JOURNEY TO ARKIOUS

JOURNEY TO ARKIOUS

• Δευτέρα, 22 Δεκεμβρίου 2014
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Sailing for Arkious, all I had heard was short stories of a small island with few residents. But these theories simply "stories."

My arrival, on a sunny Friday morning of September, was for me a challenge. As a proud member of the Portbook group, I had agreed with great pleasure to visit another one of the many special Dodecanese islands and to experience its beauties. Travelling to and from the island is limited, since there are only two ships in this route. Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, the "Kalymnos" leaving from the homonymous island with final destination the port of Pythagorion at Samos isl. and stopovers at Leros, Lipsi, Patmos, Arki and Agathonisi. She follows the same route inversely on the way back. The "Kalymnos" apart from passengers, carries vehicles as well. The second vessel, the "Lambi" every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, leaves from the port of Patmos isl. and in about 45 minutes berths at the second port of Arki.

The main port of Arki, is about ten minutes’ walk from the village. There is no means of transportation or taxis there. Nevertheless, always at least one native offers himself with great pleasure to transfer you and your luggage to the desired location. If you want to stay overnight for one or more days, the same people have tidy rooms for rent at very reasonable prices.

Roads paved with concrete or dirt forms the local road network. Along the road there are lamp columns for a safe traffic at night.

The second port, although smaller than the first, due to its geographical position serves medium-sized boats, yachts, boats and speedboats. No water or electricity supply is provided. In addition, you should refuel at one of the previous islands. Even in an emergency situation, it is very hard to find even a Jerri can of fuel.

The second port encloses all of the island’s life. You start your day having a drink and eating a very nutritious breakfast in the cafeteria under the sounds of Greek folk music. By mid-day or evening, you have a choice of three taverns where you can enjoy Aegean cuisine with fresh seafood in an environment that will help you relax and rejoice with the tranquility accompanied by the sound of the sea lying a few meters away. The two taverns along with a coffee shop are within ten steps from the pier while the third tavern is a hundred meters further down, on the way to the south of the island. For someone who may need a few supplies, there is a small shop from which easily and cheaply you can get mainly long-life products. Only during the summer months, there is a small kiosk, located on the edge of the wharf.

The olive tree may be the trademark of the island, which dominates in the middle of the square, but the first impressions for the visitor, are the sparse vegetation - various species of shrubs and few trees. For hikers however, it is a small paradise. The lack of traffic allows for safe wanderings. Whether you decide to move towards the West side of the island where the heliport stands out, either to the North from where Samos can be faintly seen, or even to the South with its clean beaches, or finally to the Eastern with the turquoise waters at Tiganakia cove, you will discuss and remember it for many years.

My personal experience from my short stay was that I enjoyed the natural beauty of the place, the warm welcome and the locals’ hospitality. My own "story" was engraved deeply in my mind and in my heart.