Arki

Arki is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Greek archipelago and its nearest neighbour is Marathi. About 50 people are permanent residents and of course everyone knows each other. There are no doctor, but a hospital boat comes by sometimes. There are no priest, if there is a need there will come one from Patmos, is it a baptism he will take a baptismal font with him. I have read that Arki is a tax free zone; the reason should be that the government does not want the islanders to move from the island. It is said that the EU has contributed money to refrigerators and solar units for all families because of the same reason. The main source of income is fishing. And even if Arki is one of the least visited islands in Greece, tourism provides some income during the high season, when it even can be difficult to find rooms. But still, most people who come here come with an excursion boat from Leros, Lipsi or Patmos, and they stay for an hour or two, very few stay overnight. When the excursion boats arrive, Arki revive a little. Otherwise Arki is a laid-back place and it is a paradise for everyone that wants to get away from everything.

GETTING HERE
The easiest way is to travel by air to Samos and continue the journey with ferryboat from Pythagorion. Arki have boat connections with Samos, Lipsi, Patmos and Kalymnos every second day - the year around - with the small car ferry Nisos Kalymnos. You can also go with the excursion boats from Lipsi and Patmos when the weather so permits.

GETTING AROUND
By foot.

The port of Arki.

Small beach close to the port.

VILLAGES
There is only one village - the port - and it is perhaps not surprising if one consider that only 50 people are living on the island. Here are three tavernas, one kiosk, one mini market 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 wander around in alleys and go for shopping.

It is in the tavernas you spend much of your time on Arki; you eat your breakfast and lunch and here is where you spend the evenings. There is in reality nothing else to do. But who cares. If you go to Arki, it is unlikely that you are planning to paint the town red. To Arki, you go if you want to read books and to recover from the hectic everyday life at home.

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

The best bathe on Arki is at Tiganaki (see picture above) bay in the South. Tiganaki is a lagoon-like bay with incredibly crystal clear water, which varies from sky blue to turquoise. It looks like a giant swimming pool. It is a fantastic place and a paradise for swimmers. You can walk here from Arki village, follow the concrete road as far as you can, when it finishes continue on the goat tracks to the south. When you see something big and blue in front of you, you know you are there. :-) If you are going to Arki by excursion boat from Lipsi, the boat will stop at Tiganaki bay and you'll have approximately 30 minutes to splash around there

SIGHTS
From the church Panagia, above the port, you have a lovely view over Arki and some of the neighbouring islands. That is the only thing that you could call a sight on Arki.

CHANGE MONEY
It is not possible to change money and there is no ATM. The nearest ATM is on Lipsi.

ACCOMODATION
As far as I know there are only three places to stay at. Evdokia is probably the best option of the three. If you want to be on sure to have a bed for the night, it is wise to call ahead to make a reservation.
Evdokias Rooms, tel: +30 6973558617
Trypas Rooms, tel: +30 22470-32230
Nikolas Rooms, tel: +30 22470-32477

Arki.

MORE ABOUT ARKI
Map of Arki »
Ferry timetable »

OTHER LINKS
Weather in Greece »
Lipsi - nearest island »

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