Arkoi

Arkoi

Arkoi / Arki is a tiny Dodecanese island east of Patmos, north of Lipsi, and southwest of Agathonisi — 7 square kilometres, part of the municipality of Patmos, and home to about 50 people in the main village and port.

It’s as far off-grid as the Dodecanese gets. No buses, no real roads, just dirt tracks, a small sheltered harbour for fishing boats, ferries, and yachts, a couple of fish tavernas, and rooms to rent. The island is rocky, quiet, with crystal coves you walk to, goats everywhere, and a view out to Marathi and the rest of the Arki cluster where only two families live.

You go to Arkoi to disconnect completely. The ferry from Patmos takes just over an hour, and once you’re there days are swimming, reading, eating what the fishermen caught that morning, and watching the light change over the Aegean with nothing else to do.

The castaway feeling you actually get to sleep in

You’ll love it here if absolute tranquility is non-negotiable. Ancient Arkitis, northeast of Patmos, municipality of Patmos, arid little island just 4km long and 1km wide with about 40 residents, 8 nautical miles from Patmos. Described as being castaway on a desert island with skies full of stars, raw beauty, quiet beaches and authentic atmosphere, one of the last truly untouched in the Aegean. Perfect for couples seeking peace, solo travellers, nature enthusiasts, and travellers escaping crowded islands. Ideal for persons who like adventure, wild beaches, want to stay all day at the beach and enjoy. No car rentals, one way to get around, on foot. Cluster of white-washed houses, tavernas and fishing boats around the peaceful harbour, that’s pretty much the village. Melodic bells from roaming goats, sheep, cows and donkeys as you walk. Beaches are a mosaic, sandy, pebbled and rocky. Tiganakia and Limnari are favourites for luminous waters and scenic beauty, plus Linari and Marathi islet just off the south with a taverna. Four beaches, scarcely more trees, but enough wild coves if you search for Greek island purity. Less ideal if you need choice or action, time slows down here, nature takes centre stage. You come for calm, connection with nature, and genuine island life.

Small-hop island hopping

It’s all about Patmos and Lipsi connections. Only daily ferry both ways with Patmos and Lipsi, plus day-trip boats from Patmos. From Patmos it’s a 20 to 40 minute ride, often 30 minutes, from Lipsi about 30 to 60 minutes average, 45 minutes typical. Also connected with Kalymnos 4.5 hours, Leros 1h10m, Agathonisi 1h05m. Companies are ANE Kalymnou and SAOS ANES, one ferry a day to Patmos and Lipsi, one every two days to Kalymnos, so be on time. From Piraeus you go via Patmos, Piraeus to Patmos about 8.5 hours Blue Star via Patmos, then hop. Patmos to Arkoi ferries run daily, cheapest tickets from about 9 to 11 euro, last departure around 14:35, earliest around 09:15, 9 nautical miles 18km in 20 minutes. On the island, foot only, no cars. About 10 rented rooms, so book early. Fresh fish in tavernas, deep blue water, starry nights. Best time is late May to September, warm, all boats running, June and September quieter. July and August busier with day trippers but still tranquil at night when they leave. Bring cash, water shoes, and good walking shoes, trails are rocky. Check timetable for return, missing the one daily boat means overnight.

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Last Updated on August 26, 2026 by admin