Looking back at the history of the 6th and 7th centuries, we can see the rich action of the Saracen pirates in Greece. Later, they gradually expanded to Lower Italy but also to North Africa and Sardinia. With the term “Saracens”, Greeks used to describe all Arab Muslims. The word comes from the term “sarkeyin”, which in Arabic means East. But what do they have to do with the exotic beaches of Greece?
These are beaches from which they passed, using them either as a base or as a shelter. What is left now is the name Sarakiniko on these beaches of Greece, recalling the events that happened very long ago. The majority of them are exotic beaches with rare beauty.
They are scattered in various parts of Greece, from Milos to Parga and Elafonisos.
Check out some of them…
Sarakiniko of Milos
Sarakiniko of Parga
Sarakiniko in Elafonisos
In Laconia at a distance of 4 km from the settlement of Elafonissos, on the south side of the island, are the twin beaches of Simos (small beach) and Sarakinikos (long beach or Cherachiniko for the locals). The beach of Saraceniko was used as a base by the Saracens, from whom it was named. The Bay of Saracenikos (or Cherachinikos) or Porto di Cervi, according to the cartographers, was a refuge of wild Kilikes, Saracens, Turks, Barbarese, Maltese, Knights, English, French, Maniates, etc,. pirates and buccaneers.
Sarakiniko of Evia
On the southeastern side of North Euboea and at an altitude of 93 meters from sea level, there is a small settlement called “Sarakiniko”. The name of the settlement comes from the Saracen pirates who used the area as a hideout. At the place where the chapel of Agios Georgios is located today, it is said that it was their fortress and place where they hid their spoils. According to local tradition, the small rocky island under the settlement was named “Xerocaravos”, because the prayers of the inhabitants managed to make a stone of the pirate ship that was travelling to raid them.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sarakiniko beaches are exotic Greek beaches named after the Saracen pirates who used them as bases, shelters, and hideouts during the 6th and 7th centuries. The term 'Saracens' was used by Greeks to describe Arab Muslims, and these beaches bear witness to their historical presence in Greece. The name 'Sarakiniko' recalls the events and activities that took place at these locations centuries ago.
The most famous Sarakiniko beach is located in Milos, on the northeastern part of the island about 5 km from Chora. It is distinguished by its otherworldly landscape of all-white volcanic rocks and small coves. According to local legend, Saracen pirates tied their ships to the caves around the sea for protection from waves and wind while sheltering in the rock recesses.
The Sarakiniko beach in Parga, located next to the village of Agia, has an interesting local legend. According to tradition, Saracen pirates arrived there after a summer storm destroyed their ship. They asked the local residents for help, pretending to be unfortunate maritime merchants. The kind residents not only helped them but also invited them to a wedding taking place two days later.
The post highlights four main pirate-related Sarakiniko locations in Greece: Sarakiniko in Milos, Sarakiniko in Parga, Sarakiniko in Elafonisos (Laconia), and Sarakiniko in Evia. These beaches are scattered across different regions of Greece and each has unique historical significance related to Saracen pirates and other maritime raiders.
Sarakiniko in Elafonisos, located 4 km south of the island's settlement, served as a base for Saracen pirates. The bay, also known as Porto di Cervi by cartographers, was historically a refuge for various pirates and buccaneers including Kilikes, Saracens, Turks, Barbarese, Maltese, Knights, and other maritime raiders throughout different periods.
