The island of Tragonisi is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to escape the chaos of the Mykonos crowds. 

In 2023, Mykonos received 1.2 million passengers from cruise ships and nearly 800,000 by ferry. The cruise ship traffic was almost double the numbers in 2022 and well above the number in 2019. 

In June, Mykonos, along with the other incredibly popular island of Santorini, are set to introduce a major ban in 2025 by capping the number of cruise ships allowed to visit the island as they struggle to cope with the influx of tourists. 

Earlier this week, a furious resident on Mykonos said she was considering selling her home and leaving the island due to mass tourism and building developments having owned a house there for about 30 years. 

Speaking to the Telegraph, Chrysiida Dimoulidou said: “It’s no longer the Mykonos I loved – they are building everywhere and it’s losing all its charm.”

On the other hand, Tragonisi, meaning “Billy Goat Island” – also known as Dragonisi, meaning “Island of the Dragon” – is an uninhabited and peaceful islet about three miles from the Kalafatis Bay of Mykonos, well known for its caves. It is said that when you look at it from Mykonos, the ground looks like a sleeping dragon in the middle of the sea. 

Tragonisi, which stands one mile east of the eastern coast of Mykonos, has a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It was once a sacred site for the worship of the god Apollo and later became a pirate hideout. During World War Two, it served as a military outpost. 

Today, the islet is uninhabited, but the ruins of its past still stand, including a lighthouse and a small chapel named “Madonna” that celebrated the saints of Varnavas and Vartholomeos. 

The islet is protected under the Natura 2000 network. It is a haven for wildlife, with several bird and reptile species calling the islet home. 

Visitors may spot falcons soaring, while the waters surrounding Tragonisi are also home to a variety of marine life including dolphins, sea turtles and monk seals. 

Tragonisi can only be reached by boat and has a cove where boats can moor without strong winds. This includes both hiring a private boat or joining a guided tour from Mykonos Town, Chora. The journey takes around half an hour and rewards those willing to make the journey with crystal-clear waters and stunning rock formations in which one can snorkel or dive to make the most of what the island has to offer.