Poliegos is the largest “uninhabited” island of the Aegean and is named after its many four-legged inhabitants, the goats.

Everyone may insist that Poliegos is uninhabited, but a walk there will disprove them, as there are currently two people living on the island who take care of the monastery.

History

As long as there was human activity there, there were two quarries where the volcanic trachyte was mined which was the material for manufacturing a millstone for windmills and oil mills. The rich mineral wealth of the island was a bone of contention for Milos and Kimolos, who claimed a share of its mineral wealth. From 338 BC until today, the island administratively belongs to Kimolos.

Best beaches of Poliegos

Mersini

The closest one to Kimolos and the most popular beach in Poliegos. White sand, turquoise waters, wind protected, and usually full of yachts. 

Blue Lagoon

Considered the most beautiful beach of the Cyclades. A small narrow bay with steep white rocks, and white sand with stunning light blue waters, will leave you speechless. It’s like a large swimming pool! The wind often catches this point, but you will enjoy a magical landscape when it is calm. Nearby volcanic rocks and mysterious caves emphasize that this island is unique.

Beach of the Lighthouse

This is the beach from which you can follow the small pathway to reach the lighthouse. The beach has a few trees offering shade, colourful pebbles, and a small pond with water at the back. You will probably meet one or two wild goats wandering around this beach, so be careful of your belongings, and especially your food!

Cave of the Seal

Would you like to spot some seals? This is the place for it! Seals may choose to live around here because of the magnificent clear water inside the cave. Do you dare to jump in?

Sea caves

Fanara Cave will impress you, not only because you can enter by boat. Looking up, you will notice that its roof has collapsed, allowing sunlight to enter the cave and give the water an incredible blue colour. Further north is Diamantospilia, which got its name from the fine quartz crystals and other minerals found in its rocks.

Vrachonisida Kalogeri

The impressive volcanic rocks appear from the water, and as you pass them by boat, they create a sense of mystery.

“Panagias t’avlaki” beach

This beach usually has the slightest wind, and you can enjoy diving without waves, sunbathing on hot sand, and exploring. The reason for the hill is that you can climb to reach the monastery of Panagia and enjoy the amphitheatre view of the sea and the island.

How do I get to Poliegos?

To reach Poliegos, you have to own a boat or follow a program of sea tour. Every summer, Poliegos turns into a heavenly anchorage for Greeks and foreigners who sail in its transparent waters with their yachts to enjoy the pristine landscape and its blue-green waters.

Natural protected landscape

Greece has included Poliegos in the Natura 2000 program of the European Union, considering it a critical habitat undisturbed by human presence. It has been declared a Special Protection Zone for the species: Mavropetritis. The Mediterranean seal Monachus Monachus gives birth to her young on the island.

If you ever find yourself in Poliegos, you will leave with a full album and images that will be engraved forever.

Of course, one visit is never enough, and you’ll find yourself every summer reminiscing about sunny days in the turquoise waters and looking forward to the next time.