MARATHI ISLAND

It is the most sparsely populated island of the Dodecanese, located in the Arkioi complex and has an area of only 355 acres. The centre of Marathi is where the only settlement is located, where 12 people live in summer, while in winter the population is reduced to 3 people. These 12 people are members of the Emilianoi family, which arrived on the island in 1977. A permanent resident's paternal grandfather lived 105 years and fathered 24 children in Marathi. The permanent residents work in fishing, while in the summer months in tourism. Marathi is a refuge not only for the birds that are housed in the green garden of the Emilianoi family, but also for many people who want to be away from civilization and the hustle and bustle. On the island there are evergreen trees (pines and tamarinds), palm trees, mastic trees, oleanders, hibiscus and sunflowers. The climate in Marathi is mild, with mild winters and cool summers. There are no roads, no shops, no cars.