Tragonisi: Diving and snorkeling on the uninhabited island
Just a stone’s throw away from Mykonos is Tragonisi, a small rocky islet with an impressive seabed, which is definitely worth discovering.
Swimming and sunbathing on the busy beaches of Mykonos is nice, but there is another alternative way to enjoy your vacation. The neighboring and uninhabited islet of Tragonisi or Dragonisi could be your next exciting destination, especially if you have decided to vacation in Mykonos. The wild beauty, combined with the beautiful turquoise waters and the tranquility that prevails there, will convince you to visit it and discover it.
Tragonisi is a small, beautiful rocky islet, with caves that take your breath away. It is a protected area and is a refuge for the Mediterranean monk seal Monachus monachus. Initially, you can visit Tragonisi by boat, and definitely make the best and most enjoyable dives away from the crowds and prying eyes. There is also the option of diving at this point. In fact, diving and snorkeling are very popular activities. The rich marine environment that you encounter under the water, enchants you and inspires you to explore it. Also, yellow sea anemones are exclusively found in the area where Tragonisi is located.
Every year on 11 June a festival is held in Tragonisi. “How is this possible?”, is a reasonable question that one can ask upon first hearing that a festival is held on an uninhabited island. The answer, however, comes immediately. The way of transporting the people from Mykonos to Tragonisi is done by boats that start from Kalafatis. The duration of the enchanting journey is about half an hour. When you arrive, you are in front of a small bay, where you disembark and continue on foot. Essentially, you must walk on steep and slippery slopes to reach the church of Panagia. It is a tiny all-white chapel, built on a rock. The priest and the chanters barely fit in the chapel, with the rest standing outside. In the end, they all head together where the food stalls are set up, and then the celebration begins. It is worth noting that the visitors to this festival are exclusively men.
What are you waiting for? Tragonisi is an excellent destination that you should definitely discover!