Once a barren island, Skorpios is now a lush green vista. This is thanks to over 200 varieties of trees that the islands once owner, Aristotle Onassis, had planted. He also created some man made beaches and of course a harbour for his yacht.
Aristostle and Jacqueline Kennedy were married on Skorpios in 1968. For any years the island hosted parties for the rich and famous. Once he passed away, his daughter Christina continued the party tradition. However, there were rumours these were sometimes more like orgies.
Sadly, few have been able to wander through the trees as the island remains in private hands. For some years, quite who’s hands was unclear. Aristotle’s grand daughter sold it to a Russian oligarch’s daughter in 2013 and there were plans to turn it in to a luxury resort.
However, until 2020, Greece wouldn’t confirm the transaction. The sticking point was that Onassis’s will demanded it be kept in the family for as long as they could afford to. Then it was to pass back to the state. There were also restrictions on development allowed.
A compromise was reached. The Onassis family have kept ownership whilst the island is leased to the Russian to 99 years. So plans for a luxury resort have resumed.
Needless to say, you won’t be welcomed ashore. But there is nothing to stop you anchoring in the two bays on the north side. You can get the binoculars out and see if you can spot anyone famous!