A little-known islet with crystal-clear waters, next to Hydra, for those who love sea excursions and boating holidays.
Near its famous islands, the Argosaronic hides little slices of paradise, places untouched by mass tourism that few know. One of these small “secrets” is the islet of Dokos, located between Ermioni and Hydra. You can reach this uninhabited islet by water taxi (or with your own boat) from Hydra, Spetses and Ermioni to enjoy swimming in crystal-clear waters and the serenity of the landscape.
Dokos, Hydra: The little-known islet with the oldest shipwreck in the world
According to archaeological research, the island of Dokoswas inhabited since the Bronze Age, 6,000 years ago. In the past, Dokos was called Aperopia, due to the "infinite view" it offered from its highest points. Mountainous and rocky, this islet has always been a well-hidden strategic spot. On its eastern side are the ruins of a large Byzantine-Venetian castle. During the Revolution of 1821 it was used by Hydras fleet as a winter anchorage. Olive trees grow across almost the entire extent of the island.
In the summer of 1975, the oldest known shipwreck was found near the shore, dated between 2500 - 2000 BC. Peter Throckmorton, a pioneering researcher of the seabed, identified an extensive concentration of prehistoric ceramic fragments on the seabed of the islands Skintos bay at a depth of 20 meters. Later, Throckmorton returned to Dokos with archaeologist and President of ΙΕΝΑΕ Giorgos Papathanassopoulos. It was determined that the ceramic finds, scattered on the seabed at depths from 15 to 32 meters, formed part of the cargo of a ship of the Early Helladic II period. It was therefore the oldest known shipwreck in the world at the time. The underwater archaeological research at Dokos (1989-1992) was recorded as the first systematic investigation of an ancient shipwreck in Greece, employing the most advanced technological methods of the time.
Watch impressive footage of the island in the video by Travel Inspiration:
