All About Arki
Arki is a small island located approximately 8 nautical miles east of Patmos, a close distance from the coast of Turkey. It is situated in the eastern Aegean Sea and is a part of the Dodecanese archipelago. You can use Ferryscanner to compare ferry companies and book ferry tickets to Arki.
There are many small islands scattered around the main island, such as Marathis, Makronissi, and Spolato. Arki itself is mainly covered with bushes and some olive trees and characterized by its dry, rocky land. Three-quarters of the island are still uninhabited and untouched by people, making the place a unique destination for true nature lovers and people who appreciate peace and quiet.
Arki also offers a few wonderful beaches with crystal clear waters and many breathtaking views. If you’re looking for a tranquil vacation, Arki is the destination for you!
Routes & Ferries to Arki
Arki is well connected with the nearby island of Kalymnos, Patmos, and Lipsi. You can board ships by ANE Kalymnou and SAOS Anes to reach Kalymnos in 4 and a half hours, Lipsi in 2 hours, and Patmos in just 50 minutes. Keep in mind that there is only one ferry transport to Patmos and Lipsi per day and just one trip to Kalymnos every two days, so make sure to be at the port on time. Use Ferryscanner to find and book ferry tickets to Arki.
Since Arki has no airport, you firstly need to take a flight from the airport of Athens to Kalymnos airport. Kalymnos receives flights from Athens International Airport ‘Eleftherios Venizelos’ several times per week, with the duration of the trip lasting 1 hour. From there, you can take a ferry and reach Arki in about 5 hours.
Ports of Arki
The natural harbor of Arki is really small in size although it welcomes sailboats, yachts, fishing boats, and other small boats, especially during the summer. The bay is also well protected from northern winds. Opposite the quay, there is just one café where you can relax and enjoy some snacks.
There is also a minuscule provision store around there. Just south of the main harbor there are two small inlets known as Steno and Glipapas. Check the Ferryscanner website for ferry tickets to Arki’s port.
Capital & Villages
The small population of the island (there are around 50 permanent residents) means that there is no real capital. Most inhabitants live close to the main harbor while the rest are scattered around the island on higher ground. From a distance, Arki seems to be uninhabited. Here you will find two taverns, one kiosk, one minimarket, and a dozen houses built randomly on a slope.
While visiting Arki, you will likely spend much of your time at the taverns, where you can enjoy every meal of the day. The impressive and serene landscape will definitely help you recover from the hectic routine of the city.
The majority of the population finds employment in fishing, goat herding, or running one of the handful taverns of the island. The fauna of the island mainly consists of livestock such as goats, donkeys, and herons, while there are still many grouper and nudibranch living in the bays.
At the other end of the island, there is a place that the locals call the ‘Italian jail’. Villagers say it was used during World War II as a prison by the Italian army, since from 1912 to 1943 the island was part of the Italian Dodecanese. In the wider area also exists a cave containing a significant number of stalactite and stalagmite formations, although it is a bit difficult to locate since it is covered by olive trees and bushes.
The church of Panagia Pantanassa is situated on the hill opposite the main harbor. Right next to the church survive the ruins of an acropolis. A fortress was built on this location in antiquity, around the 4th century BC, as well as a settlement built by the Achaeans. The ruins provide a wonderful viewpoint from where you can enjoy the sunset over the Aegean and the undulating coastlines in the wider area.
There are some rooms for rent for those who would like to spend a few days on the island. As far as activities are concerned, you can swim in the bays, take a walk around the island, spend the day at a nearby island, and enjoy authentic and amazing Greek cuisine.
Best Beaches
The beaches of Arki are some of the most splendid places we will find in the Aegean. The serene landscape and sandy beaches will definitively impress you.
Tiganakia Beach
Tiganakia Beach is the most beautiful beach on the island. Famous for its bright blue, crystal clear waters, it is situated in a sheltered bay and is surrounded by rocks. This makes it possible to sunbathe and swim even if there are strong winds.
The best time to visit this beach is in the morning when it’s still very quiet. The beach is further separated into three parts by rocky outcroppings. To reach Tiganakia beach, you will need to walk for 45 minutes from the town, with no paths and only one sign to direct you, but in the end, the reward is surely worth it.
Limnari Beach
Limnari is another beach that you can reach by foot from the main town of the island. The place offers absolute relaxation and invigoration, since it is fairly isolated and surrounded by bushes. The sand here is soft and the waters are pristine, offering the ultimate tranquil retreat on the island.
Patelia Beach
Patelia Beach is the largest beach on the island, situated 500 meters from the settlement, at the edge of the bay. This is a pebbly beach that turns into san when inside the water, which is characterized by its light blue color. This is another destination for true lovers of nature and serenity.
Transportation Around Arki
Due to its small size, there are no cars moving around the island, and transportation takes place on foot. There are, however, some small boats that can transfer you to the busiest beaches or to the nearby islands.
Furthermore, there is a small ferry that calls in the harbor several times a week, so make sure to book your ferry tickets to Arki soon!
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