Armathia

An uninhabited islet north of Kasos, with a long history. Since the 19th century, its subsoil, rich in gypsum, has fueled the local economy; approximately 8,000 tons of gypsum were exported annually to Mediterranean ports, while at its peak the islet had approximately 100 permanent residents engaged in agriculture and livestock farming. In 1951, only 8 residents remained. It has three beaches: Marmara, with fine white sand and turquoise waters; Karavostasis, a former gypsum loading point and today a summer bathing spot; and a small beach near the harbor of the church of Ypapanti. The only church on the islet, Ypapanti (Popantoula), celebrates on February 2, with the ruins of the old settlement surrounding it. Today Armathia is visited mainly for its beaches during the summer months.