Arki in Greece

Arki belongs to the Dodecanes islands and is one of the smallest island in Greece. About 50 people are year-round residents and everybody knows everybody else, of course. No secrets can be kept here. A hospital boat comes by sometimes. There is no priest, a priest comes from Patmos when necessary, if it is baptism he brings a baptismal font.

I have read that Arki is a tax free zone, all to make the islanders to not move from the island. It is said that the EU have contributed money to refrigerators and solar heating units to all families for the same reason. But I don't know if that's true. It might have been true once upon a time, but hardly today.

Tiganakia bay in Arki is like a gigantic natural swimming pool.

The main source of income is fisheries. Tourism gives some income during high season, when it may even be difficult to find somewhere to stay. Excursion boats from the neighbouring islands usually stays for an hour or so, and then the island live it up, a little. Most tourists who come here come with excursion boats from Leros, Lipsi or Patmos, very few stays overnight.

Even for me who loves small islands, Arki is too small. When I have eaten at all tavernas, walked around the island a few laps and read all the books, I want to leave from here. A friend of order may be wondering how I can appreciate Marathi, which is actually smaller than Arki. The answer is that it do not have to do with the size (it never does, it is said), but it have to do with the atmosphere.

"The square" in Arki port.

I can not exactly put my finger on what it is, but Arki makes me feel melancholy, I get downhearted when I get here. Of course there are those who feels the opposite. On the ferry to Lipsi, I once met a guy who was on his way to Arki and he should stay there for three weeks. So there is something on Arki, but unfortunately, I have not found it.

One of the few roads on Arki. This goes to Limnaria beach.

TRAVEL TO ARKI

The easiest way is to go by air to Samos and continue the journey with Nisos Kalymnos that sails for Arki every other day all year round. Or go by excursion boat from Lipsi or Leros. If you take the excursion boat, you can also see Arki's neighboring island Marathi. Dodekanisos Seaways operates Arki a few days a week during the summer, and so do Leros Sea Ways.

Ferry timetable for Arki »

Book ferry tickets online here »

The small port and marina on Arki.

GETTING AROUND ON ARKI

The only way to get around is on foot.

VILLAGES ON ARKI

There is only one village and it is perhaps not so surprising when you consider that only 50 people live on the island. Here are two tavernas, Trypas Taverna and Nikolas Taverna, one kiosk, one minimarket and a dozen houses randomly placed in a slope. After a few minutes, you have seen the whole show. In other words, it is nothing for those who like to stroll around in alleys and to go out shopping.

If you like fresh fish and other good things from the sea, you will like Arki.

It is at the tavernas you spend much of your time on Arki. Here you eat your breakfast and your lunch, and it is also here you will spend the evenings. There is really nothing else to do. But what does it matter. If you go to Arki, it is unlikely that you want to paint the town red. To Arki you go to read books and to recover from the hectic everyday life at home.

BEACHES ON ARKI

There are few beaches on Arki, all are small and rather mediocre. To the right (nose towards the water) of the port are a couple of small beaches, which is okay if you just want to take a swim or to improve your tan.

Small beach near the port.

The best place for a bathe on Arki lies as far south as south goes, Tiganakia bay - the place is called - is a lagoon-like bay with incredibly crystal clear water that shifts between sky blue and turquoise. If you did not know that Tiganakia was for real, you might as well think that it was a giant swimming pool.

It's a fantastic place and a paradise for swimmers that beats most I've experienced in Greece. You can walk here from Arki village, follow the concrete road and then follow the goat tracks to the south. When you see something big and blue in front of you, you know that you are there. :-) Are you travelling to Arki by excursion boat from Lipsi, you have about 30 minutes to splash around in Tiganakia bay. The pictures at the top of the page are from Tiganakia.

SIGHTS ON ARKI

From the Church of Panagia, above the port, you will have lovely views of Arki and some of the neighbouring islands. That is the only thing that you could call a sight.

ACCOMODATION ON ARKI

As far as I know, there are only few places to stay at. Do you want to be on the safe side, it is best to book ahead to make a reservation. Evdokia's Petrina Rooms look nice and I could imagine staying there.

Evdokia's Petrina Rooms on Arki.

Book Evdokia's Petrina Rooms here »

Book Arki Island-Katsavidis here »