A Continent-based Island for a Digital Nomad

Abstract

From the capital, Athens, to Ermioni, there are a few options within three hours. It has been noted that Ermioni has more in common with the proximate islands of Hydra, Porto Heli, and Spetses which are on the daily ferry route, rather than with the country capital Athens. This essay sets out the comparative analysis of accessibility from Athens to Ermioni by taking the journey by land to a journey by ferry with different perspectives and travellers’ reviews. Moreover, as a wanderlust discovers the gems of Ermioni, such as the lush Bisti Forest, ancient temples, pristine coastlines, and beaches, it is also imperative to consider the environment’s fragility and impact of frequent visitors. While these natural resources seem abundant as more travellers visit Ermioni, sustainable development must be at the forefront for future generations to protect nature by reducing pollution, protecting ecosystems, and promoting natural resources in a productive and successful circular economy.

Introduction

From afar, the azure Mediterranean Sea flourishes along many coastal landscapes and varied islands nestled within its waters. It is not until one carefully observes with a macro lens that each island exhibits its diversity, beauty, challenges, and culture. For instance, at the raggedy foot of Greece the sea fuses within water masses highlighting the uniquely shaped lands, such as the continent-based island Ermioni. Ermioni has an island feeling hugged by the triangularity of the ocean and its distinct jagged land formation based in the northeast part of the Peloponnese. Its geomorphology presents invaluable evidence of a complicated passage of time, intertwined with further investigative occurrences of nature.

As a traveller, building a route from touristic Athens to Ermioni there are few accessible options to travel within three hours by taking the journey by vehicular transportation, or by taking the trip by ferry. Both options offer different perspectives and there are pros and cons in taking both journeys. In exploring a map, one would investigate the terrain and decide on the best option to travel by land via the textured landmass of desolate volcanic ranges, narrow winding roads, and forests, or to travel by sea enveloped by large depths of airy, pristine, cobalt body of water and visiting neighbouring islands, commonly known as island hopping. (Google Maps, 2024).

Moreover, the popularity of the Greek islands, specifically, Ermioni has brought some attention to foreign tourists to consider sustainable development in the area. Visitors must enjoy their excursion throughout the wonderous isles, but it is also vital to consider and respect Ermioni’s long natural history, ecosystem, and environment.

Nature has provided miraculous worlds of beauty and abundance which must be endlessly upheld by humanity as they experience and marvel in pristine waters, and lush forests, and indulge in local foods and ecosystems. Protecting the environment should be at the forefront of people’s minds. Therefore, considerations to foster a circular economy and create innovative sustainable developments should be a priority to focus on recycling, reducing pollution, waste management, protecting ecosystems, and promoting natural resources that will continually thrive in the future and throughout generations.

Local Context and Geography

From the tempo of life to the type of merchants, Ermioni appears to be a continent-based island with lovely beaches, temples, monasteries, and a lush pine forest.

Geomorphology

The main reason for this phenomenon is discovered within the land formation transformed by oceanic water pressures, the wrath of volcanic eruptions, and the forceful temperaments of tectonic evolution. Its geography presents invaluable evidence of a complicated passage of time, intertwined with further investigative occurrences of Mother Nature.

The Bisti Forest

Ermioni’s distinctive eastern point cannot be overlooked with its protruding edge surrounded by a peninsula insulated by a plush pine forest named Bisti. The Bisti Forest is legendary for its ancient temples and ruins offering secrecy for historians and archaeologists to probe. Although, it is recognised that uncovered foundations of such “temples were dedicated to Poseidon, god of the sea, and Athena, goddess of wisdom and warfare.” (Greek Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Bulletin, Volume 72 (2017)).

Furthermore, the Bisti Forest is revered by wanderlusts and naturists, imprinting their journey along the adventurous trails whether by hiking, walking, or jogging within the embrace of green pine trees, or admiring the expansive view at the hilltop. It is also popular with swimmers, scuba divers, and snorkelers to enjoy the waters and marine exploration. (Greek Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Bulletin, Volume 72 (2017)).

While the Bisti Forest is admired by visitors, often a playground for active travellers, it is also crucial that the forest be protected and flourish from sustainable measures such as forest management and responsible tourism as it continues to gain popularity with visitors. Likewise, unceasing awareness and education are pertinent to protect the ecosystem and marine life which prosper and envelop the forest and its aquatic sanctuary. (Papadopoulos, et al., 2020).

Ermioni Complex and Agioi Anargyroi Monastery

The awe-inspiring geomorphology of Ermioni continues to captivate and enchant the curious mind. Among many historical sites that plead for consideration, is a key attraction called the Agioi Anargyroi monastery known for its healing water springs. It has been discovered that many minerals exist in the water due to serpentinization. The natural interplay of water and rock with different temperatures and pressures that create serpentinization within active oceanic enclosures and tectonic activity is identified as the Ermioni Complex. This occurrence brings further attention for the exploration of natural resources and sustainable development. (D'Alessandro et al., 2017). Since ancient times, Ermioni has progressed with its distinctive offerings of lavish temples, purple dying for clothes and fabrics, creation of an aqueduct, shipbuilding, churches, and monasteries during the rise of Christianity, Byzantine times, and much more.

Merchants and Tradition

Many Greek islands have overshone the continent-based island Ermioni but the authentic, quiet seaside town has become a unique destination for tourists, gaining popularity among its nearby islands. The island’s main activity is fishing, and a thriving production of pomegranates, citrus fruits, fresh fish, wine, and olive oil. (Ermioni Greece: Travel Guide 2024 | Greeka, n.d.). Greece is among one of the top agricultural producing countries of olive oil. Since ancient times, olive oil has been known for its health properties while adopting unique and familiar descriptions like “Liquid Gold”, by Homer and the “Great Healer”, by Hippocrates. (Kalaboki, et al., 2021).

Ermioni has many traditions, although there is a popular local tradition to be seen, which is called “Giala-giala during the days of the Theophania (Epiphany). The day before the Theophania, the youths of the town go to the harbour and decorate the boats with palm and fig leaves. It’s from these that they will dive to retrieve the cross and the icon of the Panagia. On the morning of the ‘Photon‘, the young people walk around the town dressed in naval uniforms, singing “giala-giala” and visiting houses in the town, where the residents welcome them with wishes and treats. Custom dictates they return to the harbour and board the decorated boats, rocking them back and forth with force as they remove their uniforms and dive into the cold sea.” (Βασιλείου, Κ., 2023).

Travel Journey Comparison for a Nomad

As previously stated, the nomad must consider the pros and cons of travelling from Athens to Ermioni by taking the journey by car or taking the journey by ferry. Both routes offer diverse options for an adventurist or a resident depending on one’s travel style and interests.

Driving

Driving is a more direct route which takes about three hours through winding isolated streets of few attractions, such as caves, churches, and cemeteries with elements of danger if stranded. Also, after driving past the Corinth Canal, the road is narrow and has only one line per direction faced with poor road conditions, aggressive drivers and few English road signage.

Albeit, you’ll have more leisure time for exploration drifting at your own pace while unfolding a new chapter within the small coastal towns and shoreline. Travelling by car also gives the gallivanted plentiful breaks for spontaneity to stop and explore unfamiliar beaches and villages along the journey to take photographs, admire new findings, and push the boundaries of freedom as an avid voyager being grounded to the land. The convenience of roaming by car also gives a traveller space for luggage, food, picnic and fishing supplies, sports, and photography gear, and whatever else imagined by the brave wanderlust who navigates along an unfamiliar expedition sitting on the edge of excitement.

Sailing

Comparatively, taking the journey by sailing via a ferry, offers frequent daily departures from diverse ports, and gives a different perspective of the Greek islands to admire the Saronic Islands, while competing with the picturesque, scattered islets juxtaposed in the Myrtoan Sea. The option of sailing is less stressful than having to drive and deal with traffic congestion with shorter travel times, especially during high travel season. It also offers the convenience of walking around on deck, loving fresh air caressing the face with gentle windswept hair, and accessibility to lavatories onboard.

Ermioni has more in common with the proximate islands of Hydra, Porto Heli, and Spetses which are on the daily ferry route, rather than with the country capital Athens. From Piraeus, the main port of Athens, ferries to Ermioni depart three to four times a day. The ferry trip takes 2.5 hours and connects Ermioni to other destinations in the Saronic Gulf. Depending on a person’s preference, taking the journey by ferry is more relaxing but you are at the mercy of the ferry schedule lacking the freedom to explore independently. But it is also possible to bring your car on certain ferries to further discover and go island hopping for a full travel experience to relish and uncover the diversity of other unique islands.

Though the ferry may be lower budget at times, its schedule is restrictive and inflexible as you are bound by the ferry’s timetable. Additionally, if many people are journeying together, the ferry can be costlier than renting a car and factoring in the cost of gas and parking. Nevertheless, travelling by ferry offers a unique experience and a chance for a passenger to admire the scenic landscape and waterscape views which beg for attention. And, rightly so, based on the island’s notable evolution and unique formation it deserves its celebrity status from a sailing perspective.

Therefore, for the less adventurist and independent traveller, opting for the ferry journey offers relaxation and enjoyment, while admiring the sea views worry-free. Of course, this is assuming that one is not sensitive and prone to getting seasick.

Analysis of Travel Reviews

During the investigation for travel reviews, there were a few scathing reviews regarding taking ferries in Greece. So, for my edification, I continued my research for more positive reviews and found one interesting analysis which convinced me further, to travel by ferry just for the experience.

Travel by Ferry 

TripAdvisor, Review by Clarabelle999 wrote,

“It can be chaotic, it can be noisy, it can be very frustrating - all part of the game. Of course, some people will not like it at all. You have to carry your luggage, go with the noise and fumes and shouting. You’ll often see traditional Greek life at its best. I’ve been on ferries with hunters, guns and dogs; ferries which have just set off but reversed to collect an old timer who’d missed the boat; ferries with funeral and wedding passengers; ferries which have been cancelled due to high winds; ferries which no cruise could compete with; ferries I wished I could have got off; ferries which just plough away every day quietly moving people where they want to go. You HAVE to try it! It’s addictive.” (Trip Advisor, 2023).

Travel by Car

Naturally, the author was obligated to make a comparison to travel by car reviewed in Greece. It is by Paulina Björk Kapsalis, who states,

“Ferry rides can be great, but nothing beats the freedom of being able to stop any time to hike up a hill or find a path down to an untouched beach. Greece has beautiful driving routes, both by the sea and up through the mountains. Passing through the many little towns and villages, taking breaks in places where outside visitors are few and far between, you’ll get a deep sense of having really, actually, seen the country” (Kapsalis, 2018).

Conclusion

After taking a deep dive into the charmed continent-based island Ermioni, there is much to be explored with a plethora of opportunities to build a circular economy and sustainability measures to protect its environment. Enthusiastic travellers will continue to visit historical sites, seaside towns, and pristine beaches, embrace nature walks in the lushest pine forests, and appreciate the excess of merchant products. Ermioni is likely a charm to be seen and explored for all tourists either reached by ferry or by car, or even both options to get the full travel experience and different viewpoints.

As previously highlighted, there are pros and cons to the few options for a nomad to travel from the capital of Athens to Ermioni by either taking the journey by car or taking the journey by ferry. Take your pick. Which type of traveller are you? Do you prefer to sit back and sail in relaxation? Or, put the pedal to the metal and drive along winding streets, rooftop down, wind thrashing your face and windswept hair while being tailgated in reckless abandon freely approaching your destination?

Ermioni continues to emerge within triaged temperamental waters and excite wanderlusts with a rich future of innovative sustainability for a circular economy to nurture its environment surrounded by the lazuline Mediterranean Sea. To echo, Mother Nature has provided phenomenal worlds of natural beauty that must be endlessly upheld by humanity to maintain a healthy environment for future generations. Travellers may partake in a restorative environmental future, while also exploring and experiencing the marvel pristine seawaters, and verdant forests, and indulgence in local foods and ecosystems which appear to be abundant but are quite fragile.

References

Βασιλείου, Κ. (2023, January 5). The Distinct Custom of “Yailia-Yialia” during Epiphany in Ermioni. Travel.gr. https://www.travel.gr/en/experiences-ee/travel-en/the-distinct-custom-of-yailia-yialia-during-epiphany-in-ermioni-peloponnese/. Accessed July 7, 2024.

D'Alessandro, Walter & Daskalopoulou, Kyriaki & Calabrese, Sergio & Bellomo, Sergio. (2017). Water chemistry and abiogenic methane content of a hyperalkaline spring related to serpentinization in the Argolida ophiolite (Ermioni, Greece). Marine and Petroleum Geology. 89. 10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2017.01.028.

Ermioni Greece: Travel Guide 2024 | Greeka. (n.d.). Greekacom. https://www.greeka.com/peloponnese/ermioni/. Accessed July 7, 2024.

‌GreeceIs.com Car Reviews Retrieved from Paulina Björk Kapsalis | April 25th, 2018 https://www.greece-is.com/road-trips-best-way-experience-greek-summer/. Accessed July 7, 2024.

Greek Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Bulletin, Volume 72 (2017).

Kalaboki, I., Koulougliotis, D., Kleisiari, D., Melliou, E., Magiatis, P., Kampioti, A., Eriotou, E., & Destouni, A. (2021). A Study on the Clustering of Extra Virgin Olive Oils Extracted from Cultivars Growing in Four Ionian Islands (Greece) by Multivariate Analysis of Their Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant Activity and Genetic Markers. Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 10(12), 3009. https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10123009.

Papadopoulos, A. D., & Kontogianni, A. D. (2020). Sustainable tourism development in protected areas: A spatial data analysis approach. Journal of Sustainable Tourism, 28(1), 182-203.

Tripadvisor Ferry Reviews Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTopic-g189398-i192-k14358347-Greek_Ferry_Services-Greece.html. Accessed July 7, 2024