Wildlife· Strofades· Greece — Ionian, Saronic & Argolic

Strofades Islands

37° 14.8′ N · 21° 0.7′ E

Two low, remote islets about 44 km (25 nm) south-south-east of Zakynthos, Stamfani and Arpia, with a fortified monastery built in 1241. They are part of the marine park and an Important Bird Area, home to 2,000–3,000 pairs of Scopoli's shearwaters and a stopover for migrating turtle doves.

Ionian IslandsSaronic Gulf & Argolic

Practical

Coordinate is Stamfani (OpenStreetMap). Hunting is banned and the islands are protected in the National Marine Park of Zakynthos and Natura 2000 (Wikipedia). Saint Dionysios, the island's patron, lived and was buried at the monastery until 1717. The monastery was badly damaged in the November 1997 earthquake; SailingIssues reported in April 2026 that restoration work had finally started. Stamfani lighthouse: Fl(2) 15s, 39 m, 17 nm (E 4004, OpenStreetMap). Landing places are mapped on the east side of Stamfani (37.2506, 21.0133) and on Arpia (OpenStreetMap). No services of any kind. The islands are flat and low, the highest point about 20 m (zanteisland.com), and SailingIssues calls them inhospitable. In mythology they were the home of the Harpies.

Best for

An offshore wildlife and monastery expedition in settled weather

Season

Settled weather only; spring migration Apr–May

Nearby