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.
Travel to Greece – Google News – Follow us
Read also:
Discover Preveza: Stunning Beaches and a Hidden Gem 70 km Away
Bella Vraka: The lace beach with the pink sand