Mykonos is one of the most popular Greek islands, attracting millions of tourists every year. However, not many people take the time to visit the nearby secluded yet stunning island.
Tragonisi, a peaceful and hidden gem, is the perfect spot for anyone wanting to escape the busy crowds of Mykonos.
In 2023, Mykonos welcomed 1.2 million cruise ship passengers and almost 800,000 arriving by ferry. Cruise traffic nearly doubled compared to 2022 and was even higher than in 2019.
Due to the overwhelming number of tourists, Mykonos and the equally popular Santorini are planning to introduce a limit on the number of cruise ships allowed from 2025, to better manage the tourism flow.
Tragonisi, which means “Billy Goat Island” – also known as Dragonisi, meaning “Island of the Dragon” – is a peaceful, uninhabited islet about three miles from Kalafatis Bay on Mykonos.
The island is famous for its caves, and some say its shape, when viewed from Mykonos, resembles a dragon sleeping in the sea.
Located just one mile east of Mykonos, Tragonisi has a long history dating back to ancient times.
It was once a sacred place for worshipping Apollo, later used by pirates as a hideout, and during World War II, it became a military outpost.
Although no one lives on Tragonisi today, the ruins of its past remain, including a lighthouse and a small chapel called “Madonna,” dedicated to the saints Varnavas and Vartholomeos.
The islet is part of the Natura 2000 protected areas and is home to various species of birds and reptiles. Falcons can often be seen flying overhead, and the waters around the island are rich with marine life, including dolphins, sea turtles, and monk seals.
The only way to reach Tragonisi is by boat, and there is a sheltered cove where boats can safely dock, even in windy conditions.
Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 12,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!
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