Paleo Trikeri Island

Paleo Trikeri is a small island in the Pagasetic Gulf off the Pelion peninsula in Thessaly, Greece. It is primarily notable for its role in the mid-20th century as the site of an internment camp.

Today the island has a small settlement with modest buildings and shoreline access; visitors typically reach it by boat from nearby Pelion ports. The island’s principal historical significance stems from its use in 1947 during the Greek Civil War to detain women and children, an episode that has shaped its modern reputation.

Geographically the island sits close to the Pelion coast in the Pagasetic Gulf and is part of the regional island group in southeastern Thessaly.

• Historical significance: Used as an internment site in 1947 during the Greek Civil War, the island is principally noted in modern history for that role.
• Access and setting: The island lies in the Pagasetic Gulf off the Pelion peninsula and is reached by local boats from nearby mainland ports.

What to See#

• Main settlement: A small settlement occupies the island’s limited flat areas; the island’s population and buildings are modest and the settlement is accessible by small boats from nearby Pelion ports.
• 1947 internment camp site: The island was the site of an internment camp in 1947 during the Greek Civil War where women and children were detained, an event for which the island is widely remembered.

Paleo Trikeri is reached by boat from the Pelion coast (near Volos or Argalasti) and is a short sea crossing. Local fishing boats and small tourist charters operate in summer; arrangements are normally made from the nearest coastal towns.

• If seeking solitude, visit in shoulder seasons; the island is quiet but services (if any) are minimal.
• Bring snorkeling gear if waters are calm - the surrounding sea can be clear and interesting.
• Respect private land and local property - small island communities often have sensitive private plots.