Ten Enchanting Islets in the Evian Gulf
The crystal-clear waters of the Petalii Gulf have been enjoyed by famous personalities such as Maria Callas and Greta Garbo. In the past, they were reserved for a select few who could reach them and savour their peace and seclusion. Today, the ten lush islets opposite Marmari, with their golden beaches and exotic charm, have become popular not only among boat owners but also with visitors from across Evia.
The islets—Megaloniso or Megalo Petali, Chersonisi or Xero, Avgo, Makronisi, Lamperousa, Platourada or Praso, Founti, Tragonisi, Pontikos, and Loulouda—are privately owned, yet access to their shores is allowed under Greek law.
The story behind the islets begins with Omar Pasha, who originally owned them. They were later sold to Ioannis Paparrigopoulos, the Russian consul in Greece, and then to Russian officers. In the early 1870s, they were gifted to King George I, with the idea of establishing summer palaces there instead of at Tatoi. At the dawn of the 20th century, they came into the possession of the Empirikos shipping family. Today, parts of the islets belong to their descendants and the Karnezis shipping company.
You can visit them by private boat or via small vessels from Marmari. Hundreds of boats are often anchored between the islets, and swimming in the turquoise waters makes you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise. Excursions usually stop at the beaches of Xero, Tragonisi, and Megalo Petali. You can ask simply to be dropped off for a few hours or enjoy an organised trip with fishing, swimming, and a meal.
The islets—Megaloniso or Megalo Petali, Chersonisi or Xero, Avgo, Makronisi, Lamperousa, Platourada or Praso, Founti, Tragonisi, Pontikos, and Loulouda—are privately owned, yet access to their shores is allowed under Greek law.
The story behind the islets begins with Omar Pasha, who originally owned them. They were later sold to Ioannis Paparrigopoulos, the Russian consul in Greece, and then to Russian officers. In the early 1870s, they were gifted to King George I, with the idea of establishing summer palaces there instead of at Tatoi. At the dawn of the 20th century, they came into the possession of the Empirikos shipping family. Today, parts of the islets belong to their descendants and the Karnezis shipping company.
You can visit them by private boat or via small vessels from Marmari. Hundreds of boats are often anchored between the islets, and swimming in the turquoise waters makes you feel like you’ve stepped into paradise. Excursions usually stop at the beaches of Xero, Tragonisi, and Megalo Petali. You can ask simply to be dropped off for a few hours or enjoy an organised trip with fishing, swimming, and a meal.
