THESE are very small islands , which belong to the Province of Kalymnos. They are mainly covered with bushes and some trees, and are located about 8 nautical miles away from the holy island of Patmos, and north of Lipsoi.
About 50 people live on the largest of these islands, making their living mainly from fishing. There are also some people living on Marathi. The port where the boats from Patmos and Lipsoi arrive is well hidden in the double fiord created by the rocks, and is well protected from the winds. Around the port the visitor will see the old houses of stone, whitened in the usual island style as well as some new ones.
During summer time there are many visitors to these picturesque islands, attracted to the romantic scenery and to the crystal clear sea. The best beach is on Marathi, a smaller island opposite Arkoi.
The island is connected daily both with Patmos and with Lipsoi.There are also many day-trip boats from Patmos. Should someone wish to stay longer than a few hours there are about 10 rented rooms in Arkoi and about 15 at Marathi. The visitor will enjoy swiming in the most crystal clear sea imaginable in the north part of the island with sandy beach and some trees. Other good beaches are to be found at Linari, Tiganakia and at Marathi.
A usuful phone number is that of the telephone company,OTE, 0247-31749.