area Code: +30 22470
Municipal Office: 29009, 29010
Police: 29029
Port Authority: 31231
Health Center: 29049

http://www.agathonisi.gr

Iraklia (Irakleia), Cyclades Islands

In brief

Iraklia (or Irakleia) is a small islet of the Small Cyclades complex offering peaceful and relaxed holidays, away from busy thoughts.

General Information
Iraklia consists of two settlements, Panagia or Pano Meria, and Agios Georgios, which lies on the waterfront, also having ruins of a castle. The two settlements constitute a community of few inhabitants and are divided from each other by the lovely Livadi beach. The most significant sight of Heraklia is the Cave of St John with its spectacular stalactites, which has not been touristically developed yet. Another sight is the islet of Venetiko (Venetian), the castle of which is a reminder of the Venetian rule.

Sightseeing
Iraklia has a few caves and churches of interest, but you'll have to walk to all of them.
Well known is the cave of St John (Agios Ioannis). Legend has it that he stayed here for a while, and that the altar in the cave is the very same he would pray at. It takes about two hours to walk here.

Hora, is the capital, and the locals call it the Virgin Mary: Panagia. Here, time stands still, and you might just as well have stepped into the 19th century if it weren't for the few amenities such as mini markets..

Beaches

There are various beautiful beaches offering several opportunities for an enjoyable swimming. Agios Georgios, Livadi, Tourkopigado, Merichas, Ammoudi, Karvounolakos, Alimia, Vourkaria, Vorini Spilia (North Cave), Xilobatis, Tribounas, Cavos tou Theodorou, Vala are among the island's finest swimming spots consisting of sand or pebbles. 

 

Useful Information
How to get there
By sea from Piraeus
Piraeus Port Authority: +30 2104226000-4, +30 2104114005

Useful Telephone numbers
Dialing Code: +30 22850
Commune Office: 71545 

Port Authority: 22300
Health Center: 71388

http://www.iraklia.gr