Agathonísi

Area of island: 13 sq. km/5 sq. mi

Altitude: 696ft/212m

Agathonísi (formerly called Gaidouronísi), the most northerly island in the Dodecanese, lies off the coast of Asia Minor, half way between Sámos and Léros. It was ancient Tragia, where in 76 B.C. the young Julius Caesar was captured by pirates. The whole coastline of this karstic island, 7 km/4.25 mi long by up to 3 km/2 mi across, is ringed by sheer cliffs, with little in the way of sheltered anchorages. Off the north, east and south sides of the island are seven uninhabited islets, some land on which is farmed from Agathonísi. The inhabitants live modestly by farming and fishing. With no sandy beaches and no ancient monuments, Agathonísi has remained completely