The Arki island belongs to the Dodecanese complex in Greece, administratively to municipality of Patmos and lies on the eastern Aegean very close to Turkish coast, about 13 miles from Agathonisi island. Arki population according to the last census is 44 inhabitants and the total area is 6.7 square kilometers. The specific geographic coordinates are 37°23’03.1″N 26°44’29.0″E in Aegean Sea.
The name Arki usually reference to the small archipelago which surrounds the largest of them, The Arkious. Though that archipelago contains some more islands such as the Argelousa, the Tsoukaki, the Spolato, the Kalovolos, the Koumaros, the Avaptisto, the Psathonisi, the Tsouka, the Smineronisi and the largest Marathos or Marathi.
The Marathi island right across the Arki has a total area of 355 acres. There is a very small settlement on Marathi with only 5 inhabitants , though it can offer hospitality.
Arki and Marathi, just north of Patmos and Lipsi, are the most peaceful islets in this chain of Dodecanese. The Arki’s locals make a living from farming, goat breeding and fishing. Arki island has those turquoise water that makes you feel like on paradise. Expect an eclectic mix of yachties, artists and the occasional backpacker. There are neither cars nor motorbikes, just calmness.
About 5 kilometres of Lipsi, tiny Arki has rolling hills and secluded, sandy beaches. Its only settlement is the little west-coast port, also called Arki. Away from the village, the island seems almost mystical in its peace and stillness. There is absolutely anything on this island except one cardphone. The Church of Metamorfosis stands on a hill behind the settlement. Several sandy coves can be reached along a path skirting the north side of the bay. Tiganakia Bay, on the southeast coast, has a good sandy beach. To walk there from Arki village, follow the road heading south and then the network of goat tracks down to the water. Keep an eye out for dolphins.
As mentioned Marathi is the largest of Arki’s satellite islets, with a superb sandy beach. Before World War II it had a dozen or so inhabitants, but now it has only two families. The old settlement, with an immaculate little church, stands on a hill above the harbour.
