Polýaigos  island

Polyaigos is the smallest and easternmost of the four West Cyclades islands where the Milos viper occurs. Its name comes from the fusion of two Greek words: "Πολύ" meaning "many" and "αίγος" meaning "goats"—hence, Polyaigos. Alternative names include Ypolivos, Polivos, or Polyvos, which again mean "many" and "vos" from the ancient Greek word "βοῦς," meaning "cattle." Occasionally, the name Polinos is used in English literature. Historically, Polyaigos has always served as pastureland for goats belonging to the shepherds of Kimolos. The island was inhabited in the past, and before 1951 it had up to 170 permanent residents, whose limestone houses are still visible from its sandy beaches. After 1951, only 14 residents remained, and by the 2000s it became uninhabited again, with most people moving to Kimolos. As of 2011, there were two registered residents—who, however, live mainly on Kimolos and visit the island to check on their free-roaming goats. The island’s total land area is 18.146 km², lying just a nautical mile southeast of Kimolos. 

The largest essentially uninhabited island of Greece, Polyaigos belongs to the Natura 2000 network and is strictly protected under both the Habitats Directive (GR4220006) and the Birds Directive (GR4220030). It is of exceptional importance for one of the country’s most endangered species, the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus), which uses its caves and sandy beaches for giving birth and nursing pups. The island is also a vital habitat for Eleonora's Falcon (Falco eleonorae), Bonelli's eagle (Aquila fasciata), and, of course, the Milos viper (Macrovipera schweizeri). In the photograph below, one can see the "gulf" of Ano Mysrini. Loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) have also been observed on these west-facing beaches. Gentle giants such as Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) and even Devil rays (Mobula mobular) are also passing by in deeper waters between Polyaigos and Kimolos. All four dolphin species found within Greece (Delphinus truncatus, Delhinus delphis, Stenella coeruleoalba, Grampus griseus) as well as the single physeter species (Physeter macrocephalus) have been seen following routes close to northern Kimolos and through the open waters of north-eastern Polyaigos.

The island has long attracted the elite. Government officials, sports celebrities, supermodels, Hollywood actors, and business magnates have all used Polyaigos’ natural harbors to dock their superyachts far from prying eyes. During our extensive expeditions, we have been fortunate to meet some of them in person. As can be seen from the photographs, the island’s natural beauty is second to none. 

Beyond its pristine beaches and turquoise waters, Polyaigos has a rugged, challenging terrain. It takes about three hours to trek from Panagia's Avlaki to Kato Myrsini, and another two hours to reach the southernmost beach. Reaching Ammoura, where the Maskoula lighthouse stands, requires around 4½ hours of trekking from the same starting point. The island is generally mountainous, with dried-up creeks that collect the little rainwater it receives. This leads to dense vegetation that can make direct crossing difficult, often forcing detours. Maquis and scrubland dominate, though some taller, tree-like plants reach up to two meters, providing shade for various species—including, presumably, the Milos viper. In these areas, passerine birds can often be seen resting on treetops and branches. 

Small ephemeral pools attract the smaller bird species, and in turn, the Milos viper, which seems to exploit the passerine birds’ lack of awareness. Such pools are extremely rare, and we have found only a handful that offer ideal conditions for the viper. Most lack surrounding vegetation and are overexposed, making them less suitable. Nevertheless, the species does not appear to have a strict habitat preference and can be found far from any water source. At night, when winds are light, humidity rises sharply—soaking everything. It is possible the viper uses this surplus of impermanent water droplets as a water source, though this behavior has not been documented. 

Visiting Polyaigos for more than seven consecutive years, often staying for over-extended periods of time, we have come to know the local shepherd and his wife—the only two registered residents. Mr. Petros Marianos grew up on the island and was a man full of stories and knowledge, which he generously shared. Unfortunately, his fondness for domestic cats outweighed his appreciation for the Milos viper—an example of how invasive species can be introduced even in Natura 2000 sites. Still, his understanding of viper behavior, feeding, breeding, and basking sites was remarkable. He could easily distinguish between prime and sub-prime habitats for all island fauna and even describe seasonal bird migration patterns and their connection to the viper. This demonstrates how valuable local knowledge can be when integrated into conservation efforts. Sadly, Mr. Petros Marianos passed away in early summer 2025. 

Polyaigos is also home to a few other reptile species, while, unsurprisingly, amphibians have never been recorded. The reptile species are the following:  Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus), Kotchy's gecko (Mediodactylus kotschyi), Milos wall lizard (Podarcis milensis), European snake-eyed skink (Ablepharus kitaibelii), European cat snake (Telescopus fallax), Grass snake (Natrix natrix)