Strofades - Stamfani island and Arpia island (Arpya)

Strofades is a grouping of two smaller islands, the larger island is called Stamfani and the smaller island is called Arpia (or Arpya). Administratively, they form part of the Greek island of Zakynthos, from which they are separated by a distance of about 44 km, and the Strofades are about the same distance from the coast of the Peloponnese.

The islands of Strofades are rocky, vegetated and very flat (the highest hill reaches a height of about 20 m above sea level). It is because of their flat landscape that they are sometimes called "floating islands" ("Plotai Nissoi"), because from a distance they really do look as if they are just floating peacefully on the surface of the sea.

The Strofades are especially famous for the abundance of birds that use the islands as a stopover on their migration routes. The Strofades are part of the Zakynthos National Marine Park, as more than 1,200 different species of migratory birds (mainly from Africa) come here every year to nest and rest. In the spring there is a large migration of doves, cuckoos, swallows, wild swans or hoopoes or the popularly observed Cory's shearwater.

In the past, the Strofada Islands were also one of the most fertile areas of Greece, producing a large number of fruits of all kinds and varieties. Even today, several types of fruit trees grow here, especially orange, lemon and fig trees, as well as various flowers, shrubs and other trees such as the plane tree and the widespread perennial cedar.

Medieval monastery of the Mother of God and patron saint Agios Dionysios

On the larger island of Stamfani stand the remains of an old Byzantine monastery, built in 1241 at the request of Princess Irini, daughter of the Nicæan emperor, who survived a shipwreck thanks to these islands. The monastery was dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and to the Virgin Mary. The medieval monastery was built as a fortress due to frequent pirate raids.

In the past, many monks lived here, among them Saint Dionysios, the modern protector and patron saint of Zakynthos. The Monastery of the Mother of God was also once the final resting place of St. Dionysios, but in the 17th century the saint's remains were transferred to Zakynthos for security reasons (today they are kept in the church of Agios Dionysios in the capital of Zakynthos). As a reminder of the past, Byzantine icons, embroideries and statues (e.g. the double-headed eagle, symbol of the Byzantine Empire) are still on display here today. The monastery is now inhabited by about 50 locals, headed by a local monk.

In mythological stories, Strofades was referred to as the seat of the Harpy.

How to get to the Strofade Islands?

During the summer season, the islets can be accessed by cruise ships that leave from the port of Zakynthos. At any time of the year, it is of course possible to rent a yacht and visit the islands privately. However, access to the islands is more difficult because the coastline is very rocky. And especially the smaller island of Arpyia is considered dangerous because of the shallow waters.

Most cruise ships that head to the Strofada Islands also take tourists to a place known as the Inous Sinkhole. The Inous Trench is the deepest sea trench not only in the Ionian Sea, but also in the entire Mediterranean Sea, reaching a depth of over 4.5 km.

More touristic destinations of Zakynthos

Tips for trips on Zakynthos: Zakynthos Capital City, Marathonisi (Turtle Island), Blue Caves, Aristeon Press and Museum, Olympia, Callinico Winery, Water park Zante Water Village (Sarakinado), Shipwreck (Navagio Beach)

Resorts, beaches, sights or trips - clearly listed on the map of Zakynthos.