St. Nicholas Island or Gemiler Island has remains of a sizeable Byzantine settlement and though many of the buildings are in ruins, there is still sufficient to see, including some marvelous mosaic floors, to make a ramble ashore worthwhile. According to local folklore the island was a pirate stronghold at some time and given its location on this lonely bit of coast, where a look-out on the high hills above could signal the approach of ships going north or south, it would seem a likely location for the thinking pirate to base himself.

At one time the island was said to be ruled by a Queen whose skin was extremely sensitive to the sun. A covered road was built from her palace to the sea so she could walk out of the sun to the water’s edge for a swim. Parts of an arched road still exist on the island.

Stroll to the top of Gemiler Island to see a breathtaking sunset. Grab a bottle of wine and some glasses and make it a sunset cocktail party! It's easy to get back down - even at dusk.

Hours: Open Everyday 9am-6pm.
Admission: about $4 USD