Polyaigos
Polyaigos is a large uninhabited island just east of Kimolos and north of Milos in the Cyclades, 18.1 square kilometres, making it the biggest uninhabited island in the Aegean. Its name means “many goats” and it lives up to it — covered in low volcanic rock, steep cliffs and sea caves, with a resident population of hundreds of wild goats and no permanent people, water or electricity.
It is prized for its pristine coastline, with beaches like Mersini, Faros and Blue Lagoon that are considered among the most untouched in the Cyclades, accessible only by boat from Pollonia or Kimolos. The entire island is Natura 2000 protected as a habitat for Mediterranean monk seals, Eleonora’s falcons and endemic flora, and remains strictly wild with no building allowed.
The largest uninhabited island in the Aegean — the goat island
Polyaigos, Greek Πολύαιγος, also called Polivos and Polynesia many islands, is an uninhabited Greek island in the Cyclades near Milos and Kimolos. At 18 km2, Polyaigos is often referred to as the largest uninhabited island of the Aegean; underinhabited is perhaps more appropriate term. Census records show population 14 in 1951, six in 1961, four in 1971, one in 1981, zero in 2000, and two in 2020, while even earlier 170 people lived there. Area also listed as 17 square kilometres.
It is very close to Kimolos 2 km north west from Polyaigos and to Milos 6.2 km west, and 15 km southwest of Sifnos. To the east of Kimolos lies Polyaigos half its size of Kimolos and part of municipality of Kimolos. It is mainly used as grazing land which is origin of name from Greek polles aiges meaning lots of goats. Goats are central to identity — free-ranging herds are only permanent residents, livestock belonging to herders from surrounding islands who lease grazing rights from Greek Orthodox Church the principal landowner. Its goat population maintains Polyaigos as barren island.
Greece included Polyaigos in EU Natura 2000 programme as important habitat undisturbed by humans. Mediterranean seals Monachus Monachus give birth to pups on island, and sea-surface caves serve as refuge to dwindling population.
FYI — why it matters, who it’s for, and what people get wrong
This is for you if you want wild beauty — cliffs, coves, caves on deep azure seas, magnificent beaches mainly southern part, natural pools, crystal-clear waters, rugged coastline and dramatic rock formations considered one of Greece’s most beautiful well-preserved natural paradises. People get it wrong thinking it is Ionian — it is Cyclades. Ferries rarely visit Polyaigos, it is popular stop on small ship cruises and private boat trips from Milos and Kimolos. There are hiking trails leading to different coasts, cave systems, freshwater springs and towering limestone cliffs, but no roads, no villages, no tavernas — goats only.
Sources
- https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/735813 | At 18 km2 Polyaigos often referred largest uninhabited island Aegean underinhabited more appropriate Census records population 14 in 1951 six 1961 four 1971 one 1981 zero 2000 two 2020 Goats central identity
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kimolos | east Kimolos lies island Polyaigos half its size largest uninhabited island Aegean part municipality Kimolos
- https://www.faros-studios.gr/en/polyaigos/ | largest uninhabited island Aegean area 17 square kilometres mainly used grazing land origin name many goats Greek polles aiges lots Greece included EU Natura 2000 important habitat undisturbed humans Mediterranean seals Monachus Monachus give birth pups island
- https://www.greecehighdefinition.com/blog/polyaigos-island | also known Polynesia many islands Greece almost uninhabited Cyclades located 6.2 km east Milos 2 km southeast Kimolos 15 km southwest Sifnos not always sparsely populated 1951 had 14 inhabitants earlier 170 people lived
- https://www.medgulets.com/blog/polyaigos-island-cliffs-coves-and-caves-on-deep-azure-seas/ | largest uninhabited island Cyclades rugged 18-square-kilometre landmass between Kimolos 2 kilometres northeast Milos 6 kilometres east name Greek many goats free-ranging herds only permanent residents livestock belonging herders surrounding islands lease grazing rights Greek Orthodox Church principal landowner
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Last Updated on August 31, 2026 by admin