Paleo Trikeri is a tiny island, just a mile long. It’s a place that few tourists reach. The island is covered with olive trees, juniper, oleander and wild flowers, criss-crossed with tracks. There are no roads.
Paleo (Old) Trikeri is believed to have been inhabited since the Stone Age. The inhabitants fled to the mainland in post Medieval times to avoid pirates, setting up the new town of Trikeri. A few people returned in the 19th Century, though the population is still counted in tens (low tens in winter). A further dark chapter occurred in the late 1940’s when political prisoners were detained here during the Greek Civil War.
The island’s only village is around the harbour, though a number of holiday homes have started to appear across the island. There are two tavernas, and a surprisingly well stocked mini market.
There are a couple of small beaches but a main draw is the Monastery of Panagia Evangelistria. This attracts a number of pilgrims each year. It’s only 15 minutes walk from the harbour.
Paleo Trikeri is an excellent place to relax and definitely somewhere to visit soon, before the holiday bungalows obliterate the very reason for their presence.