Perfect Valentine: The Heart-Shaped Greek Island of Eros

Clear blue waters and a shape that looks like a heart make the perfect wedding location. Credit: Greek Reporter

The tiny, uninhabited Greek island of Eros has become an international wedding destination. Clear blue waters, a shape that looks like a heart and only a small church of the Assumption of the Virgin.

The tiny islet, aptly named Eros, which refers both to “love” and the god Cupid, is heart-shaped from an aerial perspective and is uninhabited. The only events that take place there are weddings.

Couples from Greece and around the world visit the island, which is located in the Saronic Gulf near the island of Poros, to get married in paradise.

Weddings and more recently baptisms take place on Eros. Credit: Elena Moraiti Photography

The island used to be called “Daskalio,” as local legend states that there was a secret underground Greek school on the island during the Ottoman occupation of the country, but the veracity of this legend has been questioned.

During those years, there were only secret schools that would teach the Greek language, and the teaching was done by priests. The books of hymns were like the language book of the first grade, and the Gospels would be the textbooks for older students.

The most likely explanation is due to a corruption of the Italian word “scoglio,” with which the Venetians marked the presence of reefs and islets on the maps.

Greek island Eros has become a wedding destination

The island features sandy beaches and pine trees, as well as the church of the Assumption of the Virgin for weddings.

The island’s latest name, Eros, has prevailed since 2002, when it was officially used by the Greek National Tourism Organisation, EOT, for an advertising campaign abroad, its content including the wedding islet.

This campaign has been credited for initiating the island’s use for wedding ceremonies and, later on, baptisms, by locals and visitors from abroad. This ceremony’s reputation has grown even stronger over recent years.

The island can be visited only by boat starting from the port of Poros. Credit: Greek Reporter

Both Greeks and international visitors have fallen in love with the island and began visiting the idyllic location for weddings and baptisms.

Eros can only be accessed by boat, and those who wish to visit the island of love can arrange a trip at the port of Poros.

Bride arrives on Eros from the nearby island of Poros. Credit: Elena Moraiti Photography

Persons wishing to stage their wedding ceremony or baptisms on the islet are advised to contact local ceremony organizers on Poros, who will arrange all the details, including boat transport for guests.

 

Business Wire